of_o their_o wisdom_n and_o since_o our_o inquiry_n be_v benight_a in_o the_o west_n let_v we_o look_v towards_o the_o east_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v likely_a the_o desire_a light_n may_v display_v itself_o and_o chase_v away_o the_o darkness_n that_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o those_o theory_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o indian_a brahmin_n the_o persian_a magi_n the_o egyptian_a gymnosophist_n the_o fewish_a rabbin_n some_o of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n and_o christian_a father_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v create_v all_o at_o first_o and_o at_o several_a time_n and_o occasion_n upon_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o better_a life_n and_o condition_n drop_v down_o into_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n this_o the_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o cabbala_n and_o preten_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o their_o great_a lawgiver_n moses_n which_o hypothesis_n if_o it_o appear_v but_o probable_a to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n will_v even_o on_o that_o account_n be_v preferrible_a to_o both_o the_o former_a which_o we_o have_v see_v to_o be_v desperate_a chap._n iv._o praeexistence_n praeexistence_n can_v be_v disprove_v scripture_n say_v nothing_o against_o it_o it_o be_v silence_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o this_o doctrine_n but_o rather_o a_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v praeexistence_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o our_o saviour_n time_n how_o probable_o it_o come_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n therefore_o let_v we_o see_v what_o title_n it_o can_v show_v for_o our_o assent_n or_o whether_o it_o can_v prove_v itself_o worthy_a of_o the_o patronage_n of_o those_o great_a author_n that_o have_v own_v it_o 1_o then_o whether_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a or_o no_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o can_v be_v prove_v false_a for_o if_o all_o soul_n be_v not_o make_v together_o it_o must_v be_v either_o because_o god_n can_v not_o do_v it_o or_o because_o he_o will_v 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and_o therefore_o it_o shall_v go_v hard_a but_o that_o those_o who_o their_o education_n or_o prejudice_n have_v engage_v against_o this_o hypothesis_n will_v light_v on_o some_o obscure_a piece_n of_o text_n and_o break_a sentence_n or_o other_o that_o shall_v seem_v to_o condemn_v what_o they_o disapprove_v of_o but_o i_o be_o secure_o confident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sentence_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n from_o end_n to_o end_n that_o ever_o be_v intend_v to_o teach_v that_o all_o soul_n be_v not_o make_v of_o old_a or_o that_o by_o a_o legitimate_a consequence_n will_v infer_v it_o and_o if_o any_o there_o be_v that_o seem_v to_o look_v another_o way_n i_o dare_v say_v they_o be_v collateral_a and_o be_v never_o design_v by_o the_o divine_a author_n for_o the_o purpose_n they_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o praeexistence_n wherefore_o not_o to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n that_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o probability_n can_v be_v pretend_v from_o 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this_o to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o incarceration_n for_o former_a delinquency_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1_o no_o one_o can_v object_v any_o thing_n to_o purpose_n against_o praeexistence_n from_o the_o unconceiveablenesse_n of_o it_o until_o he_o know_v the_o particular_a frame_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n without_o which_o all_o impugnation_n relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v be_v wide_a of_o the_o mark_n and_o but_o little_a to_o the_o business_n therefore_o if_o the_o objectour_n will_v have_v patience_n to_o wait_v till_o we_o come_v to_o that_o part_n of_o our_o undertake_n he_o will_v find_v that_o there_o be_v but_o little_a ground_n for_o such_o a_o scruple_n but_o however_o to_o prevent_v all_o cavilling_n in_o this_o place_n i_o will_v show_v the_o invalidity_n of_o this_o objection_n wherefore_o 2_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n to_o suppose_v adam_n a_o delinquent_n before_o his_o note_a transgression_n in_o a_o terrestrial_a body_n for_o consider_v that_o his_o body_n have_v vast_a advantage_n above_o we_o in_o point_n of_o beauty_n purity_n and_o serviceablenesse_n to_o the_o soul_n what_o harshness_n be_v there_o in_o conceive_v that_o god_n may_v send_v one_o of_o those_o immaculate_a spirit_n that_o he_o have_v make_v into_o such_o a_o tenement_n that_o he_o may_v be_v his_o steward_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o low_a family_n and_o a_o overseer_n and_o ruler_n of_o those_o other_o creature_n that_o he_o have_v order_v to_o have_v their_o dwell_n upon_o earth_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o more_o contrariety_n to_o any_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n in_o this_o supposition_n than_o there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o make_v god_n to_o have_v send_v a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v just_o make_v into_o such_o a_o body_n yea_o 3_o suppose_v that_o some_o soul_n fall_v when_o the_o angel_n do_v which_o the_o process_n of_o our_o discourse_n will_v show_v to_o be_v no_o 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reascend_v the_o throne_n they_o so_o unhappy_o fall_v from_o &_o be_v circle_v about_o with_o unexpressible_a felicity_n butthose_n that_o for_o all_o this_o follow_v the_o sameway_n of_o sensuality_n and_o rebellion_n against_o their_o merciful_a deliverer_n they_o shall_v besure_n tobe_v meet_v with_o by_o the_o same_o method_n of_o punishment_n and_o at_o length_n be_v as_o miserable_a as_o ever_o thus_o we_o see_v the_o air_n will_v be_v repeopled_n after_o the_o conflagration_n but_o how_o the_o earth_n will_v so_o soon_o be_v restore_v to_o inhabitant_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n to_o determine_v since_o it_o use_v to_o be_v furnish_v from_o the_o aerial_a region_n which_o now_o will_v have_v none_o leave_v that_o be_v fit_a to_o plant_v it_o for_o the_o good_a be_v deliver_v thence_o before_o the_o conflagration_n and_o those_o that_o be_v new_o come_v from_o underthe_o fiery_a lash_n and_o latter_a state_n of_o silence_n be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n of_o 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condition_n nor_o will_v they_o alone_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o other_o animal_n shall_v live_v and_o act_v upon_o this_o stage_n with_o they_o all_o sort_n of_o soul_n infinuate_v themselves_o into_o those_o body_n which_o be_v fit_a for_o their_o respective_a nature_n thus_o then_o suppose_v habitable_a congruous_a body_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o will_v be_v humane_a soul_n to_o actuate_v and_o inform_v they_o but_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v to_o conceive_v how_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v prepare_v for_o who_o shall_v be_v the_o common_a seedsman_n of_o succeed_v humanity_n when_o all_o mankind_n be_v sweep_v away_o by_o the_o fiery_a deluge_n and_o to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o a_o miracle_n be_v unphilosophical_a and_o desperate_a i_o think_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a i_o mean_v according_a to_o the_o dust_z of_o this_o hypothesis_n but_o that_o in_o this_o renew_a youth_n of_o the_o so_o late_o calcine_v and_o purify_v earth_n there_o may_v be_v some_o pure_a efflorescence_n of_o balmy_a matter_n not_o to_o be_v find_v now_o in_o its_o exhaust_a and_o decrepit_a age_n that_o may_v be_v proper_a vehicle_n of_o life_n into_o which_o soul_n may_v deseend_v without_o further_a preparation_n and_o so_o orderly_a shape_n and_o form_v they_o as_o we_o see_v to_o this_o day_n several_a sort_n of_o other_o creature_n do_v without_o the_o help_n of_o generation_n for_o doubtless_o there_o will_v be_v great_a plenty_n of_o unctuous_a spirituous_a matter_n when_o the_o most_o inward_a and_o recondite_v spirit_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v dislodge_a from_o their_o old_a close_a residence_n and_o scatter_v into_o the_o air_n where_o they_o will_v at_o length_n when_o the_o fierce_a agitation_n of_o the_o fire_n be_v over_o gather_v in_o considerable_a proportion_n of_o tenuous_a vapour_n which_o at_o length_n descend_v in_o a_o crystalline_a liquor_n and_o mingle_v with_o the_o fine_a part_n of_o the_o new_o modify_v earth_n will_v doubtless_o compose_v as_o genital_a a_o matter_n as_o any_o can_v be_v prepare_v in_o the_o body_n of_o animal_n and_o the_o calm_a and_o wholesome_a air_n which_o now_o be_v due_o purge_v from_o its_o noxious_a reek_n and_o vapour_n and_o abound_v with_o their_o saline_a spirituous_a humidity_n will_v questionless_a be_v very_o propitious_a to_o those_o tender_a inchoation_n of_o life_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v favourable_a and_o gentle_a beam_n supply_v they_o with_o all_o necessary_a material_n nor_o need_v we_o puzzle_v ourselves_o to_o fancy_n how_o those_o terrae_fw-la filii_fw-la those_o young_a son_n of_o the_o earth_n will_v be_v fortify_v against_o the_o injury_n of_o weather_n or_o be_v able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o in_o their_o first_o and_o tender_a infancy_n since_o doubtless_o if_o the_o supposition_n be_v admit_v those_o immediate_a birth_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n will_v not_o be_v so_o tender_a and_o helpless_a as_o we_o into_o who_o very_a constitution_n delicacy_n and_o effeminateness_n be_v now_o twist_a for_o those_o masculine_a production_n which_o be_v always_o expose_v to_o the_o open_a air_n and_o not_o cloister_v up_o as_o we_o will_v feel_v no_o more_o incommodity_n from_o it_o than_o the_o young_a fry_n of_o fish_n do_v from_o the_o coldness_n of_o the_o water_n they_o be_v spawn_v in_o and_o even_o now_o much_o of_o our_o tenderness_n and_o delicacy_n be_v not_o natural_a but_o contract_v for_o poor_a child_n will_v endure_v that_o hardshp_n that_o will_v quick_o dispatch_v those_o that_o have_v have_v a_o more_o careful_a and_o officious_a nurture_n and_o without_o question_n we_o shall_v do_v many_o thing_n for_o self-preservati_a on_o and_o provision_n which_o now_o we_o yield_v no_o sign_n of_o have_v not_o custom_n prevent_v the_o endeavour_n of_o nature_n and_o make_v it_o expect_v assistance_n for_o the_o indian_a infant_n will_v swim_v current_o when_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v they_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o water_n and_o nature_n put_v to_o her_o shift_n will_v do_v many_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o can_v suspect_v her_o able_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o which_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o apprehend_v but_o that_o those_o infant_n aborigines_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a temper_n and_o condition_n from_o the_o weak_a product_n of_o now_o decay_a nature_n have_v questionless_a more_o pure_a and_o serviceable_a body_n sense_n and_o other_o faculty_n more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a and_o nature_n better_o exercise_v so_o that_o they_o may_v by_o a_o like_a sense_n to_o that_o which_o carry_v all_o creature_n to_o their_o proper_a food_n pursue_v and_o take_v hold_v of_o that_o nutriment_n which_o the_o