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nature_n divine_a person_n property_n 6,814 5 9.7142 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A56381 An account of the nature and extent of the divine dominion & goodnesse especially as they refer to the Origenian hypothesis concerning the preexistence of souls together with a special account of the vanity and groundlesness of the hypothesis it self : being a second letter written to his much honoured friend and kinsman, Mr. Nath. Bisbie / by Sam. Parker ... Parker, Samuel, 1640-1688. 1666 (1666) Wing P454; ESTC R22702 53,301 116

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to_o determine_v itself_o to_o good_a or_o evil_a and_o consequent_o not_o capable_a of_o be_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o law_n reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v why_o any_o agent_n be_v incapable_a of_o be_v thus_o govern_v then_o that_o it_o have_v no_o power_n and_o command_v over_o its_o own_o action_n the_o office_n of_o law_n be_v to_o enjoin_v they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v prescribe_v that_o they_o determine_v themselves_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o prescription_n but_o to_o require_v this_o of_o a_o principle_n void_a of_o any_o such_o power_n of_o self-determination_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o to_o require_v it_o of_o stone_n &_o tree_n because_o the_o absurdity_n of_o both_o consist_v in_o require_v obedience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n or_o capacity_n able_a to_o render_v it_o and_o therefore_o unless_o they_o can_v reconcile_v necessity_n &_o indifferency_n so_o as_o that_o the_o same_o principle_n shall_v be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o one_o extreme_a and_o yet_o remain_v so_o indifferent_a as_o to_o be_v able_a if_o i●_n please_v to_o determine_v itself_o to_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o fruitless_a to_o make_v other_o sort_n of_o liberty_n not_o inconsistent_a with_o necessity_n but_o this_o they_o can_v never_o do_v unless_o they_o can_v bring_v the_o extreme_n of_o a_o contradiction_n together_o and_o make_v it_o all_o one_o to_o be_v determine_v and_o undetermined_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o same_o action_n thus_o for_o instance_n that_o principle_n that_o be_v endue_v with_o no_o other_o liberty_n than_o what_o consist_v in_o mere_a spontaneity_n and_o immunity_n from_o violence_n be_v without_o indifferency_n and_o a_o power_n of_o self-determination_n at_o as_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a as_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v act_v mere_o by_o external_a force_n and_o violence_n because_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o 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that_o which_o be_v quite_o devoid_a of_o rational_a faculty_n because_o it_o be_v act_v by_o a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o if_o the_o judgement_n and_o definitive_a sentence_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v natural_a and_o necessary_a as_o it_o not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v also_o unanimous_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v and_o if_o the_o will_n follow_v this_o judgement_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o as_o necessary_a as_o its_o self_n then_o it_o be_v as_o extravagant_a to_o command_v the_o will_v not_o to_o embrace_v the_o object_n commend_v to_o it_o by_o the_o understanding_n as_o it_o be_v to_o command_v the_o understanding_n to_o judge_v otherwise_o of_o it_o than_o it_o do_v which_o be_v the_o same_o absurdity_n as_o to_o command_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v a_o object_n after_o another_o manner_n then_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o because_o they_o be_v both_o determine_v by_o a_o equal_a necessity_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v by_o all_o the_o law_n of_o inference_n that_o if_o 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make_v no_o return_n of_o gratitude_n to_o the_o sun_n for_o his_o kind_a visit_n and_o benign_a influence_n because_o his_o emanation_n flow_v from_o a_o bare_a necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o joshuah_n thank_v he_o not_o for_o stand_v still_o at_o his_o request_n and_o interest_n i_o shall_v think_v it_o a_o strange_a solecism_n in_o courtship_n if_o any_o one_o shall_v make_v i_o retribution_n for_o a_o favour_n that_o proceed_v only_o from_o some_o necessity_n of_o nature_n &_o not_o from_o choice_n of_o will_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligingness_n of_o benefit_n be_v that_o they_o argue_v benevolence_n and_o good_a intention_n in_o the_o donor_n towards_o the_o person_n on_o who_o he_o bestow_v they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o a_o necessary_a and_o unelective_a cause_n they_o flow_v not_o from_o goodwill_n and_o argue_v no_o benevolence_n in_o their_o principle_n but_o be_v the_o pure_a result_v of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o the_o 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pre-existence_n there_o have_v be_v no_o peculiarity_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n will_v not_o only_o have_v know_v he_o but_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o mankind_n before_o they_o be_v form_v in_o the_o belly_n and_o now_o what_o shadow_n of_o favour_n do_v these_o word_n cast_v upon_o the_o origenian_a hypothesis_n no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v discern_v the_o least_o colour_n for_o preexistence_n here_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o aforehand_o tincture_v with_o its_o belief_n here_o be_v not_o the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o argument_n unless_o this_o supposition_n be_v first_o lay_v viz._n that_o god_n can_v fore-ordain_a a_o person_n to_o any_o special_a employment_n before_o he_o exist_v and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o god_n have_v consign_v jeremy_n to_o the_o prophetic_a office_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o therefore_o he_o preexi_v be_v a_o inference_n fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o rabbi_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n i_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o only_o as_o he_o though_o other_o man_n have_v urge_v it_o with_o as_o great_a a_o grace_n as_o he_o and_o for_o that_o passage_n phil._n 2._o 5._o let_v this_o mind_n be_v in_o you_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n do_v not_o think_v equality_n with_o god_n a_o prey_n or_o spoil_v but_o make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n and_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o form_n of_o a_o servant_n and_o be_v make_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v plain_a and_o palpable_a meaning_n be_v only_o this_o that_o though_o the_o bless_a jesus_n be_v invest_v with_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v make_v sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o in_o which_o alone_o consist_v the_o scripture_n notion_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o boast_v and_o triumph_v in_o his_o greatness_n but_o make_v his_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n only_o in_o a_o servile_a condition_n of_o poverty_n and_o make_v himself_o so_o subject_a to_o those_o that_o seem_v his_o superior_n that_o in_o obedience_n to_o their_o authority_n he_o yield_v himself_o up_o to_o a_o most_o reproachful_a death_n not_o oppose_v his_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n to_o rescue_v himself_o from_o their_o equal_o ignominious_a and_o merciless_a decree_n and_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o preexistence_n in_o the_o next_o place_n they_o urge_v we_o with_o some_o passage_n out_o of_o saint_n john_n and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v i_o with_o thy_o own_o self_n with_o the_o glory_n i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v i_o come_v forth_o from_o the_o father_n and_o be_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o i_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o go_v to_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n whence_o they_o argue_v that_o the_o glory_n our_o saviour_n pray_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o seem_v to_o concern_v his_o humane_a nature_n only_o for_o the_o divine_a can_v never_o be_v disrobe_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o suppose_v that_o he_o exist_v in_o his_o humanity_n before_o and_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v of_o old_a before_o its_o appearance_n in_o a_o terrestrial_a body_n ans._n 1._o the_o most_o these_o place_n can_v pretend_v to_o prove_v be_v bare_o our_o saviour_n preexistence_n but_o to_o conclude_v thence_o the_o preexistence_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v a_o very_a wide_a and_o gape_a inference_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v we_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o virgin-mothers_n because_o he_o be_v our_o saviour_n be_v a_o singular_a person_n design_v for_o a_o extraordinary_a employment_n and_o therefore_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v transact_v with_o his_o father_n about_o it_o before_o he_o undertake_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o well_o attribute_v all_o his_o personal_a property_n to_o mankind_n in_o general_n as_o argue_v for_o their_o preexistence_n from_o he_o 2._o those_o predicate_v that_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a acceptation_n agree_v only_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n may_v by_o a_o communication_n of_o idiom_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o be_v attribute_v to_o his_o humane_a or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o whole_a person_n compound_v of_o they_o both_o then_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a in_o thing_n of_o a_o mix_v and_o heterogeneous_a nature_n as_o the_o whole_a man_n be_v style_v immortal_a from_o the_o deathlesness_n of_o his_o soul._n we_o ought_v not_o therefore_o to_o understand_v these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n in_o a_o nice_a and_o metaphisical_a rigour_n of_o this_o or_o that_o nature_n but_o in_o a_o familiar_a sense_n of_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ._n the_o instance_n hereof_o in_o scripture_n be_v so_o frequent_a that_o few_o text_n concern_v our_o saviour_n suppose_v his_o double_a nature_n can_v well_o be_v understand_v without_o it_o 3._o methinks_v grotius_n sense_n be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a viz._n that_o the_o glory_n he_o have_v with_o his_o father_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v only_o in_o the_o