Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n divine_a reason_n revelation_n 2,263 5 9.2351 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A44287 The primitive origination of mankind, considered and examined according to the light of nature written by the Honourable Sir Matthew Hale, Knight ... Hale, Matthew, Sir, 1609-1676. 1677 (1677) Wing H258; ESTC R17451 427,614 449

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v to_o but_o the_o propriety_n that_o any_o man_n can_v have_v in_o what_o he_o make_v be_v still_o limit_v and_o qualify_v first_o because_o he_o be_v not_o himself_o his_o own_o he_o owe_v his_o be_v to_o god_n and_o therefore_o without_o the_o help_n of_o divine_a indulgence_n his_o acquest_n be_v like_o the_o acquest_n of_o a_o servant_n acquirit_fw-la domino_fw-la and_o beside_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o his_o own_o whatsoever_o he_o make_v he_o make_v out_o of_o that_o matter_n that_o be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o the_o propriety_n that_o almighty_a god_n acquire_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a because_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a efficient_a none_o be_v above_o he_o and_o because_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o he_o effect_v man_n and_o all_o corporeal_a existence_n be_v perfect_o his_o own_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o his_o own_o make_n 2._o a_o right_a of_o absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n where_o the_o property_n be_v circumscribe_v limit_v or_o qualify_v the_o dominion_n be_v so_o too_o but_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_a property_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_a dominion_n in_o the_o proprietor_n 3._o a_o infinite_a irresistible_a power_n to_o exert_v the_o right_n of_o his_o dominion_n according_a to_o his_o will_n the_o two_o former_a consideration_n give_v he_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o his_o creature_n a_o right_a jus_o disponendi_fw-la but_o authority_n or_o right_n be_v divide_v from_o power_n to_o execute_v that_o authority_n and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o it_o be_v lame_a but_o the_o glorious_a god_n have_v not_o only_o a_o absolute_a right_n of_o propriety_n and_o dominion_n over_o his_o creature_n but_o a_o infinite_a irresistible_a power_n to_o rule_v order_n and_o dispose_v it_o according_a to_o his_o will_n almighty_a god_n tell_v we_o jerem._n 18._o that_o as_o the_o clay_n be_v in_o the_o potter_n hand_n so_o be_v mankind_n in_o his_o hand_n yea_o and_o in_o a_o far_o great_a subordination_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o power_n the_o power_n of_o the_o potter_n over_o his_o clay_n be_v a_o finite_a limit_a power_n we_o see_v in_o the_o same_o place_n it_o resist_v and_o disappoint_v his_o intention_n by_o its_o untractableness_n but_o the_o power_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n be_v a_o infinite_a power_n he_o that_o by_o his_o power_n make_v he_o in_o a_o instant_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n dissolve_v or_o annihilate_v he_o and_o yet_o this_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n be_v under_o the_o management_n of_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a and_o pure_a and_o gracious_a will_n and_o therefore_o though_o his_o propriety_n be_v absolute_a his_o dominion_n boundless_a his_o power_n infinite_a yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o power_n be_v full_a of_o goodness_n suitable_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a nature_n of_o god_n i_o be_o god_n and_o not_o man_n therefore_o you_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v here_o therefore_o we_o have_v that_o great_a question_n among_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n satisfactory_o answer_v namely_o what_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o obligation_n in_o mankind_n whence_o come_v the_o obligation_n in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n what_o be_v it_o that_o bind_v man_n to_o keep_v their_o faith_n their_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o command_n of_o he_o that_o have_v sovereign_a authority_n to_o command_v and_o infinite_a power_n to_o exact_a obedience_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o want_n of_o it_o all_o other_o foundation_n of_o obligation_n be_v but_o weak_a and_o deficient_a without_o this_o or_o in_o comparison_n to_o it_o 10._o in_o this_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a state_n of_o man_n and_o his_o defection_n we_o have_v the_o solution_n of_o that_o great_a quaesitum_fw-la that_o trouble_a the_o ancient_a philosopher_n especial_o the_o stoic_n namely_o whence_o or_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o not_o only_o that_o great_a disorder_n happen_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n especial_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o mankind_n some_o will_v have_v it_o from_o matter_n some_o from_o one_o thing_n some_o from_o another_o we_o see_v here_o a_o plain_a solution_n of_o the_o quaere_fw-la that_o it_o come_v not_o from_o god_n no_o nor_o from_o matter_n but_o by_o the_o defection_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o first_o man_n which_o bring_v death_n into_o the_o world_n and_o sin_n and_o corruption_n and_o depravation_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o bring_v disorder_n and_o discomposure_n upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o low_a world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v principal_o make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n so_o it_o suffer_v a_o great_a concussion_n and_o breach_n by_o the_o disobedience_n and_o apostasy_n of_o man_n and_o from_o this_o unhappy_a root_n arise_v all_o the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o humane_a world_n for_o although_o the_o fall_v of_o man_n do_v neither_o alter_v the_o essential_a constituent_n of_o mankind_n nor_o whole_o raze_v out_o the_o engraving_n of_o those_o common_a notion_n sentiment_n and_o rational_a instinct_n that_o be_v in_o they_o yet_o it_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n impair_v and_o weaken_v they_o and_o bring_v in_o a_o very_a great_a deordination_n and_o discomposure_n set_v up_o the_o low_a faculty_n in_o rebellion_n against_o the_o superior_a so_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o morate_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o law_n and_o punishment_n to_o keep_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o some_o tolerable_a order_n 11._o this_o reasonableness_n congruity_n and_o consonancy_n to_o common_a light_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n and_o the_o great_a preference_n that_o it_o have_v above_o those_o invention_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n touch_v the_o same_o the_o admirable_a solution_n of_o many_o of_o those_o difficulty_n which_o be_v hereby_o solve_v do_v give_v a_o very_a great_a valuation_n and_o esteem_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a their_o authority_n be_v above_o the_o contribution_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o any_o supply_v it_o can_v bring_v either_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o authority_n but_o yet_o when_o a_o man_n shall_v see_v so_o great_a a_o clearness_n and_o plainness_n and_o reasonableness_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v this_o great_a truth_n so_o many_o difficulty_n and_o absurdity_n thereby_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o suffrage_n and_o attestation_n of_o reason_n and_o common_a evidence_n bear_v witness_n to_o this_o truth_n and_o to_o such_o a_o truth_n as_o can_v never_o be_v at_o first_o particular_o discover_v without_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o be_v discover_v carry_v in_o it_o nothing_o of_o absurdity_n but_o a_o singular_a congruity_n both_o to_o itself_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o common_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a a_o great_a though_o a_o ministerial_a and_o humane_a suffrage_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n strengthen_v our_o faith_n which_o god_n know_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o all_o the_o contribution_n that_o may_v be_v to_o bear_v up_o our_o soul_n against_o that_o root_n of_o infidelity_n that_o be_v in_o we_o and_o may_v be_v instrumental_a and_o preparative_n to_o bring_v