free_a and_o willing_a earth_n now_o offer_v to_o their_o mouth_n till_o be_v advantage_v by_o age_n and_o growth_n they_o can_v move_v about_o to_o make_v their_o choice_n but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o the_o frolic_a exercise_n of_o my_o pen_n choose_v a_o paradox_n and_o it_o be_v time_n to_o give_v over_o the_o pursuit_n to_o make_v a_o end_n then_o we_o see_v that_o after_o the_o conflagration_n the_o earth_n will_v be_v inhabit_v again_o and_o all_o thing_n proceed_v much_o what_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o before_o but_o whether_o the_o catastrophe_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o former_a or_o no_o i_o think_v be_v not_o to_o be_v determine_v for_o as_o one_o world_n have_v perish_v by_o water_n and_o this_o present_n shall_v by_o fire_n it_o be_v possible_a the_o next_o period_n may_v be_v by_o the_o extinction_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o line_n and_o shall_v not_o go_v beyond_o this_o present_a stage_n of_o providence_n or_o wander_v into_o a_o abyss_n of_o uncertainty_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o sun_n nor_o star_n to_o guide_v my_o notion_n now_o of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v represent_v of_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o seem_v more_o extravagant_a and_o romantic_a than_o those_o notion_n that_o come_v under_o the_o two_o last_o general_n and_o yet_o so_o it_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o main_a matter_n contain_v under_o they_o one_o will_v think_v to_o have_v a_o strange_a consonancy_n with_o some_o expression_n in_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n for_o clear_v it_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a volume_n that_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v reserve_v to_o a_o further_o and_o more_o severe_a judgement_n then_o yet_o afflict_v they_o it_o be_v as_o plain_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o vengeance_n of_o fire_n that_o abide_v they_o as_o a_o compleatment_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v burn_v be_v as_o explicit_o affirm_v as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v now_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o together_o they_o look_v like_o a_o probability_n that_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v consummate_v the_o hell_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o those_o other_o expression_n of_o death_n destruction_n perdition_n of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o the_o like_a seem_v to_o show_v a_o favourable_a regard_n to_o the_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o inactivity_n nor_o be_v there_o less_o appear_v countenance_n give_v to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o restitution_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o predict_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n and_o seem_v to_o intimate_v only_o a_o change_n of_o the_o present_a and_o yet_o i_o will_v have_v no_o body_n be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o be_v take_v with_o little_a appearance_n nor_o do_v i_o mention_v these_o with_o a_o intent_n that_o they_o shall_v with_o full_a consent_n be_v deliver_v to_o intend_v the_o assert_v any_o such_o doctrine_n but_o that_o there_o be_v show_v enough_o both_o in_o reason_n and_o scripture_n for_o these_o opinion_n to_o give_v a_o occasion_n for_o a_o hypothesis_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a arbitrary_a and_o idle_a imagination_n now_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o particular_a draught_n of_o the_o soul_n several_a condition_n of_o life_n and_o action_n the_o main_a opinion_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v this_o scheame_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o natural_a and_o imperfect_a reason_n can_v frame_v a_o intelligible_a idea_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o questionless_a the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v form_v and_o order_v it_o either_o so_o or_o with_o infinite_o more_o accuracy_n and_o exactness_n how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o therefore_o of_o old_a i_o know_v not_o but_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v have_v be_v and_o act_v before_o we_o descend_v hither_o i_o think_v be_v very_o probable_a and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o why_o praeexistence_n may_v be_v admit_v without_o alter_v any_o thing_n considerable_a of_o the_o ordinary_a systeme_n of_o theology_n but_o i_o shut_v up_o with_o that_o modest_a conclusion_n of_o the_o great_a des_fw-mi cartes_n that_o although_o these_o matter_n seem_v hardly_o otherwise_o intelligible_a then_o as_o ihave_v here_o explain_v they_o yet_o nevertheless_o remember_v i_o be_o not_o infallible_a i_o assert_v nothing_o but_o submit_v all_o i_o have_v write_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o to_o the_o matured_a judgement_n of_o grave_a and_o wise_a man_n earnesty_n desire_v that_o nothing_o else_o may_v be_v entertain_v with_o credit_n by_o any_o person_n but_o what_o be_v able_a to_o win_v it_o by_o the_o force_n of_o evident_a and_o victorious_a reason_n des_fw-mi cartes_n princ._n prilos_n lib._n 4._o ss_z cvii_o finis_fw-la
workmanship_n make_v without_o any_o creature-interposal_a and_o more_o especial_o regard_v by_o he_o but_o to_o infer_v hence_o that_o they_o 〈◊〉_d then_o produce_v when_o these_o body_n 〈◊〉_d generate_v be_v illogicall_a and_o inconsequent_a so_o that_o all_o that_o these_o scripture_n will_v serâ—_n for_o be_v only_o to_o disprove_v the_o doctrine_n 〈◊〉_d fraduction_n but_o make_v not_o a_o tittle_n for_o the_o ordinary_a hypothesis_n of_o daily_a creation_n against_o praeexistence_n chap._n iii_o 2_o traduction_n of_o soul_n be_v impossible_a the_o reason_n for_o it_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a the_o proposal_n of_o praeexistence_n thus_o than_o we_o have_v examine_v the_o first_o way_n of_o state_v the_o soul_n original_a that_o of_o continual_a creation_n and_o find_v no_o sure_a rest_a place_n for_o our_o inquiry_n here_o we_o remove_v to_o the_o second_o the_o way_n of_o traduction_n or_o seminal_a propagation_n and_o the_o adherer_n to_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v of_o 2_o sort_n viz._n either_o such_o as_o make_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o pure_a sort_n of_o matter_n or_o of_o those_o that_o confess_v it_o whole_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a he_o dispatch_v the_o former_a brief_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n of_o their_o misconceit_n of_o the_o soul_n production_n and_o show_v it_o can_v be_v matter_n be_v it_o as_o pure_a as_o can_v be_v conceive_v therefore_o ay_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v matter_n than_o whatever_o perception_n or_o apprehension_n it_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o be_v let_v in_o at_o the_o sense_n and_o thus_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n state_n it_o in_o his_o leviathan_n and_o other_o write_n but_o now_o clear_v it_o be_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v some_o conception_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v from_o external_a sense_n for_o there_o be_v some_o congenite_fw-la implicit_a principle_n in_o we_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensation_n since_o the_o image_n of_o object_n be_v very_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a in_o our_o brain_n comparative_o to_o the_o vastness_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o represent_v and_o very_o unlike_o they_o in_o multitude_n of_o other_o circumstance_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v the_o sensible_a representation_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o that_o our_o soul_n use_v a_o kind_n of_o geometry_n or_o mathematic_a inference_n in_o judge_v of_o external_a object_n by_o those_o little_a hint_n it_o find_v in_o material_a impression_n which_o art_n and_o the_o principle_n thereof_o be_v never_o receive_v from_o sense_n but_o be_v presuppose_v to_o all_o sensible_a perception_n and_o be_v the_o soul_n quite_o vold_v of_o all_o such_o implicit_a notion_n it_o will_v remain_v as_o senseless_a as_o a_o stone_n for_o ever_o beside_o we_o find_v our_o mind_n fraught_v with_o principle_n logical_a moral_a metaphysical_a which_o can_v never_o owe_v their_o original_n to_o sense_n otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o give_v we_o occasion_n of_o use_v they_o for_o sense_n teach_v no_o general_a proposition_n but_o only_o afford_v singular_n for_o induction_n which_o be_v a_o inference_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o high_a principle_n that_o own_v no_o such_o dependence_n on_o the_o sense_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o not_o derive_v from_o any_o thing_n without_o also_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o mathematical_a notion_n and_o build_v certain_a demonstration_n on_o they_o which_o abstract_n from_o sense_n and_o matter_n and_o therefore_o never_o have_v they_o from_o any_o material_a power_n but_o from_o something_o more_o sublime_a and_o excellent_a but_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o too_o large_a a_o consideration_n to_o be_v treat_v of_o here_o and_o therefore_o i_o content_v myself_o with_o those_o brief_n touch_v and_o pass_v on_o 2_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v matter_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v have_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o thing_n for_o either_o the_o whole_a image_n of_o the_o object_n must_v be_v receive_v in_o one_o point_n of_o this_o sensitive_a matter_n a_o thing_n absurd_a at_o first_o view_n that_o such_o variety_n of_o distinct_a and_o orderly_a representation_n shall_v be_v make_v at_o once_o upon_o a_o single_a atom_n or_o the_o whole_a image_n be_v impress_v upon_o every_o point_n and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o object_n as_o there_o be_v point_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o so_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v infinite_o multiply_v in_o our_o delusive_a sense_n or_o final_o every_o part_n of_o the_o soul_n must_v receive_v a_o proportionable_a part_n of_o the_o image_n and_o then_o how_o can_v those_o part_n communicate_v their_o perception_n to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o shall_v perceive_v the_o whole_a this_o argument_n be_v excellent_o manage_v by_o the_o great_a dr._n h._n more_n in_o who_o write_n this_o fond_a hypothesis_n be_v full_o triumph_v over_o and_o defeat_v since_o therefore_o the_o very_o low_a degree_n of_o perception_n single_a and_o simple_a sense_n be_v incompatible_a to_o 〈◊〉_d body_n or_o matter_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a operation_n of_o imagine_v remember_v reason_v and_o willing_a must_v have_v a_o cause_n and_o source_n that_o be_v not_o corporeal_a thus_o therefore_o those_o that_o build_v the_o soul_n traduction_n upon_o this_o ground_n of_o its_o be_v only_a body_n and_o modify_v matter_n be_v disappoint_v in_o the_o foundation_n of_o but_o 2_o another_o sort_n of_o assertor_n of_o traduction_n teach_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v spiritual_a and_o incorporeal_a and_o affirm_v that_o by_o a_o virtue_n derive_v from_o the_o first_o benediction_n it_o can_v propagate_v its_o like_a one_o soul_n emit_v another_o as_o the_o body_n do_v the_o matter_n of_o generation_n the_o manner_n of_o which_o spiritual_a production_n use_v to_o be_v illustrate_v by_o one_o candle_n light_v