intendment_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n as_o 1_o pet._n 1._o 20._o revel_v 13._o 8._o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n not_o that_o he_o be_v real_o slaughter_v but_o because_o he_o be_v then_o mark_v out_o in_o the_o divine_a decree_n to_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o proverbial_a from_o of_o speech_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o express_v matter_n of_o great_a moment_n only_o resolve_v upon_o in_o the_o divine_a decree_n as_o if_o they_o be_v real_o exist_v thus_o they_o say_v the_o messiah_n be_v ancient_a than_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o mosaic_a law_n old_a than_o the_o world_n not_o as_o if_o they_o apprehend_v they_o real_o so_o but_o only_o to_o express_v their_o absolute_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n now_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v in_o a_o exact_a and_o strict_o literal_a sense_n but_o in_o a_o familiar_a manner_n suitable_o to_o the_o idiom_n and_o manner_n of_o speak_v use_v in_o the_o age_n and_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v this_o therefore_o be_v a_o vulgar_a form_n of_o speech_n to_o express_v the_o important_a usefulness_n of_o a_o thing_n exist_v only_o in_o decree_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v as_o long_o in_o actual_a existence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o futurity_n the_o glory_n our_o saviour_n here_o pray_v for_o and_o which_o he_o have_v before_o the_o world_n be_v as_o it_o can_v not_o so_o it_o need_v not_o be_v his_o essential_a lustre_n but_o be_v that_o honour_n with_o which_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n design_v to_o dignisie_n the_o messiah_n thus_o have_v i_o satisfy_v all_o their_o scripture_n objection_n that_o can_v need_v a_o answer_n but_o as_o for_o their_o application_n of_o parable_n and_o cabalistical_a interpretation_n they_o be_v too_o impertinent_a to_o bear_v one_o and_o now_o sir_n have_v evince_v the_o precariousness_n of_o the_o origenian_a hypothesis_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o its_o uncouthness_n from_o some_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n have_v show_v the_o apparent_a and_o lamentable_a defiency_n of_o that_o evidence_n they_o produce_v for_o it_o have_v engage_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o divine_a oracle_n against_o it_o and_o have_v give_v a_o handsome_a rational_a and_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomina_fw-la of_o providence_n without_o it_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v yourself_o or_o any_o other_o ingenious_a and_o unpossessed_a inquirer_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v this_o be_v the_o first_o stage_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o appear_v and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o recur_v to_o a_o former_a scene_n to_o solve_v the_o perplex_a difficulty_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o make_v the_o plot_n thereof_o seem_v neat_a and_o consistent_a enough_o to_o be_v a_o contrivance_n not_o unworthy_a the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o now_o sir_n methinks_v i_o ought_v not_o blunt_o to_o conclude_v this_o tedious_a discourse_n and_o it_o will_v be_v but_o good_a manner_n to_o compliment_v you_o with_o unnecessary_a excuse_n or_o some_o other_o little_a piece_n of_o courtship_n but_o you_o know_v i_o have_v long_o since_o remonstrate_v to_o these_o common_a ceremony_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o apology_n or_o news_n or_o anyother_n impertinency_n yet_o i_o have_v not_o time_n be_v just_a now_o upon_o the_o very_a point_n of_o my_o departure_n for_o london_n to_o add_v any_o more_o then_o that_o i_o be_o as_o much_o as_o i_o ought_v or_o can_v be_v my_o dearest_n coz._n your_o &c._n &c._n from_o trin._n coll._n oxon._n may_v 1._o errata_fw-la page_n 12._o l._n 21._o for_o buitish_a r._n brutish_a p._n 13._o l._n 17._o for_o grant_n r._n grantees_n l._n 22._o for_o esceat_n r._n escheat_n p._n 15._o l._n 7._o for_o near_a r._n mere_a l._n 13._o for_o deserve_v r._n undeserved_a p._n 30._o l._n 22._o for_o fatalist_n r._n fatalist_n p._n 61._o l._n 12_o for_o phaenomina_fw-la r._n phaenomena_n &_o alias_o p._n 84._o l._n 5._o for_o ramotional_a r._n rational_a p._n 90._o l._n 25._o headless_a r._n endless_a p._n 95._o l._n 13._o for_o assurancew_n as_o r._n assurance_n be_v finis_fw-la de_fw-fr cive_z l._n 1._o c._n 1._o exod._n 20._o ver_fw-la 5._o ethic._n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o episcopeus_fw-la curcellaeus_n etc._n etc._n calvin_n and_o mr._n hobs._n lux._fw-la orient_n p._n 41._o the_o account_n of_o orig._n etc._n etc._n pag._n 27._o v._o willis_n cereb_n anat._n cap._n 26._o
viz._n what_o be_v the_o true_a ground_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n over_o man_n etc._n for_o some_o assert_v that_o it_o bottom_n upon_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n thereby_o the_o better_a to_o control_v that_o horrid_a opinion_n that_o assert_n god_n may_v have_v make_v a_o creatrue_a to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o make_v it_o eternal_o miserable_a only_o to_o show_v the_o almightiness_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n for_o say_v they_o god_n can_v exercise_v more_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n than_o he_o have_v but_o he_o can_v have_v right_o to_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v and_o therefore_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o right_n be_v to_o destroy_v what_o he_o have_v make_v but_o if_o he_o shall_v afflict_v a_o innocent_a creature_n with_o eternal_a punishment_n he_o will_v go_v beyond_o the_o right_n he_o have_v acquire_v by_o its_o creation_n because_o he_o will_v thereby_o take_v away_o more_o than_o he_o have_v give_v and_o place_v his_o creature_n in_o a_o worse_a condition_n then_o that_o of_o nonexistence_n in_o which_o he_o find_v it_o now_o because_o the_o benefit_n bestow_v by_o god_n upon_o his_o creature_n be_v finite_a they_o infer_v that_o his_o sovereignty_n result_v from_o they_o must_v be_v finite_a and_o limit_v and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v a_o right_n of_o which_o god_n can_v rob_v they_o without_o violence_n and_o injury_n hobs._n but_o other_o ground_n the_o divine_a dominion_n upon_o the_o irresistibleness_n of_o his_o power_n thereby_o to_o justify_v that_o right_n or_o tyranny_n they_o have_v fasten_v upon_o he_o arbitrarious_o to_o reprobate_n and_o damn_v his_o innocent_a creature_n for_o say_v they_o power_n irresistible_a justify_v all_o action_n real_o and_o proper_o in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v find_v and_o therefore_o such_o power_n be_v in_o god_n only_o it_o without_o other_o help_n be_v sufficient_a justification_n of_o any_o action_n he_o do_v so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n consign_v infinite_a myriad_n of_o innocent_a creature_n to_o eternal_a flame_n the_o uncontrouleableness_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n will_v have_v make_v good_a the_o equity_n of_o such_o a_o merciless_a decree_n and_o therefore_o they_o resolve_v the_o maxim_n that_o god_n can_v sin_n not_o into_o his_o holiness_n but_o power_n his_o very_a do_v a_o thing_n never_o so_o injurious_a and_o irregular_a and_o that_o antecedent_o to_o all_o law_n make_v it_o just_a and_o consequent_o no_o sin_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v both_o of_o they_o be_v evident_o mistake_v the_o former_a in_o their_o principle_n and_o the_o latter_a in_o their_o conclusion_n to_o the_o first_o therefore_o i_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o the_o divine_a right_n and_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n can_v not_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o benefit_n of_o creation_n but_o upon_o the_o absolute_a unlimitedness_n of_o his_o power_n because_o god_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n invest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o misbecome_v his_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o acquire_v not_o any_o new_a right_n from_o his_o creation_n but_o only_o make_v object_n to_o exercise_v his_o eternal_a right_n upon_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v a_o power_n acquire_v by_o benefit_n where_o there_o be_v none_o antecedent_o because_o they_o bestow_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o pre-eminence_n upon_o he_o that_o give_v above_o he_o that_o receive_v they_o but_o god_n be_v always_o infinite_o perfect_a can_v not_o acquire_v any_o new_a excellence_n from_o the_o world_n creation_n and_o therefore_o the_o collation_n of_o benefit_n can_v beget_v any_o new_a power_n in_o he_o because_o the_o power_n which_o he_o have_v antecedent_o to_o all_o his_o benefit_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v make_v great_a for_o he_o always_o have_v a_o power_n to_o act_n any_o thing_n that_o lie_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o just_a and_o lawful_a but_o his_o power_n since_o the_o creation_n be_v not_o more_o than_o so_o and_o therefore_o he_o acquire_v no_o new_a prerogative_n by_o it_o and_o then_o if_o the_o creature_n shall_v have_v a_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o which_o god_n can_v deprive_v they_o they_o will_v have_v something_o of_o their_o own_o to_o which_o god_n have_v no_o right_a but_o see_v every_o creature_n be_v entire_o god_n &_o can_v have_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o his_o gift_n and_o can_v do_v nothing_o which_o be_v not_o his_o debt_n it_o can_v have_v a_o right_a where_o god_n have_v none_o because_o he_o can_v but_o have_v a_o entire_a right_n in_o his_o own_o work_n and_o therefore_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n god_n supreme_a sovereignty_n seem_v confine_v it_o be_v not_o bound_v by_o any_o right_n or_o privilege_n in_o the_o creature_n but_o only_o regulate_v by_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o latter_a sort_n who_o ground_n god_n dominion_n in_o the_o almightiness_n of_o his_o power_n and_o infer_v thence_o that_o he_o may_v do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o injurious_a and_o irregular_a i_o allow_v their_o principle_n but_o deny_v their_o inference_n because_o god_n be_v essential_o good_a and_o just_a as_o well_o as_o powerful_a take_v away_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o goodness_n and_o you_o take_v away_o his_o divinity_n without_o they_o he_o will_v be_v but_o a_o almighty_a devil_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o right_n of_o god_n power_n be_v not_o straighten_v by_o any_o external_n obligation_n because_o that_o be_v tie_v on_o by_o a_o superior_a authority_n and_o so_o can_v agree_v to_o he_o