force_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o first_o that_o no_o true_a miracle_n or_o supernatural_a work_n have_v be_v ever_o wrought_v 2._o and_o second_o that_o the_o wonder_n we_o read_v of_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n existence_n than_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n these_o two_o subterfuge_n and_o shift_n must_v be_v now_o consider_v in_o their_o order_n 1._o first_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o high_a miracle_n than_o what_o have_v be_v find_v here_o in_o nature_n when_o some_o unusual_a thing_n have_v happen_v the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o can_v not_o be_v well_o assign_v as_o for_o supernatural_a effect_n they_o be_v fable_n in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o man_n because_o they_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o effect_n without_o admit_v of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n to_o produce_v they_o that_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v most_o afraid_a to_o own_o now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o weighty_a matter_n i_o will_v first_o ask_v these_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n this_o general_a question_n whether_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o deny_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n if_o this_o be_v rational_a then_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o faith_n among_o mankind_n and_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o sense_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o so_o no_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o history_n or_o relation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a then_o have_v we_o as_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a effect_n or_o miracle_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o next_o business_n to_o show_v that_o the_o account_v we_o have_v of_o such_o and_o such_o miracle_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o as_o strong_a evidence_n at_o least_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v in_o any_o history_n of_o former_a age_n so_o that_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n man_n may_v reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o nay_o of_o all_o account_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o here_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o those_o appearance_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n especial_o in_o latter_a age_n we_o read_v of_o multitude_n which_o have_v be_v either_o downwright_n forgery_n and_o fiction_n purposely_o invent_v to_o carry_v on_o lucrative_n and_o superstitious_a design_n or_o else_o have_v be_v no_o better_o than_o illusion_n of_o man_n sense_n whereby_o the_o credulity_n of_o weak_a people_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o abuse_v nay_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a nature_n that_o some_o have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o story_n though_o they_o have_v make_v money_n by_o the_o invention_n to_o talk_v of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o prejudice_n to_o christ_n religion_n however_o it_o may_v serve_v man_n private_a interest_n the_o miracle_n i_o urge_v as_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o new_a by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o how_o slight_a soever_o sceptic_n make_v of_o they_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o there_o can_v be_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o just_a to_o those_o writer_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o common_a reputation_n of_o have_v be_v fair_a historian_n though_o at_o present_a we_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v now_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v former_o do_v depend_v upon_o these_o four_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v do_v it_o do_v real_o exist_v or_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o person_n 2._o that_o the_o relator_n of_o the_o action_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a 3._o that_o other_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o thing_n of_o great_a and_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o consequent_n of_o it_o where_o there_o be_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o evidence_n no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v question_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n though_o it_o be_v do_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o they_o and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o true_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a agent_n 1._o for_o first_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o evident_a even_o from_o humane_a testimony_n as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o alexander_n caesar_n and_o cato_n josephus_n show_v out_o of_o those_o ancient_a writer_n manetho_n and_o 1._o cont._n appion_n l._n 1._o chaeremon_n what_o a_o great_a esteem_n the_o old_a egyptian_n have_v of_o moses_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a divine_a person_n he_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o that_o nation_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n what_o a_o honour_n the_o old_a philosopher_n 1._o stromat_n l._n 1._o among_o they_o have_v for_o moses_n memory_n and_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o his_o time_n and_o give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prince_n a_o lawgiver_n a_o general_n a_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n belove_v of_o god_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_a mystae_fw-la believe_v that_o moses_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o eupolenius_n give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o the_o first_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o the_o mystae_fw-la relate_v the_o story_n of_o his_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a say_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o artapanus_n own_a the_o story_n of_o his_o imprisonment_n add_v some_o fabulous_a stuff_n concern_v his_o deliverance_n numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n say_v 5._o â—irom_fw-la 5._o that_o moses_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o his_o write_n be_v worthy_a of_o belief_n 28._o id._n 28._o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a man_n with_o god_n by_o his_o prayer_n trogus_n pompeius_n mention_n abraham_n 8._o euseb_n de_fw-fr prepar_fw-la l._n 9_o c._n 8._o moses_n and_o israel_n as_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o son_n of_o israel_n though_o he_o mistake_v the_o number_n he_o speak_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n of_o those_o two_o son_n of_o israel_n juda_n and_o joseph_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o lead_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o egypt_n though_o he_o sophisticate_v the_o story_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n as_o also_o cornelius_n tacitus_n hist._n justin_n l._n 36._o tac._n l._n 5._o hist._n do_v in_o his_o account_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o conduct_n both_o which_o ancient_a historian_n follow_v the_o narration_n which_o be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n by_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o who_o mortal_o hate_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o tell_v a_o great_a many_o lie_v touch_v the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o they_o as_o josephus_n show_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n justin_n martyr_n upbraid_v the_o greek_n in_o his_o time_n for_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v to_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o author_n that_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n graec._n exhortat_fw-la ad_fw-la graec._n of_o christianity_n be_v acknowledge_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o their_o poet_n '_o historian_n philosopher_n or_o legislator_n '_o and_o out_o of_o that_o noble_a historian_n diodorus_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o moses_n be_v reckon_v a_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o excellent_a wisdom_n and_o for_o teach_v people_n to_o use_v good_a law_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o which_o account_n diodorus_n who_o have_v spend_v thirty_o year_n in_o travel_n say_v he_o have_v from_o the_o priest_n in_o egypt_n to_o these_o observation_n divers_a more_o may_v be_v add_v out_o of_o grotius_n and_o other_o modern_a writer_n be_v it_o needful_a but_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o
tenderness_n all_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o great_a benignity_n which_o be_v necessary_o include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n who_o boundless_a perfection_n argue_v he_o to_o be_v a_o most_o desirable_a good_a a_o most_o adorable_a and_o charm_a object_n of_o our_o affection_n most_o bountiful_a benign_a merciful_a gracious_a long-suffering_a tender-hearted_a ready_a to_o bestow_v upon_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a the_o great_a felicity_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o enjoy_v or_o desire_v 9_o once_o more_o from_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o and_o eminent_o perfect_a we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o perfect_a equity_n and_o justice_n always_o act_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v some_o principle_n of_o righteousness_n so_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o humane_a common_a reason_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o these_o be_v such_o perfection_n in_o we_o as_o set_v we_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n and_o indeed_o make_v we_o excel_v one_o another_o so_o that_o the_o righteous_a be_v more_o valuable_a than_o his_o neighbour_n what_o difference_n soever_o may_v be_v otherwise_o in_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o fortune_n these_o principle_n can_v not_o come_v but_o from_o the_o common_a author_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o their_o extraction_n show_v he_o to_o be_v most_o exact_a himself_o in_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o who_o all_o iniquity_n be_v a_o great_a desect_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o because_o it_o proceed_v either_o from_o want_n of_o due_a knowledge_n or_o from_o want_n of_o honest_a intention_n both_o which_o be_v imperfection_n in_o our_o nature_n nay_o reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o it_o therefore_o that_o most_o perfect_a nature_n which_o preside_v over_o all_o must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v most_o righteous_a towards_o all_o that_o be_v under_o his_o care_n and_o power_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o unreasonable_a fear_n from_o his_o omnipotence_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o presumption_n from_o his_o benignity_n in_o regard_n of_o his_o great_a justice_n because_o as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o equal_a law_n so_o he_o will_v give_v upon_o we_o very_o equal_a judgement_n and_o render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n rom._n 2._o 6._o the_o sum_n be_v if_o people_n will_v right_o understand_v and_o consider_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n import_v they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o instead_o of_o deny_v his_o existence_n will_v be_v glad_a that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v over_o they_o so_o transcendent_o perfect_a so_o proper_a and_o suitable_a for_o they_o in_o this_o their_o imperfect_a state_n that_o suppose_v he_o do_v not_o exist_v all_o mankind_n all_o good_a man_n to_o be_v sure_a will_v have_v reason_n to_o wish_v he_o do_v therefore_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o treat_v of_o god_n existence_n i_o think_v it_o needful_a for_o i_o by_o way_n of_o preparation_n to_o show_v what_o the_o word_n god_n mean_v according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o general_a a_o be_v or_o nature_n that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a and_o in_o particular_a a_o be_v that_o be_v unmake_v independent_a everliving_a a_o spiritual_a be_v subsist_v of_o himself_o discern_v understand_a and_o know_v all_o thing_n able_a to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o nature_n a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n that_o to_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n and_o to_o display_v his_o nature_n make_v the_o universe_n and_o ever_o since_o the_o creation_n have_v govern_v all_o thing_n inspect_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n provide_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a world_n order_v every_o thing_n after_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a manner_n take_v a_o more_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n consult_v for_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n give_v we_o law_n dispose_v of_o our_o fortune_n exercise_v discipline_n over_o we_o in_o order_n to_o that_o great_a end_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o providence_n show_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o be_v perfect_o wise_a beneficent_a powerful_a merciful_a compassionate_a kind_a righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n psalm_n 145._o 17._o this_o be_v a_o particular_a and_o true_a though_o a_o imperfect_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o critical_a in_o draw_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rational_a description_n that_o which_o be_v rational_o deduce_v out_o of_o this_o common_a principle_n that_o by_o god_n be_v understand_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o that_o too_o which_o be_v fair_o intelligible_a by_o a_o rational_a soul_n for_o every_o man_n understand_v what_o knowledge_n mean_v what_o wisdom_n mean_v what_o goodness_n mean_v what_o power_n love_n and_o righteousness_n do_v mean_v all_o these_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n be_v very_o intelligible_a no_o soon_o be_v they_o mention_v but_o we_o form_v a_o conception_n of_o they_o in_o our_o mind_n we_o apprehend_v present_o what_o they_o signify_v when_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o a_o creature_n we_o easy_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o understanding_n wise_a just_a and_o good_a man._n and_o when_o we_o discover_v considerable_a degree_n and_o measure_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o any_o person_n the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o do_v so_o affect_v our_o mind_n that_o we_o can_v but_o admire_v reverence_n esteem_v and_o love_v such_o a_o person_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o perfection_n and_o how_o then_o can_v it_o be_v think_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o conception_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a in_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a virtue_n why_o can_v we_o know_v what_o such_o a_o be_v mean_n nay_o rather_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o not_o to_o adore_v venerate_a and_o love_v such_o a_o be_v above_o all_o thing_n i_o urge_v this_o because_o some_o that_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o or_o wish_v at_o least_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n do_v offer_v this_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o insidelity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n meaning_n that_o as_o we_o have_v not_o of_o that_o suppose_a transeendent_n be_v any_o material_a representation_n strike_v and_o press_v upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n so_o neither_o have_v we_o any_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n answerable_a to_o such_o a_o transcendent_a be_v and_o hence_o they_o sancy_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v incomprehensible_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o call_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v no_o reality_n but_o honorary_a title_n bestow_v upon_o a_o imaginary_a be_v out_o of_o a_o goundless_a fear_n now_o in_o this_o they_o be_v as_o weak_a logician_n and_o philosopher_n as_o they_o be_v bad_a divine_n for_o they_o go_v upon_o two_o principle_n here_o both_o which_o be_v utter_o false_a 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n no_o conception_n or_o thought_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o cognisance_n of_o our_o bodily_a sense_n for_o there_o be_v many_o truth_n in_o philosophy_n which_o can_v have_v no_o corporeal_a representation_n to_o affect_v the_o eye_n or_o the_o ear_n nor_o that_o inward_a sensitive_a part_n the_o fancy_n that_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o to_o brute-creature_n though_o the_o clink_n and_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n yet_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o those_o word_n contain_v be_v quite_o a_o different_a thing_n that_o be_v pure_o intelligible_a and_o we_o know_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n with_o a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o congruity_n they_o bear_v to_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o none_o but_o rational_a creature_n can_v sin_v out_o and_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o a_o beast_n see_v the_o colour_n of_o snow_n as_o well_o as_o a_o man_n but_o no_o beast_n can_v understand_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n snow_n be_v white_a because_o that_o be_v a_o thing_n out_o of_o its_o reach_n for_o want_v of_o that_o operation_n of_o reason_n which_o make_v all_o truth_n intelligible_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v also_o