another_o and_o a_o man_n beget_v a_o thought_n in_o another_o mind_n without_o diminish_v of_o his_o own_o this_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a representation_n of_o this_o opinion_n that_o i_o can_v think_v on_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o near_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v appear_v most_o absurd_a &_o unphilosophical_a for_o if_o one_o soul_n produce_v another_o it_o be_v either_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o something_o preaexistent_a if_o the_o former_a it_o be_v a_o absolute_a creation_n which_o all_o philosophy_n conclude_v impossible_a for_o a_o creature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o parent_n do_v it_o not_o by_o his_o proper_a natural_a virtue_n but_o by_o a_o strength_n impart_v by_o god_n in_o the_o first_o blessing_n increase_n and_o multiply_v so_o that_o god_n be_v the_o prime_a agent_n he_o only_o the_o instrument_n i_o rejoin_v that_o then_o either_o god_n have_v thereby_o oblige_v himself_o to_o put_v forth_o a_o new_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n in_o every_o such_o occasion_n distinct_a from_o his_o influence_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n or_o else_o 2_o he_o only_o concurre_v by_o his_o providence_n as_o he_o do_v to_o our_o other_o natural_a action_n we_o have_v this_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o our_o very_a nature_n he_o that_o assert_v the_o first_o run_v upon_o all_o the_o rock_n that_o he_o will_v avoid_v in_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n of_o continual_a creation_n and_o god_n will_v be_v make_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n of_o his_o spotless_a and_o blameless_a creature_n which_o absurdity_n he_o can_v shun_v by_o say_v that_o god_n by_o interpose_v in_o such_o production_n do_v but_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o act_v which_o he_o first_o make_v while_o man_n be_v innocent_a for_o certain_o infinite_a goodness_n will_v never_o have_v tie_v up_o itself_o to_o such_o law_n of_o work_v as_o he_o foresee_v will_v present_o bring_v unavoidable_a inconvenience_n misery_n and_o ruin_n upon_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o workmanship_n and_o for_o the_o second_o way_n it_o suppose_v god_n to_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v in_o this_o action_n then_o in_o our_o eat_n and_o drink_v consequent_o here_o be_v a_o creation_n pure_o natural_a and_o â—methinks_v if_o we_o have_v so_o vast_a a_o power_n to_o â—ring_v the_o end_n of_o contradictory_n together_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o some_o deny_v to_o omnipotence_n itself_o it_o be_v much_o we_o can_v conscrve_v in_o be_v our_o creature_n 〈◊〉_d produce_v nor_o our_o own_o intimate_a self_n since_o conservation_n be_v not_o more_o than_o creation_n and_o it_o be_v much_o that_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o shall_v give_v such_o few_o speciman_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o ability_n or_o have_v a_o power_n so_o divine_a and_o excellent_a and_o no_o faculty_n to_o discern_v it_o by_o again_o 2_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v immediate_o produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v the_o agent_n who_o it_o will_v god_n or_o the_o parent_n it_o will_v be_v pure_a and_o sinless_a for_o suppose_v our_o parent_n
a_o delusion_n and_o submit_v so_o impotent_o to_o the_o first_o temptation_n he_o may_v please_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v the_o same_o suppose_v he_o just_a then_o to_o have_v be_v make_v if_o we_o grant_v he_o but_o that_o purity_n and_o those_o great_a perfection_n both_o of_o will_n and_o understanding_n which_o orthodox_n theology_n allow_v he_o yea_o again_o 4_o i_o may_v ask_v what_o inconvenience_n there_o be_v in_o suppose_v that_o adam_n himself_o be_v one_o of_o those_o delinquent_a soul_n which_o the_o divine_a pity_n and_o compassion_n have_v thus_o set_v up_o again_o that_o so_o so_o many_o of_o his_o excellent_a creature_n may_v not_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v irrecoverabiy_n but_o may_v act_v anew_o though_o upon_o a_o low_a stage_n in_o the_o universe_n a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o infinite_a foecundity_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v if_o not_o warrant_v yet_o excuse_v such_o a_o supposition_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v demand_v what_o adam_n stand_n have_v be_v to_o his_o posterity_n have_v he_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o how_o sin_n and_o misery_n be_v bring_v upon_o we_o by_o his_o fall_n according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n i_o answer_v that_o then_o among_o many_o other_o great_a privilege_n he_o have_v transsmit_v downward_o by_o way_n of_o natural_a generation_n that_o excellent_a and_o bless_a temper_n of_o body_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v like_o his_o own_o happy_a crasis_n so_o that_o our_o apprehension_n shall_v have_v be_v more_o large_a and_o free_a our_o affection_n more_o regular_a and_o governable_a and_o our_o inclination_n to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a strong_a and_o vigorous_a for_o we_o can_v but_o observe_v in_o this_o state_n how_o vast_a a_o influence_n the_o temper_n of_o our_o body_n have_v upon_o our_o mind_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a disposition_n thus_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o how_o that_o according_a to_o the_o ebb_n or_o flow_v of_o certain_a humour_n in_o our_o body_n our_o wit_n be_v either_o more_o quick_a free_a and_o sparkle_a or_o else_o more_o obtuse_a weak_a and_o sluggish_a and_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a clean_a and_o healthy_a disposition_n of_o body_n which_o make_v we_o cheerful_a and_o content_v other_o on_o the_o contrary_a â—orose_n melancholy_a and_o dogged_a and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v how_o age_n or_o sickness_n sour_v and_o crab_n our_o nature_n i_o may_v instance_n in_o almost_o all_o other_o quality_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v strange_o influencâ—_n and_o modifyed_a according_a to_o the_o body_n be_v constitution_n but_o none_o will_v deny_v so_o plain_a a_o truth_n and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v to_o insist_v further_o on_o it_o nor_o need_v i_o mention_v any_o more_o advantage_n so_o many_o and_o such_o great_a one_o be_v consequent_a upon_o this_o but_o our_o great_a protoplast_n and_o representative_a fall_v through_o his_o unhappy_a disobedience_n beside_o the_o integrity_n and_o rectitude_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o lose_v also_o that_o bless_a constitution_n of_o body_n which_o will_v have_v be_v so_o great_a a_o privilege_n to_o his_o off_o spring_n so_o that_o it_o become_v now_o corrupt_a weak_a and_o indispose_v for_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o he_o can_v transmit_v no_o better_o to_o we_o than_o himself_o be_v owner_n of_o thus_o we_o fall_v in_o he_o and_o be_v make_v miserable_a by_o his_o transgression_n we_o have_v body_n convey_v to_o we_o which_o strange_o do_v bewitch_v and_o betray_v we_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o bear_v about_o we_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o first_o apostasy_n there_o be_v other_o sad_a effect_n of_o his_o defection_n but_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o my_o present_a purpose_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o that_o the_o derivation_n of_o original_a depravity_n from_o adam_n be_v as_o clear_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o can_v be_v pretend_v in_o either_o of_o the_o other_o and_o upon_o other_o account_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o of_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a in_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v discourse_v of_o final_o therefore_o if_o the_o urger_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o genesis_n of_o either_o side_n against_o this_o hypothesis_n will_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o soul_n that_o descend_v hither_o for_o their_o prevarication_n in_o another_o state_n lie_v in_o a_o long_a condition_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n before_o they_o appear_v in_o terrestrial_a body_n each_o of_o they_o then_o may_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n thus_o state_v gain_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v by_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o avoid_v all_o those_o absurdity_n which_o he_o see_v the_o other_o run_v upon_o if_o the_o assertor_n of_o daily_a creation_n think_v it_o clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a maker_n of_o soul_n they_o will_v find_v the_o same_o make_v good_a and_o assent_v to_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o if_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o hold_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v immortal_a and_o indiscerpible_a the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n amicable_o close_v with_o they_o in_o this_o also_o and_o if_o the_o patron_n of_o traduction_n will_v have_v a_o way_n how_o sin_n and_o misery_n may_v be_v propagate_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n without_o asperse_v the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o providence_n and_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n will_v clear_v the_o business_n it_o give_v we_o so_o fair_a a_o account_n how_o we_o all_o die_v in_o adam_n without_o blot_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o on_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v one_o main_a objection_n and_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v that_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o praeexistence_n and_o now_o beside_o this_o that_o i_o have_v name_v i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o this_o doctrine_n considerable_a enough_o to_o excuse_v a_o mention_n of_o they_o however_o if_o the_o candid_a reader_n will_v pardon_v the_o impertinency_n i_o will_v present_v to_o view_v what_o i_o find_v most_o colourable_a therefore_o 2_o it_o may_v be_v some_o be_v so_o inadvertent_n as_o to_o urge_v against_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v of_o old_a that_o sacred_a writ_n say_v we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o which_o expression_n of_o divine_a scripture_n be_v questionless_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o our_o appearance_n on_o this_o stage_n of_o earth_n and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o praeexistence_n then_o that_o other_o phrase_n of_o he_o before_o 〈◊〉_d go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o be_v against_o our_o future_a existence_n in_o a_o other_o state_n after_o the_o present_a life_n be_v end_v nor_o will_v it_o prove_v more_o the_o business_n it_o be_v bring_v for_o than_o the_o expression_n of_o rachel_n weep_v for_o her_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o will_v infer_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n more_o be_v make_v 3_o of_o that_o place_n in_o ecclesiastes_n yea_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o mean_v the_o dead_a and_o live_a which_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v since_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o like_a scheme_n of_o speech_n with_o the_o former_a it_o seem_v more_o to_o favour_n then_o discountenance_v praeexistence_n for_o what_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v worse_o nor_o better_o moreover_o we_o come_v from_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o inactivity_n when_o we_o drop_v into_o these_o body_n we_o be_v before_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v and_o so_o there_o be_v better_a ground_n in_o this_o case_n for_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v then_o in_o mere_a non-appearance_n which_o yet_o scripture_n phrase_v a_o not_o be_v and_o now_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o place_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n more_o that_o can_v make_v a_o tolerable_a plea_n against_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n except_o 4_o any_o will_v draw_v a_o negative_a argument_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n conclude_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o make_v of_o old_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o of_o any_o such_o matter_n to_o which_o i_o return_v brief_o that_o the_o same_o argument_n conclude_v against_o the_o be_v of_o angel_n of_o who_o creation_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v in_o the_o first_o story_n then_o of_o this_o inferior_a rank_n