who_o prerogative_n be_v supreme_a yet_o they_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o internal_a principle_n for_o god_n goodness_n may_v be_v say_v to_o tie_v and_o restrain_v he_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o itself_o now_o this_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o restraint_n or_o confinement_n superinduce_v upon_o his_o natural_a right_n but_o be_v rather_o a_o circumscription_n set_v and_o choose_v by_o himself_o which_o he_o can_v transgress_v because_o he_o will_v not_o neither_o do_v it_o limit_v the_o divine_a prerogative_n any_o more_o than_o his_o omnipotence_n be_v limit_v because_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v absurd_a &_o unworthy_a the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o understanding_n or_o sinful_a &_o repugnant_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o will_n for_o as_o he_o can_v not_o do_v such_o thing_n not_o because_o his_o power_n be_v not_o infinite_a but_o because_o his_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o from_o defect_n of_o power_n but_o from_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n that_o he_o can_v act_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v either_o sinful_a or_o foolish_a so_o neither_o be_v it_o for_o want_v of_o sovereignty_n that_o he_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n indecent_a or_o tyrannical_a but_o because_o he_o be_v infinite_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o powerful_a he_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v to_o do_v nothing_o unbeseeming_a his_o holiness_n and_o therefore_o that_o god_n can_v tyrannize_v it_o be_v not_o because_o his_o power_n have_v limit_n but_o because_o his_o goodness_n have_v none_o and_o so_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o justice_n not_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o sovereign_a but_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v or_o do_v be_v therefore_o just_a because_o he_o will_v it_o derive_v not_o from_o the_o sovereignty_n but_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o will_n for_o if_o this_o be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o you_o call_v he_o god_n or_o devil_n he_o may_v lie_v and_o forswear_v and_o act_v all_o the_o villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o what_o a_o brave_a condition_n be_v mankind_n in_o so_o repugnant_a to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o piety_n honesty_n and_o policy_n be_v that_o opinion_n that_o allow_v no_o essential_a justice_n and_o injustice_n but_o derive_v all_o goodness_n from_o arbitrary_a power_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v brief_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o full_a extent_n of_o god_n sovereign_a prerogative_n we_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o which_o attribute_n we_o must_v be_v careful_a to_o assign_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o former_a chief_o because_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n consist_v main_o in_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n the_o notion_n of_o he_o in_o scripture_n never_o refer_v to_o his_o essence_n but_o always_o to_o his_o power_n and_o empire_n and_o the_o name_n by_o which_o he_o be_v there_o express_v do_v not_o so_o much_o denote_v his_o nature_n as_o his_o supreme_a and_o almighty_a prerogative_n for_o all_o his_o appellative_n except_o jah_n and_o jehovah_n which_o express_v his_o constancy_n and_o veracity_n import_v only_o a_o supreme_a
and_o almighty_a sovereign_n so_o that_o the_o scripture_n represent_v god_n under_o no_o other_o notion_n then_o as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v wary_a of_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o that_o either_o lessen_v or_o quite_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n and_o uncontroulableness_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o may_v withal_o conclude_v that_o no_o property_n which_o comply_v not_o with_o it_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o consequent_o that_o that_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o interfere_n with_o his_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o assert_v god_n goodness_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n that_o can_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o so_o make_v all_o the_o divine_a action_n the_o necessary_a result_v of_o his_o goodness_n direct_o supplant_v and_o destroy_v all_o the_o right_n of_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n for_o if_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n power_n be_v the_o natural_a emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o god_n can_v have_v no_o liberty_n or_o dominion_n in_o relation_n to_o they_o because_o necessity_n be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n of_o sovereign_a power_n sovereignty_n bottome_v upon_o a_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o act_v for_o how_o can_v he_o that_o have_v no_o power_n and_o dominion_n over_o his_o own_o action_n have_v power_n over_o any_o one_o else_o for_o in_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o power_n without_o a_o liberty_n to_o use_v and_o exercise_v it_o nor_o any_o exercise_n of_o power_n but_o by_o act_v it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o agent_n that_o have_v no_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n of_o act_v be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o any_o power_n or_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o god_n action_n be_v the_o necessary_a emanation_n of_o his_o goodness_n it_o must_v necessary_o destroy_v all_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n the_o platonist_n assert_v that_o god_n infinite_a goodness_n necessitate_v he_o to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o timaeo_n say_v plato_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o the_o divine_a work_n be_v produce_v by_o a_o irresistible_a necessity_n and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o power_n not_o to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v do_v than_o the_o sun_n have_v to_o withhold_v his_o influence_n or_o a_o overflow_a fountain_n to_o keep_v back_o its_o stream_n and_o upon_o this_o foundation_n they_o erect_v any_o hypothesis_n that_o suit_n with_o their_o own_o fancy_n but_o chief_o that_o of_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o soul_n because_o say_v they_o it_o be_v better_a they_o shall_v pre-exist_a and_o therefore_o divine_a goodness_n which_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a must_v of_o necessity_n have_v give_v they_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o life_n and_o self-enjoyment_n before_o they_o descend_v into_o these_o body_n but_o these_o man_n mind_n be_v so_o excessive_o possess_v with_o thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n as_o to_o neglect_v all_o his_o other_o attribute_n advance_v it_o to_o such_o a_o exorbitant_a pre-eminence_n as_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o usurp_v upon_o and_o invade_v the_o right_n and_o privilege_n of_o other_o attribute_n but_o also_o to_o banish_v all_o other_o perfection_n from_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o engross_v the_o deity_n whole_o to_o itself_o for_o this_o notion_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v most_o apparent_o inconsistent_a not_o only_o with_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n but_o with_o all_o his_o other_o moral_a perfection_n but_o in_o order_n to_o a_o further_a satisfaction_n herein_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a but_o a_o free_a and_o selfmoving_a agent_n the_o divine_a goodness_n then_o be_v of_o three_o sort_n either_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o for_o the_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o for_o the_o free_a bounty_n and_o beneficence_n of_o his_o will_n though_o the_o two_o latter_a be_v proper_o but_o branch_n of_o the_o former_a justice_n and_o beneficence_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o sort_n i_o shall_v omit_v to_o discourse_v of_o as_o be_v impertinent_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o only_o account_v for_o the_o two_o last_o and_o first_o of_o the_o former_a god_n sanctity_n or_o holiness_n be_v that_o natural_a or_o essential_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o can_v but_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o excellence_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o rational_a nature_n for_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n consist_v in_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n this_o be_v prefer_v the_o measure_n and_o rule_v of_o his_o action_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o natural_a justice_n equity_n and_o rectitude_n which_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o god_n transaction_n with_o his_o creature_n and_o consist_v in_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o right_a reason_n require_v and_o not_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o it_o forbid_v now_o the_o relation_n this_o goodness_n have_v to_o the_o divine_a dominion_n be_v to_o bound_v and_o regulate_v it_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o right_n and_o liberty_n because_o god_n have_v power_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o so_o that_o the_o true_a way_n to_o find_v out_o how_o far_o the_o divine_a prerogative_n extend_v be_v to_o discover_v what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o goodness_n and_o equity_n for_o every_o thing_n beside_o be_v subject_n to_o the_o free_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n thus_o god_n can_v delight_v in_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o innocent_a creature_n he_o can_v secret_o resolve_v and_o take_v care_n that_o his_o creature_n shall_v act_v those_o impiety_n which_o himself_o open_o hate_v forbid_v and_o threaten_v he_o can_v lay_v upon_o we_o impossible_a commandment_n he_o can_v violate_v his_o faith_n and_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n oath_n and_o covenant_n because_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o essential_o evil_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o equity_n and_o right_a reason_n but_o goodness_n as_o its_o equivalent_a with_o benignity_n bounty_n or_o beneficence_n be_v a_o free_a constant_a and_o habitual_a propension_n of_o will_n to_o do_v good_n and_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o one_o of_o its_o main_a property_n it_o must_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o its_o nature_n but_o rather_o to_o participate_v of_o it_o for_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v a_o freedom_n not_o only_o