they_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o a_o false_a prophet_n but_o put_v he_o to_o death_n though_o his_o sign_n or_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v hence_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v miracle_n in_o appearance_n which_o be_v not_o true_a one_o for_o god_n can_v act_v contrary_a to_o himself_o by_o work_v one_o miracle_n to_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n and_o another_o to_o destroy_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o man_n be_v infinite_o mistake_v who_o pretend_v that_o if_o miracle_n argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n they_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n also_o for_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o any_o one_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o yet_o do_v to_o confirm_v and_o give_v credit_n to_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o i_o deny_v that_o any_o idolater_n can_v with_o truth_n or_o reason_n pretend_v it_o now_o here_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v demand_v which_o i_o shall_v consider_v a_o little_a because_o they_o be_v pertinent_a to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a if_o right_o understand_v 1._o first_o what_o natural_a power_n miracle_n in_o appearance_n may_v be_v impute_v unto_o suppose_v they_o have_v be_v actual_o do_v 2._o and_o second_o how_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o distinguish_v such_o appearance_n from_o work_n which_o be_v strict_o and_o proper_o miraculous_a 1._o first_o what_o natural_a power_n miracle_n in_o appearance_n may_v be_v impute_v unto_o suppose_v they_o have_v be_v actual_o do_v this_o be_v no_o very_o difficult_a proposal_n either_o to_o those_o pagan_n who_o own_o the_o existence_n of_o demon_n or_o to_o we_o christian_n who_o read_v of_o angel_n good_a and_o bad_a all_o under_o the_o government_n of_o a_o supreme_a glorious_a be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n but_o to_o the_o sceptic_n of_o our_o age_n it_o will_v seem_v odd_a to_o speak_v of_o these_o thing_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o material_a and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n and_o therefore_o explode_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o spiritual_a being_n both_o god_n and_o angel_n these_o man_n i_o must_v at_o present_a leave_n to_o be_v contradict_v in_o this_o point_n by_o all_o mankind_n consider_v that_o it_o be_v a_o subject_a too_o far_o out_o of_o my_o way_n and_o of_o so_o copious_a a_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v of_o a_o large_a discourse_n by_o itself_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n beside_o this_o and_o that_o that_o other_o world_n be_v inhabit_a by_o invisible_a being_n which_o by_o god_n permission_n interess_n themselves_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o which_o be_v suppose_v how_o can_v it_o seem_v to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n impossible_a for_o such_o spirit_n what_o by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o active_a faculty_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o what_o by_o their_o great_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o art_n and_o what_o by_o their_o own_o long_a experience_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v when_o god_n be_v not_o please_v to_o interpose_v or_o check_v they_o many_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v miraculous_a to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o their_o own_o natural_a ordinary_a and_o limit_a power_n it_o be_v not_o hard_o for_o those_o being_n to_o show_v sign_n and_o wonder_n by_o god_n permission_n though_o without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o immediate_a hand_n they_o can_v by_o their_o natural_a agility_n and_o power_n carry_v a_o body_n from_o place_n to_o place_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v our_o saviour_n own_o body_n with_o god_n leave_n they_o can_v modulate_v the_o air_n so_o as_o to_o form_v a_o voice_n in_o a_o image_n as_o the_o angel_n make_v balaam_n ass_n to_o speak_v they_o can_v by_o the_o natural_a vigour_n of_o their_o faculty_n as_o easy_o divide_v a_o stone_n as_o a_o man_n can_v cut_v off_o the_o branch_n of_o a_o tree_n by_o impress_v a_o new_a vigour_n upon_o the_o animal_n spirit_n they_o can_v help_v the_o defect_n of_o sight_n when_o god_n please_v in_o one_o that_o be_v casualy_a blind_a though_o they_o can_v by_o any_o natural_a mean_n help_v he_o to_o eye_n who_o be_v bear_v without_o they_o by_o the_o use_n of_o many_o natural_a cause_n they_o may_v do_v prodigy_n as_o the_o magician_n do_v by_o their_o help_n in_o egypt_n in_o which_o instance_n two_o thing_n be_v observable_a 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o those_o spirit_n be_v restrain_v for_o though_o they_o do_v some_o thing_n extraordinary_a very_o like_a unto_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n have_v do_v with_o his_o rod_n yet_o when_o the_o miracle_n of_o louse_n come_v the_o magician_n can_v not_o do_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o confess_v that_o that_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n exod._n 8._o 18_o 19_o 2._o that_o though_o they_o bring_v some_o plague_n upon_o egypt_n they_o can_v not_o remove_v any_o for_o which_o reason_n the_o king_n seek_v unto_o moses_n all_o along_o a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o be_v evil_a angel_n with_o who_o the_o magician_n be_v then_o in_o confederacy_n hence_o it_o appear_v that_o very_a wonderful_a sign_n have_v be_v show_v which_o look_v like_o true_a miracle_n and_o be_v in_o imitation_n of_o true_a miracle_n when_o they_o be_v not_o work_n of_o a_o almighty_a hand_n but_o the_o ordinary_a effect_n of_o that_o natural_a sinite_fw-la power_n that_o be_v in_o daemon_n and_o devil_n to_o which_o also_o we_o may_v rational_o impute_v those_o operation_n for_o which_o those_o magician_n present_o after_o christ_n and_o other_o after_o they_o be_v so_o famous_a among_o the_o heathen_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o by_o which_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n get_v himself_o such_o a_o name_n in_o the_o world_n if_o the_o story_n tell_v of_o he_o be_v true_a which_o yet_o be_v very_o questionable_a nor_o do_v philostratus_n himself_o who_o relate_v they_o report_v they_o all_o as_o thing_n certain_a though_o he_o write_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o partiality_n the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o those_o pretend_a miracle_n we_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o much_o of_o for_o several_a age_n pass_v by_o man_n of_o the_o romish_a communion_n suppose_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n be_v true_a i_o mean_v real_o do_v for_o he_o must_v have_v a_o most_o miraculous_a faith_n that_o can_v believe_v all_o or_o but_o one_o half_a of_o they_o it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v that_o they_o be_v miracle_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n or_o effect_n pure_o supernatural_a above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o second_o cause_n for_o though_o no_o natural_a cause_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n can_v do_v they_o yet_o may_v they_o be_v very_o well_o impute_v to_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o create_a being_n that_n be_v invisible_a and_o so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v rank_v among_o the_o working_n of_o satan_n who_o come_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v with_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n which_o god_n have_v many_o time_n permit_v partly_o to_o prove_v and_o exercise_v the_o faith_n of_o sincere_a professor_n of_o religion_n and_o partly_o to_o punish_v those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o which_o cause_n god_n do_v send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v a_o lie_n 2_o thess_n 2_o all_o this_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o such_o pretended_a miacle_n can_v possible_o argue_v the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n though_o actual_o do_v by_o idolater_n because_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v do_v in_o way_n of_o judgement_n upon_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a people_n however_o this_o advantage_n be_v hereby_o gain_v that_o those_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n such_o as_o they_o be_v do_v argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o invisible_a being_n permit_v to_o show_n sign_n and_o wonder_n vigorous_a in_o their_o act_n and_o limit_v in_o their_o power_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_n be_v preside_a over_o they_o that_o do_v govern_v and_o command_v they_o suffer_v or_o control_v chain_n or_o let_v they_o loose_v of_o his_o own_o pleasure_n and_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n require_v it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o this_o distinction_n between_o miracle_n in_o reality_n and_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o who_o can_v see_v the_o difference_n of_o the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o because_o on_o each_o hand_n the_o work_n may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o infernal_a spirit_n when_o this_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o the_o quality_n
the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n according_o as_o their_o apprehension_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v so_o they_o form_n and_o suit_v the_o scheme_n of_o their_o religion_n towards_o he_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o as_o uncouth_a and_o improper_a as_o those_o principle_n be_v false_a upon_o which_o the_o whole_a model_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n stand_v 3._o three_o some_o be_v willing_a enough_o to_o believe_v the_o reality_n of_o god_n be_v and_o the_o glorious_a excellence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o yet_o conceive_v that_o he_o be_v so_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n that_o he_o do_v not_o meddle_v with_o the_o tumultuous_a affair_n of_o the_o sublunary_a world_n nor_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v man_n to_o a_o account_n for_o their_o action_n another_o day_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o go_v upon_o this_o principle_n what_o venerable_a thought_n soever_o they_o may_v have_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o great_a regard_n for_o themselves_o but_o that_o their_o life_n will_v be_v very_o dissolute_a and_o irreligious_a therefore_o to_o retrench_v these_o evil_n and_o to_o settle_v true_a religion_n upon_o its_o right_a bottom_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v high_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v 1._o first_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o god_n existence_n which_o be_v the_o prime_n the_o fundamental_a business_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n heb._n 11._o 6._o and_o the_o thing_n be_v self-evident_a for_o all_o religion_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v direct_v towards_o god_n and_o to_o terminate_v in_o he_o before_o man_n can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o necessity_n or_o usefulness_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v persuade_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o that_o great_a man_n of_o a_o pagan_a cicero_n 1._o de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 1._o observe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o if_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o humane_a affair_n what_o piety_n sanctity_n or_o religion_n can_v there_o be_v for_o these_o thing_n relate_v pure_o and_o proper_o and_o only_o to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o they_o and_o that_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o god_n can_v do_v we_o good_a or_o will_v not_o do_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v for_o we_o nor_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o use_n to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n what_o encouragement_n can_v there_o be_v for_o we_o to_o offer_v worship_n honour_n and_o prayer_n unto_o he_o 2._o second_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o give_v man_n a_o right_a account_n of_o those_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o splendour_n of_o god_n nature_n because_o as_o his_o nature_n be_v the_o standard_n or_o rule_n of_o all_o religious_a worship_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o for_o what_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v grateful_a to_o his_o mind_n so_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a motive_n to_o those_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v well-pleasing_a to_o he_o for_o what_o can_v more_o induce_v you_o to_o adore_v he_o with_o prayer_n and_o praise_n with_o reverence_n cheerfulness_n and_o love_n than_o to_o be_v well_o assure_v that_o the_o object_n of_o your_o adoration_n be_v a_o be_v infinite_o wise_a righteous_a powerful_a and_o good_a 3._o three_o it_o be_v necessary_a likewise_o to_o show_v the_o act_n and_o end_v of_o god_n providence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o prove_v his_o existence_n and_o to_o explain_v his_o attribute_n that_o he_o be_v no_o retire_a be_v no_o careless_a governor_n no_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o affair_n here_o below_o but_o that_o he_o do_v dispose_v order_n and_o superintend_v all_o thing_n now_o that_o at_o last_o he_o may_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o may_v show_v himself_o a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o who_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o as_o this_o do_v excite_v man_n to_o humility_n patience_n resignation_n self-denial_n and_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_n so_o it_o natural_o serve_v to_o make_v they_o work_v out_o their_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a these_o three_o thing_n be_v of_o such_o apparent_a use_n and_o of_o such_o vast_a concernment_n and_o importance_n i_o shall_v adventure_v by_o god_n assistance_n and_o blessing_n to_o discourse_v of_o they_o in_o some_o little_a measure_n suitable_a to_o my_o own_o poor_a ability_n and_o that_o in_o as_o clear_a as_o succinct_a and_o as_o practical_a a_o manner_n as_o i_o can_v though_o i_o be_o sensible_a beforehand_o what_o difficulty_n must_v occur_v upon_o so_o divine_a a_o subject_a and_o what_o time_n and_o labour_n it_o must_v cost_v to_o go_v through_o so_o great_a a_o undertake_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n existence_n most_o humble_o beseech_v that_o father_n of_o light_n of_o who_o essence_n and_o perfection_n i_o presume_v to_o speak_v so_o to_o illuminate_v my_o understanding_n and_o to_o direct_v my_o heart_n that_o i_o may_v not_o conceive_v any_o thing_n that_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a detract_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o be_v so_o transcendent_o great_a so_o glorious_a so_o adorable_a chap._n i._n in_o treat_v of_o this_o fundamental_a point_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v cast_v the_o sum_n of_o my_o follow_a meditation_n under_o these_o principal_a head_n as_o the_o boundary_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n i._n first_o it_o must_v be_v inquire_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n imply_v and_o signify_v or_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o appellation_n ii_o second_o it_o must_v be_v show_v that_o there_o real_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o bless_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god._n iii_o and_o then_o three_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o practical_a inference_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o this_o truth_n i._n first_o as_o to_o the_o first_o principal_a head_n concern_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n it_o be_v either_o general_a or_o more_o particular_a both_o which_o be_v right_o consider_v it_o will_v evident_o appear_v what_o conception_n or_o notion_n we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n when_o we_o think_v of_o that_o nature_n or_o be_v which_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n 1._o in_o general_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n signify_v a_o be_v which_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a though_o we_o can_v give_v a_o full_a definition_n of_o that_o be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o finite_a and_o scanty_a faculty_n to_o entertain_v a_o conception_n that_o be_v exact_o answerable_a and_o adequate_a to_o a_o nature_n suppose_v to_o be_v infinite_a yet_o this_o be_v a_o intelligible_a description_n of_o god_n and_o the_o best_a description_n we_o can_v make_v for_o a_o short_a one_o that_o god_n be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n which_o either_o have_v a_o existence_n or_o be_v possible_a to_o exist_v how_o different_a soever_o the_o name_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o several_a language_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o various_a soever_o those_o way_n have_v be_v whereby_o people_n in_o all_o country_n have_v express_v their_o thought_n of_o god_n all_o man_n who_o have_v believe_v and_o speak_v of_o a_o supreme_a numen_fw-la or_o deity_n do_v mean_v a_o nature_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o best_a the_o noble_a the_o most_o excellent_a and_o admirable_a that_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a be_v that_o i_o may_v open_v this_o matter_n thorough_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o wherein_o the_o worth_n and_o excellence_n of_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v as_o in_o inanimate_a body_n the_o perfection_n of_o they_o be_v substance_n for_o in_o that_o they_o excel_v a_o shadow_n in_o vegetable_n the_o perfection_n of_o they_o be_v life_n for_o in_o that_o they_o excel_v mineral_n and_o stone_n in_o animal_n the_o perfection_n of_o they_o be_v sense_n for_o in_o that_o they_o excel_v all_o plant_n and_o tree_n and_o in_o man_n the_o perfection_n of_o they_o be_v reason_n for_o in_o that_o they_o excel_v all_o brute_n so_o that_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v perfect_a be_v to_o possess_v that_o dignity_n and_o valuableness_n which_o chiesly_a belong_v to_o its_o nature_n 2._o you_o must_v note_v that_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n consist_v in_o possess_v after_o a_o singular_a manner_n and_o in_o the_o high_a degree_n all_o kind_n of_o
excellence_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n or_o imperfection_n such_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n there_o be_v in_o all_o creature_n in_o all_o body_n there_o be_v substance_n but_o such_o as_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o matter_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n in_o comparison_n of_o spirituality_n in_o all_o vegetable_n there_o be_v life_n but_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o decay_v which_o in_o they_o be_v imperfection_n in_o all_o animal_n there_o be_v sense_n or_o perception_n but_o such_o as_o be_v attend_v with_o fear_n grief_n anger_n and_o other_o disquiet_v passion_n which_o be_v so_o many_o imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n in_o man_n there_o be_v reason_n but_o such_o as_o be_v blemish_v with_o ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v acquire_v by_o the_o great_a labour_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o contemplation_n and_o study_n by_o close_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o by_o a_o long_a train_n of_o thought_n which_o follow_v each_o other_o successive_o and_o be_v gradual_o spin_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o painful_a operation_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n all_o which_o show_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n that_o be_v in_o humane_a nature_n also_o and_o as_o for_o those_o bless_a spirit_n above_o which_o we_o call_v angel_n though_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o perfection_n of_o understanding_n without_o dulness_n pain_n or_o laborious_a activity_n and_o though_o there_o be_v too_o rectitude_n in_o their_o will_n regularity_n in_o their_o affection_n and_o all_o moral_a perfection_n which_o make_v they_o happy_a yet_o be_v their_o knowledge_n limit_v and_o for_o their_o whole_a be_v they_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o superior_a power_n that_o at_o first_o create_v and_o still_o preserve_v they_o which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o they_o likewise_o although_o they_o be_v the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n go_v through_o every_o classis_fw-la and_o sort_n of_o individual_n in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o will_v find_v in_o all_o of_o they_o some_o deficiency_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o their_o principal_a and_o best_a part_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v all_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o sit_v for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v form_v yet_o they_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o such_o perfection_n be_v to_o have_v all_o kind_n of_o excellence_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o excellence_n clear_a and_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o defect_n indigence_n or_o incapacity_n now_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v this_o absolute_a perfection_n for_o that_o word_n god_n speak_v a_o be_v that_o be_v most_o excellent_a so_o that_o suppose_v a_o deity_n to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o inferior_a thing_n which_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n imply_v too_o you_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o the_o be_v in_o who_o all_o those_o perfection_n be_v unite_v as_o in_o a_o centre_n which_o be_v divide_v everywhere_o in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o he_o in_o a_o most_o eminent_a and_o excellent_a degree_n for_o no_o be_v can_v give_v those_o perfection_n which_o some_o way_n or_o other_o it_o have_v not_o either_o formal_o or_o actual_o or_o virtual_o and_o eminent_o in_o itself_o because_o than_o it_o will_v communicate_v more_o than_o it_o have_v that_o be_v more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o its_o power_n to_o impart_v which_o to_o suppose_v will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n all_o cause_n that_o work_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n though_o they_o operate_v to_o the_o utmost_a power_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o faculty_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o yield_v what_o