in_o a_o contrary_a belief_n when_o as_o other_o be_v as_o fatal_o set_v against_o these_o opinion_n and_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v favourable_o to_o resent_v they_o every_o soul_n bring_v a_o kind_n of_o sense_n with_o it_o into_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o taste_v and_o relish_v what_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o peculiar_a temper_n and_o notion_n will_v never_o lie_v easy_o in_o a_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v not_o fit_v to_o some_o can_v never_o apprehend_v that_o for_o other_o than_o a_o absurdity_n which_o other_o be_v so_o clear_a in_o that_o they_o almost_o take_v it_o for_o a_o first_o principle_n and_o yet_o the_o former_a have_v all_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o the_o latter_a this_o i_o have_v remarkable_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o extension_n of_o a_o spirit_n some_o that_o i_o know_v and_o those_o inquisiâ—ve_n free_a and_o ingenuous_a by_o all_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n that_o be_v can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o nor_o can_v they_o conceive_v any_o thing_n extend_v but_o as_o a_o body_n whereas_o other_o deep_a and_o impartial_a searcher_n into_o nature_n can_v apprehend_v it_o anything_o at_o all_o if_o not_o extend_v but_o think_v it_o must_v then_o be_v a_o mathematical_a point_n or_o a_o mere_a nonentity_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o other_o speculation_n which_o i_o have_v observe_v some_o to_o be_v passionate_a embracer_n of_o upon_o the_o first_o proposal_n when_o as_o no_o argument_n can_v prevail_v on_o other_o to_o think_v they_o tolerable_a but_o there_o need_v no_o proof_n of_o a_o manifest_a observation_n therefore_o before_o i_o go_v further_o i_o will_v demand_v whence_o come_v this_o mere_a notional_a or_o speculative_a variety_n be_v this_o difference_n about_o sensibles_fw-fr yea_o or_o about_o thing_n depend_v on_o the_o imagination_n the_o influence_n of_o the_o body_n may_v then_o be_v suspect_v for_o a_o cause_n but_o since_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o abstract_a theory_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o grosser_n phantasm_n since_o this_o diversity_n be_v find_v in_o mind_n that_o have_v the_o great_a care_n to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o deception_n of_o sense_n and_o entanglement_n of_o the_o body_n what_o can_v we_o conclude_v but_o that_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v the_o immediate_a subject_n of_o all_o this_o variety_n and_o that_o it_o come_v praejudice_v and_o prepossess_v into_o this_o body_n with_o some_o implicit_a notion_n that_o it_o have_v learn_v in_o another_o and_o if_o this_o congruity_n to_o some_o opinion_n and_o averseneâ—e_o to_o other_o be_v congenial_a to_o we_o and_o not_o advenient_a from_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o state_n it_o be_v i_o think_v clear_a that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o former_a for_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o first_o and_o pure_a nature_n have_v no_o idiosynerasy_n that_o be_v have_v no_o proper_a natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v not_o competent_a to_o other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o condition_n be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o fatal_o determine_v by_o their_o nature_n to_o false_a and_o erroneous_a apprehension_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o find_v this_o determination_n to_o one_o or_o other_o falsehood_n in_o many_o if_o not_o most_o in_o this_o state_n and_o since_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a it_o be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o body_n custom_n or_o education_n what_o can_v we_o conceive_v on_o it_o but_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v taint_v with_o these_o peculiar_a and_o wrong_a corruption_n before_o we_o be_v extant_a upon_o this_o stage_n of_o earth_n beside_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o our_o geniuss_n one_o man_n nature_n incline_v he_o to_o one_o kind_n of_o study_n and_o employment_n another_o to_o what_o be_v very_o different_a some_o almost_o from_o their_o very_a cradle_n will_v be_v addict_v to_o the_o make_n of_o figure_n and_o in_o little_a mechanical_a contrivance_n other_o love_v to_o be_v rhyme_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_o and_o be_v take_v up_o in_o small_a essay_n of_o poetry_n some_o will_v be_v scrawl_v picture_n and_o other_o take_v as_o great_a delight_n in_o some_o pretty_a offer_n at_o music_n and_o vocal_a harmony_n infinite_a almost_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o this_o pure_a natural_a diversity_n do_v discover_v itself_o now_o to_o say_v that_o all_o this_o variety_n proceed_v primary_o from_o the_o mere_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o unsatisfy_a account_n for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o like_a in_o the_o temperayr_a complexion_n of_o their_o body_n be_v yet_o of_o a_o vast_o differ_v genius_n yea_o they_o that_o havebeen_v make_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n cast_v in_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o have_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o natural_a bed_n the_o womb_n yea_o who_o body_n have_v be_v as_o like_v as_o their_o state_n and_o fortune_n and_o their_o education_n &_o usage_n the_o same_o yet_o even_o they_o do_v not_o unfrequent_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o those_o that_o in_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v of_o very_o different_a condition_n beside_o there_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o make_v form_n disposition_n temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o body_n that_o be_v addict_v by_o their_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o exercise_n and_o employment_n so_o that_o to_o ascribe_v this_o to_o any_o peculiarity_n in_o the_o body_n be_v i_o seem_v a_o very_a improbable_a solution_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n and_o to_o say_v all_o these_o inclination_n be_v from_o custom_n or_o education_n be_v the_o way_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v since_o all_o experience_n testify_v the_o contrary_a what_o then_o can_v we_o conjecture_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o diversity_n but_o that_o we_o have_v take_v a_o great_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o some_o thing_n like_a and_o analogous_a unto'these_n in_o a_o former_a condition_n which_o now_o again_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o when_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o our_o silent_a recess_n into_o a_o state_n of_o action_n and_o though_o the_o employment_n pleasure_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o former_a life_n be_v without_o question_n very_o different_a from_o these_o in_o the_o present_a estate_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o confamiliar_a and_o analogous_a to_o some_o of_o our_o transaction_n than_o other_o so_o that_o as_o any_o exercise_n or_o employment_n here_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o particular_a disposition_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o the_o other_o state_n with_o the_o more_o peculiar_a kindness_n be_v it_o regard_v by_o we_o and_o the_o more_o greedy_o do_v our_o inclination_n now_o fasten_v on_o it_o thus_o if_o a_o musician_n shall_v be_v interdict_v the_o use_n of_o all_o musical_a instrument_n and_o yet_o may_v have_v his_o choice_n of_o any_o other_o art_n or_o profession_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o will_v betake_v himself_o to_o limn_v or_o poetry_n these_o exercise_n require_v the_o same_o disposition_n of_o wit_n and_o genius_n as_o his_o belove_a music_n do_v and_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v by_o the_o fate_n of_o our_o wretched_a descent_n hinder_v from_o the_o direct_a exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o object_n of_o our_o former_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n do_v yet_o assoon_o as_o we_o be_v able_a take_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o correspond_v to_o that_o genius_n that_o former_o inspire_v we_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n that_o give_v evidence_n for_o praeexistence_n if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o demonstrative_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v answer_v or_o at_o least_o evade_v i_o pray_v he_o to_o consider_v how_o many_o demonstration_n he_o ever_o meet_v with_o that_o a_o good_a wit_n resolve_v in_o a_o contrary_a cause_n can_v not_o shuffle_v from_o the_o edge_n of_o or_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v allege_v be_v no_o infallible_a or_o necessary_a proof_n yet_o if_o they_o render_v my_o cause_n but_o probable_a yea_o but_o possible_a i_o have_v win_v what_o i_o contend_v for_o for_o it_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o i_o think_v can_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o way_n of_o new_a creation_n be_v most_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o bless_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o other_o of_o traduction_n be_v most_o impossible_a and_o contradictious_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o praeexstence_n if_o that_o be_v probable_a or_o but_o bare_o possible_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v it_o the_o victory_n and_o whether_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v prove_v