from_o foreign_a violence_n but_o also_o from_o inward_a necessity_n for_o spontaneity_n or_o immunity_n from_o coaction_n without_o indifferency_n carry_v in_o it_o as_o great_a necessity_n as_o those_o motion_n that_o proceed_v from_o violence_n or_o mechanism_n and_o a_o beast_n that_o of_o its_o own_o accord_n go_v to_o pasture_n will_v have_v as_o much_o freedom_n as_o god_n have_v if_o his_o action_n be_v only_o spontaneous_a and_o proceed_v not_o from_o a_o choose_n and_o self-determining_a principle_n and_o therefore_o when_o i_o assert_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o be_v free_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v a_o rational_a and_o active_a faculty_n that_o have_v power_n and_o dominion_n over_o its_o own_o action_n and_o that_o can_v be_v determine_v only_o by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a energy_n in_o so_o much_o that_o all_o the_o external_a incentives_n requisite_a to_o its_o act_v be_v suppose_v it_o yet_o remain_v so_o indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o be_v able_a either_o to_o exert_v or_o suspend_v its_o action_n for_o unless_o the_o divine_a will_v enjoy_v this_o kind_n of_o freedom_n it_o have_v as_o good_a have_v none_o at_o all_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o liberty_n be_v fetter_v and_o determine_v by_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o the_o fatalist_n do_v but_o loose_v their_o labour_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o invent_v way_n of_o reconcile_a liberty_n with_o necessity_n unless_o they_o can_v also_o make_v indifferency_n consistent_a with_o it_o because_o all_o necessity_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o imply_v a_o detemined_a and_o unavoidable_a fatality_n which_o apparent_o destroy_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n for_o necessity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o moral_a goodness_n because_o it_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n but_o simple_o because_o it_o be_v necessity_n for_o the_o only_a cause_n why_o a_o necessary_a agent_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o morality_n be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o able_a
scripture_n oppose_v to_o benignity_n rom._n 11._o 22._o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n and_o rom._n 9_o 13._o jocob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v v_o 15._o because_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v compassion_n the_o sole_a cause_n then_o why_o god_n show_v great_a bounty_n to_o jacob_n then_o to_o esau_n be_v a_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o any_o extrinsique_n motive_n to_o incline_v it_o for_o v_o 11._o the_o child_n be_v yet_o unborn_a and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n or_o choice_n might_n stand_v the_o argument_n suggest_v by_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v beside_o his_o express_a resolve_v god_n beneficence_n into_o his_o freewill_n be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o flow_n forth_o of_o god_n goodness_n be_v necessary_a then_o esau_n must_v have_v be_v blessed_v with_o as_o great_a expression_n of_o favour_n as_o jacob_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v a_o difference_n not_o god_n goodness_n for_o its_o exertion_n be_v necessary_a it_o will_v stream_v forth_o equal_o into_o equal_a capacity_n and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v equal_o capable_a the_o emanation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n must_v have_v be_v equal_a so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n unless_o the_o person_n themselves_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v make_v before_o they_o can_v make_v it_o viz._n before_o they_o be_v bear_v or_o have_v do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v equal_a the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v record_v in_o scripture_n almost_o as_o many_o instance_n of_o his_o severity_n as_o of_o his_o clemency_n because_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o contrary_a virtue_n depend_v on_o his_o free_a will_n which_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o sometime_o display_v the_o one_o and_o sometime_o the_o other_o whereas_o those_o attribute_n that_o be_v physical_a and_o necessary_a be_v determine_v one_o way_n antecedent_o to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will._n from_o all_o which_o premise_n we_o see_v 1_o that_o god_n benignity_n goodness_n and_o beneficence_n consist_v in_o a_o gracious_a propensity_n to_o let_v forth_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o fullness_n to_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o divine_a will_n do_v not_o only_o suppose_v its_o freedom_n but_o be_v also_o subject_a to_o its_o determination_n so_o that_o though_o it_o may_v incline_v yet_o it_o can_v either_o command_v or_o destroy_v its_o liberty_n because_o if_o it_o shall_v it_o will_v not_o only_o interfere_v with_o god_n moral_a accomplishmet_n but_o will_v withal_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o rather_o approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o habit_n seat_v in_o the_o divine_a will_n then_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o essential_a faculty_n whence_o a_o habit_n and_o custom_n of_o goodness_n and_o clemency_n be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n but_o only_a act_n and_o single_a instance_n of_o severity_n for_o though_o contrary_a habit_n can_v lodge_v together_o in_o the_o same_o faculty_n yet_o single_a action_n of_o the_o one_o may_v sometime_o issue_v from_o that_o power_n in_o which_o its_o contrary_n be_v entertain_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o expression_n of_o god_n bounty_n be_v his_o usual_a and_o constant_a work_n yet_o he_o sometime_o le_fw-fr we_o forth_o the_o eruption_n of_o anger_n and_o severity_n though_o with_o some_o unwillingness_n and_o reluctancy_n for_o lament_n 3._o 33._o he_o do_v not_o willing_o or_o from_o his_o heart_n afflict_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n esa._n 21._o 21._o style_v it_o his_o strange_a work_n as_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o seldom_o exercise_n he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o it_o so_o that_o though_o god_n inclination_n to_o act_n of_o beneficence_n and_o goodness_n be_v vast_o great_a and_o vigorous_a yet_o they_o be_v free_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n and_o be_v upon_o this_o score_n consistent_a with_o god_n deal_v sometime_o with_o we_o by_o more_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a measure_n which_o god_n be_v please_v at_o certain_a season_n to_o dispense_v according_a to_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 2._o that_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n and_o exercise_v of_o his_o dominion_n for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o they_o be_v all_o original_o nothing_o all_o the_o advantage_n they_o enjoy_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n more_o desirable_a than_o nonexistence_n be_v the_o free_a gift_n and_o effect_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v free_a and_o unconstrained_a have_v distribute_v its_o favour_n with_o a_o infinite_a variety_n have_v make_v innumerable_a kind_n of_o being_n and_o endue_v they_o all_o with_o perceptive_a faculty_n and_o capacity_n proportion_v to_o their_o respective_a nature_n and_o provide_v suitable_a object_n in_o order_n to_o their_o gratification_n so_o that_o although_o he_o have_v according_a to_o the_o free_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will_n create_v some_o in_o a_o more_o imperfect_a state_n than_o other_o yet_o he_o have_v provide_v liberal_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o they_o all_o have_v furnish_v each_o order_n with_o object_n agreeable_a to_o their_o respective_a faculty_n in_o the_o perception_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o consist_v all_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n now_o if_o we_o will_v measure_v how_o large_a and_o ample_a the_o communication_n of_o divine_a goodness_n be_v they_o be_v as_o vast_a as_o free_v psal._n 145._o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n psal._n 38._o 5_o 6._o thy_o goodness_n o_o lord_n reach_v to_o the_o heaven_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n to_o the_o cloud_n thy_o righteousness_n be_v like_o the_o great_a mountain_n thy_o judgement_n or_o work_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n etc._n etc._n i.e._n god_n goodness_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o his_o work_n as_o vast_a and_o wide_a as_o the_o universe_n run_v through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o to_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o goodness_n which_o concern_v ourselves_o how_o free_a and_o unstreitned_a have_v be_v the_o expression_n of_o god_n bounty_n to_o mankind_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n itself_o in_o which_o the_o divine_a munificence_n have_v make_v provision_n not_o only_o for_o our_o necessity_n but_o for_o our_o delight_n and_o curiosity_n too_o nor_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o perceptive_a faculty_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o with_o nor_o the_o innumerable_a instancy_n of_o his_o mercy_n clemency_n patience_n long-suffering_a towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n his_o slowness_n and_o unwillingness_n to_o punish_v and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v our_o impiety_n nor_o his_o demand_v only_o such_o homage_n and_o service_n from_o we_o as_o can_v be_v more_o our_o duty_n then_o it_o be_v our_o happiness_n with_o infinite_a more_o inestimable_a vouchsafement_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o tenderness_n and_o good_a inclination_n towards_o mankind_n i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o his_o reward_v that_o obedience_n that_o be_v our_o debt_n with_o such_o great_a and_o inestimable_a blessing_n viz._n not_o only_o earthly_a and_o secular_a but_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a pleasure_n he_o may_v have_v send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n to_o act_v our_o part_n a_o while_n and_o have_v endear_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o only_o by_o its_o own_o appendant_a delight_n and_o then_o have_v remand_v we_o back_o into_o our_o pre-existent_a state_n of_o not_o be_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v recompense_v the_o bare_a discharge_n of_o our_o duty_n with_o the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n be_v such_o a_o stupendous_a height_n of_o goodness_n as_o not_o only_o puzzle_v conceit_n but_o outreach_v wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o yet_o that_o which_o enhance_v the_o value_n of_o the_o reward_n be_v not_o more_o its_o greatness_n than_o its_o freeness_n though_o some_o be_v so_o arrogant_a as_o to_o challenge_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a right_n in_o it_o arrogant_a i_o say_v because_o if_o it_o be_v our_o due_n we_o must_v derive_v it_o not_o from_o god_n goodness_n but_o from_o our_o own_o desert_n for_o nothing_o beside_o god_n goodness_n can_v create_v we_o a_o right_a to_o future_a happiness_n but_o our_o own_o merit_n which_o from_o a_o creature_n to_o its_o maker_n imply_v the_o great_a contradiction_n and_o if_o in_o any_o respect_n heaven_n be_v