they_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v for_o water_n to_o bring_v forth_o a_o rational_a soul_n or_o for_o fire_n to_o produce_v a_o angel_n out_o of_o a_o few_o stick_n and_o though_o voluntary_a agent_n work_v as_o they_o please_v and_o may_v give_v their_o effect_n much_o less_o than_o themselves_o have_v yet_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o the_o free_a and_o powerful_a agent_n to_o give_v more_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o artificer_n to_o form_v a_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o omnipotence_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o neither_o can_v god_n bestow_v perfection_n which_o he_o himself_o be_v not_o possess_v of_o and_o therefore_o those_o excellency_n which_o we_o find_v in_o nature_n and_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v conclude_v to_o come_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v in_o he_o as_o in_o their_o true_a original_a for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o excellency_n in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v as_o it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v more_o water_n in_o a_o rivulet_n than_o in_o the_o ocean_n again_o as_o all_o perfection_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o that_o supreme_a most_o excellent_a and_o most_o glorious_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v god_n so_o it_o must_v be_v there_o too_o absolute_o or_o without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o defect_n all_o defect_n must_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o by_o immediate_a causality_n from_o god_n as_o by_o the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n make_v and_o of_o temporary_a production_n and_o therefore_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o of_o limit_a faculty_n that_o be_v it_o must_v be_v essential_o imperfect_a especial_o in_o comparison_n of_o its_o creator_n it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o narrow_a scanty_a new-formed_a thing_n to_o be_v commensurate_a in_o all_o its_o perfection_n to_o the_o maker_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v independent_a infinite_a and_o all-sufficient_a in_o himself_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v can_v allow_v this_o and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o defective_a upon_o which_o account_n though_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a be_v because_o all_o perfection_n in_o other_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o conceive_v that_o he_o have_v any_o mixture_n of_o desiciency_n because_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v be_v all_o of_o they_o defective_a in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o for_o those_o defect_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v not_o possible_o have_v be_v make_v otherwise_o or_o without_o they_o therefore_o as_o we_o must_v affirm_v that_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v limit_v and_o partial_a blend_a and_o alloy_v with_o something_o that_o be_v a_o blemish_n to_o they_o so_o we_o must_v conceive_v that_o those_o original_n of_o they_o which_o be_v in_o god_n be_v boundless_a and_o full_a eminent_a and_o absolute_a for_o to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o degrade_v the_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o make_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n inconsistent_a with_o itself_o i_o have_v be_v the_o more_o desirous_a to_o clear_v this_o matter_n that_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n do_v and_o must_v signify_v a_o be_v which_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rational_a principle_n which_o may_v be_v fair_o understand_v and_o must_v needs_o be_v assent_v to_o by_o all_o that_o will_v but_o hearken_v to_o right_o reason_n and_o because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a principle_n also_o that_o will_v soon_o enable_v we_o to_o draw_v out_o of_o it_o by_o direct_a consequence_n a_o more_o 2._o particular_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o be_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o come_v to_o that_o i_o may_v show_v what_o kind_n of_o be_v we_o be_v to_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v before_o i_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o suppose_v most_o perfect_a be_v do_v real_o and_o actual_o exist_v for_o from_o this_o great_a and_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n this_o particular_a account_n will_v follow_v 1._o first_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o independent_a be_v not_o behold_v to_o any_o antecedent_n distinct_a and_o foreign_a cause_n for_o the_o production_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o can_v we_o without_o a_o contradiction_n suppose_v a_o cause_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n such_o a_o supposition_n will_v argue_v imperfection_n in_o the_o deity_n because_o it_o will_v make_v he_o a_o precarious_a be_v depend_v upon_o the_o activity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o another_o superior_a to_o he_o in_o greatness_n of_o power_n and_o before_o he_o in_o time_n and_o in_o existence_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n have_v all_o perfection_n
innumerable_a essence_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n though_o the_o outward_a form_n and_o idea_n of_o they_o be_v the_o inward_a nature_n of_o they_o be_v discoverable_a only_o by_o the_o sagacity_n and_o activity_n of_o the_o mind_n observe_v their_o effect_n and_o operation_n then_o argue_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o so_o judge_v of_o the_o reality_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n by_o its_o consequent_n hereby_o the_o understanding_n penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o thing_n which_o sense_n and_o fancy_n can_v never_o do_v and_o it_o find_v out_o not_o what_o a_o thing_n seem_v to_o be_v but_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o different_a thing_n from_o the_o fantastry_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v ever_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o sense_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a we_o can_v but_o perceive_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o a_o admirable_a be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v if_o we_o will_v attentive_o consider_v its_o power_n and_o operation_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v any_o perception_n of_o it_o by_o external_a sensation_n because_o we_o can_v hear_v or_o see_v it_o or_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o hand_n or_o make_v any_o discovery_n of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o sense_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v smell_v or_o taste_v a_o shadow_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sensible_a image_n of_o it_o to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n no_o external_a essluvia_n of_o it_o no_o foreign_a idea_n no_o representation_n from_o without_o to_o affect_v the_o imagination_n no_o there_o must_v be_v the_o use_n of_o pure_a cogitation_n and_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o soul_n be_v and_o to_o make_v that_o intelligible_a to_o we_o which_o act_v in_o we_o and_o this_o will_v do_v it_o when_o all_o our_o sense_n can_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o we_o which_o think_v for_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a of_o his_o own_o thought_n therefore_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o be_v we_o perceive_v that_o it_o work_v continual_o in_o we_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a thing_n for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v possible_o work_v we_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n life_n and_o vigour_n power_n and_o activity_n apprehension_n knowledge_n and_o memory_n a_o saculty_n of_o compare_v thing_n with_o thing_n and_o of_o reason_v and_o judge_v upon_o such_o comparison_n a_o power_n too_o of_o determine_v what_o to_o do_v of_o choose_v and_o refuse_v of_o desire_v that_o which_o it_o love_v and_o of_o reach_v out_o after_o that_o which_o it_o desire_v therefore_o it_o be_v a_o real_a exist_v be_v thus_o far_o we_o can_v easy_o go_v in_o our_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n without_o any_o help_n of_o sensation_n from_o abroad_o and_o hence_o we_o proceed_v to_o perceive_v that_o this_o soul_n of_o we_o be_v a_o incorporeal_a be_v for_o its_o operation_n be_v incongruous_a to_o stupid_a matter_n too_o quick_a and_o noble_a for_o matter_n though_o you_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v in_o motion_n clay_n can_v cogitate_v nor_o can_v any_o move_a wheel_n reason_n nor_o can_v the_o most_o spirituous_a part_n of_o the_o blood_n philosophise_v nor_o can_v the_o fine_a mote_n that_o dance_v in_o the_o sun_n consult_v or_o deliberate_v nor_o can_v that_o glorious_a and_o enliven_a creature_n the_o sun_n itself_o entertain_v those_o meditation_n which_o bubble_n and_o spring_v out_o of_o one_o mind_n nor_o can_v all_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n put_v together_o form_n those_o contrivance_n desire_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o every_o humane_a soul_n and_o to_o suppose_v as_o some_o pretender_n to_o sense_n and_o wit_n do_v that_o all_o these_o action_n proceed_v from_o little_a restless_a atom_n caper_v about_o in_o the_o head_n and_o fall_v accidental_o into_o various_a form_n and_o contexture_n do_v argue_n rather_o that_o the_o brain_n of_o such_o man_n be_v inse_v with_o fly_n and_o nit_n than_o that_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n i_o have_v say_v this_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o be_v intelligible_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v false_a reason_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o intelligible_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o call_v by_o that_o name_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o immaterial_a be_v and_o as_o such_o be_v not_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o our_o sense_n a_o pretence_n which_o though_o use_v to_o invalidate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v with_o parity_n of_o reason_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o existence_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n who_o true_a essence_n and_o nature_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o corporeal_a sensible_a idea_n especial_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v no_o object_n of_o external_a sensation_n and_o yet_o by_o its_o operation_n and_o essect_v appear_v to_o all_o understand_a man_n to_o be_v a_o real_a cogitative_a intellectual_a and_o active_a be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v immure_v in_o matter_n and_o then_o why_o may_v we_o not_o conceive_v and_o understand_v that_o supereminent_a nature_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o create_v every_o humane_a soul_n to_o be_v a_o perfect_o wise_a righteous_a and_o good_a be_v rea_o exist_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o with_o the_o eye_n especial_o since_o we_o may_v see_v he_o in_o some_o measure_n at_o second_o hand_n in_o his_o glorious_a work_n for_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n act_v 14._o 17._o so_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o 2._o another_o very_a false_a principle_n those_o odd_a man_n go_v upon_o be_v this_o that_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v as_o we_o believe_v a_o transcendent_a infinite_a be_v and_o suppose_v our_o own_o intellectual_a faculty_n to_o be_v as_o we_o find_v they_o of_o a_o finite_a narrow_a capacity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v god_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v uncertain_a whether_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o he_o be_v true_a or_o false_a right_a or_o wrong_n this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o all_o knowledge_n therefore_o we_o can_v have_v none_o according_a to_o which_o rate_n of_o reason_v they_o may_v affirm_v also_o that_o we_o see_v nothing_o of_o the_o sun_n because_o we_o can_v view_v every_o single_a ray_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v its_o full_a lustre_n and_o that_o because_o we_o understand_v not_o all_o the_o mystery_n in_o nature_n therefore_o we_o be_v quite_o ignorant_a or_o at_o least_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v whether_o those_o idea_n and_o notion_n we_o have_v do_v not_o utter_o deceive_v we_o whereas_o in_o these_o case_n the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n proceed_v not_o from_o any_o dubitableness_n or_o delusion_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o from_o the_o weakness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o be_v a_o be_v transcendent_o perfect_a how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o we_o poor_a creature_n can_v possible_o have_v full_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o he_o unless_o we_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n by_o make_v narrowness_n to_o answer_v transcendency_n or_o a_o finite_a thing_n to_o be_v proportionable_a and_o commensurate_a to_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o yet_o it_o will_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n follow_v hence_o that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n be_v a_o unintelligible_a be_v because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o full_a we_o know_v in_o part_n as_o we_o can_v and_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n because_o in_o this_o weak_a mortal_a state_n the_o dulness_n and_o incapacity_n of_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o know_v perfect_o and_o to_o argue_v hence_o that_o the_o deity_n be_v a_o unconceivable_a and_o so_o at_o least_o a_o dubitable_a be_v when_o our_o own_o conception_n of_o he_o our_o intellectual_a power_n be_v natural_o and_o necessary_o narrow_a be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v conclude_v that_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o that_o it_o be_v very_o
see_v daily_o the_o motion_n of_o body_n and_o the_o production_n of_o live_v creature_n especial_o of_o mankind_n first_o for_o the_o motion_n of_o body_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v never_o idle_a in_o the_o earth_n there_o be_v active_a principle_n of_o life_n and_o vegetation_n which_o prepare_v the_o vital_a juice_n that_o be_v in_o all_o plant_n and_o tree_n in_o animal_n there_o be_v concoction_n digestion_n and_o a_o motion_n or_o fluor_fw-la of_o the_o chyle_n which_o serve_v for_o nutrition_n in_o the_o sea_n there_o be_v a_o flux_n and_o reflux_n and_o a_o current_n in_o rivers_n and_o spring_n in_o the_o air_n there_o be_v vicissitude_n and_o turn_n as_o exhalation_n and_o vapour_n steam_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n and_o return_v to_o it_o again_o modify_v into_o various_a form_n and_o the_o constant_a circular_a course_n of_o those_o glorious_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n show_v likewise_o that_o in_o this_o visisible_a world_n there_o be_v no_o rest_n now_o all_o these_o motion_n of_o material_a substance_n must_v depend_v upon_o cause_n for_o matter_n alone_o be_v a_o liveless_a unactive_a stupid_a thing_n which_o can_v no_o more_o move_v itself_o than_o mountain_n and_o rock_n can_v walk_v and_o whatever_o those_o cause_n be_v whether_o proximate_n or_o remote_a they_o must_v depend_v for_o their_o operation_n upon_o the_o energy_n of_o one_o supreme_a cause_n that_o impower_v nature_n and_o set_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o it_o on_o work_n and_o give_v it_o as_o we_o may_v say_v the_o first_o strike_v for_o otherwise_o motion_n which_o once_o be_v not_o in_o be_v will_v have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o production_n of_o live_v creature_n and_o particular_o of_o mankind_n once_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o you_o and_o i_o and_o all_o of_o we_o have_v a_o beginning_n as_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o end_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v run_v up_o our_o generation_n so_o far_o as_o to_o date_n our_o breed_n from_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o year_n ago_o yet_o must_v we_o of_o necessity_n derive_v it_o at_o last_o from_o some_o ancestor_n who_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o other_o as_o we_o have_v be_v but_o be_v make_v after_o a_o different_a manner_n by_o a_o omnipotent_a cause_n which_o can_v give_v they_o a_o beginning_n for_o otherwise_o we_o must_v either_o run_v up_o on_o to_o eternity_n or_o suppose_v our_o first_o parent_n to_o have_v make_v themselves_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o universal_a truth_n i_o demonstrate_v before_o and_o will_v imply_v that_o those_o our_o first_o parent_n have_v a_o be_v and_o no_o be_v at_o the_o same_o instant_n this_o argument_n so_o strong_o prove_v the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o a_o deity_n to_o form_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v it_o in_o order_n that_o some_o unreasonable_a man_n find_v themselves_o constrain_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v as_o it_o be_v now_o the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o rise_n novity_n or_o begin_v and_o so_o without_o any_o dependence_n on_o a_o first_o cause_n or_o need_v of_o it_o they_o be_v as_o good_a say_v plain_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o be_v convince_v but_o will_v rid_v themselves_o of_o all_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n at_o any_o rate_n though_o they_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o common_a reason_n and_o run_v into_o the_o most_o fulsome_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n for_o how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o reason_n to_o take_v a_o boundless_a progress_n from_o one_o effect_v to_o another_o still_o onward_o up_o to_o retroinfinity_n without_o stop_v at_o any_o beginning_n this_o conceit_n be_v admit_v these_o monstrous_a absurdity_n must_v follow_v 1._o first_o it_o imply_v the_o local_a motion_n of_o body_n to_o have_v produce_v itself_o without_o the_o efficiency_n of_o a_o first_o mover_n which_o be_v impossible_a because_o motion_n be_v neither_o essential_a to_o matter_n for_o then_o no_o body_n can_v ever_o rest_v nor_o be_v it_o incident_a to_o matter_n as_o such_o but_o by_o its_o be_v touch_v by_o some_o move_a principle_n that_o be_v distinct_a from_o it_o it_o be_v a_o passion_n impress_v upon_o matter_n by_o a_o agent_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o change_v place_n and_o distance_n and_o therefore_o it_o presuppose_v action_n from_o something_o else_o otherwise_o it_o must_v be_v its_o own_o creature_n and_o maker_n too_o the_o effect_n and_o cause_n of_o itself_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v a_o contradicton_n so_o that_o though_o you_o go_v through_o the_o vast_a series_n of_o move_a body_n from_o the_o thing_n below_o to_o the_o heaven_n above_o you_o must_v come_v at_o last_o to_o a_o first_o mover_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o conclude_v against_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v innumerable_a effect_n without_o any_o original_a essiciency_n suppose_v when_o the_o world_n be_v make_v it_o have_v present_o have_v some_o great_a jog_v give_v it_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o several_a part_n shall_v not_o have_v spend_v itself_o in_o a_o little_a time_n without_o a_o conserve_n power_n pervade_v through_o all_o but_o it_o confound_v humane_a understanding_n to_o think_v how_o there_o can_v be_v motion_n all_o along_o from_o all_o past_a eternity_n and_o without_o any_o beginning_n no_o superior_a power_n move_v or_o act_v upon_o body_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o matter_n to_o be_v self-active_a though_o you_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v eternal_a it_o can_v no_o more_o move_v than_o it_o can_v make_v itself_o for_o upon_o that_o principle_n man_n must_v return_v to_o that_o great_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n touch_v a_o thing_n be_v its_o own_o cause_n that_o be_v touch_v its_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o second_o to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a will_v render_v the_o generation_n of_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a for_o every_o one_o formation_n and_o birth_n be_v absolve_v in_o the_o space_n of_o so_o many_o month_n and_o so_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n include_v not_o only_o a_o period_n but_o a_o beginning_n too_o both_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o if_o humane_a race_n be_v always_o beget_v carry_v it_o as_o high_a as_o you_o please_v you_o must_v come_v to_o a_o moment_n when_o generation_n do_v begin_v 3._o if_o it_o be_v say_v three_o that_o man_n be_v not_o from_o all_o eternity_n generate_v as_o they_o be_v now_o but_o that_o some_o be_v create_v or_o make_v from_o everlasting_a and_o thence_o other_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o ordinary_a common_a way_n this_o contradict_v itself_o for_o it_o necessary_o infer_v a_o creator_n or_o maker_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o imply_v a_o first_o man_n and_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o a_o time_n when_o our_o first_o ancestor_n begin_v whereas_o there_o be_v neither_o first_o nor_o last_o in_o succession_n which_o be_v eternal_a so_o that_o be_v our_o ancestor_n eternal_a it_o must_v be_v say_v plain_o we_o have_v no_o first_o parent_n at_o all_o 4._o and_o then_o four_o what_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o conceive_v that_o every_o particular_a man_n shall_v have_v as_o we_o see_v every_o man_n have_v a_o father_n and_o a_o mother_n and_o yet_o that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v none_o 5._o five_o or_o if_o every_o man_n parent_n be_v infinite_a than_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v as_o many_o infinite_n as_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v such_o another_o great_a absurdity_n as_o the_o former_a 6._o six_o to_o conclude_v this_o argumentation_n to_o affirm_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v eternal_a be_v to_o destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o infinity_o and_o to_o entangle_v one_o self_n in_o the_o great_a nonsense_n for_o to_o give_v you_o the_o word_n of_o a_o most_o learned_a and_o judicious_a writer_n if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a 376._o bishop_n stillingsleet_n '_o be_v orig._n sac._n p._n 376._o there_o must_v have_v be_v past_o a_o infinite_a succession_n of_o age_n a_o insinite_a number_n of_o succession_n be_v already_o past_a and_o if_o past_a then_o at_o a_o end_n and_o so_o we_o find_v a_o infinite_a which_o have_v a_o end_n which_o be_v a_o consequence_n become_v one_o who_o avoid_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o infinity_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a thing_n beside_o if_o the_o number_n of_o generation_n have_v be_v insinite_a these_o two_o consequence_n will_v unavoidable_o follow_v which_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o one_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v startle_v at_o that_o one_o infinite_a may_v be_v