those_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o be_v without_o and_o hardly_o perswadible_a but_o by_o those_o media_fw-la that_o bear_v a_o congruity_n to_o their_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 12._o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v infinite_a reason_n to_o bless_v and_o magnify_v the_o gracious_a god_n that_o have_v lend_v we_o his_o holy_a scripture_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v do_v and_o to_o contain_v and_o preserve_v we_o infra_fw-la cancellos_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la the_o lord_n know_v and_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o daily_o observe_v in_o ourselves_o a_o strange_a mobility_n and_o instability_n in_o our_o imaginative_a and_o intellective_a faculty_n rove_a after_o every_o thing_n and_o in_o many_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v and_o much_o more_o in_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o frame_v strange_a chimaera_n find_v out_o many_o invention_n be_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o the_o departure_n of_o mankind_n from_o a_o reveal_v truth_n and_o search_v after_o unknown_a and_o forbid_a knowledge_n and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o course_n and_o walk_v and_o disease_n of_o our_o restless_a movable_a unstable_a mercurial_a brain_n ever_o since_o in_o matter_n of_o philosophy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o merciful_a and_o wise_a god_n therefore_o to_o keep_v in_o and_o regulate_v the_o extravagant_a and_o witless_a spirit_n of_o man_n and_o to_o give_v we_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n necessary_a and_o useful_a and_o to_o prescribe_v and_o
the_o evidence_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n their_o very_a multiplicity_n and_o consent_n make_v the_o evidence_n the_o strong_a as_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o many_o witness_n or_o many_o circumstance_n even_o by_o their_o multiplicity_n and_o concurrence_n make_v a_o evidence_n more_fw-mi concludent_fw-la now_o these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n i_o shall_v cast_v into_o these_o rank_n 1._o we_o have_v no_o authentical_a history_n of_o former_a age_n extant_a but_o what_o have_v be_v write_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o four_o thousand_o year_n 2._o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o those_o history_n give_v we_o no_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o great_a monarchy_n kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n but_o what_o appear_v thereby_o to_o have_v begin_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o about_o five_o thousand_o year_n 3._o the_o original_a invention_n and_o inventor_n of_o most_o considerable_a art_n have_v their_o origination_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o monument_n of_o ancient_a time_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o about_o six_o thousand_o year_n 4._o the_o original_a of_o the_o apotheosis_n of_o most_o of_o the_o heathen_a fictitious_a deity_n appear_v by_o the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o former_a time_n to_o have_v have_v their_o beginning_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o thousand_o year_n 5._o the_o most_o authentic_a history_n and_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o father_n or_o capita_n familiarum_fw-la and_o of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o know_a part_n continent_n and_o island_n of_o the_o world_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o five_o thousand_o year_n 6._o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n do_v daily_o increase_v and_o their_o increment_n surmount_v daily_o their_o decrease_n which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o the_o world_n of_o mankind_n have_v their_o original_n within_o some_o proportionate_a time_n and_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o such_o a_o vast_a excess_n of_o duration_n which_o some_o will_v assign_v much_o less_o with_o a_o eternal_a duration_n or_o such_o as_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n 7._o there_o have_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o all_o people_n be_v a_o constant_a tradition_n retain_v and_o believe_v touch_v the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n ex_fw-la non_fw-la genitis_fw-la vel_fw-la per_fw-la generationem_fw-la propagatis_fw-la these_o be_v the_o head_n of_o those_o evidence_n of_o fact_n which_o i_o shall_v use_v in_o this_o argument_n touch_v the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n whereunto_o possible_o other_o occasional_a topic_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v and_o touch_v these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n this_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o this_o argument_n upon_o those_o evidence_n of_o fact_n because_o they_o have_v or_o may_v have_v their_o several_a allay_v and_o fallibility_n which_o i_o shall_v impartial_o subjoin_v to_o every_o particular_a topick_n but_o i_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v before_o say_v which_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v little_o less_o than_o demonstrative_a draw_v from_o the_o intrinsic_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o that_o absurdity_n which_o will_v arise_v upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o incompossibility_n of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n à_fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la to_o successive_a nature_n 2._o that_o although_o single_o and_o apart_o these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o so_o conclusive_a but_o have_v their_o allay_v and_o exception_n yet_o they_o have_v these_o advantage_n that_o advance_v their_o evidence_n as_o very_o credible_a 1._o in_o that_o the_o supposition_n which_o they_o be_v produce_v to_o prove_v be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o probability_n of_o reason_n or_o instance_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n which_o be_v contend_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o 3._o they_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o weight_n and_o evidence_n in_o that_o they_o do_v suffragate_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n namely_o the_o inception_n of_o mankind_n which_o hold_v so_o great_a a_o congruity_n with_o the_o intrinsic_a reason_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o namely_o the_o eternity_n of_o mankind_n be_v apparent_o contradictory_n to_o a_o strict_a and_o true_a reason_n 3._o that_o although_o these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n take_v single_o and_o apart_o possible_o may_v not_o be_v so_o weighty_a yet_o the_o very_a concurrence_n and_o coincidence_n of_o so_o many_o evidence_n that_o contribute_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o thing_n design_v carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a weight_n even_o as_o to_o the_o point_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o that_o supposition_n shall_v be_v false_a which_o have_v so_o many_o concurrent_a testimony_n bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o although_o i_o shall_v impartial_o subjoin_v those_o allay_v and_o abatement_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o several_a instance_n whereby_o if_o single_a they_o may_v seem_v of_o less_o weight_n and_o moment_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o thereby_o take_v off_o that_o evidence_n which_o in_o consort_n and_o conjunction_n they_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o supposition_n intend_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o 4._o that_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v touch_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o evidence_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o topical_a and_o probable_a and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v allay_v and_o abatement_n that_o may_v take_v away_o a_o necessary_a or_o infallible_a concludency_n in_o these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o be_v probable_a and_o inductive_a of_o credibility_n though_o not_o of_o science_n or_o infallibility_n aristotle_n as_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o politic_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o truth_n have_v not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n neither_o indeed_o can_v have_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v