and_o wickedness_n be_v in_o use_n and_o practice_v there_o seem_v little_o less_o than_o a_o necessity_n of_o swim_v down_o in_o the_o stream_n of_o our_o country_n vice_n and_o then_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v always_o overrun_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o lust_n and_o barbarity_n for_o god_n to_o send_v out_o of_o his_o pure_a and_o holy_a hand_n a_o immaculate_a soul_n capable_a of_o live_v elsewhere_o and_o fit_a for_o all_o virtue_n and_o heavenly_a wisdom_n into_o a_o habitation_n in_o such_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o reign_v nothing_o but_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o vice_n by_o which_o she_o can_v fail_v without_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v overbear_v what_o be_v this_o say_v they_o but_o to_o betray_v his_o own_o offspring_n unto_o unavoidable_a misery_n as_o to_o the_o second_o of_o these_o they_o argue_v thus_o see_v there_o be_v in_o mankind_n strange_a &_o fatal_a propensity_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n &_o wickedness_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a intrinsic_a constitution_n of_o their_o body_n how_o can_v it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o bless_a spring_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o tender_a lover_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n to_o put_v innocent_a soul_n into_o such_o foul_a and_o untamed_a body_n which_o so_o fatal_o and_o necessary_o hurry_v they_o to_o that_o which_o alone_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n he_o disapprove_v of_o and_o which_o he_o know_v will_v be_v their_o utter_a bane_n and_o miserable_a ruin_n and_o here_o some_o of_o they_o argue_v more_o particular_o from_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o two_o opinion_n of_o the_o soul_n immediate_a creation_n or_o seminal_a traduction_n for_o if_o it_o begin_v neither_o of_o these_o way_n it_o must_v have_v pre-existed_n therefore_o 1_o against_o the_o first_o of_o they_o they_o use_v the_o forementioned_a argument_n viz._n that_o it_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o god_n to_o put_v pure_a and_o immaculate_a spirit_n into_o such_o body_n as_n will_v present_o defile_v they_o pervert_v all_o their_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o impiety_n and_o then_o 2_o against_o the_o second_o viz._n seminal_a propagation_n of_o soul_n they_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o for_o say_v they_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v generate_v than_o it_o must_v be_v make_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o parent_n which_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o immaterial_a be_v the_o chief_n property_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v indiscerpable_a these_o be_v the_o most_o material_a consideration_n urge_v in_o behalf_n of_o preexistence_n other_o that_o either_o depend_v on_o these_o or_o be_v less_o considerable_a i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v as_o i_o proceed_v and_o withal_o to_o reply_v to_o a_o few_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o for_o the_o better_a countenance_n of_o the_o business_n they_o press_v to_o serve_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o controversy_n have_v give_v you_o this_o brief_a but_o comprehensive_a account_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v in_o my_o exception_n first_o then_o although_o i_o be_o not_o oblige_v by_o virtue_n of_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v in_o my_o five_o exception_n against_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n to_o oppose_v this_o hypothesis_n by_o counter-arguings_a because_o it_o be_v out_o of_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o to_o be_v rank_v among_o epicurus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n mere_o possible_a and_o mere_o contingent_a and_o so_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o destroy_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v yet_o to_o render_v my_o triumph_n over_o it_o more_o full_a and_o entire_a i_o shall_v make_v my_o first_o onset_n from_o a_o objection_n draw_v from_o its_o ill_a correspond_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o upon_o a_o twofold_a account_n 1._o in_o that_o it_o suppose_v god_n to_o inflict_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n without_o attain_v the_o end_n thereof_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o inflict_v penalty_n upon_o any_o person_n for_o offence_n of_o which_o he_o be_v as_o ignorant_a as_o he_o can_v have_v be_v though_o they_o have_v never_o be_v commit_v for_o assign_v they_o what_o end_v of_o justice_n they_o please_v this_o be_v most_o undeniable_o certain_a that_o to_o punish_v a_o guilty_a person_n that_o be_v invinvincible_o ignorant_a of_o his_o sin_n be_v as_o far_o from_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o justice_n as_o to_o inflict_v the_o same_o punishment_n upon_o one_o that_o be_v guiltless_a for_o if_o he_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o his_o miscarriage_n he_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o be_v faultless_a in_o his_o own_o esteem_n as_o he_o that_o be_v real_o so_o but_o for_o god_n to_o chastise_v with_o the_o rod_n of_o his_o vengeance_n any_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o the_o innocent_a and_o guiltless_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o end_n of_o justice_n and_o punishment_n bid_v not_o a_o less_o defiance_n to_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o attribute_n then_o to_o inflict_v the_o same_o punishment_n upon_o one_o that_o never_o deserve_v it_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o if_o the_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o only_o as_o punishment_n of_o sin_n commit_v in_o another_o providence_n will_v have_v provide_v some_o effectual_a mean_n to_o preserve_v they_o in_o our_o memory_n and_o therefore_o because_o we_o find_v no_o remainder_n of_o any_o such_o record_n in_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v i_o think_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o all_o sober_a and_o impartial_a enquirer_n that_o our_o live_n and_o sin_v in_o a_o former_a state_n be_v as_o false_a as_o inevident_a 2._o in_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o invincible_a temptation_n to_o mankind_n to_o have_v hard_a and_o jealous_a thought_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o for_o when_o they_o see_v themselves_o environ_v with_o misery_n and_o punishment_n and_o feel_v the_o heavy_a stroke_n of_o divine_a anger_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o ignorant_a that_o they_o have_v offend_v he_o what_o more_o just_a and_o reasonable_a ground_n can_v they_o have_v not_o only_o to_o call_v in_o question_n but_o flat_o to_o deny_v his_o goodness_n and_o equity_n for_o if_o it_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o god_n righteousness_n and_o benignity_n to_o place_v we_o in_o these_o sad_a circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o unless_o thereby_o to_o punish_v we_o for_o our_o former_a prevarication_n as_o the_o patron_n of_o preexistence_n fierce_o and_o clamarous_o contest_v when_o we_o know_v ourselves_o to_o be_v in_o this_o sad_a plight_n and_o yet_o be_v utter_o destitute_a of_o all_o knowledge_n how_o we_o deserve_v it_o what_o can_v we_o more_o natural_o infer_v then_o that_o god_n have_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n make_v we_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a shall_v he_o take_v the_o most_o lewd_a and_o debauch_a villain_n upon_o earth_n and_o thrust_v he_o into_o the_o dungeon_n of_o endless_a misery_n but_o withal_o take_v away_o all_o sense_n and_o memory_n of_o his_o former_a state_n and_o wickedness_n will_v not_o that_o miserable_a wretch_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o exclaim_v against_o the_o cruelty_n of_o his_o maker_n as_o suppose_v himself_o create_v in_o that_o sad_a &_o deplorable_a state_n and_o suppose_v it_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o have_v produce_v any_o be_v in_o the_o same_o miserable_a condition_n the_o damn_a in_o hell_n be_v suppose_v to_o suffer_v that_o wretched_a creature_n may_v as_o well_o argue_v for_o a_o state_n of_o preexistence_n in_o which_o it_o have_v deserve_v the_o torment_n it_o endure_v as_o any_o other_o be_v that_o find_v itself_o in_o that_o forlorn_a condition_n but_o be_v deprive_v of_o all_o knowledge_n of_o any_o former_a scene_n of_o life_n now_o god_n can_v in_o reason_n expect_v we_o shall_v acknowledge_v his_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n contrary_a to_o his_o act_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v inflict_v upon_o we_o those_o calamity_n that_o can_v just_o be_v inflict_v upon_o any_o but_o sinner_n and_o yet_o not_o let_v we_o know_v we_o be_v such_o what_o else_o can_v we_o conclude_v but_o that_o we_o innocent_n be_v unjust_o doom_v to_o the_o sad_a and_o miserable_a portion_n of_o the_o wicked_a perhaps_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o invent_v many_o other_o not_o inconsiderable_a objection_n but_o these_o be_v all_o that_o occur_v to_o my_o thought_n at_o present_a &_o all_o those_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o author_n be_v most_o lamentable_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v immediate_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o main_a and_o only_a needful_a part_n of_o my_o