as_o it_o become_v a_o intellectual_a wise_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n and_o last_o this_o incorporeity_n render_v the_o first_o cause_n uncapable_a of_o beind_n divisible_a or_o determinable_a to_o place_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o body_n which_o consist_v of_o magnitude_n and_o dimension_n and_o therefore_o how_o incomprehensible_a soever_o the_o notion_n of_o infinity_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o who_o outward_a sense_n be_v use_v only_o to_o thing_n corporeal_a reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o think_v that_o every_o be_v must_v be_v extend_v or_o unextend_v limit_a or_o unlimited_a circumscribe_v or_o diffuse_v according_a as_o its_o essence_n and_o nature_n be_v and_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n be_v incorporeal_a and_o have_v once_o a_o immense_a world_n to_o make_v and_o ever_o since_o a_o immense_a world_n to_o act_v upon_o and_o in_o can_v be_v confine_v to_o place_n but_o must_v be_v every_o where_o and_o undivide_o in_o a_o manner_n agreeable_a to_o the_o plenitude_n of_o its_o nature_n now_o this_o account_n of_o the_o necessary_a existence_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n be_v so_o far_o a_o plain_a description_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o we_o maintain_v that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o production_n and_o frame_v of_o this_o huge_a universe_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a that_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o independent_a self-existent_a eternal_a all-powerful_a immaterial_a and_o infinite_a be_v these_o be_v not_o bare_a epithet_n of_o honour_n bestow_v as_o some_o strange_a man_n conceive_v upon_o a_o imaginary_a something_o which_o the_o fancy_n and_o fear_n of_o people_n have_v without_o reason_n represent_v to_o their_o mind_n but_o real_a solid_a severe_a and_o demonstrable_a truth_n so_o that_o admit_v the_o common_a and_o most_o rational_a principle_n touch_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n those_o glorious_a perfection_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v must_v necessary_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o because_o those_o perfection_n be_v essential_a and_o peculiar_a to_o that_o glorious_a be_v we_o call_v god_n therefore_o god_n and_o god_n alone_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o natural_a consequence_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v believe_v chap._n iii_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o necessary_a existence_n of_o a_o first_o independent_a cause_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o general_n head_n of_o this_o discourse_n touch_v the_o consent_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o that_o belief_n result_v from_o a_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v not_o deceive_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o mankind_n here_o then_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v show_v 1._o first_o that_o man_n have_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 2._o second_o that_o this_o universal_a agreement_n be_v a_o very_a strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n 1._o first_o that_o man_n have_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o noble_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n cicero_n do_v in_o several_a place_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o manner_n of_o people_n be_v natural_o posfe_v with_o some_o anticipation_n or_o preconception_n 1._o de_fw-fr nit-deor_a lib._n 1._o tuse_a qu._n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 1._o of_o a_o deity_n so_o that_o no_o nation_n be_v ever_o so_o wild_a and_o undisciplined_a but_o that_o they_o have_v a_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o own_v his_o be_v however_o they_o be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n seneca_n tell_v that_o the_o belief_n 117._o ep._n 117._o of_o a_o god_n be_v plant_v in_o every_o one_o mind_n and_o maximus_n tyrius_n be_v positive_a 1._o diss_n 1._o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o contention_n of_o man_n be_v about_o other_o point_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o nay_o epicurus_n 1._o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n 1._o himself_o of_o who_o this_o character_n be_v give_v that_o in_o word_n he_o own_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n but_o in_o fact_n deny_v it_o be_v content_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o shall_v pass_v abroad_o because_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o innate_a principle_n not_o only_o among_o philosopher_n but_o among_o the_o unlearned_a too_o who_o all_o have_v some_o pri-notion_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o true_a be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o real_a existence_n but_o even_o the_o singularity_n and_o unity_n of_o a_o supreme_a god_n have_v be_v general_o believe_v by_o heathen_n themselves_o especial_o by_o the_o wise_a fort_n of_o they_o which_o i_o think_v very_o material_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o here_o for_o the_o further_a illustration_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n indeed_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o deity_n but_o withal_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o those_o many_o deity_n as_o a_o fort_n of_o middle_a being_n between_o mon_n and_o the_o supreme_a deity_n and_o according_o in_o their_o devotion_n they_o address_v themselves_o to_o they_o as_o agent_n and_o officer_n under_o the_o great_a god_n as_o his_o minister_n of_o state_n and_z as_o mediator_n between_o they_o and_o the_o most_o high_a sovereign_a numen_fw-la because_o they_o think_v it_o irreligious_a confidence_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o immediate_o and_o direct_o such_o a_o venerable_a and_o august_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o god_n over_o all_o though_o in_o the_o poetical_a fabulous_a age_n of_o the_o world_n ignorant_a people_n be_v teach_v to_o worship_v a_o multitude_n of_o god_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o they_o believe_v to_o be_v deify_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v animate_v with_o deity_n beside_o a_o great_a number_n of_o daemon_n or_o incorporeal_a substance_n or_o spirit_n which_o they_o think_v be_v generate_v and_o have_v the_o administration_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n commit_v to_o they_o yet_o they_o own_v one_o sovereign_a numen_fw-la one_o incomprehensible_a self-existent_a be_v the_o prince_n and_o father_n of_o all_o nay_o the_o more_o intelligent_a sort_n of_o pagan_n ancient_o think_v that_o the_o plurality_n of_o deity_n which_o the_o vulgar_a worship_v be_v only_o so_o many_o several_a name_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o supreme_a god_n according_a to_o the_o several_a manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n in_o the_o heaven_n say_v st._n austin_n they_o call_v 11._o de_fw-fr civit._n 1._o 4._o c._n 11._o he_o jupiter_n in_o the_o air_n juno_n in_o the_o sea_n neptune_n in_o the_o earth_n pluto_n and_o very_o many_o more_o appellation_n there_o be_v which_o though_o the_o sottish_a rabble_n believe_v to_o have_v be_v proper_a name_n for_o distinct_a deity_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n think_v they_o do_v all_o belong_v to_o one_o supreme_a numen_fw-la various_o act_v and_o display_v his_o virtue_n and_o with_o this_o agree_v that_o of_o 7._o de_fw-fr benef._n l._n 4._o c._n 7._o seneca_n what_o else_o be_v nature_n say_v he_o but_o god_n or_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n display_v itself_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o you_o may_v when_o you_o please_v give_v several_a title_n to_o the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o you_o may_v call_v he_o jupiter_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la and_o tonans_fw-la and_o stator_n not_o from_o stop_v the_o roman_a army_n in_o their_o flight_n but_o because_o all_o thing_n do_v stand_v or_o consist_v by_o he_o you_o may_v well_o apply_v to_o he_o what_o name_n you_o will_v that_o signify_v his_o heavenly_a power_n and_o efficacy_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o appellation_n as_o there_o be_v gift_n or_o effect_n of_o god_n beside_o jupiter_n tonans_fw-la and_o stator_n we_o call_v he_o libre_fw-la pater_fw-la hercules_n and_o mercurius_n libre_fw-la pater_fw-la because_o he_o have_v produce_v all_o thing_n hercules_n because_o his_o power_n be_v invincible_a and_o mercury_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o wisdom_n turn_v you_o which_o way_n you_o please_v god_n meet_v you_o for_o nothing_o be_v without_o he_o he_o fill_v all_o his_o work_n so_o that_o his_o various_a name_n be_v according_a to_o the_o various_a manifestation_n of_o he_o shall_v you_o receive_v a_o kindness_n from_o seneca_n and_o say_v you_o owe_v it_o to_o annaeus_n or_o lucius_n you_o will_v not_o change_v the_o person_n but_o his_o name_n for_o what_o name_n soever_o you_o call_v he_o by_o you_o mean_v still_o the_o same_o man_n and_o so_o you_o may_v
second_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o probability_n it_o be_v not_o true_a for_o though_o upon_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o those_o nation_n some_o of_o they_o be_v suspect_v of_o atheism_n yet_o a_o different_a account_n be_v give_v afterward_o upon_o further_a inquiry_n nay_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o savage_a people_n among_o they_o do_v worship_v some_o thing_n after_o a_o religious_a sort_n however_o they_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o worship_n almost_o any_o thing_n for_o a_o deity_n than_o not_o to_o own_o any_o deity_n at_o all_o three_o be_v the_o report_n true_a and_o unquestionable_a all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v hence_o be_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o some_o man_n to_o be_v so_o besot_v and_o govern_v by_o outward_a sense_n as_o to_o lose_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o humane_a nature_n reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o belluine_a kind_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a that_o one_o particular_a exception_n shall_v prevail_v against_o a_o general_a rule_n if_o in_o the_o universe_n there_o be_v now_o and_o then_o a_o little_a irregularity_n it_o can_v argue_v that_o nature_n be_v not_o steady_a and_o uniform_a and_o so_o if_o among_o mankind_n there_o chance_n to_o be_v here_o or_o there_o some_o brutish_a people_n it_o can_v argue_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n or_o that_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o common_a reason_n be_v false_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o principle_n agree_v upon_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o some_o odd_a folk_n of_o lose_a understanding_n have_v no_o such_o notion_n of_o what_o weight_n be_v this_o that_o it_o shall_v bear_v down_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n after_o this_o rate_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o right_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o credit_n or_o authority_n to_o be_v give_v to_o reason_n because_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n beast_n and_o natural_n 2._o but_o to_o take_v off_o this_o answer_n it_o be_v pretend_v second_o that_o philosopher_n and_o man_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o theodorus_n bion_n leucippus_n democritus_n protagorus_fw-la diagoras_n epicurus_n and_o the_o like_a now_o as_o to_o this_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v say_v first_o that_o we_o scarce_o find_v the_o name_n of_o twelve_o atheist_n express_o mention_v in_o history_n since_o the_o creation_n set_v aside_o some_o in_o these_o late_a age_n who_o will_v have_v be_v think_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o in_o all_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v not_o of_o one_o by_o name_n and_o though_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v indefinite_o of_o a_o fool_n in_o his_o time_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n psalm_n 14._o 1._o yet_o by_o his_o character_n you_o see_v what_o he_o be_v count_v and_o as_o great_a a_o fool_n as_o he_o be_v he_o will_v not_o speak_v out_o nor_o affirm_v it_o positive_o but_o say_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n so_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o his_o wish_n than_o opinion_n second_o of_o those_o we_o read_v of_o in_o humane_a writer_n some_o be_v call_v atheist_n mere_o because_o they_o despise_v the_o rabble_n of_o deity_n and_o the_o unreasonable_a superstition_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o gentile_n have_v in_o great_a admiration_n such_o be_v the_o humour_n of_o people_n in_o those_o time_n that_o they_o stigmatise_v all_o who_o oppose_v their_o folly_n with_o that_o infamous_a character_n a_o humour_n which_o hold_v on_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o the_o most_o religious_a disciple_n of_o christ_n be_v charge_v with_o atheism_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o they_o be_v enemy_n too_o though_o upon_o far_o better_a ground_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o pagan_a deity_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o strict_a computation_n i_o think_v the_o notorious_a atheist_n in_o those_o dark_a age_n be_v not_o in_o all_o above_o seven_o and_o of_o those_o it_o be_v observable_a three_o that_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o can_v be_v a_o tolerable_a judge_n of_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v infamous_a for_o vice_n and_o immorality_n and_o therefore_o in_o favour_n to_o their_o lust_n do_v think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o destroy_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n other_o be_v man_n of_o so_o little_a sense_n that_o every_o modern_a insidel_n have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v alhame_v of_o they_o for_o protagoras_n be_v a_o porter_n and_o diagoras_n a_o slave_n both_o of_o they_o be_v angry_a at_o providence_n for_o not_o have_v dispose_v of_o they_o better_o in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v easy_o bribe_v and_o hire_v by_o democritus_n to_o make_v up_o a_o small_a paltry_a litter_n and_o of_o all_o of_o they_o it_o be_v remark_v that_o they_o be_v bloat_v up_o with_o pride_n arrogance_n and_o ambition_n whereby_o they_o affect_v to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o signalise_v themselves_o as_o the_o most_o know_a sage_n in_o the_o world_n by_o reject_v notion_n which_o be_v the_o common_a receive_v principle_n among_o all_o mankind_n and_o yet_o four_o what_o those_o few_o upstart_n do_v they_o do_v by_o strain_v and_o force_v their_o own_o conscience_n there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o conscience_n which_o can_v be_v utter_o fubdue_v especial_o when_o not_o only_o the_o honour_n but_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n be_v concern_v who_o deputy_n it_o be_v then_o conscience_n will_v throb_v and_o possess_v the_o most_o irreligious_a man_n with_o such_o fear_n as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n whatever_o argument_n they_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v against_o he_o they_o lie_v say_v seneca_n who_o profess_v a_o unbelief_n of_o god_n for_o though_o they_o maintain_v it_o before_o you_o in_o the_o daytime_n yet_o at_o night_n they_o themselves_o call_v their_o infidelity_n in_o question_n company_n business_n or_o diversion_n may_v banish_v their_o fear_n for_o a_o while_n but_o those_o fear_n return_v in_o the_o dark_a from_o under_o the_o pillow_n when_o conscience_n come_v to_o have_v private_a audience_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n colla_n in_o cicero_n tell_v we_o of_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o doctrine_n 1._o de_fw-fr nat._n dcor_fw-la lib_n 1._o be_v design_v to_o destroy_v the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o he_o never_o see_v any_o man_n more_o afraid_a than_o that_o philosopher_n be_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v dread_v that_o be_v death_n and_o god_n a_o clear_a argument_n that_o whatever_o he_o pretend_v and_o teach_v to_o the_o contrary_a his_o conscience_n tell_v he_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n have_v be_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o all_o age_n and_o country_n and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n epicurus_n himself_o be_v willing_a ibid._n ibid._n it_o shall_v pass_v on_o still_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o of_o that_o conceit_a man_n that_o though_o in_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o his_o principle_n he_o deny_v god_n yet_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o severe_a law_n and_o people_n of_o athens_n in_o word_n he_o own_a a_o deity_n and_o that_o for_o this_o consideration_n because_o nature_n itself_o have_v imprint_v on_o all_o man_n mind_n a_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o his_o disciple_n villeius_n in_o cicero_n say_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o what_o nation_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v there_o which_o have_v not_o without_o learning_n some_o anticipation_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o epicurus_n call_v a_o prolepsis_n or_o pre-notion_n and_o since_o that_o opinion_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o any_o institution_n custom_n or_o law_n and_o yet_o continue_v the_o firm_a unshaken_a belief_n of_o all_o man_n therefore_o people_n ought_v to_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o now_o what_o be_v the_o singular_a imagination_n of_o a_o few_o vain_a wanton_a wretch_n to_o the_o settle_a persuasion_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o must_v all_o man_n be_v deceive_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o god_n because_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n will_v not_o seem_v to_o own_v they_o there_o be_v sometime_o monstrosity_n in_o nature_n and_o so_o there_o be_v too_o often_o in_o opinion_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o