such_o a_o evidence_n as_o the_o thing_n can_v possible_o bear_v though_o it_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n 5._o that_o among_o these_o evidence_n of_o fact_n though_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o supposition_n yet_o the_o three_o last_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v of_o great_a weight_n and_o less_o subject_a to_o exception_n 6._o that_o in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o this_o argument_n i_o design_v only_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o reasonable_a evidence_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v my_o supposition_n evident_a to_o reasonable_a man_n as_o such_o i_o do_v not_o therefore_o make_v use_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o irrefragable_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o they_o that_o subscribe_v to_o the_o infallibility_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o need_v none_o of_o this_o method_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o i_o use_v to_o prove_v this_o supposition_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o plain_o and_o distinct_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o where_o i_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o use_v it_o but_o as_o a_o moral_a evidence_n a_o history_n high_o credible_a and_o i_o demand_v of_o my_o reader_n this_o equal_a justice_n that_o he_o will_v at_o least_o give_v it_o that_o credit_n that_o the_o antiquity_n congruity_n and_o moral_a evidence_n of_o it_o deserve_v which_o certain_o will_v be_v much_o more_o than_o what_o the_o most_o do_v ordinary_o allow_v to_o the_o history_n of_o thucydides_n herodotus_n livy_n tacitus_n manethon_n xenophon_n ctesias_n or_o berosus_n 7._o though_o in_o this_o large_a discourse_n i_o may_v seem_v to_o lose_v time_n by_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o question_v by_o sober_a man_n that_o in_o a_o laborious_a discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o do_v rather_o raise_v a_o question_n that_o will_v be_v at_o quiet_a if_o let_v alone_o at_o least_o i_o lose_v time_n and_o magno_fw-la conatu_fw-la nihil_fw-la efficiam_fw-la yet_o i_o hope_v in_o the_o conclusion_n it_o will_v be_v of_o use_n to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n to_o magnify_v the_o value_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o give_v some_o stop_n to_o those_o atheistical_a and_o epicurean_a opinion_n that_o begin_v more_o than_o former_o to_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n cap._n ii_o concern_v the_o first_o evidence_n the_o antiquity_n of_o history_n and_o the_o chronological_a account_n of_o time_n but_o before_o i_o begin_v i_o shall_v prefix_v a_o short_a chronological_a scheme_n of_o time_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n oftentimes_o to_o refer_v wherein_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v over-sollicitous_a for_o great_a curiosity_n or_o exactness_n for_o although_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o one_o chronological_a writer_n that_o differ_v not_o from_o another_o in_o
as_o i_o remember_v that_o in_o rome_n itself_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o latin_a language_n be_v so_o alter_v that_o the_o priest_n can_v not_o ready_o understand_v the_o hymn_n compose_v for_o their_o idol-service_n by_o the_o ancient_a priest_n of_o rome_n 4._o as_o succession_n of_o age_n so_o variety_n of_o place_n in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o nation_n give_v such_o variety_n of_o dialect_n in_o the_o same_o language_n that_o one_o side_n of_o a_o kingdom_n scarce_o understand_v the_o other_o witness_v the_o four_o dialect_n of_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o several_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o french_a in_o several_a part_n of_o france_n and_o the_o various_a dialect_n of_o the_o english_a in_o the_o north_n and_o west_n that_o render_v their_o expression_n many_o time_n unintelligible_a to_o the_o other_o and_o both_o scarce_o intelligible_a to_o the_o midland_n various_a province_n of_o the_o same_o kingdom_n and_o that_o at_o first_o use_v the_o same_o language_n in_o process_n of_o time_n use_v various_a manner_n of_o pronunciation_n which_o in_o time_n also_o alter_v the_o structure_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o be_v speak_v or_o write_v which_o in_o far_a process_n of_o time_n alter_v the_o language_n into_o several_a dialect_n as_o it_o do_v in_o greece_n and_o other_o place_n 5._o every_o nation_n have_v a_o certain_a humour_n or_o disposition_n appropriate_a to_o it_o which_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a necessity_n frame_v the_o very_a air_n of_o word_n speech_n and_o accent_n accommodate_v and_o similar_v to_o that_o natural_a humour_n or_o inclination_n graiis_fw-la dedit_fw-la ore_fw-la rotundo_fw-la musa_fw-la loqui_fw-la in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o spaniard_n italian_n french_a dutch_a welsh_a english_z we_o may_v find_v a_o kind_n of_o image_n of_o their_o complexion_n and_o temper_n suit_v and_o frame_v their_o speech_n accent_n tone_n pronunciation_n vowel_n conform_v thereunto_o no_o less_o than_o in_o their_o gate_n and_o gesture_n and_o this_o very_a account_n will_v in_o a_o little_a time_n diversify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o language_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o several_a nation_n so_o that_o in_o a_o little_a space_n they_o will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o 6._o commerce_n and_o trade_n with_o foreign_a nation_n give_v great_a alteration_n in_o language_n each_o country_n borrow_v some_o word_n accent_n or_o expression_n from_o the_o other_o whereby_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o be_v quite_o alter_v and_o become_v a_o mix_v confuse_a language_n make_v up_o of_o the_o ingredient_n of_o several_a language_n 7._o as_o in_o clothes_n so_o in_o word_n phrase_n and_o expression_n there_o common_o grow_v new_a fashion_n whereby_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o word_n and_o phrase_n that_o be_v not_o use_v or_o scarce_o understand_v in_o former_a age_n become_v in_o fashion_n reputation_n and_o vogue_n in_o another_o age_n and_o this_o obtain_v sometim_n from_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n wherein_o a_o word_n a_o little_a in_o request_n soon_o grow_v in_o fashion_n with_o the_o gentry_n and_o from_o they_o at_o the_o three_o hand_n pass_v over_o to_o the_o tradesman_n or_o countryman_n 8._o many_o time_n the_o literati_fw-la and_o scholar_n coin_n new_a word_n and_o sometime_o in_o common_a speech_n or_o write_v in_o their_o native_a language_n give_v termination_n and_o idiotism_n suitable_a to_o their_o native_a language_n unto_o word_n new_o invent_v or_o translate_v out_o of_o other_o language_n which_o be_v sometime_o do_v out_o of_o affectation_n sometime_o out_o of_o necessity_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o want_n of_o sufficient_a significancy_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o when_o such_o phrase_n or_o word_n come_v abroad_o in_o print_a book_n in_o sermon_n or_o oration_n they_o become_v more_o general_a and_o incorporate_v into_o the_o native_a language_n 9_o many_o language_n of_o country_n be_v great_o alter_v and_o mingle_v and_o sometime_o total_o eradicate_v and_o lose_v by_o invasion_n and_o victory_n or_o by_o transmission_n of_o colony_n by_o foreign_a prince_n of_o a_o different_a language_n thus_o by_o the_o chase_v the_o briton_n out_o of_o england_n into_o wales_n their_o language_n be_v whole_o exterminate_v from_o hence_o with_o they_o and_o by_o the_o successive_a incursion_n and_o invasion_n of_o the_o saxon_n dane_n and_o norman_n the_o english_a language_n grow_v a_o kind_n of_o mixture_n of_o they_o all_o which_o yet_o in_o process_n of_o time_n have_v be_v so_o much_o vary_v that_o the_o english_a that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o time_n of_o h._n 1._o be_v not_o now_o intelligible_a it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o language_n that_o be_v not_o now_o native_a though_o sometime_o they_o be_v but_o be_v preserve_v in_o write_v or_o rule_n or_o canon_n have_v long_o keep_v their_o simplicity_n as_o the_o hebrew_n greek_a and_o latin_a which_o have_v be_v indeed_o preserve_v from_o be_v lose_v by_o vulgar_a use_n but_o when_o a_o language_n once_o become_v of_o vulgar_a use_n it_o soon_o lose_v its_o integrity_n thus_o the_o latin_a