&_o ridiculous_a just_o like_o the_o common_a people_n who_o judge_v all_o custom_n and_o fashion_n by_o their_o own_o account_v those_o of_o other_o nation_n absurd_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v well_o for_o those_o smile_a confuter_n that_o they_o be_v not_o breed_v in_o mahumetism_n for_o then_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v have_v make_v sport_n of_o christianity_n but_o since_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v let_v they_o laugh_v at_o the_o opinion_n i_o have_v undertake_v for_o till_o they_o understand_v it_o i_o know_v who_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o wise_a man_n will_v prove_v ridiculous_a it_o be_v from_o this_o very_a principle_n that_o the_o most_o considerable_a truth_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v acquaint_v with_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n as_o reign_v in_o these_o child_n of_o self-confidence_n that_o call_v s._n paul_n a_o babbler_n and_o methinks_v till_o these_o narrow_a scule_v people_n can_v boast_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o all_o their_o opinion_n a_o unerring_a canon_n common_a modesty_n and_o civility_n shall_v teach_v they_o better_a manner_n then_o at_o first_o dash_n to_o judge_v that_o a_o ridiculous_a absurdity_n which_o the_o great_a and_o wise_a sage_n that_o enlighten_v the_o ancient_a world_n account_v so_o sound_a and_o and_o probable_a a_o conclusion_n especial_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n not_o determine_v against_o but_o rather_o countenance_v in_o scripture_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o but_o opiniative_a ignorance_n be_v very_o weak_a &_o immoral_a and_o till_o those_o slight_a and_o vulgar_a decerner_n have_v learn_v that_o first_o principle_n of_o true_a wisdom_n to_o judge_v nothing_o till_o they_o thorough_o understand_v it_o &_o have_v weigh_v it_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o impartial_a reason_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o spend_v one_o breath_n upon_o they_o courteous_a reader_n in_o the_o author_n absence_n you_o be_v desire_v to_o correct_v the_o printer_n error_n lux_fw-la orientalis_n chap._n i._n the_o opinion_n propose_v concern_v the_o original_n of_o soul_n it_o have_v always_o be_v find_v a_o matter_n of_o discourage_a difficulty_n among_o those_o that_o have_v busy_v themselves_o in_o such_o injuiry_n to_o determine_v the_o soul_n be_v original_a insomuch_o that_o after_o all_o the_o contest_v and_o dispute_v that_o have_v be_v about_o it_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a inquisitor_n have_v conclude_v it_o undeterminable_a or_o if_o they_o have_v sit_v down_o in_o either_o of_o the_o 2_o opinion_n viz._n of_o its_o immediate_a creation_n or_o traduction_n which_o of_o late_a age_n have_v be_v the_o only_a competitor_n they_o have_v be_v drive_v to_o it_o rather_o from_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v leave_v then_o draw_v by_o any_o rational_a alliciency_n in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v take_v to_o and_o indeed_o if_o we_o do_v but_o impartial_o consider_v the_o grand_a inconvenience_n which_o each_o party_n urge_v against_o the_o other_o conclusion_n it_o will_v even_o tempt_v one_o to_o think_v that_o both_o be_v right_a in_o their_o opposition_n and_o neither_o in_o their_o assertion_n and_o since_o each_o side_n so_o strong_o oppugn_v the_o other_o and_o so_o weak_o defend_v itself_o it_o be_v a_o shrewd_a suspicion_n that_o they_o be_v both_o mistake_v wherefore_o if_o there_o be_v a_o three_o that_o can_v lay_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o the_o truth_n it_o deserve_v to_o be_v hear_v to_o plead_v its_o cause_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o chargeable_a with_o the_o contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n either_o of_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o be_v admit_v now_o though_o these_o late_a age_n have_v conclude_v the_o matter_n to_o lie_v between_o immediate_a creation_n and_o seminal_a traduction_n yet_o i_o find_v that_o the_o more_o ancient_a â—imes_n have_v pitch_v upon_o praeexistence_n as_o more_o likely_a than_o either_o for_o the_o platoâ—nists_n pythagorean_n the_o chaldean_a wise_a man_n the_o jewish_a rabbin_n and_o some_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o ancient_a father_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n wherefore_o i_o think_v we_o owe_v so_o much_o at_o least_o to_o the_o mentory_n of_o those_o grave_a sage_n 〈◊〉_d to_o examine_v this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o and_o if_o neither_o of_o the_o late_a hypothesis_n can_v ease_v our_o anxious_a mind_n or_o free_v themselves_o from_o absurdity_n and_o this_o grey_a dogma_fw-la fair_o clear_v all_o doubt_n and_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o no_o such_o contradiction_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n but_o we_o may_v give_v it_o a_o favourable_a admittance_n till_o something_o else_o appear_v more_o concinnous_a and_o rational_a therefore_o let_v we_o take_v some_o account_n of_o what_o the_o 2_o first_o opinion_n allege_v one_o against_o another_o and_o how_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o their_o promoter_n and_o defendant_n now_o if_o they_o be_v find_v unable_a to_o withstand_v the_o shock_n of_o one_o another_o opposition_n we_o may_v reasonable_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o three_o to_o see_v what_o force_n it_o bring_v to_o vouch_v its_o interest_n and_o how_o it_o will_v behave_v itself_o in_o the_o encounter_n chap._n ii_o daily_a creation_n of_o soul_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o first_o of_o these_o opinion_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o trial_n be_v that_o god_n daily_o create_v humane_a soul_n which_o immediate_o be_v unite_v unto_o the_o body_n that_o generation_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o of_o this_o side_n be_v our_o late_a divine_v and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o schoolmâ—n_n but_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o authoritys_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o reason_n stand_v against_o it_o therefore_o 1_o if_o our_o soul_n come_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o we_o come_v first_o into_o these_o body_n whence_o then_o be_v those_o enormous_o brutish_a inclination_n that_o strong_a natural_a proclivity_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n that_o be_v exstant_fw-la in_o the_o child_n of_o man_n all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n bear_v his_o image_n and_o be_v perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n purity_n be_v his_o nature_n and_o what_o come_v from_o he_o proportionable_o to_o its_o capacity_n partake_v of_o his_o perfection_n every_o thing_n in_o the_o natural_a world_n bear_v the_o superscription_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o same_o fountain_n can_v send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o our_o maker_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v we_o pure_a and_o innocent_a and_o if_o we_o be_v but_o just_a then_o frame_v by_o he_o when_o we_o be_v unite_v with_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n whence_o shall_v we_o contract_v such_o degenerate_a propension_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o impuâ—ity_n be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o the_o body_n we_o be_v unire_v to_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o pure_o passive_a insensible_a matter_n shall_v transfuse_v habit_n or_o inclination_n into_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v quite_o of_o a_o other_o make_v and_o quality_n how_o can_v such_o a_o cause_n produce_v a_o effect_n so_o disproportionate_a matter_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o motion_n and_o what_o relation_n have_v that_o to_o a_o moral_a contagion_n how_o can_v a_o body_n that_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o sense_n nor_o sin_n infect_v a_o soul_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v unied_a to_o it_o with_o such_o vicious_a debauch_a disposition_n but_o other_o think_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o we_o have_v not_o these_o depravity_n in_o our_o nature_n but_o contract_v they_o by_o custom_n education_n and_o evil_a usage_n how_o then_o come_v it_o about_o that_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o same_o care_n and_o industry_n use_v upon_o they_o and_o have_v be_v nurture_v nude_o the_o same_o d_o scipline_n and_o severe_a oversight_n do_v so_o vast_o and_o even_o to_o wonder_v differ_v in_o their_o inclination_n how_o be_v it_o that_o those_o that_o be_v under_o continual_a temptation_n to_o vice_n be_v yet_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o virtue_n and_o sobriety_n and_o yet_o that_o other_o that_o have_v strong_a motive_n and_o allurement_n to_o the_o contrary_a shall_v violent_o break_v out_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o extravagance_n and_o impiety_n sure_o there_o be_v some_o what_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n than_o those_o general_a cause_n which_o may_v be_v common_a to_o both_o and_o which_o many_o time_n have_v quite_o contrary_a effect_n 2_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o god_n continual_o create_v humane_a soul_n in_o these_o body_n consist_v not_o with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o 1_o how_o stand_v it_o with_o the_o goodness_n and_o benignity_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v love_n to_o put_v pure_a and_o immaculate_a spirit_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o live_v to_o he_o and_o with_o he_o into_o such_o
it_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a apprehension_n of_o the_o majesty_n on_o high_a to_o suppose_v he_o assistant_n to_o unlawful_a and_o unclean_a coition_n by_o create_v a_o soul_n to_o animate_v the_o impure_a foetus_fw-la and_o to_o think_v it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o brutish_a lust_n to_o determine_v omnipotence_n to_o create_v a_o soul_n whensoever_o a_o couple_n of_o unclean_a adulterer_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o join_v in_o their_o bestial_a pleasure_n be_v methinks_v to_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o purity_n this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o the_o worst_a of_o servant_n by_o suppose_v he_o to_o serve_v his_o creatures_n vice_n to_o wait_v upon_o the_o vile_a action_n and_o to_o engage_v the_o same_o infinite_a power_n that_o make_v the_o world_n for_o the_o perfect_a what_o be_v begin_v by_o dissolute_a wanton_n this_o argument_n be_v use_v of_o old_a by_o pious_a and_o learned_a origen_n and_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o same_o service_n since_o by_o his_o modern_a defendant_n but_o i_o foresee_v a_o evasion_n or_o two_o that_o possible_o with_o some_o may_v stand_v for_o a_o answer_n the_o removal_n of_o which_o will_v clear_v the_o business_n it_o may_v be_v pretend_v that_o god_n attend_v to_o create_v soul_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o such_o generation_n be_v but_o a_o act_n of_o his_o justice_n for_o the_o detection_n and_o consequent_o punishment_n of_o such_o lawless_a offender_n which_o therefore_o will_v be_v no_o more_o matter_n of_o disparagement_n than_o the_o wait_a of_o a_o officer_n of_o justice_n to_o discover_v and_o apprehend_v a_o malefactor_n but_o this_o subterfuge_n can_v elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o have_v no_o place_n at_o all_o in_o most_o adultery_n yea_o great_a injustice_n and_o injury_n be_v do_v many_o time_n by_o such_o illegitimate_a birth_n the_o child_n of_o a_o stranger_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v admit_v to_o carry_v away_o the_o inheritance_n from_o the_o lawful_a offspring_n beside_o god_n use_v not_o ordinary_o to_o put_v forth_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o discover_v secret_a miscarriage_n except_o sometime_o for_o very_o remarkable_a and_o momentous_a end_n but_o leave_v hide_a iniquiâ—es_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o own_o castigation_n and_o if_o discovery_n of_o the_o fault_n be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o such_o creation_n methinks_v that_o may_v be_v do_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n that_o shall_v not_o have_v bring_v so_o much_o inconvenience_n with_o it_o or_o have_v expose_v his_o