absurd_a and_o monstrous_a but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v for_o at_o least_o may_v be_v dispute_v for_o by_o man_n of_o part_n and_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o contrary_a principle_n be_v not_o true_a one_o philosopher_n maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n another_o will_v have_v persuade_v people_n that_o snow_n be_v black_a and_o some_o stand_v in_o it_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a and_o shall_v such_o odd_a whimsy_n prevail_v against_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n some_o never_o see_v the_o light_n in_o all_o their_o life_n and_o do_v this_o argue_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a sun_n or_o that_o that_o be_v no_o sun_n which_o the_o whole_a world_n behold_v why_o a_o man_n of_o unprejudiced_a and_o impartial_a reason_n may_v with_o his_o mind_n as_o easy_o see_v god_n in_o his_o work_n as_o i_o can_v see_v the_o day_n with_o my_o eye_n but_o shall_v i_o so_o affect_v singularity_n as_o to_o shut_v my_o eye_n and_o then_o pretend_v that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v a_o dismal_a dark_a confuse_a chaos_n can_v it_o be_v conclude_v hence_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n why_o it_o be_v as_o senseless_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o mankind_n have_v be_v all_o along_o mistake_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o god_n because_o two_o or_o three_o impious_a philosopher_n have_v shut_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o understanding_n against_o he_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o themselves_o a_o proof_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n stupidity_n and_o wickedness_n but_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o all_o other_o man_n who_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o irreligious_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o exi_a deity_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o time_n and_o place_n unanimous_o and_o thorough_o persuade_v 2._o nay_o that_o i_o may_v proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v under_o this_o head_n from_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o evidence_n of_o reason_n this_o universal_a consent_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n for_o whence_o can_v this_o common_a belief_n proceed_v but_o from_o a_o common_a natural_a principle_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o all_o man_n be_v endue_v by_o the_o common_a creator_n to_o bear_v witness_n of_o his_o be_v as_o a_o signature_n make_v by_o his_o own_o finger_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v connatural_a to_o the_o sou_n that_o be_v inbred_a innate_a and_o engrave_v as_o it_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n upon_o our_o conception_n in_o the_o womb_n so_o that_o every_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n do_v of_o himself_o by_o common_a instinct_n understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n methinks_v we_o need_v not_o go_v so_o far_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o inclination_n towards_o god_n a_o disposition_n and_o propension_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o aptness_n to_o receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n upon_o instruction_n education_n and_o the_o use_n of_o common_a reason_n this_o we_o may_v well_o call_v a_o natural_a principle_n and_o so_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v natural_a notion_n because_o they_o do_v natural_o result_v from_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n now_o this_o plain_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n because_o none_o but_o god_n can_v put_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o mankind_n into_o this_o frame_n none_o but_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o principle_n in_o our_o nature_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v able_a to_o discover_v and_o find_v out_o god_n as_o all_o man_n have_v do_v and_o do_v who_o use_v their_o reason_n all_o have_v consent_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n of_o this_o one_o universal_a uniform_a principle_n there_o must_v be_v one_o universal_a uniform_a cause_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o cause_o be_v reasonable_o assign_v but_o that_o sovereign_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o who_o order_v our_o common_a nature_n thus_o have_v not_o god_n make_v our_o faculty_n so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n spring_v forth_o in_o every_o one_o mind_n with_o his_o reason_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o his_o reason_n we_o may_v argue_v with_o lucilius_n in_o cicero_n 2._o de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n 2._o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o that_o belief_n to_o have_v continue_v every_o where_o constant_a or_o to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n and_o to_o have_v become_v inveterate_a together_o with_o man_n age_n for_o vain_a fictitious_a opinion_n wear_v out_o by_o diuturnity_n time_n discover_v and_o destroy_v the_o falsehood_n of_o imagination_n but_o confirm_v the_o solid_a dictate_v and_o determination_n of_o nature_n which_o show_v that_o this_o common_a last_a notion_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a and_o owe_v its_o original_n to_o a_o power_n above_o who_o workmanship_n we_o all_o be_v to_o defond_a themselves_o against_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n those_o that_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n pretend_v that_o this_o so_o universal_a a_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v be_v impure_v to_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o four_o cause_n if_o not_o to_o all_o of_o they_o tradition_n fear_v state-policy_n and_o common_a compact_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o pretence_n i_o be_o now_o to_o show_v that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o thing_n material_a which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n upon_o this_o necessary_a useful_a and_o seasonable_a subject_n â—_o as_o to_o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v one_o cause_n of_o that_o universal_a consent_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o yet_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v say_v first_o that_o tradition_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o therefore_o be_v allege_v to_o no_o purpose_n second_o that_o tradition_n of_o itself_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o this_o universal_a consent_n first_o tradition_n argue_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o belief_n which_o have_v prevail_v among_o all_o mankind_n by_o tradition_n be_v mean_v if_o man_n will_v speak_v sense_n and_o reason_n a_o opinion_n hand_v down_o from_o some_o first_o author_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o author_n of_o this_o tradition_n be_v assign_v but_o those_o from_o who_o loin_n all_o mankind_n descend_v for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o common_a principle_n to_o spring_v but_o from_o a_o common_a root_n our_o first_o parent_n now_o this_o lead_v we_o back_o to_o the_o time_n which_o moses_n speak_v of_o when_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n be_v form_v and_o the_o faith_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v derive_v original_o from_o they_o can_v but_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v their_o own_o beginning_n they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o after_o a_o preternatural_a manner_n that_o god_n have_v form_v they_o by_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o that_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v teach_v their_o child_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v not_o they_o themselves_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v one_o that_o they_o shall_v wilful_o and_o design_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o all_o their_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o fiction_n too_o as_o will_v keep_v their_o mind_n in_o continual_a bondage_n under_o the_o most_o frightful_a apprehension_n this_o be_v a_o imagination_n which_o confound_v the_o understanding_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n and_o be_v altogether_o unaccountable_a beside_o have_v not_o the_o tradition_n be_v certain_a how_o can_v it_o have_v hold_v so_o every_o where_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o along_o for_o several_a thousand_o year_n to_o this_o day_n fable_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v soon_o lose_v what_o hand_n soever_o send_v they_o abroad_o to_o pass_v about_o in_o the_o world_n the_o falsehood_n of_o they_o be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o discover_v in_o time_n especial_o when_o inquisitive_a and_o wise_a man_n begin_v to_o search_v into_o they_o and_o to_o examine_v what_o substance_n there_o be_v in_o they_o and_o what_o credit_n they_o be_v of_o and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o this_o tradition_n have_v it_o be_v fabulous_a to_o have_v go_v through_o the_o world_n without_o interruption_n or_o stop_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o
universal_a belief_n and_o without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_n whatever_o external_n profession_n and_o compliance_n it_o may_v bring_v a_o few_o timorous_a person_n to_o it_o can_v alone_o work_v upon_o the_o understanding_n and_o conscience_n to_o receive_v a_o opinion_n which_o be_v not_o in_o itself_o evident_a or_o probable_a rather_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o hate_v a_o opinion_n that_o be_v bring_v with_o the_o terrible_a pomp_n of_o sword_n and_o fire_n witness_v all_o the_o unsuccessful_a attempt_n of_o prince_n who_o instead_o of_o propagate_a their_o religion_n have_v still_o do_v it_o hurt_v by_o sanguinary_a method_n the_o difficulty_n here_o will_v have_v be_v far_o great_a nay_o insuperable_a to_o force_v all_o the_o people_n in_o the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n and_o ease_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n to_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a be_v over_o they_o that_o observe_v all_o their_o evil_a action_n and_o will_v most_o certain_o punish_v they_o and_o so_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o possess_v themselves_o day_n and_o night_n with_o torment_a anxiety_n this_o be_v so_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o desire_n which_o every_o one_o natural_o have_v of_o enjoy_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n and_o comfort_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o all_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v force_v into_o a_o universal_a belief_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v a_o universal_a principle_n in_o nature_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o fear_n be_v a_o disquiet_v passion_n which_o every_o man_n will_v clear_v his_o mind_n of_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v some_o who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v endeavour_v to_o force_v themselves_o out_o of_o it_o even_o against_o their_o conscience_n and_o reason_n and_o how_o all_o mankind_n can_v be_v force_v into_o it_o without_o their_o conscience_n and_o reason_n be_v altogether_o unconceivable_a it_o be_v therefore_o pretend_a in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o subtle_a and_o fraudulent_a art_n of_o politician_n and_o that_o people_n believe_v because_o they_o be_v tell_v by_o their_o governor_n that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n but_o to_o tell_v be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o persuade_v another_o people_z be_v not_o wont_a much_o less_o be_v all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n dispose_v to_o have_v so_o very_o kind_a a_o opinion_n of_o their_o superior_n as_o to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n especial_o in_o a_o case_n which_o touch_v they_o so_o near_o and_o wherein_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o deep_o concern_v for_o man_n have_v ever_o find_v that_o sense_n wisdom_n and_o honesty_n do_v not_o always_o go_v along_o with_o power_n great_a man_n may_v be_v as_o weak_a and_o shallow_a in_o their_o intellectual_n as_o other_o as_o soon_o mistake_v in_o their_o measure_n as_o easy_o disappoint_v of_o their_o end_n nay_o more_o apt_a to_o be_v put_v upon_o than_o to_o impose_v and_o though_o some_o may_v be_v very_o skilful_a in_o their_o conduct_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v design_v and_o the_o more_o politic_a any_o governor_n be_v think_v the_o more_o ready_a be_v people_n to_o be_v very_o jealous_a of_o their_o intention_n and_o how_o it_o can_v happen_v all_o at_o once_o that_o all_o statesman_n shall_v be_v so_o politic_a as_o to_o contrive_v and_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v so_o credulous_a as_o to_o consent_v to_o a_o fiction_n of_o so_o great_a a_o nature_n and_o consequence_n be_v a_o question_n which_o may_v well_o ask_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n how_o this_o can_v agree_v with_o it_o but_o beside_o suppose_v such_o a_o lucky_a hit_n do_v once_o no_o man_n know_v when_o fall_v out_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o a_o politic_a artisice_n can_v have_v pass_v every_o where_o all_o along_o from_o age_n to_o age_n without_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v very_o few_o probable_a truth_n but_o some_o time_n or_o other_o have_v meet_v with_o contradiction_n and_o when_o a_o imposture_n come_v to_o be_v notorious_a it_o be_v for_o ever_o basfle_v and_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v such_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o design_n form_v to_o terrify_v and_o rack_v the_o world_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v find_v out_o and_o spoil_v many_o age_n ago_o especial_o when_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n travel_v up_o and_o down_o into_o so_o many_o part_n to_o discover_v what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v false_a and_o to_o communicate_v their_o thought_n where_o ever_o they_o go_v still_o they_o return_v home_o confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o rational_a sense_n of_o all_o man_n and_o though_o in_o aftertime_n some_o few_o opiniator_n pretend_v to_o be_v singular_a yet_o be_v they_o hoot_v at_o scorn_v and_o hate_v and_o the_o ancient_a universal_a belief_n go_v on_o still_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v of_o strength_n enough_o to_o support_v itself_o and_o the_o more_o narrow_o it_o be_v look_v into_o the_o great_a substance_n be_v find_v within_o it_o and_o the_o great_a solidity_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v high_o consonant_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o found_v in_o our_o common_a nature_n 4._o it_o be_v pretend_v last_o that_o though_o universal_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n may_v have_v be_v introduce_v by_o common_a compact_n or_o mutual_a agreemeent_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v as_o senseless_a and_o silly_a a_o imagination_n as_o any_o other_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o agreement_n to_o have_v be_v begin_v manage_v carry_v on_o and_o ratify_v with_o the_o express_a consent_n of_o all_o people_n in_o the_o world_n sure_o they_o that_o think_v so_o must_v imagine_v that_o the_o world_n lie_v within_o a_o very_a narrow_a compass_n and_o that_o intelligence_n in_o those_o day_n be_v very_o quick_a and_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n be_v wonderful_o credulous_a it_o be_v a_o great_a rarity_n to_o find_v in_o any_o one_o little_a country_n or_o town_n a_o entire_a agreement_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n though_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o credibility_n and_o be_v it_o ever_o possible_a for_o so_o many_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n of_o such_o different_a language_n so_o vast_o distant_a from_o one_o another_o of_o such_o several_a inclination_n custom_n and_o interest_n so_o divide_v by_o sea_n and_o without_o any_o mutual_a commerce_n or_o correspondence_n be_v it_o likely_a i_o say_v that_o they_o can_v all_o deliberate_o agree_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n by_o pact_n covenant_n and_o stipulation_n and_o that_o too_o to_o abridge_v themselves_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o bring_v themselves_o into_o slavery_n under_o fear_n of_o their_o own_o create_v to_o crucify_v their_o heart_n with_o mortify_a expectation_n to_o render_v themselves_o come_v and_o managable_a by_o their_o governor_n to_o propagate_v a_o fiction_n and_o thereby_o to_o make_v their_o posterity_n for_o ever_o melancholy_a and_o miserable_a if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o this_o pretence_n be_v so_o very_o absurd_a and_o fantastical_a that_o to_o confute_v it_o any_o further_o will_v be_v time_n lose_v and_o therefore_o the_o premise_n be_v right_o consider_v must_v necessary_o infer_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v a_o principle_n root_v in_o humane_a nature_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o various_a modes_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n all_o nation_n consent_v in_o this_o principle_n perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n wherein_o all_o be_v agree_v which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o immediate_a result_n of_o common_a reason_n it_o spring_v out_o of_o our_o natural_a faculty_n as_o soon_o as_o we_o use_v they_o we_o bring_v the_o seminal_o of_o religion_n into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v a_o strong_a argument_n of_o god_n existence_n because_o it_o can_v come_v from_o no_o other_o hand_n but_o his_o that_o give_v we_o our_o faculty_n and_o frame_v our_o nature_n so_o that_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faculty_n we_o may_v present_o discover_v the_o hand_n that_o make_v we_o and_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o have_v set_v a_o mark_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n whereby_o his_o be_v may_v be_v discern_v and_o know_v though_o all_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n can_v be_v full_o comprehend_v if_o at_o last_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o argument_n touch_v universal_a consent_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o prove_v the_o