degenerate_v into_o the_o italian_a and_o the_o very_a hebrew_n and_o greek_a more_o barbarous_a by_o much_o where_o they_o be_v popular_o use_v than_o in_o the_o ancient_a write_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v preserve_v and_o keep_v to_o their_o ancient_a integrity_n consider_v therefore_o the_o great_a instability_n of_o language_n the_o great_a variation_n and_o change_n to_o which_o they_o be_v subject_a the_o great_a alteration_n that_o they_o have_v have_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o find_v any_o language_n which_o upon_o ground_n bare_o of_o reason_n without_o divine_a revelation_n we_o can_v safe_o call_v original_a and_o the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o deduce_v other_o language_n entire_o from_o it_o it_o be_v hard_a for_o we_o single_o to_o lay_v any_o weight_n upon_o this_o instance_n to_o prove_v the_o origination_n of_o man_n upon_o a_o mere_a moral_a account_n or_o topical_a ratiocination_n thereof_o cap._n v._o the_o four_o instance_n of_o fact_n seem_v to_o evince_v the_o novity_n of_o mankind_n namely_o the_o inception_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o deficiency_n of_o this_o instance_n religion_n seem_v to_o be_v as_o connatural_a to_o humane_a nature_n as_o reason_n and_o possible_o a_o more_o distinguish_a property_n of_o humane_a nature_n than_o it_o for_o almost_o in_o all_o sensible_a creature_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o more_o perfect_a kind_n a_o certain_a image_n or_o weak_a adumbration_n of_o something_o like_o reason_n appear_v yet_o we_o find_v in_o no_o creature_n below_o mankind_n any_o thing_n like_o religion_n or_o veneration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o those_o faint_a conjecture_n touch_v something_o analogical_a to_o religion_n observe_v in_o elephant_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o give_v any_o reasonable_a admission_n thereof_o in_o they_o religion_n therefore_o seem_v as_o ancient_a as_o humanity_n itself_o at_o least_o of_o some_o kind_n of_o dress_n or_o fashion_n or_o other_o therefore_o if_o we_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o inception_n of_o religion_n veneration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o those_o rite_n adoration_n and_o service_n that_o result_v from_o thence_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conjecture_v that_o the_o inception_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o long_o before_o and_o because_o the_o inception_n of_o mankind_n be_v not_o doubt_v by_o jew_n or_o christian_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o reveal_v and_o discover_v the_o origination_n both_o of_o mankind_n and_o the_o world_n but_o the_o doubt_n only_o rest_v among_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_a world_n it_o have_v be_v think_v a_o reasonable_a argument_n to_o convince_v the_o heathen_a world_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n by_o discover_v the_o origination_n not_o only_o of_o the_o religious_a worship_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o of_o those_o very_a deity_n which_o they_o celebrate_v and_o venerate_v and_o pay_v that_o religious_a worship_n unto_o and_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o heathenish_a deity_n have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o two_o method_n first_o by_o follow_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o phoenicians_n egyptian_n grecian_n and_o roman_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v trace_v up_o most_o if_o not_o all_o their_o heathenish_a deity_n to_o their_o original_a and_o their_o first_o inauguration_n into_o deity_n whereas_o they_o be_v in_o their_o original_n for_o the_o most_o part_n but_o man_n of_o great_a note_n and_o merit_n or_o power_n in_o the_o ancient_a world_n or_o such_o who_o outgo_v the_o ordinary_a rate_n of_o mankind_n by_o some_o signal_n excellence_n learning_n or_o industry_n be_v by_o the_o admire_a inferior_a sort_n of_o man_n translate_v into_o the_o opinion_n and_o veneration_n of_o god_n and_o then_o there_o want_v not_o poet_n and_o priest_n to_o derive_v from_o they_o a_o
mathe_n hale_v miles_n capitalis_fw-la justic_n de_fw-fr banco_n regis_fw-la ano_fw-la 1677_o for_o w._n shrowsbery_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o duck_n lane_n f._n h._n van_fw-mi h●ue_v sculp_v the_o primitive_a origination_n of_o mankind_n consider_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n write_a by_o the_o honourable_a sir_n matthew_n hale_v knight_n late_a chief_z justice_z of_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o king_n bench_n london_n print_v by_o william_n godbid_v for_o william_n shrowsbery_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o duke-lane_n mdclxxvii_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v a_o free_a disquisition_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n touch_v the_o primitive_a origination_n of_o mankind_n consist_v principal_o of_o these_o part_n and_o assertion_n i._o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n the_o mundus_fw-la aspectabilis_fw-la be_v not_o eternal_a but_o have_v a_o beginning_n ii_o that_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o imaginable_a doubt_n thereof_o yet_o by_o the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o natural_a light_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o that_o the_o successive_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v in_o their_o original_a exit_fw-la non_fw-la genitis_fw-la iii_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a by_o reason_n and_o argument_n demonstrative_a or_o at_o least_o little_o less_o than_o apodeictical_a iv._o that_o there_o be_v moral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n which_o be_v herein_o particular_o expend_v and_o examine_v and_o how_o far_o forth_o they_o be_v concludent_fw-la and_o how_o far_o not_o which_o i_o have_v impartial_o deliver_v v._o that_o those_o great_a philosopher_n that_o assert_v this_o origination_n of_o mankind_n exit_fw-la non_fw-la genitis_fw-la both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a that_o render_v it_o by_o hypothesis_n different_a from_o that_o of_o moses_n be_v mistake_v wherein_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o aristotle_n plato_n empedocles_n epicurus_n avicen_n cardanus_n cisalpinus_n beregardus_fw-la and_o other_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n thereof_o detect_v vi_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a system_n as_o well_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n abstractive_o consider_v without_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v high_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o a_o bare_a rational_a account_n high_o preferrible_a before_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o philospher_n that_o either_o think_v mankind_n eternal_a or_o substitute_v hypothesis_n of_o his_o first_o production_n different_a from_o the_o moysaicall_a vii_o i_o have_v conclude_v the_o whole_a with_o certain_a corollary_n and_o deduction_n necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o thing_n thus_o assert_v as_o well_o touch_v the_o existence_n the_o wisdom_n power_n providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o touch_v both_o the_o duty_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n though_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o laborious_a work_n to_o little_a purpose_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n among_o who_o i_o write_v do_v general_o believe_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o thus_o to_o write_v in_o proof_n of_o a_o truth_n general_o receive_v do_v rather_o create_v doubt_n in_o man_n mind_n of_o what_o they_o already_o believe_v than_o any_o way_n advantage_n or_o confirm_v their_o belief_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v atheism_n so_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n so_o abhorrent_n to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n that_o i_o can_v think_v there_o be_v so_o much_o speculative_a atheism_n abroad_o in_o the_o world_n as_o many_o good_a man_n fear_v and_o suspect_v but_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o quarter_n of_o that_o atheism_n in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o better_a cure_n of_o it_o or_o preservative_n against_o it_o next_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n 2._o again_o though_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o