own_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a offspring_n to_o undeserved_a reproach_n and_o infamy_n but_o further_o it_o may_v be_v suggest_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o indecent_a for_o god_n to_o create_v soul_n to_o furnish_v those_o unlawful_a generation_n than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v nourish_v by_o meat_n that_o he_o have_v unlawful_o come_v by_o or_o that_o the_o cattle_n which_o he_o have_v steal_v shall_v engender_v with_o his_o own_o but_o the_o difference_n of_o these_o instance_n from_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n be_v easy_o discernible_a in_o that_o the_o nourishment_n and_o production_n speak_v of_o proceed_v in_o a_o set_v orderly_a way_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o work_v fatal_o and_o necessary_o without_o respect_n to_o moral_a circumstance_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o sinful_a creature_n to_o engage_v his_o maker_n to_o pervert_v or_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o create_v soul_n god_n be_v suppose_v to_o act_v by_o explicit_a and_o immediate_a will_n the_o suspending_a of_o which_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v far_o different_a in_o point_n of_o credit_n and_o decorum_n from_o his_o alter_v the_o settle_a law_n he_o have_v set_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o turn_v the_o world_n upside-down_a i_o may_v further_o add_v 4_o that_o it_o seem_v very_o incongruous_a and_o unhandsome_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v create_v a_o soul_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o one_o monstrous_a body_n and_o of_o such_o prodigious_a production_n there_o be_v mention_n in_o history_n that_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o sennertus_n of_o a_o monster_n bear_v at_o emmaus_n with_o two_o heart_n and_o two_o head_n the_o diversity_n of_o who_o appetite_n perception_n and_o affection_n testify_v that_o it_o have_v two_o soul_n within_o that_o bi-partite_a habitation_n now_o to_o conceive_v the_o most_o wise_a maker_n and_o contriver_n of_o all_o thing_n immediate_o to_o create_v two_o soul_n for_o a_o single_a body_n rather_o than_o suffer_v that_o super-plus_a of_o matter_n which_o constitute_v the_o monstrous_a excrescence_n to_o prove_v effete_n &_o inanimate_a be_v methinks_v a_o derogatory_n apprehension_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o suppose_v he_o to_o act_v more_o inept_o in_o the_o great_a and_o immediate_a instance_n of_o his_o power_n than_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n about_o less_o noble_a and_o accurate_a production_n or_o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o soul_n be_v send_v into_o they_o while_o the_o body_n be_v yet_o distinct_a but_o that_o after_o ward_v they_o grow_v into_o one_o this_o i_o say_v will_v not_o heal_v the_o breach_n that_o this_o hypothesis_n make_v upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o tacit_o reflect_v a_o shameful_a oversight_n upon_o omniscience_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o future_a coalescence_n of_o these_o body_n into_o one_o when_o he_o make_v soul_n for_o they_o or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o know_o to_o act_v inept_o beside_o that_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v not_o create_v till_o the_o body_n as_o to_o the_o main_a stroke_n of_o it_o at_o least_o be_v frame_v be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o assertor_n of_o daily_a creation_n so_o that_o then_o there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o this_o evasion_n and_o now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o opinion_n so_o very_o obnoxious_a and_o so_o liable_a to_o such_o grand_a inconvenience_n shall_v not_o be_v admit_v but_o upon_o most_o press_a reason_n and_o ineludable_a demonstration_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n that_o i_o ever_o hear_v of_o from_o reason_n to_o enforce_v it_o but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v bring_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o way_n of_o traduction_n which_o indeed_o be_v chargeable_a with_o as_o great_a absurdity_n as_o that_o we_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o it_o be_v true_a several_a scripture_n be_v press_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o i_o doubt_v much_o against_o their_o intent_n and_o inclination_n general_a testimony_n there_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v the_o father_n and_o creator_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v equal_o true_a whether_o we_o suppose_v it_o make_v just_a as_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o these_o body_n or_o do_v praeexi_v and_o be_v before_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a then_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o when_o first_o it_o come_v into_o these_o earthly_a body_n i_o know_v not_o a_o word_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n that_o speak_v it_o for_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n my_o father_n work_v hitherto_o and_o i_o work_v be_v by_o the_o most_o judicious_a understand_v of_o the_o work_n of_o preservation_n and_o providence_n those_o of_o creation_n be_v conclude_v within_o the_o first_o hebdomade_fw-la according_o as_o be_v express_v in_o the_o history_n that_o god_n on_o the_o seven_o day_n rest_v from_o all_o his_o work_n nor_o can_v there_o a_o instance_n be_v give_v of_o any_o thing_n create_v since_o or_o be_v there_o any_o pretend_a but_o that_o which_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o inquiry_n which_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a presumption_n that_o that_o be_v not_o so_o neither_o since_o the_o divine_a way_n of_o work_v be_v not_o pariâ—_n colour_n or_o humoursome_a but_o uniform_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o exact_a wisdom_n so_o that_o for_o we_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n after_o the_o complete_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o the_o law_n give_v to_o 〈◊〉_d thing_n for_o their_o action_n and_o continuancâ—_n to_o be_v every_o moment_n work_v in_o a_o quitâ—_n other_o way_n in_o one_o instance_n of_o being_n thaâ—_n he_o do_v in_o all_o beside_o be_v methinks_v a_o somâ—_n what_o odd_a apprehension_n especial_o wheâ—_n no_o reason_n urge_v to_o it_o and_o scripture_n silent_a for_o such_o place_n as_o this_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n the_o father_n 〈◊〉_d spirit_n the_o spirit_n return_v to_o god_n 〈◊〉_d give_v it_o the_o soul_n which_o i_o have_v madâ—_n we_o be_v his_o offspring_n who_o form_v 〈◊〉_d spirit_n of_o man_n within_o he_o and_o the_o like_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o our_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d a_o near_a relation_n to_o god_n then_o our_o body_n as_o be_v his_o immediate_a
the_o soul_n have_v to_o exert_v in_o a_o body_n will_v have_v be_v idle_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o 1_o the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o assertion_n itself_o and_o be_v it_o grant_v that_o the_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o it_o come_v hither_o be_v inconceivable_a yet_o this_o make_v no_o more_o against_o it_o than_o it_o do_v against_o its_o after-condition_n which_o these_o very_a objector_n hold_v to_o be_v so_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a modus_fw-la but_o a_o why_o be_v it_o so_o absurd_a that_o the_o soul_n shall_v have_v actuate_v another_o kind_n of_o body_n before_o it_o come_v into_o this_o even_o here_o it_o be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o a_o pure_a vehicle_n move_v and_o act_v the_o grosser_n body_n by_o it_o and_o why_o then_o may_v it_o not_o in_o its_o former_a and_o pure_a state_n of_o life_n have_v be_v join_v only_o to_o such_o a_o refine_a body_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o purity_n i_o be_o sure_a many_o if_o not_o the_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n thought_n angel_n themselves_o to_o be_v embody_v and_o therefore_o they_o repute_v not_o this_o such_o a_o gross_a absurdity_n but_o a_o occasion_n hereafter_o will_v draw_v our_o pen_n this_o way_n again_o and_o therefore_o i_o pass_v it_o to_o a_o three_o return_n to_o this_o objection_n 3_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o soul_n live_v afore-time_n without_o a_o body_n what_o great_a incongruity_n be_v there_o in_o such_o a_o supposition_n then_o that_o it_o shall_v live_v and_o act_v after_o death_n without_o any_o union_n with_o matter_n or_o any_o body_n whatsoever_o as_o the_o objector_n themselves_o conceive_v it_o do_v but_o all_o such_o objection_n as_o these_o will_v fly_v away_o as_o mist_n before_o the_o sun_n when_o we_o shall_v come_v particular_o to_o state_n the_o hypothesis_n and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v excuse_v from_o further_a trouble_v myself_o and_o the_o reader_n about_o they_o here_o especial_o since_o as_o have_v be_v intimate_v they_o prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o that_o the_o objector_n can_v conceive_v what_o manner_n of_o state_n that_o of_o praeexistence_n be_v which_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o opinion_n itself_o that_o our_o soul_n be_v extant_a before_o these_o earthly_a body_n thus_o than_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o enough_o make_v good_a that_o all_o soul_n may_v have_v be_v create_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o aught_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v know_v either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o our_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o thereby_o have_v remove_v those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o will_v have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o conclusion_n wherefore_o we_o may_v now_o without_o control_n from_o our_o proof_n of_o that_o it_o may_v be_v so_o pass_v on_o to_o inquire_v whether_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o and_o see_v whether_o it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v assert_v as_o defend_v and_o true_o consider_v that_o both_o the_o other_o way_n be_v impossible_a and_o this_o three_o not_o at_o all_o unreasonable_a it_o may_v be_v think_v needless_a to_o bring_v more_o force_n into_o the_o field_n to_o gain_v it_o the_o victory_n after_o its_o enemy_n be_v quite_o scatter_v and_o defeat_v yet_o however_o for_o the_o pomp_n and_o triumph_n of_o truth_n though_o it_o need_v not_o their_o service_n we_o shall_v add_v some_o positive_a argument_n whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o not_o only_o all_o other_o way_n be_v dangerous_a and_o unpassable_a and_o this_o irreproveable_a but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v direct_a evidence_n enough_o to_o prove_v it_o solid_a and_o rational_a and_o i_o make_v my_o first_o consideration_n of_o this_o kind_n a_o second_o argument_n chap._n vi_o a_o second_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o always_o do_v what_o be_v best_a 2_o then_o whoever_o conceive_v right_o of_o god_n apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o immense_a goodness_n who_o be_v always_o shed_v abroad_o of_o his_o own_o exuberant_a fullness_n there_o be_v no_o straightness_n in_o the_o deity_n no_o bound_n to_o the_o ocean_n of_o love_n now_o the_o divine_a goodness_n refer_v not_o to_o himself_o as_o we_o extend_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o act_v nothing_o for_o any_o self-accomplishment_n be_v essential_o and_o absolute_o complete_a and_o perfect_a but_o the_o object_n and_o