to_o say_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v all_o along_o so_o many_o stark_a fool_n a_o character_n which_o we_o think_v more_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n consider_v what_o a_o difficult_a and_o hazardous_a office_n the_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n have_v to_o discharge_v how_o think_v you_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v it_o with_o such_o readiness_n to_o perform_v it_o with_o such_o vigour_n and_o to_o go_v through_o it_o with_o such_o constancy_n and_o cheerfulness_n notwithstanding_o so_o much_o opposition_n have_v they_o not_o be_v abundant_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n by_o miracle_n which_o they_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o consider_v what_o vast_a importance_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v of_o and_o how_o direct_o opposite_a it_o be_v to_o the_o natural_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a mankind_n and_o how_o it_o be_v discountenance_v and_o hate_v by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o the_o beginning_n how_o can_v we_o think_v it_o possible_a for_o it_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v so_o general_o and_o unexpected_o in_o the_o world_n have_v not_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o have_v the_o fair_a advantage_n of_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o the_o mighty_a miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o jesus_n be_v true_a man_n can_v think_v these_o thing_n possible_a but_o either_o they_o must_v believe_v that_o people_n in_o those_o day_n have_v lose_v all_o their_o sense_n or_o make_v we_o now_o believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o have_v utter_o lose_v their_o own_o the_o design_n of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v as_o convince_a and_o strong_a evidence_n that_o true_a divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v as_o can_v rational_o be_v expect_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a time_n because_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o can_v possible_o be_v capable_a of_o strong_a proof_n in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v be_v moral_a certainty_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v so_o fair_a that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o that_o evidence_n must_v be_v from_o testimony_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v but_o by_o information_n from_o other_o and_o when_o that_o information_n be_v so_o full_a that_o to_o unprejudiced_a understanding_n the_o thing_n seem_v unquestionable_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v since_o therefore_o it_o appear_v by_o indubitable_a testimony_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v miracle_n be_v once_o actual_o live_v in_o the_o world_n since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o those_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a and_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o collateral_a testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v both_o capable_a of_o know_v and_o deep_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o account_n and_o last_o since_o such_o public_a settlement_n and_o constitution_n follow_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n as_o plain_o argue_v a_o firm_a and_o general_a belief_n or_o rather_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v about_o without_o they_o since_o i_o say_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o credibility_n do_v appear_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n former_o do_v it_o seem_v unconceivable_a how_o strong_a or_o clear_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o of_o any_o history_n that_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v next_o the_o second_o evasion_n that_o suppose_v some_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a age_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o god_n existence_n than_o it_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n to_o vouch_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o consider_v how_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a it_o will_v be_v for_o a_o deity_n to_o act_v for_o and_o against_o itself_o too_o therefore_o man_n of_o atheistical_a mind_n conclude_v that_o those_o wonderful_a work_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v real_o nothing_o but_o art_n and_o imposture_n now_o for_o the_o solving_a of_o this_o seem_a difficulty_n i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o first_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o second_o the_o weakness_n of_o these_o man_n reason_v from_o it_o 1._o first_o then_o that_o i_o may_v carry_v a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hand_n it_o be_v grant_v that_o many_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n for_o moses_n himself_o tell_v we_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n beâ—ore_o his_o own_o face_n jesus_n christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o many_o false_a teacher_n will_v come_v in_o a_o little_a time_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect._n to_o verify_v that_o prediction_n divers_a ecclesiastical_a writer_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o wonder_v do_v by_o simon_n magus_n and_o his_o follower_n soon_o after_o the_o lord_n '_o be_v ascension_n into_o heaven_n other_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a be_v cure_v by_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n vespasian_n and_o of_o a_o whetstone_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o by_o a_o razor_n at_o the_o command_n of_o accius_n navius_n and_o of_o several_a prodigious_a thing_n do_v by_o apollmius_n tyanaeus_n who_o the_o pagan_n match_v with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o do_v miracle_n and_o every_o body_n know_v what_o account_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v give_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o deâ—ence_n of_o that_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n wherein_o they_o have_v most_o scandalous_o depart_v from_o true_a primitive_a christianity_n consider_v therefore_o what_o a_o heap_n of_o story_n there_o be_v whereof_o some_o be_v relate_v by_o sacred_a writer_n and_o some_o other_o by_o man_n of_o probity_n and_o temper_v though_o abundance_n of_o fiction_n have_v be_v vend_v among_o they_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o many_o wonderful_a work_n have_v be_v do_v by_o idolater_n but_o then_o second_o this_o can_v be_v no_o plea_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o how_o wonderful_a soever_o those_o work_n have_v seem_v they_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o divine_a miracle_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n and_o miracle_n in_o reality_n by_o miracle_n in_o appearance_n which_o shall_v rather_o be_v call_v wonder_n and_o sign_n i_o understand_v not_o mere_a imposture_n or_o delusion_n of_o man_n outward_n sense_n but_o such_o real_a effect_n as_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n when_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v be_v clear_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o god_n himself_o give_v the_o jew_n this_o caution_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereeof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o save_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n you_o shall_v walk_v after_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o obey_v his_o voice_n and_o you_o shall_v serve_v he_o and_o cleave_v unto_o he_o and_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o when_o god_n have_v any_o where_o establish_v his_o true_a worship_n he_o will_v lift_v up_o his_o own_o hand_n to_o draw_v people_n away_o from_o it_o to_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o sign_n or_o wonder_n be_v show_v to_o that_o end_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v not_o divine_a miracle_n or_o effect_n that_o be_v altogether_o supernatural_a and_o yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v as_o be_v counterfeiting_n of_o god_n hand_n and_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o signature_n of_o his_o power_n for_o otherwise_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o charge_n give_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o
accident_n or_o insirmity_n dash_v and_o dissolve_v than_o they_o bring_v death_n which_o in_o their_o opinion_n be_v only_o the_o unclutch_n of_o matter_n void_a of_o a_o spiritual_a intellectual_a distinct_a substance_n that_o be_v say_v to_o return_v to_o a_o god_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o its_o action_n at_o a_o judgment-day_n notion_n which_o these_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n and_o politician_n to_o keep_v mankind_n in_o slavery_n and_o to_o fright_v people_n out_o of_o their_o sense_n thus_o instead_o of_o believe_v in_o a_o god_n they_o believe_v in_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o space_n and_o atom_n in_o chance_n and_o fortune_n for_o according_a to_o they_o as_o thing_n fall_v apiece_o by_o chance_n so_o it_o be_v by_o mere_a chance_n that_o they_o fall_v at_o first_o together_o not_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o direction_n of_o a_o wise_a omnipotent_a agent_n that_o give_v they_o their_o be_v by_o lucky_a hit_n by_o casual_a concurrence_n but_o by_o the_o successful_a motion_n of_o blind_a senseless_a atom_n accidental_o and_o fortuitous_o jump_v together_o into_o great_a variety_n of_o combination_n and_o figure_n and_o so_o continue_v till_o fortune_n that_o join_v they_o make_v they_o fly_v asunder_o again_o and_o till_o by_o some_o new_a comical_a motion_n they_o sorm_v themselves_o into_o new_a shape_v now_o though_o the_o expose_v of_o these_o conceit_n be_v consutation_n enough_o yet_o i_o will_v grave_o ask_v these_o wise_a sage_n how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o common_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o fortuitous_a motion_n of_o stupid_a unthinking_a matter_n can_v compose_v all_o thing_n into_o such_o excellent_a order_n as_o the_o most_o intelligent_a prudent_a mind_n can_v not_o have_v make_v more_o apt_a and_o proper_a how_o can_v blind_a and_o consequent_o erroneous_a chance_n without_o any_o deliberation_n pitch_n upon_o such_o place_n to_o dispose_v every_o thing_n into_o as_o our_o common_a sense_n show_v to_o be_v most_o sit_v and_o commodious_a we_o see_v the_o earth_n be_v situate_a in_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o receive_v kind_o and_o seasonable_a influence_n heat_v and_o cold_a drought_n and_o moisture_n from_o all_o the_o ambient_fw-la part_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n the_o firmament_n be_v expanded_a at_o such_o a_o convenient_a distance_n as_o that_o it_o can_v communicate_v its_o sweet_a influence_n without_o expose_v we_o and_o the_o thing_n round_o about_o we_o to_o those_o extremity_n of_o heat_n or_o cold_a whereby_o a_o great_a propinquity_n or_o longinquity_n will_v cause_v live_v creature_n to_o languish_v and_o die_v those_o lucid_a globe_n which_o enamel_n the_o firmament_n be_v so_o apposite_o fix_v up_o and_o down_o everywhere_o from_o pole_n to_o pole_n that_o the_o remote_a region_n participate_v of_o their_o virtue_n and_o power_n the_o sun_n be_v determine_v to_o such_o a_o fit_v course_n and_o to_o such_o convenient_a limit_n that_o by_o its_o alternate_a access_n and_o recess_n those_o comfort_a ray_n be_v disperse_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n which_o at_o proper_a season_n produce_v grass_n for_o the_o cattle_n bread_n to_o strengthen_v man_n heart_n and_o oil_n to_o make_v he_o a_o cheerful_a countenance_n and_o generous_a wine_n to_o refresh_v and_o exhilerate_v his_o spirit_n under_o the_o opposite_a pole_n there_o be_v the_o great_a treasure_n of_o snow_n which_o yield_v to_o the_o hot_a climate_n plenty_n of_o rain_n and_o refresh_a gale_n of_o wind._n not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o commodious_a position_n of_o the_o several_a part_n in_o man_n beast_n and_o plant_n which_o can_v not_o be_v alter_v i_o do_v not_o say_v without_o apparent_a deformity_n but_o without_o insupportable_a inconvenience_n and_o prejudice_n to_o the_o whole_a frame_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v so_o agreeable_o dispose_v and_o place_v that_o without_o betray_v our_o reason_n and_o the_o use_n of_o our_o faculty_n we_o can_v impute_v those_o position_n to_o the_o casual_a motion_n of_o blind_a senseless_a undeliberate_v atom_n but_o must_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o result_v of_o design_n and_o choice_n and_o as_o argument_n of_o a_o intellectual_a provident_a be_v over_o all_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n or_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a reason_n ephes_n 1._o 11._o again_o let_v i_o ask_v our_o pretend_v philosopher_n how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o common_a reason_n to_o conceive_v that_o those_o congruity_n and_o relation_n which_o these_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n bear_v to_o each_o other_o those_o aptitude_n and_o concinnity_n which_o be_v between_o the_o disposition_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o other_o so_o that_o this_o thing_n be_v for_o the_o use_n of_o that_o and_o that_o thing_n reciprocal_o fit_v for_o this_o how_o i_o say_v can_v these_o mutual_a correspondence_n be_v rational_o ascribe_v to_o nothing_o but_o mere_a fortune_n and_o chance_n be_v not_o the_o eye_n fit_v for_o the_o see_v of_o light_n and_o light_v fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v not_o all_o the_o sense_n adapt_v to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o those_o object_n adapt_v to_o gratify_v the_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o air_n a_o proper_a vehicle_n for_o volatile_a creature_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o those_o creature_n suit_v to_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o air_n be_v not_o the_o water_n agreeable_a to_o fish_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o fish_n so_o adapt_v to_o the_o water_n that_o they_o can_v subsist_v in_o a_o thin_a element_n in_o short_a be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o nature_n great_a fabric_n so_o congruous_o fit_v to_o each_o other_o like_v so_o many_o spring_n and_o wheel_n in_o the_o most_o curious_a piece_n of_o art_n that_o there_o be_v no_o take_v away_o a_o part_n without_o disorder_v and_o disjoint_v the_o whole_a and_o how_o can_v all_o this_o be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o chance_n any_o more_o than_o the_o frame_n of_o a_o watch_n or_o a_o clock_n these_o thing_n show_v that_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o end_n and_o where_o end_n be_v to_o be_v serve_v there_o must_v be_v knowledge_n counsel_n and_o forecast_n how_o to_o make_v choice_n of_o proper_a mean_n and_o how_o to_o fit_v those_o mean_n together_o for_o due_a application_n and_o when_o we_o see_v the_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n so_o admirable_o fit_v suit_v and_o adapt_v to_o each_o other_o in_o such_o exquisite_a order_n what_o extreme_a sottishness_n be_v it_o not_o to_o attribute_v those_o congruity_n to_o stupid_a blunder_a fortune_n which_o be_v so_o many_o sculpture_n of_o a_o divine_a hand_n so_o many_o plain_a evidence_n of_o the_o wise_a mind_n and_o the_o high_a reason_n once_o more_o let_v i_o ask_v how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o vast_a compage_n can_v hold_v and_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o excellent_a order_n for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o if_o it_o fall_v into_o it_o at_o the_o first_o by_o mere_a accident_n or_o how_o it_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v not_o be_v as_o yet_o disunited_a and_o scatter_v by_o motion_n if_o nothing_o but_o fortuitous_a motion_n join_v they_o all_o motion_n serve_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v violent_a and_o swift_a either_o to_o wear_v away_o matter_n by_o degree_n or_o to_o dissolve_v and_o dissipate_v the_o particle_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o to_o make_v all_o about_o it_o fly_v as_o we_o see_v clear_o by_o the_o rapid_a revolution_n of_o every_o wheel_n about_o its_o axis_n suppose_v then_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a account_n either_o that_o the_o earth_n alone_o whirl_v about_o upon_o a_o axis_n of_o its_o own_o or_o that_o the_o heaven_n turn_v round_o upon_o the_o great_a axis_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o earth_n lie_v quiet_a and_o the_o sun_n move_v both_o forward_a and_o retrograde_a perpetual_o or_o three_o that_o the_o motion_n be_v divide_v the_o earth_n do_v the_o diurnal_a part_n and_o the_o sun_n absolve_v that_o part_n which_o be_v annual_a which_o of_o these_o opinion_n soever_o man_n be_v please_v to_o follow_v they_o must_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o motion_n be_v perform_v with_o the_o great_a velocity_n and_o quickness_n and_o how_o then_o can_v so_o many_o combination_n of_o atom_n be_v rational_o suppose_v able_a to_o have_v still_o hold_v it_o out_o against_o the_o utmost_a rapidity_n and_o that_o all_o along_o during_o the_o succession_n of_o so_o many_o year_n and_o age_n so_o that_o in_o all_o this_o time_n neither_o the_o part_n of_o any_o one_o move_v body_n have_v be_v impair_v nor_o
be_v in_o its_o nature_n of_o a_o comfort_v cherish_v and_o quicken_a faculty_n so_o be_v its_o course_n such_o as_o render_v its_o power_n every_o where_o effectual_o useful_a have_v it_o be_v fix_v over_o any_o one_o determinate_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o state_n unmoveable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v not_o only_o useless_a but_o pernicious_a unto_o all_o thing_n for_o as_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o its_o beam_n will_v have_v be_v in_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o darkness_n and_o death_n so_o the_o very_a region_n under_o the_o sun_n must_v have_v be_v parch_v up_o and_o consequent_o desolate_a and_o uninhabitable_a by_o mean_n of_o those_o continual_a fire_n which_o will_v have_v turn_v all_o into_o a_o kind_n of_o conflagration_n therefore_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o creation_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v move_v as_o that_o it_o shall_v give_v light_a and_o warmth_n and_o that_o motion_n be_v twofold_a diurnal_a finish_v in_o 24_o hour_n and_o annual_a perform_v in_o 12_o month_n all_o thing_n live_v receive_v such_o vast_a utility_n by_o both_o as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o provident_a be_v who_o goodness_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n by_o the_o diurnal_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n there_o be_v constant_a state_v return_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n and_o by_o those_o vicissitude_n as_o all_o animal_n have_v their_o time_n divide_v between_o labour_n and_o rest_v which_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o they_o as_o labour_n and_o as_o their_o food_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o labour_n and_o repair_v those_o expense_n of_o nature_n which_o labour_n bring_v so_o be_v those_o production_n which_o serve_v for_o food_n prepare_v and_o ascertain_v by_o these_o daily_a revolution_n in_o the_o day_n time_n the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n serve_v to_o heat_v the_o ground_n to_o actuate_v the_o principle_n of_o vegetation_n to_o promote_v the_o ascent_n of_o vital_a juice_n to_o concoct_v and_o ripen_v fruit_n and_o to_o impregnate_n the_o atmosphere_n with_o fume_n and_o vapour_n and_o in_o the_o night_n those_o vapour_n descend_v upon_o the_o ground_n again_o in_o dew_n shower_n or_o rains_n according_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o climate_n by_o which_o mean_v there_o be_v a_o due_a temperament_n of_o warmth_n and_o moisture_n that_o make_v all_o vegetable_n fruitful_a and_o preserve_v animal_n in_o a_o state_n of_o health_n and_o vigour_n witness_v those_o region_n under_o the_o line_n where_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o hot_a though_o the_o ancient_n believe_v they_o be_v all_o roast_a into_o utter_a barrenness_n yet_o by_o discovery_n which_o have_v be_v make_v since_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o heat_n and_o drought_n of_o the_o day_n be_v so_o allay_v by_o the_o constant_a breeze_n and_o rain_n of_o the_o night_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o fertile_a part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o annual_a course_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o carry_v it_o about_o from_o north_n to_o south_n and_o so_o round_o again_o it_o disperse_v its_o vivisick_n ray_n over_o all_o restore_v yearly_o all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n make_v all_o people_n amends_o for_o its_o late_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o take_v its_o circuit_n so_o that_o one_o sun_n serve_v all_o climate_n and_o answer_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a some_o place_n be_v