jew_n and_o christian_n yet_o we_o must_v likewise_o consider_v that_o many_o take_v it_o up_o only_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o education_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o serious_a deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o have_v such_o man_n but_o a_o education_n in_o such_o a_o place_n or_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v or_o where_o it_o be_v doubt_v they_o will_v be_v at_o least_o sceptical_a and_o doubtful_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o sound_a believer_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v better_o confirm_v by_o the_o accession_n and_o suffrage_n even_o of_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o verity_n they_o already_o believe_v but_o howsoever_o it_o better_o enable_v they_o to_o convince_v such_o gainsayer_n as_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o no_o other_o light_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o many_o such_o there_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v bottom_v upon_o natural_a and_o moral_a evidence_n suit_v to_o these_o man_n principle_n or_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v yea_o when_o i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a scripture_n i_o do_v use_v they_o abstractive_o from_o their_o divine_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o only_o as_o moral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o assert_v for_o any_o man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v that_o a_o atheistical_a spirit_n that_o deny_v or_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n therein_o deliver_v will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o deliver_v that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o he_o deny_v or_o question_n this_o whole_a book_n as_o thou_o now_o see_v it_o be_v write_v by_o i_o some_o year_n since_o and_o have_v lie_v ever_o since_o in_o my_o chest_n and_o sure_o therein_o shall_v have_v lie_v still_o but_o only_o for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o that_o some_o write_n of_o my_o have_v without_o my_o privity_n come_v abroad_o in_o print_n which_o i_o never_o intend_v and_o this_o may_v have_v have_v the_o same_o fate_n if_o not_o in_o my_o life_n time_n yet_o after_o my_o death_n 2._o because_o possible_o there_o have_v some_o more_o care_n be_v use_v by_o i_o in_o the_o digest_v and_o write_v hereof_o than_o of_o some_o other_o that_o have_v go_v abroad_o in_o public_a 3._o that_o although_o i_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o value_v the_o write_n of_o my_o that_o be_v publish_v as_o worthy_a of_o the_o public_a view_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o well_o accept_v by_o many_o which_o encourage_v i_o to_o let_v this_o book_n come_v abroad_o under_o my_o own_o name_n wherein_o i_o use_v more_o care_n than_o in_o those_o lesser_a tractate_v although_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o confidence_n enough_o to_o say_v that_o this_o may_v deserve_v any_o great_a acceptation_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o may_v not_o please_v yet_o i_o do_v think_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n useful_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o displease_v judicious_a reader_n if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n or_o mistake_v in_o quotation_n in_o syntax_n in_o translation_n in_o transcription_n or_o if_o there_o by_o any_o error_n as_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v in_o my_o deductive_n inference_n or_o application_n or_o if_o the_o language_n be_v in_o some_o place_n either_o improper_a or_o obscure_a or_o if_o the_o expression_n or_o word_n which_o we_o sometime_o use_v be_v not_o so_o full_a so_o significant_a or_o proper_a or_o deliver_v from_o amphibology_n yet_o i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v this_o apology_n for_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v write_v at_o leisure_n and_o break_a time_n and_o with_o great_a interval_n and_o many_o time_n hasty_o as_o my_o busy_a and_o important_a employment_n of_o another_o nature_n know_v to_o the_o world_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v which_o must_v needs_o make_v such_o break_v and_o chasm_n and_o incoherence_n that_o possible_o a_o continue_a uninterrupted_a series_n of_o writing_n will_v have_v prevent_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o discourse_n with_o a_o more_o equal_a thread_n 2._o a_o long_a indisposition_n of_o health_n have_v much_o hinder_v and_o interrupt_v i_o in_o a_o strict_a revise_v and_o amend_v of_o what_o possible_o may_v have_v be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v 3._o a_o man_n who_o scope_n and_o intent_n and_o drift_n be_v at_o some_o one_o thing_n and_o have_v his_o eye_n and_o design_n fix_v upon_o it_o many_o time_n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a nor_o so_o curious_a nor_o so_o exact_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o
prepare_v and_o at_o length_n generate_v by_o the_o conjunction_n of_o these_o active_a and_o passive_a principle_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v suppose_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o be_v both_o eternal_a the_o earth_n and_o its_o part_n must_v of_o necessity_n persist_v in_o a_o eternal_a unchangeable_a state_n in_o that_o period_n of_o eternity_n antecedent_n to_o the_o first_o alteration_n thereof_o to_o any_o such_o production_n for_o if_o the_o production_n of_o these_o mineral_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o infinite_o distant_a from_o we_o the_o production_n must_v be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o there_o must_v necessary_o antecede_v those_o production_n a_o successive_a and_o gradual_a alteration_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v mould_v in_o succession_n of_o time_n to_o coal_n or_o stone_n or_o mineral_n and_o though_o perchance_o that_o alteration_n may_v take_v up_o a_o long_a preparation_n and_o disposition_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v eternal_a but_o must_v be_v absolve_v though_o in_o a_o long_a yet_o in_o finite_a time_n and_o consequent_o the_o earth_n if_o eternal_a must_v be_v before_o that_o preparation_n or_o alteration_n and_o must_v have_v continue_v in_o a_o eternal_a state_n destitute_a of_o such_o alteration_n or_o preparation_n and_o in_o a_o eternal_a disposition_n thereunto_o which_o yet_o have_v be_v to_o suppose_v the_o earth_n in_o that_o eternal_a period_n quite_o destitute_a of_o that_o mutation_n that_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v be_v connatural_a to_o it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o seem_v plain_a that_o neither_o successive_a natural_a being_n nor_o corporeal_a being_n that_o be_v corruptible_a or_o necessary_o subject_a to_o alteration_n either_o from_o a_o intrinsic_a principle_n or_o from_o a_o extrinsic_a natural_a cause_n necessary_o contiguous_a or_o approximate_a to_o it_o in_o situation_n or_o virtue_n can_v be_v eternal_a which_o will_v deprive_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n at_o least_o of_o that_o possibility_n and_o must_v leave_v only_o such_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a universe_n as_o be_v incorruptible_a unalterable_a and_o unsuccessive_a if_o any_o such_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o privilege_n of_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o a_o eternal_a existence_n à_fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a universe_n can_v be_v eternal_a it_o remain_v then_o they_o who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n must_v content_v themselves_o with_o such_o part_n thereof_o as_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o duration_n and_o according_o there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v three_o opinion_n which_o although_o they_o assume_v not_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o to_o it_o as_o they_o can_v which_o i_o shall_v distinct_o set_v down_o and_o examine_v 1._o the_o first_o opinion_n be_v of_o such_o that_o although_o they_o suppose_v the_o sublunary_a world_n not_o to_o be_v eternal_a in_o its_o frame_n and_o constitution_n yet_o they_o assert_v the_o matter_n thereof_o eternal_a though_o undigested_a and_o not_o perfect_v till_o afterward_o but_o yet_o the_o celestial_a or_o ethereal_a world_n the_o star_n and_o planet_n they_o will_v have_v eternal_a and_o that_o these_o be_v use_v as_o