reign_v nothing_o but_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o vice_n by_o which_o she_o can_v fail_v without_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v overbear_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o betray_v his_o own_o offspring_n for_o he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n unto_o unavoidable_a misery_n while_o he_o pretend_v to_o plot_n and_o contrive_v their_o happiness_n and_o so_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o less_o prudence_n than_o a_o ordinary_a discreet_a man_n will_v do_v once_o more_o in_o their_o own_o word_n pag._n 35._o i_o will_v ask_v they_o whether_o or_o no_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n consider_v the_o strong_a inclination_n natural_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o those_o strengthen_v and_o further_o confirm_v for_o several_a year_n before_o we_o can_v come_v to_o have_v any_o considerable_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n or_o arrive_v to_o any_o command_n over_o ourselves_o last_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o the_o election_n of_o our_o will_n be_v perform_v which_o we_o never_o find_v free_a where_o there_o be_v a_o custom_n or_o passion_n against_o it_o and_o how_o corporeal_a motion_n determine_v the_o thought_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o mind_n i_o ask_v they_o whether_o these_o thing_n be_v consider_v it_o be_v not_o hundred_o to_o one_o odds_o that_o we_o shall_v choose_v the_o way_n of_o vice_n rather_o than_o virtue_n or_o let_v the_o proportion_n be_v as_o little_a as_o they_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n pretend_v they_o can_v clear_v the_o wisdom_n and_o discretion_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o their_o hypothesis_n which_o thrust_v the_o spirit_n it_o intend_v to_o make_v for_o ever_o happy_a into_o so_o great_a a_o danger_n of_o be_v defile_v and_o corrupt_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o sound_o smart_v for_o it_o hereafter_o thus_o you_o see_v what_o strong_a objection_n the_o argument_n they_o urge_v with_o most_o noise_n and_o clamour_n be_v against_o themselves_o if_o therefore_o these_o phaenomena_n be_v inexplicable_a without_o the_o origenian_a hypothesis_n they_o be_v so_o too_o with_o it_o and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o argument_n of_o preexistence_n as_o aspersion_n of_o providence_n for_o whatever_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a they_o charge_v god_n transaction_n with_o mankind_n either_o of_o injustice_n or_o folly_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v attempt_v their_o solution_n not_o so_o much_o to_o oppose_v the_o hypothesis_n of_o preexistence_n as_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a providence_n from_o so_o many_o contumelious_a and_o unworthy_a reproach_n after_o these_o more_o general_a consideration_n against_o the_o hypothesis_n itself_o i_o come_v now_o to_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v first_o then_o as_o for_o that_o strong_a demonstration_n as_o they_o style_v it_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n which_o they_o suppose_v constrain_v to_o do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a it_o be_v so_o full_o not_o only_o answer_v but_o confute_v in_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o dominion_n that_o to_o subjoin_v any_o formal_a reply_n will_v be_v but_o a_o needless_a and_o troublesome_a repetition_n for_o have_v make_v it_o apparent_o evident_a that_o any_o state_n better_a than_o that_o of_o nonexistence_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n dominion_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n every_o condition_n of_o be_v preferable_a to_o that_o of_o not-being_a be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n but_o a_o product_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a this_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o their_o hypothesis_n they_o must_v first_o either_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o my_o precede_a discourse_n or_o else_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o soul_n in_o this_o life_n be_v more_o deplorable_a and_o less_o desirable_a than_o the_o state_n of_o annihilation_n and_o when_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v either_o they_o will_v deserve_v a_o far_a reply_n but_o not_o till_o then_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v to_o supper_n add_v this_o one_o consideration_n more_o viz._n that_o the_o boundless_a infinity_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o existence_n of_o different_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o creature_n god_n be_v not_o constrain_v to_o make_v every_o creature_n the_o most_o perfect_a he_o can_v for_o then_o there_o will_v have_v be_v but_o one_o sort_n of_o being_n viz._n the_o high_a and_o most_o consuminate_v rank_a of_o all_o whereas_o we_o see_v the_o world_n replenish_v with_o divers_a species_n of_o creature_n some_o more_o some_o less_o perfect_a now_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n there_o may_v be_v various_a kind_n of_o creature_n of_o various_a and_o unequal_a perfection_n then_o what_o necessity_n or_o reason_n imaginable_a be_v there_o the_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o let_v forth_o its_o large_a emanation_n to_o mankind_n for_o why_o may_v not_o our_o species_n be_v of_o a_o inferior_a rank_n in_o the_o order_n of_o being_n and_o if_o so_o then_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o we_o shall_v be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v there_o not_o several_a rank_n of_o spirit_n or_o immaterial_a being_n and_o be_v not_o the_o assertor_n of_o preexistence_n the_o most_o zealous_a patron_n thereof_o and_o do_v they_o not_o marshal_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o one_o of_o the_o low_a and_o most_o imperfect_a order_n as_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o ignoble_a body_n viz._n terrestrial_a matter_n whilst_o all_o the_o rest_n reside_v in_o body_n of_o air_n or_o aether_n and_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o deem_v the_o divine_a goodness_n less_o infinite_a because_o its_o communication_n be_v not_o so_o great_a to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v to_o other_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o fig_n in_o the_o fable_n that_o complain_v to_o jupiter_n because_o he_o have_v not_o make_v they_o grape_n again_o why_o may_v not_o all_o these_o several_a rank_n of_o immaterial_a being_n be_v at_o first_o create_v in_o the_o same_o estate_n they_o be_v in_o at_o present_a without_o lapse_v from_o a_o high_a to_o a_o low_a condition_n of_o life_n as_o well_o as_o several_a sort_n of_o material_a creature_n which_o be_v at_o first_o dispose_v in_o the_o same_o order_n they_o still_o hold_v if_o god_n can_v his_o goodness_n notwithstanding_o create_v such_o a_o innumerable_a variety_n of_o infect_v which_o be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o half_a animal_n then_o why_o may_v he_o not_o also_o notwithstanding_o the_o same_o goodness_n create_v among_o spiritual_a essence_n a_o species_n not_o more_o perfect_a than_o humane_a soul_n for_o if_o the_o boundlesness_n of_o god_n goodness_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o some_o creature_n may_v exist_v in_o a_o much_o more_o imperfect_a condition_n than_o other_o than_o neither_o can_v it_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v be_v place_v in_o a_o much_o less_o perfect_a condition_n then_o other_o immaterial_a being_n from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v with_o the_o least_o pretence_n of_o reason_n be_v argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v once_o preexist_v in_o the_o happy_a state_n which_o being_n of_o their_o nature_n be_v possible_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v as_o for_o their_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n their_o whole_a force_n centre_n in_o this_o one_o difficulty_n that_o god_n have_v not_o take_v sufficient_a care_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o have_v leave_v they_o too_o obnoxious_a to_o sin_n and_o misery_n now_o to_o assoil_v and_o clear_v this_o objection_n i_o need_v only_o evince_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o large_a provision_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_a naked_o to_o answer_v their_o objection_n unless_o i_o can_v confute_v they_o too_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o to_o propose_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a hypothesis_n that_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o all_o the_o foremention_v phaenomina_fw-la of_o providence_n and_o then_o 2._o to_o show_v that_o mankind_n be_v not_o only_o endue_v with_o such_o faculty_n by_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n but_o also_o that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a endearment_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n to_o engage_v and_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o diligent_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n thereof_o my_o hypothesis_n be_v this_o that_o it_o have_v please_v providence_n
to_o place_n mankind_n here_o in_o a_o immature_n and_o more_o imperfect_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v in_o a_o way_n congruous_a to_o free_v and_o rational_a agent_n by_o degree_n be_v fit_v for_o and_o at_o length_n arrive_v at_o a_o better_a and_o more_o raise_v condition_n of_o life_n as_o in_o nature_n all_o thing_n commence_v their_o being_n in_o a_o rude_a and_o immature_n state_n and_o make_v orderly_a progression_n to_o far_a degree_n of_o maturity_n till_o they_o arrive_v at_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n their_o being_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o be_v mankind_n create_v and_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o spring_n in_o a_o bud_a and_o blossom_a season_n that_o so_o we_o may_v by_o proceed_v forward_o in_o the_o differ_a period_n of_o our_o life_n grow_v up_o to_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a capacity_n till_o at_o length_n we_o ripen_v into_o a_o state_n of_o maturity_n and_o perfection_n our_o nature_n be_v at_o first_o somewhat_o rough-cast_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v refine_v and_o polish_a by_o virtue_n and_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o main_a and_o perhaps_o only_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o perfect_a and_o advance_v our_o nature_n and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o a_o high_a and_o more_o noble_a condition_n of_o life_n now_o i_o need_v not_o declaim_v and_o expatiate_v upon_o the_o neatness_n and_o consistency_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n when_o we_o know_v by_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v the_o way_n and_o method_n pitch_v upon_o by_o providence_n to_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o its_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o oeconomy_n huge_o agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o design_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n the_o natural_a tendency_n whereof_o be_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o high_a capacity_n and_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o give_v a_o more_o general_a