much_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o sun_n than_o other_o be_v as_o those_o extreme_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n call_v the_o northern_a and_o southern_a pole_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o fruit_n and_o animal_n of_o those_o country_n be_v such_o as_o do_v not_o require_v so_o great_a degree_n of_o external_a heat_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v other_o star_n which_o cast_v in_o those_o part_v a_o more_o proper_a kind_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v connatural_a influence_n especial_o the_o moon_n of_o which_o luminary_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o it_o be_v the_o sun_n deputy_n to_o supply_v its_o room_n in_o its_o absence_n and_o as_o the_o moon_n move_v further_a towards_o the_o north_n and_o south_n than_o the_o sun_n ever_o do_v so_o be_v it_o full_a of_o light_n and_o consequent_o of_o enlive_a influence_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o towards_o the_o one_o part_n or_o the_o other_o so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o most_o benefit_n by_o the_o moon_n in_o those_o region_n and_o at_o those_o season_n of_o the_o year_n when_o and_o where_o the_o sun_n be_v most_o want_v all_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o beneficent_a be_v over_o all_o who_o form_v the_o substance_n of_o those_o glorious_a luminary_n and_o direct_v all_o their_o course_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v be_v best_a for_o the_o world_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v rational_o how_o creature_n utter_o void_a of_o reason_n and_o sense_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n be_v can_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o divine_a reason_n and_o without_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o divine_a will_n pitch_n upon_o such_o regular_a and_o proper_a motion_n that_o if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o high_a reason_n of_o their_o own_o they_o can_v not_o have_v determine_v upon_o better_a course_n for_o the_o service_n and_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n to_o descend_v now_o a_o little_o low_a every_o one_o perceive_v how_o useful_a that_o thin_a medium_fw-la be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o we_o call_v the_o air_n how_o it_o transmits_n the_o light_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o how_o it_o delight_v our_o ear_n with_o many_o natural_a and_o artificial_a undulation_n how_o it_o help_v we_o with_o breath_n how_o it_o supply_v we_o with_o the_o seasonable_a advantage_n of_o heat_n and_o cold_a of_o drought_n and_o moisture_n what_o a_o vehicle_n it_o be_v for_o vast_a variety_n of_o useful_a creature_n and_o how_o it_o open_v its_o treasure_n to_o make_v the_o whole_a earth_n communicate_v of_o its_o plenty_n and_o what_o but_o a_o divine_a mind_n and_o a_o omnipotent_a hand_n can_v have_v make_v this_o medium_fw-la of_o such_o a_o necessary_a and_o fit_a contexture_n as_o to_o answer_v all_o these_o purpose_n can_v fortune_n and_o atom_n contrive_v to_o breathe_v into_o the_o nostril_n of_o every_o animal_n such_o a_o common_a breath_n of_o life_n can_v they_o make_v it_o fluid_a to_o assist_v the_o flight_n of_o every_o fowl_n and_o to_o suit_n with_o every_o vibration_n of_o its_o wing_n can_v they_o store_v it_o with_o infect_v for_o every_o bat_n and_o swallow_n to_o live_v on_o can_v they_o give_v it_o a_o agreeable_a thickness_n to_o refract_v the_o light_n and_o by_o those_o refraction_n to_o bring_v all_o form_n shape_v and_o colour_n to_o the_o eye_n in_o their_o proper_a idea_n can_v they_o provide_v wind_n to_o keep_v it_o from_o stagnation_n and_o frost_n and_o snow_n lightning_n and_o thunder_n to_o carry_v off_o those_o impurity_n which_o will_v prove_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o life_n can_v they_o impregnate_n it_o with_o nitrous_a particle_n to_o make_v the_o blood_n in_o a_o animal_n lung_n the_o more_o spirituous_a can_v they_o direct_v it_o to_o warm_v and_o irrigate_n the_o whole_a earth_n like_o the_o mist_n which_o moses_n say_v go_v up_o from_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o beginning_n and_o water_v the_o whole_a face_n of_o the_o ground_n gen._n 6._o 2._o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o stupid_a matter_n and_o the_o undirect_v motion_n of_o diminutive_a particle_n can_v contrive_v or_o do_v all_o these_o wise_a and_o good_a thing_n without_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o super-intending_a power_n that_o give_v every_o thing_n a_o law_n this_o be_v to_o make_v senseless_a matter_n and_o motion_n capable_a and_o conscious_a of_o such_o philosophy_n as_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n have_v stand_v astonish_v at_o in_o all_o age_n to_o go_v on_o they_o that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n and_o occupy_v their_o business_n in_o great_a water_n these_o man_n say_v the_o psalmist_n see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n in_o the_o deep_a psalm_n 107._o 23_o 24._o how_o wanton_o soever_o some_o conceit_a man_n talk_v of_o atom_n fall_v by_o chance_n into_o pebble_n and_o sand_n it_o seem_v prodigious_o strange_a they_o shall_v believe_v the_o whole_a ocean_n also_o to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o accidental_a composition_n of_o they_o a_o element_n of_o such_o vast_a extent_n and_o depth_n and_o so_o apt_o contrive_v for_o great_a end_n and_o use_n that_o one_o will_v think_v whoever_o have_v but_o hear_v of_o a_o god_n will_v present_o conclude_v it_o to_o have_v be_v form_v by_o divine_a art_n and_o counsel_n for_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n that_o make_v it_o a_o sluid_a liquid_a
be_v in_o their_o tendency_n and_o effect_n herb_n fruit_n animal_n all_o be_v useful_a as_o for_o the_o beauty_n and_o preservation_n of_o this_o inferior_a world_n so_o for_o the_o good_a of_o man_n the_o noble_a part_n of_o it_o some_o thing_n serve_v for_o our_o food_n and_o some_o for_o our_o clothing_n some_o for_o nutriment_n and_o some_o for_o medicinal_a operation_n some_o for_o our_o employment_n and_o labour_n and_o some_o for_o our_o ease_n some_o for_o our_o necessity_n and_o some_o for_o our_o more_o comfortable_a subsistence_n some_o to_o gratify_v our_o sense_n and_o some_o to_o exercise_v our_o reason_n some_o which_o minister_v to_o our_o convenience_n and_o some_o which_o even_o humour_v we_o in_o our_o pleasure_n and_o diversion_n now_o all_o this_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o most_o wise_a and_o benign_a agent_n which_o preside_v over_o all_o and_o direct_v every_o thing_n for_o good_a because_o creature_n which_o be_v void_a of_o rational_a faculty_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o operate_v of_o their_o own_o choice_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o goodness_n nor_o to_o intend_v or_o design_n or_o understand_v end_n which_o yet_o they_o seem_v to_o prosecute_v so_o effectual_o as_o if_o they_o have_v reason_n and_o goodness_n of_o their_o own_o to_o guide_v they_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a intelligent_a be_v who_o form_v and_o intend_v they_o for_o their_o several_a uses_n and_o preserve_v their_o power_n so_o that_o they_o may_v answer_v the_o use_v they_o be_v make_v for_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n who_o use_n we_o be_v as_o yet_o very_o ignorant_a of_o but_o it_o will_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v superfluous_a and_o to_o no_o good_a purpose_n at_o all_o for_o this_o ignorance_n proceed_v either_o from_o want_n of_o capacity_n in_o our_o understanding_n which_o can_v open_v all_o the_o mystery_n nor_o comprehend_v all_o the_o intrigue_n of_o nature_n at_o once_o or_o else_o from_o want_n of_o due_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o make_v inquiry_n into_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n not_o of_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o contrivance_n itself_o nor_o of_o want_n of_o forecast_n and_o skill_n in_o the_o contriver_n but_o of_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o art_n and_o wisdom_n which_o thus_o escape_v our_o dull_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n till_o time_n and_o experience_n help_v we_o there_o be_v divers_a plant_n which_o in_o former_a age_n have_v be_v esteem_v noxious_a and_o of_o ill_a effect_n and_o yet_o have_v be_v find_v to_o be_v very_o wholesome_a and_o kind_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a animal_n which_o be_v abhor_v as_o venomous_a and_o which_o vulgar_a people_n think_v may_v be_v well_o spare_v out_o of_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v but_o that_o they_o be_v design_v and_o fit_v for_o good_a purpose_n partly_o to_o take_v off_o those_o quality_n in_o the_o air_n and_o earth_n which_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o beast_n and_o then_o to_o digest_v those_o quality_n by_o the_o chemistry_n of_o nature_n to_o alter_v they_o so_o that_o in_o the_o end_n they_o prove_v not_o only_o safe_a but_o vital_a witness_v the_o viper_n out_o of_o which_o the_o skilful_a apothecary_n can_v prepare_v as_o well_o a_o pleasant_a as_o a_o salutary_a cordial_n therefore_o as_o when_o we_o go_v into_o a_o artificer_n shop_n and_o observe_v variety_n of_o instrument_n the_o use_n whereof_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o will_v be_v folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o those_o instrument_n be_v not_o contrive_v by_o a_o good_a artist_n nor_o be_v intend_v for_o good_a end_n though_o we_o see_v they_o use_v and_o have_v in_o truth_n nothing_o to_o say_v but_o that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o art_n so_o when_o we_o view_v this_o great_a shop_n of_o nature_n and_o find_v there_o some_o creature_n who_o proper_a and_o particular_a use_n we_o do_v not_o present_o perceive_v it_o will_v be_v great_a weakness_n to_o conclude_v thence_o that_o they_o be_v not_o form_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n nor_o serve_v to_o wise_a ends._n for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o their_o special_a utility_n do_v not_o appear_v be_v because_o our_o own_o faculty_n be_v so_o limit_v and_o our_o experience_n so_o short_a that_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v all_o the_o method_n and_o art_n of_o nature_n nor_o every_o purpose_n which_o that_o superintend_a be_v aim_n at_o in_o who_o hand_n nature_n be_v and_o in_o subserviency_n to_o who_o wisdom_n nature_n operate_v rather_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o nothing_o be_v in_o vain_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o do_v not_o discern_v the_o effect_n in_o every_o instance_n for_o the_o great_a end_n to_o which_o many_o part_n 2._o dr._n barrow_n vol._n 2._o serm._n 2._o of_o the_o world_n serve_v be_v so_o palpable_a and_o plain_a that_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n speak_v reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o suppose_v the_o like_a of_o the_o rest_n though_o perhaps_o we_o discern_v not_o the_o use_n of_o each_o part_n or_o the_o tendency_n of_o each_o particular_a effect_n even_o as_o a_o person_n who_o we_o observe_v frequent_o to_o act_v with_o great_a consideration_n and_o prudence_n when_o at_o other_o time_n we_o can_v penetrate_v the_o drift_n of_o his_o proceed_n we_o must_v yet_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v some_o latent_fw-la reason_n some_o reach_n of_o policy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o or_o as_o in_o a_o engine_n consist_v of_o many_o part_n curious_o combine_v whereof_o we_o do_v perceive_v the_o general_a use_n and_o apprehend_v how_o divers_a part_n thereof_o conduce_v thereto_o reason_n prompt_v we_o although_o we_o neither_o see_v they_o all_o nor_o can_v comprehend_v the_o immediate_a serviceableness_n of_o some_o to_o think_v they_o be_v all_o some_o way_n or_o other_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o artist_n design_n such_o a_o agent_n be_v god_n the_o wisdom_n of_o who_o proceed_n be_v in_o so_o many_o instance_n notorious_a we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v it_o answerable_a in_o the_o rest_n and_o such_o a_o engine_n be_v the_o world_n of_o which_o we_o may_v easy_o enough_o discover_v the_o general_a end_n and_o how_o many_o of_o its_o part_n do_v conduce_v thereto_o and_o can_v therefore_o in_o reason_n but_o suppose_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o kind_n alike_o congruous_a and_o conducible_a to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o incapacity_n to_o discover_v all_o do_v not_o argue_v any_o defect_n but_o a_o excess_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o design_n thereof_o not_o too_o little_a perfection_n in_o the_o work_n but_o too_o great_a a_o one_o rather_o in_o respect_n to_o our_o capacity_n have_v thus_o consider_v the_o usefulness_n of_o those_o end_n which_o the_o thing_n here_o about_o we_o be_v subservient_fw-fr for_fw-mi let_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n observe_v the_o usefulness_n of_o their_o structure_n in_o order_n to_o those_o end_n which_o will_v further_o demonstrate_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o god_n above_o all_o the_o power_n of_o senseless_a matter_n and_o blind_a fortune_n and_o here_o to_o describe_v the_o fabrication_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v a_o task_n in_o vain_a for_o i_o to_o attempt_v and_o impossible_a to_o go_v through_o so_o manifold_a be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o so_o hide_a be_v the_o exquisiteness_n and_o elegance_n of_o their_o contexture_n it_o may_v therefore_o suffice_v to_o instance_n only_o in_o two_o sort_n of_o creature_n tree_n and_o animal_n some_o account_n whereof_o will_v serve_v as_o a_o short_a specimen_fw-la whereby_o we_o may_v judge_v a_o little_a of_o the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n that_o have_v so_o fit_o and_o curious_o contrive_v his_o creature_n for_o their_o respective_a end_n 1._o now_o the_o immediate_a tendency_n of_o nature_n in_o every_o tree_n be_v two_o fold_n partly_o for_o the_o sustenance_n of_o the_o individual_a plant_n and_o partly_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o its_o species_n or_o kind_a and_o according_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o nature_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o for_o nourishment_n and_o some_o for_o semination_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o end_n it_o can_v but_o affect_v we_o to_o consider_v how_o artificial_o the_o vegetative_a soul_n work_v as_o if_o it_o be_v endue_v with_o reason_n and_o policy_n which_o because_o it_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o understanding_n be_v over_o it_o which_o do_v direct_a and_o govern_v its_o operation_n there_o be_v first_o the_o original_a vehicle_n of_o life_n the_o root_n protend_v round_o about_o into_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o through_o
she_o do_v make_v a_o impression_n on_o her_o outward_a sense_n and_o that_o convey_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o the_o fancy_n in_o her_o brain_n but_o all_o this_o while_n the_o bird_n do_v not_o choose_v to_o act_v upon_o a_o premise_a principle_n that_o she_o providential_o design_v this_o nest_n for_o her_o young_a nor_o do_v she_o thence_o infer_v that_o therefore_o she_o must_v build_v it_o in_o such_o a_o place_n with_o such_o material_n after_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o such_o a_o form_n and_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o warmth_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o her_o young_a for_o this_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o argue_v or_o deduce_v of_o one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n or_o art_n too_o high_a for_o any_o brute_n creature_n and_o yet_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o every_o respect_n so_o suitable_o and_o with_o such_o artisice_n and_o exactness_n that_o the_o most_o contrive_v man_n in_o the_o world_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o skill_n can_v possible_o do_v they_o so_o well_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o reason_n superior_a even_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n that_o have_v invigorate_v the_o nature_n of_o animal_n with_o a_o energetic_a principle_n which_o we_o call_v instinct_n whereby_o they_o form_n their_o work_n with_o the_o great_a contrivance_n though_o they_o know_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o 3._o this_o be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o curious_a formation_n and_o yet_o three_o there_o be_v another_o respect_n wherein_o their_o operation_n differ_v from_o the_o action_n of_o rational_a creature_n namely_o that_o as_o they_o know_v not_o end_n nor_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o mean_n so_o they_o do_v not_o consult_v or_o dliberate_v about_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n all_o artist_n among_o man_n consider_v which_o be_v the_o sit_v and_o best_a way_n to_o be_v take_v and_o in_o their_o undertake_n they_o do_v still_o leave_v room_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o humane_a art_n admit_v of_o great_a improvement_n because_o second_v thought_n produce_v new_a experiment_n and_o new_a experiment_n produce_v fresh_a variety_n and_o so_o by_o compare_v one_o effect_n with_o another_o a_o man_n see_v where_o he_o alter_v the_o former_a method_n for_o the_o better_a and_o how_o necessary_a and_o useful_a that_o alteration_n be_v but_o in_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o thus_o for_o nature_n have_v never_o but_o one_o way_n and_o that_o way_n be_v not_o only_o ready_a at_o hand_n but_o so_o very_o sit_v and_o proper_a too_o that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o amendment_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o sensitive_a creature_n be_v never_o to_o seek_v what_o to_o do_v nor_o ever_o change_v their_o wont_a course_n but_o proceed_v in_o a_o constant_a uniform_a tenor_n use_v the_o very_a same_o mean_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o own_o being_n and_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o several_a kind_n which_o be_v use_v by_o those_o that_o be_v before_o they_o six_o thousand_o year_n ago_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v do_v better_a now_o than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o day_n nor_o do_v they_o so_o much_o as_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o last_o precede_a generation_n but_o go_v on_o still_o in_o the_o same_o way_n by_o rote_n without_o forecast_n reflection_n or_o advice_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v their_o work_n be_v so_o artificial_o do_v that_o if_o they_o have_v bad_a the_o long_a experience_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o own_o they_o can_v not_o after_o all_o their_o study_n and_o practice_n have_v pitch_v upon_o more_o successful_a and_o exquisite_a method_n let_v we_o now_o from_o these_o premise_n consider_v with_o due_a freedom_n of_o thought_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v infinite_o operative_a and_o omniscient_a for_o from_o what_o other_o cause_n can_v all_o this_o art_n in_o nature_n come_v whence_o else_o can_v it_o receive_v its_o admirable_a skill_n what_o but_o a_o deity_n can_v direct_v and_o govern_v it_o what_o other_o be_v can_v teach_v that_o rude_a and_o undiscerning_a thing_n to_o exercise_v its_o faculty_n after_o such_o a_o methodical_a and_o unreprovable_a manner_n or_o what_o else_o can_v guide_v it_o in_o make_v such_o regular_a uniform_a and_o constant_a stroke_n as_o if_o it_o be_v all_o perfect_a wisdom_n when_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o clear_a and_o true_a knowledge_n it_o be_v all_o 214._o dr._n scott_n christ_n life_n part_v 2._o p._n 214._o mere_a natural_a instinct_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a writer_n now_o with_o god_n speak_v natural_a instinct_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o art_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n which_o impression_n know_v not_o what_o it_o do_v nor_o upon_o what_o reason_n it_o proceed_v but_o only_o answer_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n as_o the_o signature_n do_v to_o the_o seal_n that_o impress_v it_o and_o like_o a_o echo_n articulate_v and_o resound_v his_o voice_n without_o