the_o great_a engine_n in_o the_o subsequent_a formation_n of_o the_o inferior_a ●r_n sublunary_a world_n touch_v the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o celestial_a or_o sublunary_a i_o mean_v not_o in_o this_o place_n to_o meddle_v but_o as_o to_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o the_o celestial_a or_o ethereal_a world_n this_o shall_v be_v all_o i_o shall_v say_v 1._o we_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o they_o and_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n corruptible_a or_o subject_a to_o alteration_n if_o they_o be_v such_o they_o be_v as_o equal_o uncapable_a of_o a_o eternal_a existence_n as_o the_o sublunary_a world_n 2._o but_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v a_o radical_a incorruptibility_n and_o immutability_n in_o their_o nature_n yet_o their_o motion_n can_v be_v eternal_a upon_o the_o reason_n before_o give_v 3._o and_o therefore_o though_o they_o be_v a_o goodly_a fabric_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o permanency_n of_o so_o great_a use_n beauty_n and_o perfection_n as_o in_o a_o state_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o excellency_n and_o that_o which_o accommodate_v the_o several_a part_n thereof_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o to_o the_o advantage_n and_o good_a of_o the_o inferior_a world_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v not_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o eternal_a existence_n in_o rest_n and_o permanence_n and_o afterward_o in_o a_o process_n or_o period_n of_o time_n be_v endue_v with_o that_o which_o be_v their_o great_a perfection_n namely_o their_o motion_n which_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v eternal_a it_o rather_o seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n who_o work_n be_v full_a of_o wisdom_n excellence_n and_o perfection_n to_o respite_v the_o fabric_n till_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o its_o most_o useful_a and_o beautiful_a perfection_n namely_o motion_n which_o must_v either_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o then_o it_o be_v marvellous_a they_o shall_v yet_o enjoy_v a_o infinite_a duration_n destitute_a of_o what_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o yet_o not_o capable_a to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o they_o in_o a_o eternal_a duration_n à_fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la or_o if_o it_o be_v adventitious_a from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n or_o by_o the_o instrumentality_n of_o intelligence_n yet_o sure_o it_o be_v foresee_v by_o he_o that_o know_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o likely_a to_o ordain_v a_o eternal_a consistence_n of_o those_o body_n to_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o give_v motion_n their_o great_a perfection_n no_o soon_o than_o time_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v admit_v capable_a of_o a_o eternal_a permanency_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a they_o have_v their_o be_v before_o or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o long_o before_o their_o motion_n 2._o the_o second_o opinion_n be_v of_o those_o that_o although_o they_o allow_v not_o the_o mundus_fw-la aspectabilis_fw-la to_o be_v eternal_a yet_o do_v suppose_v that_o beside_o that_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o second_o and_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o sacred_a trinity_n almighty_a god_n eternal_o create_v a_o world_n of_o intelligence_n whereunto_o he_o may_v and_o do_v communicate_v the_o emanation_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o benignity_n and_o that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o time_n he_o create_v this_o mundus_fw-la aspectabilis_fw-la which_o we_o see_v for_o the_o far_a communication_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o they_o suppose_v more_o congenious_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o the_o communication_n thereof_o than_o to_o suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o a_o material_a world_n either_o eternal_o or_o quasi_fw-la per_fw-la saltum_fw-la or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o the_o creation_n of_o those_o pure_a being_n who_o have_v a_o great_a similitude_n and_o proximity_n to_o his_o own_o most_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a nature_n this_o though_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v so_o yet_o we_o be_v without_o any_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o such_o conjecture_n of_o thing_n without_o our_o knowledge_n or_o those_o media_fw-la that_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o exercise_v for_o the_o acquest_n thereof_o be_v uncertain_a and_o endless_a upon_o such_o conjectural_a congruity_n the_o platonist_n have_v their_o dii_fw-la ex_fw-la deo_fw-la the_o manichee_n their_o aeones_n and_o origen_n his_o mundus_fw-la animarum_fw-la and_o therefore_o i_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o conjecture_n 3._o the_o three_o opinion_n be_v of_o those_o who_o though_o they_o suppose_v the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v eternal_a and_o perchance_o think_v with_o reason_n enough_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o eternity_n à_fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la be_v such_o as_o be_v only_o compatible_a to_o the_o eternal_a god_n and_o not_o communicable_a to_o any_o create_v be_v at_o least_o such_o as_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n either_o corruptible_a alterable_a or_o compound_v yet_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v carry_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a be_v not_o content_v to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v sempiternal_a or_o eternal_a à_fw-la parte_fw-la post_fw-la or_o to_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n inform_v we_o but_o will_v carry_v up_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o immense_a antiquity_n long_o before_o six_o
beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a kingdom_n under_o ninus_n be_v 631_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n and_o one_o age_n after_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n in_o the_o time_n of_o phaleg_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o take_v yet_o we_o find_v a_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n though_o they_o that_o suppose_v it_o 440_o year_n before_o belus_n thrust_v the_o deluge_n and_o the_o creation_n far_o back_o than_o the_o jewish_a account_n 2._o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o the_o pen_n of_o moses_n give_v we_o the_o original_a of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o assyrian_a monarchy_n in_o nimrod_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v the_o name_n in_o hebrew_n of_o belus_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o it_o and_o here_o i_o do_v not_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n but_o make_v use_n of_o it_o only_o as_o a_o history_n and_o single_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v great_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o any_o heathen_a historian_n whatsoever_o 1._o the_o writer_n thereof_o be_v most_o certain_o near_o the_o time_n of_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o that_o monarchy_n by_o above_o 800_o year_n than_o any_o other_o historian_n that_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o the_o assyrian_a and_o babylonian_a monarchy_n which_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n touch_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o historical_a relation_n again_o 2._o he_o be_v not_o very_o far_o distant_a from_o the_o place_n or_o seat_n of_o that_o monarchy_n the_o wilderness_n and_o palestine_n be_v not_o far_o distant_a from_o assyria_n 3_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o he_o that_o be_v the_o native_a of_o that_o country_n namely_o abraham_n who_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v many_o year_n in_o the_o caldean_a country_n and_o doubtless_o do_v bring_v along_o with_o he_o and_o transmit_v to_o his_o posterity_n a_o fair_a tradition_n of_o that_o empire_n be_v contemporary_a with_o peleg_n in_o who_o time_n the_o famous_a dissipation_n of_o mankind_n and_o distinction_n of_o language_n happen_v 4._o he_o be_v educate_v in_o egypt_n the_o people_n whereof_o be_v great_o learn_v especial_o in_o chronological_a