term_v of_o his_o goodness_n be_v his_o creature_n good_a and_o happiness_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n he_o be_v that_o infinite_a fountain_n that_o be_v continual_o overflow_n and_o can_v no_o more_o cease_v to_o shed_v his_o influence_n upon_o his_o indigent_a dependent_n then_o the_o sun_n to_o shine_v at_o noon_n now_o as_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o deity_n oblige_v he_o always_o to_o do_v good_a so_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a since_o to_o omit_v any_o degree_n of_o good_a will_v argue_v a_o defect_n in_o goodness_n suppose_v wisdom_n to_o order_n and_o power_n to_o execute_v he_o therefore_o that_o suppose_v god_n not_o always_o to_o do_v what_o be_v best_a and_o best_a for_o his_o creature_n for_o he_o can_v act_v for_o his_o own_o good_a apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v less_o good_a than_o can_v be_v conceive_v and_o consequent_o not_o infinite_o so_o for_o what_o be_v infinite_a be_v beyond_o measure_n and_o apprehension_n therefore_o to_o direct_v this_o to_o our_o purpose_n god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o that_o to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o do_v always_o what_o be_v best_a for_o they_o methinks_v it_o roundly_o follow_v that_o our_o soul_n live_v and_o enjoy_v themselves_o of_o old_a before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n for_o since_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o live_v and_o that_o in_o a_o much_o better_a and_o happy_a state_n long_o before_o they_o descend_v into_o this_o region_n of_o death_n and_o misery_n and_o since_o that_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o self-enjoyment_n will_v have_v be_v better_o then_o absolute_a not-being_a may_v we_o not_o safe_o conclude_v from_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v so_o what_o be_v it_o that_o give_v we_o our_o be_v but_o the_o immense_a goodness_n of_o our_o maker_n and_o why_o be_v we_o draw_v out_o of_o our_o nothing_o but_o because_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o be_v than_o not_o to_o be_v why_o be_v our_o soul_n put_v into_o these_o body_n and_o not_o into_o some_o more_o squalid_a and_o ugly_a but_o because_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o and_o it_o be_v better_a for_o we_o to_o live_v in_o these_o then_o in_o those_o that_o be_v less_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v better_o for_o we_o to_o have_v enjoy_v ourselves_o and_o the_o bounty_n and_o favour_n of_o our_o maker_n of_o old_a as_o do_v the_o other_o order_n of_o intellectual_a creature_n then_o to_o have_v lie_v in_o the_o comfortless_a night_n of_o nothing_o till_o tother_o day_n have_v we_o not_o be_v better_a on_o it_o to_o have_v live_v and_o act_v in_o the_o joyful_a region_n of_o light_n and_o blessedness_n with_o those_o spirit_n that_o at_o first_o have_v be_v then_o just_a now_o to_o jump_v into_o this_o sad_a plight_n and_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o wretchedness_n infinite_a power_n can_v as_o well_o have_v make_v we_o all_o at_o once_o as_o the_o angel_n and_o with_o as_o good_a congruity_n to_o our_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v live_v and_o be_v happy_a without_o these_o body_n as_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o separation_n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o and_o as_o easy_a for_o our_o creator_n so_o to_o have_v effect_v it_o where_o be_v the_o defect_n if_o it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o this_o to_o 〈◊〉_d his_o goodness_n and_o to_o straight-lace_n the_o divine_a beneficence_n and_o do_v not_o the_o contrary_a hypothesis_n to_o what_o i_o be_o plead_v for_o represent_v the_o god_n of_o love_n as_o less_o good_a and_o bountiful_a than_o a_o charitable_a mortal_a who_o will_v neglect_v no_o opportunity_n within_o his_o reach_n of_o do_v what_o good_a he_o can_v to_o those_o that_o want_v his_o help_n and_o assistance_n i_o confess_v the_o world_n general_o have_v such_o narrow_a and_o unbecoming_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o draw_v his_o picture_n in_o their_o imagination_n so_o like_o themselves_o that_o few_o i_o doubt_v will_v feel_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o my_o own_o observation_n make_v i_o enter_v the_o same_o suspicion_n of_o its_o success_n that_o some_o other_o have_v who_o have_v use_v it_o it_o be_v only_o
infinite_a communication_n of_o goodness_n be_v better_a than_o a_o finite_a to_o this_o because_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v distress_v the_o reader_n patience_n already_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o i_o be_o for_o it_o will_v be_v say_v infinite_a goodness_n do_v good_a infinite_o and_o consequent_o the_o effect_n to_o which_o it_o do_v communicate_v be_v infinite_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v have_v communicate_v to_o more_o and_o thereby_o have_v do_v more_o good_a than_o now_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n now_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a where_o what_o it_o do_v and_o intend_v to_o do_v be_v but_o finite_a will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n since_o goodness_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o in_o god_n always_o respect_v somewhat_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la for_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o nature_n that_o can_v receive_v no_o additional_a perfection_n wherefore_o this_o objection_n make_v no_o more_o against_o my_o argument_n than_o it_o do_v against_o the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o no_o more_o concern_v in_o it_o than_o other_o yea_o 2ly_a the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a strength_n of_o my_o argument_n viz._n that_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n best_o very_o good_a say_v our_o translation_n but_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o superlative_a and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o own_v its_o sacred_a authority_n be_v interest_v against_o this_o objection_n for_o it_o urge_v it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o splendid_a glorious_a and_o magnificent_a for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v the_o universe_n commensurate_a to_o his_o own_o immensity_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n where_o ever_o he_o himself_o be_v viz._n in_o infinite_a space_n and_o duration_n then_o to_o have_v confine_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o work_v only_o in_o one_o little_a spot_n of_o a_o infinite_a 〈◊〉_d capacity_n and_o to_o begin_v to_o act_v but_o tother_o day_n thus_o than_o the_o late_a creation_n and_o finiteness_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o conflict_n with_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o with_o my_o argument_n mean_v and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n draw_v thence_o be_v of_o no_o validity_n 3_o those_o that_o have_v most_o strenuous_o defend_v the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n against_o the_o old_a opinion_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o infinity_n of_o the_o world_n have_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o the_o divine_a benignity_n oblige_v he_o not_o to_o do_v contradiction_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o they_o be_v impossible_a but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o praeexistence_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v reasonable_o pretend_v as_o above_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o escape_v by_o this_o evasion_n neither_o nor_o can_v there_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o what_o whoever_o believe_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n will_v be_v concern_v to_o answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o against_o i_o then_o against_o a_o truth_n on_o all_o hand_n confess_v let_v i_o only_o add_v this_o that_o it_o be_v more_o become_v we_o to_o enlarge_v our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v suit_v the_o divine_a beneficence_n then_o to_o draw_v it_o down_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o narrow_a scheme_n and_o narrow_a model_n thus_o than_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n draw_v from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o on_o it_o because_o i_o think_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o propose_v it_o without_o take_v to_o task_n the_o principal_a of_o those_o objection_n that_o must_v needs_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o use_v to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o while_o there_o be_v no_o provision_n make_v to_o stop_v up_o those_o evasion_n that_o i_o see_v this_o argument_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o use_v of_o it_o i_o be_v afraid_a will_v have_v be_v a_o prejudice_n rather_o than_o a_o furtherance_n of_o the_o cause_n i_o engage_v it_o in_o and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v the_o ingenious_a will_v pardon_v this_o so_o necessary_a piece_n of_o tediousness_n chap._n x._o a_o three_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n from_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o man_n speculative_a inclination_n and_o also_o the_o diversity_n of_o our_o genius_n copious_o urge_v if_o these_o argument_n make_v praeexistence_n but_o probable_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o gain_v it_o the_o victory_n but_o now_o i_o proceed_v to_o another_o argument_n therefore_o three_o if_o we_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o what_o be_v say_v above_o against_o the_o soul_n daily_a creation_n from_o that_o enormous_a pravity_n which_o be_v so_o deep_o root_v in_o some_o man_n nature_n we_o may_v thence_o have_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n of_o praeexistence_n for_o as_o this_o strong_a natural_a propensity_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n can_v possible_o consist_v with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o soul_n come_v just_a out_o of_o god_n hand_n pure_a and_o immaculate_a so_o do_v it_o most_o apt_o suit_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o its_o praeexistence_n which_o give_v a_o most_o clear_a and_o apposite_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n for_o let_v we_o but_o conceive_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o have_v grow_v degenerate_a in_o a_o former_a condition_n of_o life_n to_o have_v contract_v strong_a and_o inveterate_a habit_n to_o vice_n and_o jewdnesse_n and_o that_o in_o various_a manner_n and_o degree_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o apprehend_v when_o some_o man_n nature_n have_v so_o incredible_o a_o deprave_a tincture_n and_o such_o impetuous_a ungovernable_a irreclaimiable_a inclination_n to_o what_o be_v vicious_a while_o other_o have_v nothing_o near_o such_o wretched_a propension_n but_o by_o good_a education_n and_o good_a discipline_n be_v mouldable_a to_o virtue_n this_o show_v a_o clear_a way_n to_o unriddle_v this_o amaze_a mystery_n without_o blemish_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o do_v the_o least_o violence_n to_o our_o faculty_n nor_o be_v it_o more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o soul_n shall_v awaken_v out_o of_o the_o state_n of_o inactivity_n we_o speak_v of_o with_o those_o radical_a inclination_n that_o by_o long_a practice_n it_o have_v contract_v then_o how_o a_o swallow_n shall_v return_v to_o her_o old_a trade_n of_o live_v after_o her_o winter_n sleep_n and_o silence_n for_o those_o