reason_n of_o the_o present_a low_a and_o imperfect_a condition_n of_o mankind_n but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o perspicuous_a account_n thereof_o and_o more_o close_o to_o the_o main_a origenian_a objection_n viz._n why_o god_n shall_v put_v pure_a and_o immaculate_a soul_n into_o these_o disorderly_a brutish_a body_n i_o shall_v make_v my_o hypothesis_n more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a mankind_n then_o be_v a_o order_n of_o being_n place_v in_o a_o middle_a state_n between_o angel_n and_o brute_n make_v up_o of_o contrary_a principle_n viz._n matter_n and_o spirit_n endue_v with_o contrary_a faculty_n viz._n animal_n and_o rational_a and_o encompass_v with_o contrary_a object_n proportion_v to_o their_o respective_a faculty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o their_o compound_a and_o heterogenial_a nature_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a soul_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o effeminate_a beauty_n and_o physical_a proportion_n but_o in_o a_o manly_a courage_n and_o moral_a accomplishment_n as_o at_o the_o olympic_a game_n there_o be_v no_o regard_n have_v to_o beauty_n and_o neatness_n they_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n who_o have_v courage_n and_o patience_n enough_o to_o combat_v and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o olympic_a exercise_n god_n have_v place_v we_o here_o not_o to_o admire_v the_o native_a beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o being_n but_o to_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o the_o conflict_n and_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n therefore_o the_o worth_n and_o praise_n of_o the_o soul_n consist_v in_o a_o braveness_n and_o gallantry_n of_o spirit_n when_o it_o scorn_v to_o be_v usurp_v upon_o by_o those_o faculty_n that_o ought_v to_o obey_v she_o and_o check_n and_o control_v all_o their_o unruly_a and_o tumultuous_a exorbitance_n by_o her_o own_o sovereign_a and_o imperial_a law_n and_o resolute_o defend_v its_o own_o authority_n and_o prerogative_n against_o all_o the_o furious_a and_o rebellious_a attempt_n of_o passion_n and_o concupiscence_n and_o therefore_o though_o humane_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v by_o themselves_o yet_o god_n have_v place_v they_o in_o body_n full_a of_o brutish_a and_o unreasonable_a propension_n that_o they_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o exercise_v many_o choice_n and_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v at_o all_o such_o as_o temperance_n sobriety_n chastity_n patience_n meekness_n equanimity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n over_o passion_n &_o appetite_n religion_n be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o angel_n appertain_v to_o they_o pure_o as_o spirit_n but_o virtue_n be_v proper_a to_o man_n alone_o and_o belong_v to_o he_o as_o a_o be_v make_v up_o of_o contrary_a principle_n whence_o spring_n contrary_a desire_n and_o inclination_n in_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a government_n whereof_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n &_o upon_o this_o score_n it_o be_v that_o virtue_n be_v never_o attribute_v to_o god_n because_o be_v of_o a_o simple_a &_o pure_o spiritual_a nature_n he_o have_v no_o unruly_a passion_n and_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o govern._n and_o therefore_o the_o platonist_n though_o they_o place_v all_o intellectual_a virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o abstract_a soul_n yet_o they_o will_v have_v all_o moral_a one_o reside_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o composition_n deny_v the_o naked_a soul_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a these_o belong_v only_o to_o the_o whole_a which_o result_v from_o soul_n and_o body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v plotinus_n and_o this_o by_o the_o way_n be_v their_o meaning_n when_o they_o unanimous_o resolve_v that_o grand_a perplex_v enquiry_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d into_o the_o terrestrial_a hyle_n because_o our_o material_a principle_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o intrinsique_n dulness_n and_o stupidity_n natural_o hinder_v and_o obstruct_v the_o intellectual_a effort_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o incline_v it_o to_o the_o love_n of_o material_a and_o sensual_a object_n which_o if_o it_o suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v so_o far_o immerse_v into_o matter_n as_o to_o pursue_v only_o or_o chief_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o its_o gross_a and_o sottish_a propersity_n thence_o natural_o spring_v all_o those_o irregularity_n that_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o moral_a vice_n and_o this_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a be_v not_o so_o devoid_a of_o reason_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n will_v persuade_v we_o for_o 1_o it_o do_v not_o as_o be_v object_v make_v matter_n to_o be_v essential_o evil_a but_o rather_o the_o occasion_n thereof_o from_o its_o extra_fw-la essential_a union_n with_o the_o soul._n nor_n 2_o do_v it_o make_v the_o existence_n of_o evil_n natural_a and_o necessary_a for_o it_o do_v not_o assert_v that_o it_o result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n as_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v but_o only_o a_o accidental_a effect_n thereof_o after_o its_o union_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o that_o from_o the_o sluggishness_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o love_n of_o gross_a and_o material_a object_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o careless_a as_o to_o yield_v to_o its_o inclination_n it_o become_v the_o voluntary_a cause_n of_o its_o own_o evil_a but_o you_o will_v think_v my_o pen_n very_o unruly_a if_o it_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o fly_v out_o into_o digression_n when_o it_o be_v in_o so_o great_a speed_n and_o therefore_o i_o return_v now_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n consist_v in_o the_o mind_n govern_v the_o brutish_a and_o animal_n appetite_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o body_n providence_n have_v furnish_v it_o with_o instrument_n convenient_a for_o that_o purpose_n for_o have_v its_o principal_a and_o command_a residence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o nerve_n that_o convey_v all_o motion_n and_o impression_n backward_o and_o forward_o have_v their_o original_a it_o be_v able_a by_o its_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o they_o to_o command_v and_o bridle_v all_o the_o animal_n motion_n of_o the_o body_n thus_o because_o all_o excess_n of_o passion_n consist_v in_o a_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o blood_n the_o nerve_n which_o the_o soul_n use_v as_o its_o reins_o be_v twist_v about_o the_o vein_n and_o artery_n that_o so_o by_o contract_v they_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o refrain_v and_o check_v the_o impetuosity_n of_o the_o blood_n motion_n and_o consequent_o curb_v the_o eager_a and_o unruly_a passion_n as_o when_o for_o example_n such_o a_o object_n be_v present_v to_o we_o that_o natural_o provoke_v to_o anger_n which_o main_o consist_v in_o a_o violent_a ebullition_n and_o fervour_n of_o the_o blood_n about_o the_o region_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o violent_o hurry_v from_o thence_o into_o the_o brain_n disorder_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n there_o and_o so_o
by_o confound_v the_o phautasm_n that_o lodge_v therein_o disturb_v all_o its_o conception_n and_o operation_n then_o do_v it_o concern_v the_o soul_n to_o abate_v and_o cool_v this_o unruly_a heat_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o restrain_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o torrent_n which_o be_v effect_v by_o its_o influence_n upon_o those_o nerve_n that_o be_v the_o passage_n and_o high_a way_n from_o the_o brain_n to_o the_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v a_o peculiar_a passage_n for_o commerce_n between_o the_o head_n and_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n 26._o where_o it_o have_v make_v none_o in_o beast_n viz._n whereas_o the_o praecordia_fw-la of_o beast_n be_v furnish_v with_o nervous_a branch_n only_o from_o the_o par_fw-fr vagum_fw-la to_o supply_v the_o vital_a function_n with_o spirit_n in_o man_n there_o be_v peculiar_a large_a branch_n derive_v from_o the_o intercostal_n nerve_n into_o the_o same_o region_n only_o for_o a_o way_n of_o commerce_n between_o the_o brain_n and_o the_o heart_n and_o passage_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o as_o need_n shall_v require_v in_o so_o much_o that_o we_o may_v define_v prudence_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o due_a commerce_n between_o the_o brain_n &_o the_o heart_n which_o plotinus_n only_o express_v more_o abstract_o when_o he_o describe_v it_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o which_o the_o forecited_n machless_a author_n supply_v we_o with_o a_o clear_a example_n viz._n that_o dissect_v a_o changeling_n or_o natural_a fool_n the_o chief_a defect_n he_o can_v discover_v in_o he_o be_v that_o this_o plexus_fw-la of_o the_o intercostal_n nerve_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o way_n of_o commerce_n for_o the_o animal_n spirit_n between_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o brain_n be_v exceed_v small_a and_o its_o branch_n very_o thin_a by_o reason_n whereof_o his_o soul_n can_v have_v but_o very_o little_a command_n over_o his_o passion_n and_o appety_n in_o the_o impotency_n and_o irregularity_n whereof_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o folly_n the_o result_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o mankind_n be_v compound_v of_o contrary_a principle_n endue_v with_o contrary_a desire_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o end_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o order_n of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n without_o which_o there_o will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v one_o species_n want_v to_o complete_a the_o universe_n capable_a of_o all_o those_o heroic_a virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o empire_n of_o reason_n over_o the_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a faculty_n as_o also_o that_o by_o the_o right_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o our_o superior_a power_n we_o may_v be_v raise_v to_o great_a capacity_n and_o qualify_v for_o high_a and_o more_o divine_a accomplishment_n so_o that_o man_n seem_v to_o differ_v from_o the_o angel_n only_o in_o this_o that_o he_o must_v by_o conquest_n and_o industry_n win_v the_o happiness_n which_o be_v