computation_n 5._o the_o coherence_n and_o synchronism_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a chronology_n especial_o after_o the_o flood_n bear_v a_o most_o singular_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o history_n and_o computation_n for_o although_o he_o draw_v not_o down_o the_o lineal_a descendants_n of_o ham_n and_o japhet_n down_o to_o his_o time_n but_o only_a mention_n their_o child_n and_o grandchild_n for_o two_o or_o three_o generation_n at_o most_o yet_o he_o draw_v down_o the_o lineal_a pedigree_n from_o sem_fw-mi in_o the_o sacred_a line_n down_o to_o his_o very_a age_n together_o with_o their_o birth_n and_o age_n which_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o account_n so_o that_o if_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n upon_o a_o bare_a moral_a account_n abstract_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v than_o any_o historian_n whatsoever_o that_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o narrative_a of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o kingdom_n or_o empire_n the_o ancient_a of_o which_o historian_n be_v above_o 1000_o year_n late_a than_o moses_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n far_o to_o improve_v hereafter_o the_o objection_n against_o this_o late_a original_a of_o the_o assyrian_a or_o babylonian_a monarchy_n for_o it_o have_v its_o successive_a translation_n into_o these_o denomination_n be_v principal_o these_o 1._o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a historian_n that_o the_o chaldaean_n in_o who_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v and_o end_v at_o the_o take_v of_o babylon_n by_o alexander_n have_v preserve_v astronomical_a calculation_n for_o about_o 400000_o year_n thus_o diodorus_n siculus_n lib._n 3._o cap._n 8._o quadringenta_fw-la tria_fw-la annorum_fw-la millia_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la ascensum_fw-la alexandri_fw-la numerant_fw-la and_o tully_n in_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr divinatione_fw-la mention_n the_o number_n to_o be_v great_a quadringenta_fw-la &_o septuaginta_fw-la millia_fw-la annorum_fw-la in_fw-la periclitandis_fw-la experiendisque_fw-la pveris_fw-la quicunque_fw-la essent_fw-la nati_fw-la babylonios_n posuisse_fw-la 2._o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o if_o their_o monarchy_n begin_v but_o in_o nimrod_n or_o so_o short_a a_o time_n after_o the_o universal_a deluge_n that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o ninus_n by_o some_o suppose_v the_o first_o by_o some_o the_o second_o king_n of_o the_o assyrian_n or_o babylonian_n the_o empire_n can_v have_v grow_v so_o populous_a as_o to_o build_v that_o vast_a city_n of_o babylon_n and_o that_o of_o nineveh_n who_o state_n and_o magnificence_n and_o amplitude_n be_v of_o incredible_a greatness_n or_o that_o his_o widow_n semiramis_n can_v at_o once_o bring_v into_o the_o field_n against_o zoroastres_n a_o army_n of_o 1700000_o footman_n 500000_o horseman_n 100000_o chariot_n 2000_o ship_n as_o diodorus_n siculus_n out_o of_o ctesias_n l._n 3._o cap._n 5._o and_o therefore_o as_o well_o mankind_n as_o the_o empire_n of_o assyria_n must_v have_v have_v a_o long_a continuance_n to_o have_v set_v out_o such_o a_o army_n than_o the_o succession_n of_o a_o empire_n for_o two_o or_o three_o governor_n at_o most_o or_o the_o succession_n or_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n within_o so_o short_a a_o time_n as_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o succeed_v the_o universal_a deluge_n can_v afford_v to_o the_o first_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o some_o will_v have_v these_o year_n to_o be_v but_o month_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v account_v year_n by_o the_o ancient_a babylonian_n and_o egyptian_n but_o as_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n that_o they_o use_v to_o account_v a_o month_n a_o year_n but_o if_o we_o have_v yet_o that_o reduction_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o that_o number_n of_o lunar_a month_n reduce_v to_o solar_a year_n will_v arise_v to_o above_o 40000_o year_n which_o will_v overreach_v the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n 2._o therefore_o we_o may_v with_o the_o same_o tully_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v a_o incredible_a and_o fabulous_a account_n warrant_v by_o no_o credible_a evidence_n but_o mere_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o imposture_n that_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o world_n eternal_a will_v gratify_v their_o people_n with_o a_o succession_n of_o a_o incredible_a antiquity_n and_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v fabulous_a 1._o for_o that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n they_o will_v probable_o have_v get_v the_o perfect_a theory_n of_o the_o planetary_a motion_n and_o position_n which_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o do_v not_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o author_n for_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n touch_v the_o true_a discovery_n and_o period_n of_o the_o eclipse_n especial_o of_o the_o sun_n 2._o for_o that_o calisthenes_n who_o be_v very_o curious_a in_o search_v the_o famous_a period_n of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o caldean_a celestial_a observation_n at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o pretend_v so_o great_a a_o antiquity_n namely_o at_o the_o take_v of_o babylon_n by_o alexander_n upon_o a_o strict_a enquiry_n find_v their_o astronomical_a observation_n not_o to_o be_v above_o 1903_o year_n old_a which_o he_o according_o report_v to_o aristotle_n that_o employ_v he_o special_o in_o that_o enquiry_n as_o simplicius_n report_v in_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o book_n of_o aristotle_n de_fw-fr caelum_fw-la the_o prodigious_a account_n therefore_o of_o the_o chaldaean_n of_o the_o time_n pass_v deserve_v as_o little_a credit_n as_o their_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v who_o as_o the_o same_o tully_n there_o observe_v flatter_v both_o caesar_n and_o pompey_n with_o long_a life_n and_o happy_a and_o peaceable_a death_n both_o which_o fall_v out_o in_o the_o success_n to_o both_o extreme_o contrary_a 2._o i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o objection_n namely_o that_o it_o seem_v altogether_o impossible_a that_o the_o general_n flood_n shall_v put_v a_o period_n to_o all_o former_a government_n and_o indeed_o to_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n except_o eight_o person_n and_o yet_o that_o from_o these_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n such_o vast_a and_o powerful_a monarchy_n especial_o as_o that_o of_o the_o babylonian_a or_o syrian_a shall_v arise_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o computation_n of_o the_o seventy_o now_o much_o magnify_v by_o vossius_fw-la and_o other_o it_o will_v easy_o deliver_v we_o from_o that_o difficulty_n for_o whereas_o the_o hebrew_n computation_n give_v the_o universal_a flood_n to_o be_v but_o 1656_o year_n after_o the_o creation_n of_o mankind_n the_o septuagint_n give_v it_o to_o be_v 2262_o year_n and_o whereas_o the_o hebrew_n account_n give_v we_o about_o 300_o year_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o