custom_n it_o have_v be_v addict_v to_o in_o the_o other_o state_n be_v now_o so_o deep_o fasten_v and_o root_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o they_o be_v become_v even_o another_o nature_n now_o then_o if_o praeexistence_n be_v not_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o it_o shall_v so_o exact_o answer_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o our_o nature_n when_o as_o no_o other_o hypothesis_n do_v any_o whit_n tolerable_o suit_v they_o and_o if_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o false_a which_o be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o all_o appearance_n when_o we_o know_v nothing_o else_o that_o can_v yield_v any_o probable_a account_n of_o they_o and_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o repugnant_a to_o any_o inducement_n of_o belief_n we_o then_o strange_o forget_v ourselves_o when_o we_o determine_v any_o thing_n we_o can_v never_o for_o instance_n conclude_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o answer_n of_o her_o approach_n and_o recess_n to_o its_o ebb_n and_o swell_n nor_o at_o this_o rate_n can_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v determine_v in_o nature_n but_o yet_o beside_o 2_o we_o may_v another_o way_n enforce_v this_o argument_n from_o the_o strange_a difference_n and_o diversity_n that_o there_o be_v in_o man_n wit_n and_o intellectual_a craseis_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o disposition_n of_o their_o will_n and_o appetite_n even_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v as_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o body_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v in_o thing_n pure_o speculative_a and_o intellectual_a even_o where_o neither_o education_n or_o custom_n have_v interpose_v to_o sophisticate_a the_o natural_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o some_o man_n be_v strange_o propense_a to_o some_o opinion_n which_o they_o greedy_o drink_v in_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v due_o represent_v yea_o and_o find_v themselves_o burden_a and_o oppress_v while_o their_o education_n have_v keep_v they_o
elias_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n both_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v before_o do_v clear_o enough_o argue_v that_o both_o the_o disciple_n and_o the_o jew_n believe_v praeexistence_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v not_o a_o word_n to_o disprove_v their_o opinion_n but_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o above_o now_o how_o ever_o uncouth_a these_o allegation_n may_v seem_v to_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v these_o scripture_n thus_o interpret_v yet_o i_o be_o confident_a have_v the_o opinion_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v a_o receive_a doctrine_n and_o have_v these_o text_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o proof_n on_o it_o they_o will_v then_o have_v be_v think_v to_o assert_v it_o with_o clear_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n but_o many_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o those_o that_o have_v seldom_o meet_v it_o mention_v but_o as_o a_o silly_a dream_n oâ—_n antiquate_a absurdity_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n so_o that_o any_o attempt_n to_o confirm_v it_o thence_o must_v needs_o seem_v rather_o a_o offer_n of_o wit_n then_o serious_a judgement_n and_o the_o place_n that_o be_v cite_v to_o that_o purpose_n have_v be_v freequent_o read_v and_o hear_v of_o by_o those_o that_o never_o discern_v they_o to_o breathe_v the_o least_o air_n of_o any_o such_o matter_n as_o praexistence_n their_o new_a and_o unexpected_a application_n to_o a_o thing_n so_o little_a thought_n of_o must_v needs_o seem_v a_o wild_a fetch_n of_o a_o extravagant_a imagination_n but_o however_o unconclusive_a the_o text_n allege_v may_v seem_v to_o those_o a_o strong_a prejudice_n have_v shut_v up_o against_o the_o hypothesis_n the_o learned_a jew_n who_o where_o persuade_v of_o this_o doctrine_n think_v it_o clear_o enough_o contain_v in_o the_o old_a volume_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o take_v the_o citation_n name_v above_o for_o current_a evidence_n and_o though_o i_o can_v warrant_v for_o their_o judgement_n in_o thing_n yet_o doubtless_o they_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o their_o own_o language_n nor_o will_v our_o school-doctor_n have_v think_v it_o so_o much_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o new_a have_v it_o have_v the_o luck_n to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o their_o opinion_n or_o do_v they_o not_o too_o frequent_o apply_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n to_o their_o own_o fore-conceived_n notion_n but_o whether_o what_o i_o have_v bring_v from_o scripture_n prove_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o it_o be_v not_o very_o material_a since_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeexistence_n stand_v secure_a enough_o upon_o those_o pillar_n of_o reason_n which_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o right_a reason_n of_o a_o man_n be_v one_o of_o the_o divine_a volume_n in_o which_o be_v write_v the_o indelible_a idea_n of_o eternal_a truth_n so_o that_o what_o it_o dictate_v be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o in_o so_o many_o word_n it_o be_v clear_o express_v in_o the_o write_a revelation_n it_o be_v enough_o therefore_o for_o my_o purpose_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n contrary_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o think_v be_v make_v clear_a enough_o already_o and_o though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o silent_a as_o to_o any_o assertion_n of_o praeexistence_n yet_o we_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o its_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o be_v no_o prejudice_n but_o a_o advantage_n to_o the_o cause_n chap._n xii_o why_o the_o author_n think_v himself_o oblige_v to_o descend_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o praeexistence_n it_o be_v presumption_n positive_o to_o determine_v how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o of_o old_a the_o author_n design_n in_o the_o hypothesis_n that_o follow_v now_o because_o inability_n to_o apprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n on_o it_o i_o find_v myself_o oblige_v to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o than_o the_o bare_a proof_n and_o defence_n of_o praeexistence_n for_o though_o what_o i_o have_v say_v may_v possible_o induce_v some_o to_o think_v favourable_o of_o our_o conclusion_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v make_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n yet_o whil_n they_o shall_v think_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o that_o former_a state_n and_o that_o our_o preaexistent_a condition_n can_v be_v represent_v to_o humane_a understanding_n but_o as_o a_o dark_a black_a solitude_n it_o must_v needs_o weaken_v the_o persuasion_n of_o those_o that_o be_v less_o confirm_v and_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o inquisitive_a with_o a_o dubious_a trouble_n and_o anxiety_n for_o search_v and_o contemplative_a head_n can_v be_v satisfy_v to_o be_v tell_v that_o our_o soul_n have_v live_v and_o act_v in_o a_o former_a condition_n except_o they_o can_v be_v help_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a apprehension_n of_o that_o stare_n how_o we_o live_v and_o act_v of_o old_a and_o how_o probable_o we_o fall_v from_o that_o better_a life_n into_o this_o region_n of_o misery_n and_o imperfection_n now_o though_o indeed_o my_o charity_n will_v prompt_v i_o to_o do_v what_o i_o can_v for_o the_o relief_n and_o ease_n of_o avy_z modest_a inquirer_n yet_o shall_v i_o not_o attempt_v to_o satisfy_v punctual_a and_o eager_a curiosity_n in_o thing_n hide_v and_o unsearchable_a much_o less_o shall_v i_o positive_o determine_v any_o thing_n in_o matter_n so_o lubricous_a and_o uncertain_a and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o imperfect_a our_o now_o state_n be_v how_o miserable_a shallow_a our_o understanding_n be_v and_o how_o little_a we_o know_v of_o our_o present_a self_n and_o the_o thing_n about_o we_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o desperate_a undertake_n to_o attempt_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n yea_o when_o we_o contemplate_v the_o vast_a circuit_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o think_v how_o much_o the_o thought_n and_o action_n of_o eternity_n and_o omniscience_n be_v beyond_o we_o who_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o it_o must_v needs_o discourage_v confidence_n itself_o from_o determine_v how_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n of_o life_n be_v order_v in_o the_o day_n the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v frame_v there_o be_v doubtless_o infinite_a way_n and_o method_n according_a to_o which_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o our_o maker_n can_v have_v dispose_v of_o we_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conceit_n of_o and_o we_o be_v little_o more_o capable_a of_o uner_o resolve_v ourselves_o now_o how_o it_o be_v with_o we_o of_o old_a than_o a_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n be_v to_o determine_v what_o kind_n of_o life_n it_o shall_v live_v when_o it_o be_v set_v at_o liberty_n from_o that_o dark_a enclosure_n therefore_o let_v shame_n and_o blush_a cover_n his_o face_n that_o shall_v confident_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o with_o we_o in_o the_o state_n of_o our_o fore-being_n however_o to_o show_v that_o it_o may_v have_v be_v that_o our_o soul_n do_v praeexi_v though_o we_o can_v punctual_o and_o certain_o conclude_v upon_o the_o particular_a state_n i_o shall_v presume_v to_o draw_v up_o a_o conceivable_a scheame_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n and_o if_o our_o narrow_a mind_n can_v think_v of_o a_o way_n how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v i_o hope_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v have_v contrive_v it_o so_o or_o infinite_o better_a than_o we_o can_v imagine_v in_o our_o little_a model_n and_o now_o i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o think_v that_o i_o go_v about_o to_o insinuate_v or_o represent_v any_o opinion_n of_o my_o own_o or_o that_o i_o be_o a_o votary_n to_o all_o the_o notion_n i_o make_v use_n of_o whether_o of_o the_o ancient_n or_o more_o modern_a philosopher_n for_o i_o serious_o profess_v against_o all_o determination_n in_o this_o kind_n but_o my_o business_n only_o be_v by_o some_o imperfect_a hint_n and_o guess_n to_o help_v to_o apprehend_v a_o little_a how_o the_o state_n of_o praeexistence_n may_v have_v be_v and_o so_o to_o let_v in_o some_o beam_n of_o ancient_a and_o modern_a light_n upon_o this_o immense_a darkness_n therefore_o let_v the_o reader_n if_o he_o please_v call_v it_o a_o romantic_a scheam_n or_o imaginary_a hypothesis_n or_o what_o name_n else_o best_o fit_v his_o fancy_n and_o he_o will_v not_o offend_v i_o nor_o do_v i_o hold_v myself_o concern_v at_o all_o to_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n here_o that_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o my_o own_o invention_n or_o composure_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v beg_v civilitye_n at_o least_o for_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v borrow_v from_o great_a and_o worthy_a sage_n and_o indeed_o the_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o main_a be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o the_o