entail_v on_o their_o nature_n for_o when_o we_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o our_o disposition_n we_o shall_v be_v make_v so_o too_o in_o our_o enjoyment_n the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v gracious_o appoint_v that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o far_o advance_v in_o virtue_n as_o to_o live_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o its_o passion_n and_o desire_n that_o then_o it_o shall_v be_v translate_v into_o a_o more_o free_a and_o disintangled_a state_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v neither_o entice_v nor_o vex_v with_o the_o importunity_n of_o these_o low_a and_o brutish_a appetite_n but_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o serenity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o pure_a and_o intellectual_a be_v as_o the_o reward_n of_o its_o former_a pain_n and_o industry_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o any_o man_n suffer_v his_o passion_n and_o brutish_a appetite_n to_o beat_v reason_n out_o of_o its_o throne_n and_o to_o run_v headlong_o into_o a_o ungovernable_a anarchy_n he_o degenerate_v from_o humanity_n grow_v incorrigible_a in_o sin_n and_o sink_v so_o deep_a into_o the_o animal_n life_n as_o to_o be_v make_v uncapable_a of_o act_v virtuous_o and_o suitable_o to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o be_v and_o thence_o be_v congruous_o doom_v to_o the_o portion_n of_o degenerate_a and_o apostate_n spirit_n as_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o else_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o send_v we_o into_o this_o world_n be_v only_o that_o we_o may_v in_o a_o way_n congruous_a to_o rational_a agent_n prepare_v ourselves_o for_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v at_o their_o departure_n hence_o be_v state_v in_o a_o condition_n proportion_v to_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a qualification_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o this_o hypothesis_n not_o so_o much_o because_o it_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o god_n send_v pure_a and_o innocent_a soul_n into_o body_n full_a of_o brutish_a and_o irregular_a inclination_n as_o because_o it_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n with_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o with_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o providence_n in_o conduct_v mankind_n to_o their_o future_a happiness_n not_o to_o mention_v its_o consonancy_n with_o saint_n paul_n hypothesis_n in_o his_o account_n of_o the_o civil_a and_o intestine_a war_n between_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n and_o now_o have_v lay_v my_o hypothesis_n i_o come_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o mankind_n be_v endue_v with_o such_o faculty_n by_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o may_v attain_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n 2_o that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a endearment_n and_o advantage_n in_o the_o world_n to_o push_v we_o forward_o to_o a_o diligent_a and_o vigorous_a prosecution_n thereof_o and_o if_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o if_o we_o be_v invite_v to_o pursue_v and_o endeavour_v after_o they_o by_o the_o great_a endearment_n and_o persuasion_n then_o certain_o providence_n have_v place_v we_o in_o a_o sufficient_a capacity_n of_o be_v happy_a and_o if_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v abandon_v to_o misery_n we_o must_v owe_v it_o to_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o prodigious_a folly_n 1._o first_o then_o mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o faculty_n by_o the_o use_n whereof_o he_o may_v arrive_v at_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n to_o evidence_n this_o i_o require_v no_o other_o postulatum_fw-la then_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o morality_n viz._n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n able_a to_o discern_v the_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o with_o liberty_n and_o election_n able_a to_o choose_v and_o pursue_v the_o one_o and_o eschew_v the_o other_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o postulatum_fw-la so_o just_a and_o evident_a as_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o of_o man_n himself_o for_o if_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o differ_v from_o brute_n it_o be_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o mind_n all_o our_o other_o faculty_n we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o they_o it_o be_v these_o alone_a that_o be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o without_o they_o we_o may_v be_v sheep_n or_o ox_n but_o not_o men._n separate_a haec_fw-la nos_fw-la a_fw-la grege_fw-la mutorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideo_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorumque_fw-la capaces_fw-la atque_fw-la exercendis_fw-la capiendisque_fw-la artibus_fw-la apti_fw-la sensum_fw-la à_fw-la caelesti_fw-la demissum_fw-la traximus_fw-la arce_n however_o these_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n and_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o morality_n for_o no_o action_n can_v be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_a but_o what_o we_o can_v choose_v and_o concern_v which_o we_o can_v deliberate_v because_o without_o they_o all_o our_o action_n will_v be_v either_o casual_a or_o fatal_a and_o the_o mere_a issue_n of_o chance_n or_o necessity_n and_o by_o consequence_n as_o uncapable_a of_o be_v moral_a as_o those_o motion_n that_o result_v pure_o from_o mechanical_a power_n as_o i_o have_v already_o i_o think_v demonstrate_v in_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v concern_v the_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o now_o if_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o deliberative_a and_o elective_a principle_n able_a to_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a happiness_n and_o misery_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o refuse_v the_o other_o then_o it_o be_v at_o its_o own_o choice_n and_o in_o its_o own_o power_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o happy_a for_o no_o body_n question_n but_o that_o goodness_n and_o happiness_n be_v much_o
reason_n ought_v to_o take_v the_o upper_a hand_n of_o prescription_n &_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a &_o considerate_a i.e._n those_o that_o live_v as_o become_v man_n will_v examine_v the_o nature_n &_o reasonableness_n of_o custom_n &_o not_o rely_v upon_o their_o warranty_n till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v of_o their_o goodness_n and_o adopt_v only_o those_o which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v innocent_a and_o laudable_a opinion_n be_v the_o guide_n of_o fool_n and_o to_o yield_v one_o self_n up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o custom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o the_o gross_a instance_n of_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o silly_a apology_n for_o fond_a or_o vicious_a practice_n to_o plead_v that_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n for_o no_o man_n can_v tame_o resign_v up_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o judgement_n to_o the_o power_n of_o this_o little_a monosyllable_n tyrant_n as_o erasmus_n according_a to_o the_o quibble_v wit_n of_o his_o age_n term_v mos_n unless_o he_o renounce_v his_o allegiance_n to_o his_o reason_n &_o live_v the_o life_n of_o brute_n that_o always_o follow_v one_o another_o for_o company_n and_o therefore_o if_o custom_n be_v the_o empress_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v because_o man_n delight_v in_o slavery_n and_o abandon_v their_o liberty_n to_o live_v in_o chain_n for_o if_o they_o will_v continue_v faithful_a to_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o own_o no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o reason_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o prime_n and_o fundamental_a duty_n of_o mankind_n they_o will_v scorn_v to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v oppress_v and_o impose_v upon_o by_o so_o silly_a a_o thing_n as_o custom_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v suitable_o to_o their_o rational_a nature_n the_o corrupt_a and_o vicious_a manner_n of_o the_o age_n and_o place_n they_o live_v in_o can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o their_o practice_n for_o custom_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o we_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n whereof_o we_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o judge_v as_o of_o other_o thing_n for_o we_o be_v not_o parrot_n but_o man_n bear_v with_o rational_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o impotent_o permit_v ourselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o it_o we_o act_n unworthy_a the_o faculty_n god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o so_o deserve_o forfeit_v the_o happiness_n that_o be_v due_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n here_o i_o may_v argue_v that_o if_o man_n reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o the_o torrent_n of_o their_o country_n vice_n it_o can_v be_v no_o crime_n to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o stream_n but_o i_o have_v already_o prevent_v myself_o in_o this_o in_o what_o i_o have_v argue_v concern_v the_o predominancy_n of_o our_o rational_a part_n over_o our_o low_a appetite_n for_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o power_n of_o custom_n may_v be_v it_o can_v be_v more_o forcible_a than_o natural_a inclination_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o divest_v ourselves_o of_o superinduce_v habit_n then_o to_o alter_v that_o which_o be_v radicate_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v able_a to_o correct_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n that_o flow_v from_o the_o structure_n and_o composition_n of_o our_o body_n we_o be_v much_o more_o able_a to_o reclaim_v or_o quit_v those_o vicious_a habit_n we_o have_v contract_v only_o by_o casual_a and_o accidental_a usage_n we_o esteem_v it_o indeed_o a_o mighty_a business_n for_o any_o man_n to_o discharge_v his_o mind_n from_o the_o prepossession_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n because_o it_o be_v so_o rare_o practise_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nothing_o can_v appear_v more_o easy_a and_o practicable_a in_o that_o all_o man_n be_v endue_v with_o rational_a and_o reflect_a faculty_n and_o no_o action_n cost_v less_o pain_n than_o a_o reflect_a thought_n and_o nothing_o more_o obvious_a and_o palpable_a than_o the_o different_a nature_n and_o 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