revelation_n to_o moses_n there_o be_v a_o divine_a manifestation_n thereof_o to_o the_o first_o create_v man_n in_o that_o fullness_n of_o his_o first_o illuminate_v and_o perfect_a state_n of_o create_a nature_n and_o from_o he_o that_o tradition_n be_v derive_v and_o preserve_v in_o that_o line_n of_o the_o patriarch_n in_o which_o the_o most_o important_a divine_a truth_n be_v conserve_v and_o traduce_v from_o adam_n to_o moses_n that_o which_o may_v illustrate_v my_o meaning_n in_o this_o preference_n of_o the_o reveal_v light_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n touch_v this_o matter_n above_o the_o essay_n of_o a_o philosophical_a imagination_n may_v be_v this_o suppose_v that_o greece_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o curiosity_n of_o mechanical_a engine_n though_o know_v in_o some_o remote_a region_n of_o the_o world_n a_o excellent_a artist_n have_v secret_o bring_v and_o deposit_v in_o some_o field_n or_o forest_n some_o excellent_a watch_n or_o clock_n which_o have_v be_v so_o form_v that_o the_o original_n of_o its_o motion_n be_v hide_v and_o involve_v in_o some_o close_o contrive_v piece_n of_o mechanism_n that_o this_o watch_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o the_o motion_n thereof_o may_v have_v last_v a_o year_n or_o some_o such_o time_n as_o may_v give_v a_o reasonable_a period_n for_o philosophical_a conjecture_n concern_v it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o plain_a table_n there_o have_v not_o be_v only_o the_o description_n and_o indication_n of_o hour_n but_o the_o configuration_n and_o indication_n of_o the_o various_a phase_n of_o the_o moon_n the_o motion_n and_o place_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o ecliptic_a and_o divers_a other_o curious_a indication_n of_o celestial_a motion_n and_o that_o the_o scholar_n of_o the_o several_a school_n of_o epicurus_n of_o aristotle_n of_o plato_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o those_o philosophical_a sect_n have_v casual_o in_o their_o walk_n find_v this_o admirable_a automaton_n what_o kind_n of_o work_n will_v there_o have_v be_v make_v by_o every_o sect_n in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o phaenomenon_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v the_o epicurean_a sect_n have_v tell_v the_o bystander_n according_a to_o their_o preconceived_n hypothesis_n that_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o accidental_a concretion_n of_o atom_n that_o haply_o fall_v together_o have_v make_v up_o the_o index_n the_o wheel_n the_o balance_n and_o that_o be_v haply_o fall_v into_o this_o posture_n they_o be_v put_v into_o motion_n then_o the_o cartesian_a fall_n in_o with_o he_o as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o their_o supposition_n but_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o explicate_v how_o this_o engine_n be_v put_v into_o motion_n and_o therefore_o to_o furnish_v this_o motion_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a materia_fw-la subtilis_fw-la that_o pervade_v this_o engine_n and_o the_o movable_a part_n consist_v of_o certain_a globular_a atom_n apt_a for_o motion_n they_o be_v thereby_o and_o by_o the_o mobility_n of_o the_o globular_a atom_n put_v into_o motion_n a_o three_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o two_o former_a because_o these_o motion_n be_v so_o regular_a and_o do_v express_v the_o various_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o distribution_n of_o time_n and_o of_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n therefore_o it_o seem_v to_o he_o that_o this_o engine_n and_o motion_n also_o so_o analogical_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v wrought_v by_o some_o admirable_a conjunction_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n which_o form_v this_o instrument_n and_o its_o motion_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a correspondency_n to_o its_o own_o existence_n a_o four_o dislike_a the_o supposition_n of_o the_o three_o former_a tell_v the_o rest_n that_o he_o have_v a_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a solution_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n namely_o the_o universal_a soul_n of_o the_o world_n or_o spirit_n of_o nature_n that_o form_v so_o many_o sort_n of_o infect_v with_o so_o many_o organ_n faculty_n and_o such_o congruity_n of_o their_o whole_a composition_n and_o such_o curious_a and_o various_a motion_n as_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o they_o have_v form_v and_o set_v into_o motion_n this_o admirable_a automaton_n and_o regulate_v and_o order_v it_o with_o all_o these_o congruity_n we_o see_v in_o it_o then_o step_v in_o a_o aristotelian_a and_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o all_o the_o former_a solution_n tell_v they_o gentlemen_z you_o be_v all_o mistake_v your_o solution_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a you_o have_v take_v up_o certain_a precarious_a hypothesis_n and_o be_v prepossessed_n with_o these_o creature_n of_o your_o own_o fancy_n and_o in_o love_n with_o they_o right_a or_o wrong_v you_o form_v all_o your_o conception_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o fancy_a and_o preconceived_n imagination_n the_o short_a of_o the_o business_n be_v this_o machina_fw-la be_v eternal_a and_o so_o be_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o it_o and_o in_o as_o much_o as_o a_o circular_a motion_n have_v no_o beginning_n or_o end_n this_o motion_n that_o you_o see_v both_o in_o the_o wheel_n and_o index_n and_o the_o successive_a indication_n of_o the_o celestial_a motion_n be_v eternal_a and_o without_o beginning_n and_o this_o be_v a_o ready_a and_o expedite_a way_n of_o solve_v the_o phaenomenon_n without_o so_o much_o ado_n as_o you_o have_v make_v about_o it_o and_o while_o all_o the_o master_n be_v thus_o controverse_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n in_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o artist_n that_o make_v it_o and_o when_o they_o have_v all_o spend_v their_o philosophize_v upon_o it_o the_o artist_n that_o make_v this_o engine_n and_o all_o this_o while_n listen_v to_o their_o admirable_a fancy_n tell_v they_o gentlemen_z you_o have_v discover_v very_o much_o excellency_n of_o invention_n touch_v this_o piece_n of_o work_n that_o be_v before_o you_o but_o you_o be_v all_o miserable_o mistake_v for_o it_o be_v i_o that_o make_v this_o watch_n and_o bring_v it_o hither_o and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o i_o make_v it_o first_o i_o wrought_v the_o spring_n and_o the_o fusee_fw-fr and_o the_o wheel_n and_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o case_n and_o table_n i_o fit_v they_o one_o to_o another_o and_o place_v these_o several_a axe_n that_o be_v to_o direct_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o index_n to_o discover_v the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o figure_n that_o discover_v the_o phasis_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o other_o various_a motion_n that_o you_o see_v and_o then_o i_o put_v it_o together_o and_o wound_v up_o the_o spring_n which_o have_v give_v all_o these_o motion_n that_o to_o see_v in_o this_o curious_a piece_n of_o work_n and_o that_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a i_o tell_v you_o true_a i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o whole_a order_n and_o progress_n of_o my_o make_n dispose_n and_o order_v of_o this_o piece_n of_o work_n the_o several_a material_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o form_n of_o every_o individual_a part_n of_o it_o and_o how_o long_o i_o be_v about_o it_o this_o plain_a and_o evident_a discovery_n render_v all_o these_o excogitated_a hypothesis_n of_o these_o philosophical_a enthusiast_n vain_a and_o ridiculous_a without_o any_o great_a help_n of_o rhetorical_a flourish_v or_o logical_a confutation_n and_o much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o disparity_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o origination_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n after_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o dust_n raise_v and_o fanciful_a explication_n and_o unintelligible_a hypothesis_n the_o plain_a but_o divine_a narrative_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n full_a of_o sense_n and_o congruity_n and_o clearness_n and_o reasonableness_n in_o itself_o do_v at_o the_o same_o moment_n give_v we_o a_o true_a and_o clear_a discovery_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n and_o render_v all_o the_o essay_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n to_o be_v vain_a inevident_a and_o indeed_o inexplicable_a theory_n the_o creature_n of_o fantasy_n and_o imagination_n and_o nothing_o else_o 1._o this_o therefore_o be_v the_o first_o advantage_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o thing_n above_o the_o philosophical_a theory_n touch_v the_o same_o the_o latter_a be_v inevident_a conjectural_a and_o indeed_o apparent_o false_a the_o former_a contain_v a_o evidence_n of_o itself_o by_o its_o consonancy_n to_o the_o only_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o a_o discovery_n and_o the_o plain_a evident_a and_o congruous_a relation_n of_o it_o 2._o all_o the_o philosophical_a theory_n except_o that_o which_o carry_v the_o origination_n of_o thing_n up_o to_o almighty_a god_n be_v full_a of_o infinite_a entanglement_n difficulty_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o ever_o and_o anon_o break_v out_o and_o discover_v themselves_o whereby_o they_o be_v enforce_v by_o a_o continual_a substitution_n of_o new_a supposition_n to_o piece_n up_o and_o mend_v the_o breach_n that_o arise_v upon_o such_o