understand_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o as_o the_o senseless_a echo_n when_o it_o reverberate_v word_n that_o carry_v sense_n and_o reason_n in_o they_o suppose_v the_o original_a voice_n to_o proceed_v from_o some_o intelligent_a mind_n so_o these_o irrational_a instinct_n of_o nature_n which_o express_v so_o much_o art_n and_o reason_n in_o their_o operation_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o wise_a mind_n or_o providence_n to_o which_o they_o owe_v their_o original_a if_o our_o modern_a sceptic_n tell_v we_o that_o these_o natural_a instinct_n come_v ex_fw-la traduce_v and_o by_o descent_n from_o one_o animal_n to_o another_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o they_o come_v there_o in_o every_o species_n of_o animal_n at_o the_o first_o for_o a_o infinity_n of_o cause_n be_v impossible_a if_o they_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o come_v original_o by_o the_o casual_a motion_n of_o unthinking_a matter_n let_v we_o consider_v again_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o these_o natural_a instinct_n hold_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o every_o species_n and_o in_o every_o individual_a throughout_o the_o world_n since_o chance_n blind_a sport_v and_o wild_a chance_n be_v far_o more_o likely_a to_o spoil_v a_o fine_a work_n than_o to_o make_v it_o or_o if_o after_o all_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o instinct_n from_o generation_n to_o generation_n be_v perfect_o casual_a that_o be_v without_o the_o pleasure_n or_o power_n of_o a_o understanding_n be_v over_o all_o let_v we_o consider_v last_o that_o chance_n and_o wisdom_n be_v thing_n as_o utter_o distant_a from_o each_o other_o as_o extreme_n and_o contrary_n be_v chance_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n wise_o nor_o by_o rule_n nor_o after_o a_o uniform_a rate_n nor_o in_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a tenor._n and_o yet_o all_o animal_n operate_v wise_o as_o if_o they_o perfect_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o action_n but_o that_o they_o have_v no_o wisdom_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o own_o be_v evident_a because_o 218._o id._n ibid._n p._n 218._o whatsoever_o they_o do_v they_o necessary_o do_v and_o can_v possible_o do_v otherwise_o for_o they_o never_o vary_v in_o their_o operation_n never_o try_v any_o new_a experiment_n but_o always_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o road_n and_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o method_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o they_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o act_n not_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n or_o reason_n but_o necessity_n and_o therefore_o since_o they_o be_v make_v and_o impel_v to_o act_v as_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o do_v act_v rational_o and_o wise_o that_o which_o compel_v they_o must_v be_v a_o rational_a mind_n either_o act_n upon_o they_o immediate_o or_o by_o a_o fix_a and_o permanent_a impression_n of_o its_o art_n and_o reason_n upon_o their_o nature_n and_o motion_n the_o truth_n be_v those_o image_n and_o imitation_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v in_o creature_n pure_o sensitive_a together_o with_o the_o regularity_n and_o constancy_n of_o their_o operation_n be_v as_o plain_a a_o evidence_n as_o need_v be_v give_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o the_o animal_n part_v of_o the_o world_n shall_v so_o orderly_o conform_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o intelectual_a faculty_n without_o any_o direction_n and_o influence_n from_o a_o divine_a mind_n preside_v over_o all_o it_o be_v no_o rarity_n to_o see_v some_o of_o those_o creature_n especial_o such_o as_o have_v the_o quick_a sense_n gratisie_n the_o curiosity_n of_o
to_o any_o thing_n but_o matter_n nay_o to_o corruptible_a matter_n nor_o can_v any_o corporeal_a substance_n be_v immortal_a till_o this_o corruptible_a have_v put_v on_o incorruption_n if_o then_o a_o be_v be_v immaterial_a or_o destitute_a of_o bodily_a part_n it_o must_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n immortal_a too_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n and_o blood_n as_o every_o humane_a body_n have_v and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v liable_a to_o those_o jar_a element_n whereof_o our_o body_n do_v consist_v nor_o can_v it_o of_o itself_o be_v capable_a of_o corruption_n or_o dissolution_n of_o part_n as_o our_o mortal_a body_n be_v see_v it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v no_o part_n at_o all_o to_o be_v divide_v therefore_o since_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o spirit_n or_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v incorporeal_a and_o immaterial_a as_o i_o have_v now_o show_v it_o be_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_o subject_a to_o mortality_n as_o the_o body_n be_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o natural_a principle_n of_o mortality_n and_o be_v incorruptible_a in_o its_o essence_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v by_o the_o ordinary_a necessity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v survive_v the_o body_n to_o receive_v reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o its_o action_n in_o this_o 2._o have_v thus_o brief_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o humane_a soul_n let_v we_o second_o take_v some_o account_n of_o its_o excellence_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o faculty_n and_o power_n in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o only_a cause_n that_o can_v give_v this_o soul_n a_o be_v there_o be_v some_o faculty_n in_o a_o man_n which_o be_v common_a to_o brute_n creature_n also_o as_o 1._o sense_n or_o the_o power_n of_o perceive_v idea_n impress_v from_o outward_a object_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n the_o eye_n ear_n etc._n etc._n 2._o fancy_n or_o a_o power_n of_o apprehend_v the_o seem_a suitableness_n or_o unsuitableness_n of_o a_o object_n to_o its_o nature_n 3._o memory_n or_o the_o power_n of_o retain_v for_o some_o time_n the_o idea_n and_o shape_v of_o thing_n sensible_a 4._o appetite_n or_o a_o power_n of_o move_v according_a as_o a_o object_n appear_v either_o agreeable_a or_o hurtful_a be_v allure_v by_o the_o one_o or_o fright_v and_o dampt_v by_o the_o other_o but_o these_o several_a power_n be_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o noble_a faculty_n peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o rational_a soul_n as_o any_o man_n may_v perceive_v that_o will_v but_o search_v into_o himself_o and_o observe_v what_o he_o find_v and_o feel_v there_o for_o 1._o first_o we_o find_v that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n to_o think_v and_o consider_v i_o mean_v to_o examine_v those_o object_n which_o be_v present_v to_o our_o outward_a sense_n to_o employ_v our_o mind_n conversant_o about_o they_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o proportion_n form_n and_o quality_n to_o compare_v one_o thing_n with_o another_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o so_o that_o we_o may_v penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o they_o and_o dive_v into_o their_o nature_n now_o this_o no_o brute_n creature_n do_v or_o can_v do_v the_o ox_n indeed_o know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n that_o be_v they_o come_v to_o both_o be_v invite_v and_o move_v thereunto_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o gratify_v the_o eye_n and_o palate_n but_o in_o this_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o consideration_n nothing_o that_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v thought_n because_o such_o creature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o inquire_v in_o themselves_o who_o or_o what_o their_o feeder_n be_v or_o what_o the_o substance_n of_o their_o fodder_n be_v or_o what_o produce_v it_o or_o how_o it_o be_v provide_v or_o to_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v proper_a and_o good_a to_o be_v use_v act_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v too_o high_a for_o animal_n which_o be_v mere_o sensitive_a their_o fancy_n go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o crib_n they_o be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o the_o bare_a enjoyment_n of_o that_o which_o be_v before_o they_o the_o consider_v part_n belong_v to_o man_n to_o observe_v the_o natural_a difference_n between_o thing_n and_o thing_n to_o examine_v their_o distinct_a cause_n property_n disposition_n and_o uses_n and_o so_o to_o look_v into_o their_o intrinsic_a essence_n and_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o peculiar_a work_n and_o business_n of_o a_o soul_n that_o be_v rational_a 2._o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o power_n to_o understand_v also_o that_o be_v a_o faculty_n and_o ability_n to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n and_o condition_n and_o philosophy_n of_o matter_n nay_o to_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o direct_o obvious_a to_o our_o outward_a sense_n that_o perception_n which_o be_v in_o animal_n irrational_a be_v a_o idea_n in_o the_o fancy_n derive_v from_o those_o efsluvium_n ray_n and_o image_n of_o external_a object_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o the_o hear_n see_v smell_a taste_v or_o feeling-faculty_n and_o so_o convey_v through_o the_o nerve_n into_o the_o brain_n these_o be_v sensible_a phantasm_n and_o the_o possess_n of_o a_o animal_n with_o they_o be_v proper_o call_v sensation_n because_o the_o creature_n be_v affect_v with_o a_o sensible_a object_n mere_o by_o the_o use_n of_o its_o sense_n but_o sensation_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o intellection_n or_o understanding_n be_v another_o this_o proper_o be_v when_o a_o man_n mind_n be_v so_o possess_v and_o enlighten_v with_o intelligible_a notion_n or_o with_o such_o idea_n as_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o corporeal_a sense_n and_o therefore_o such_o as_o can_v be_v stamp_v upon_o the_o mind_n by_o motion_n or_o pressure_n from_o body_n without_o we_o but_o such_o idea_n as_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n itself_o by_o a_o active_a exert_v power_n that_o be_v native_a to_o it_o there_o be_v many_o kind_n of_o such_o intelligible_a notion_n as_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o external_a sense_n and_o yet_o be_v very_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o as_o several_a certainty_n in_o mathematics_n which_o appear_v from_o demonstration_n divers_a truth_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v of_o by_o pure_a reason_n several_a moral_a verity_n which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virture_n several_a doctrine_n in_o theology_n which_o our_o mind_n yield_v we_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n beside_o divers_a such_o common_a notion_n as_o these_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v of_o themselves_o that_o what_o have_v not_o any_o be_v can_v act_v that_o thing_n which_o agree_v in_o one_o three_o agree_v among_o themselves_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o effect_n that_o equal_v add_v unto_o equal_n do_v make_v equal_n that_o nothing_o can_v produce_v itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v eternal_a truth_n which_o depend_v not_o upon_o sense_n but_o upon_o natural_a certain_a reason_n for_o they_o will_v be_v truth_n though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o sensitive_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n now_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a power_n in_o the_o soul_n which_o set_v it_o infinite_o above_o the_o soul_n of_o irrational_a creature_n in_o that_o it_o can_v act_v within_o itself_o abstract_o from_o matter_n and_o without_o use_v the_o bodily_a sense_n can_v speculate_v and_o understand_v those_o lead_a truth_n and_o necessary_a notion_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a undertake_n and_o enable_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o search_v into_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n to_o open_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o invent_v art_n to_o improve_v science_n to_o prescribe_v the_o most_o commendable_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o in_o short_a to_o govern_v the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o absolute_o perfect_a mind_n or_o a_o god_n that_o form_v the_o rational_a soul_n with_o divine_a faculty_n and_o power_n to_o act_v under_o he_o 3._o three_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o a_o power_n to_o deduce_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o by_o way_n of_o inference_n and_o by_o compare_v notion_n with_o notion_n and_o by_o sift_v they_o narrow_o to_o gather_v and_o conclude_v in_o the_o end_n that_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o false_a this_o be_v right_o and_o that_o wrong_v and_o so_o to_o go_v on_o still_o draw_v of_o consequent_n out_o of_o antecedent_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v ratiocination_n or_o
mental_a discourse_n as_o for_o example_n though_o we_o discern_v not_o our_o own_o soul_n nor_o can_v behold_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n yet_o in_o regard_n that_o we_o think_v and_o meditate_v and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o we_o strong_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v being_n actual_o existing_a because_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v not_o can_v operate_v in_o like_a manner_n though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o corporeal_a sense_n yet_o consider_v what_o bright_a manifestation_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o wonderful_a goodness_n power_n and_o wisdom_n we_o right_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v frame_v by_o a_o supreme_a be_v of_o the_o most_o adorable_a and_o excellent_a perfection_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o innumerable_a other_o instance_n though_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o contexture_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o sense_n yet_o by_o argue_v either_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a cause_n to_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o the_o manifest_a effect_n to_o the_o cause_n we_o proceed_v to_o satisfactory_a inference_n because_o if_o this_o thing_n be_v grant_v then_o according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o thing_n will_v follow_v this_o be_v to_o reason_n and_o argue_v and_o to_o discourse_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v a_o faculty_n whereof_o the_o soul_n of_o irrational_a creature_n be_v not_o capable_a because_o sine_fw-la and_o close_a reason_n be_v vast_o above_o bare_a and_o naked_a sensation_n it_o require_v strong_a meditation_n great_a roll_a of_o thought_n and_o a_o firm_a link_a of_o notion_n to_o notion_n in_o a_o chain_n so_o that_o rational_a premise_n may_v fair_o and_o regular_o draw_v on_o rational_a conclusion_n all_o which_o brute_n creature_n can_v no_o more_o do_v than_o they_o can_v study_v philosophy_n or_o understand_v book_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o logic_n 4._o four_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o a_o power_n of_o direct_v we_o in_o all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o this_o we_o call_v conscience_n mean_v the_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o other_o which_o be_v immutable_o evil_a their_o nature_n be_v so_o utter_o opposite_a that_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o make_v vice_n virtue_n or_o virtue_n vice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v light_n and_o darkness_n the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n every_o one_o do_v carry_v in_o himself_o nor_o be_v any_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o void_a and_o destitute_a of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o most_o unpolisht_a and_o barbarous_a people_n understand_v in_o some_o measure_n what_o be_v right_o and_o just_a according_o we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o which_o before_o a_o action_n be_v do_v tell_v we_o secret_o what_o be_v necessary_a sit_v and_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o do_v and_o when_o our_o unreasonable_a inclination_n and_o passion_n carry_v we_o on_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o good_a dictate_v we_o find_v something_o within_o we_o that_o do_v reprehend_v and_o blame_v and_o fly_v upon_o we_o and_o many_o time_n do_v wound_v we_o so_o that_o we_o be_v very_o sore_o and_o our_o mind_n be_v full_a of_o great_a anguish_n and_o torment_n to_o which_o purpose_n be_v those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o where_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n he_o faith_n that_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n write_v in_o two_o table_n as_o the_o jew_n have_v yet_o they_o do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n among_o themselves_o either_o accuse_v or_o else_o exause_v one_o another_o now_o this_o faculty_n of_o govern_v and_o regulate_v all_o our_o moral_a action_n and_o of_o pass_a sentence_n upon_o they_o be_v a_o excellence_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v in_o any_o animal_n which_o be_v pure_o sensitive_a how_o sagacious_a soever_o they_o appear_v because_o action_n natural_a be_v the_o high_a they_o can_v go_v to_o as_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o sobriety_n righteousness_n and_o godliness_n they_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o they_o as_o destitute_a as_o a_o stone_n be_v of_o sense_n or_o as_o a_o plant_n be_v of_o reason_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o their_o soul_n be_v mortal_a whether_o they_o be_v altogether_o material_a or_o so_o necestary_o depend_v upon_o matter_n that_o they_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o body_n i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v no_o question_n but_o they_o perish_v with_o their_o body_n for_o have_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n to_o act_v by_o they_o can_v be_v accountable_a either_o for_o obedience_n or_o transgression_n and_o so_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o survive_v because_o they_o be_v uncapable_a either_o of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n as_o be_v without_o all_o power_n of_o reflect_v and_o consequent_o of_o have_v any_o joy_n or_o remorse_n of_o mind_n in_o this_o to_o conclude_v this_o consideration_n beside_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n a_o power_n of_o sensation_n and_o a_o faculty_n of_o retain_v idea_n which_o spring_v from_o thing_n without_o we_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o such_o high_a and_o exquisite_a power_n that_o suppose_v a_o be_v angelical_a and_o next_o to_o a_o deity_n be_v to_o have_v be_v form_v on_o purpose_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v invest_v with_o humane_a flesh_n there_o to_o display_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o its_o nature_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o a_o be_v can_v have_v be_v make_v more_o like_a to_o a_o angel_n than_o the_o rational_a soul_n be_v a_o be_v that_o be_v able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o nature_n and_o into_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o entertain_v itself_o with_o lofty_a contemplation_n to_o discover_v recondite_v mysterious_a truth_n to_o open_v the_o treasure_n of_o philosophy_n to_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o history_n of_o thing_n past_a and_o to_o foresee_v thing_n to_o come_v thing_n which_o natural_o must_v or_o probable_o may_v happen_v to_o know_v all_o that_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v well_o capable_a of_o know_v to_o set_v out_o the_o just_a boundary_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o far_o they_o may_v honourable_o and_o safe_o go_v and_o what_o they_o be_v at_o their_o peril_n to_o avoid_v to_o employ_v mankind_n in_o the_o most_o curious_a art_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o useful_a science_n to_o give_v measure_n to_o all_o state_n and_o prince_n to_o prescribe_v to_o all_o society_n the_o true_a method_n for_o their_o preservation_n and_o welfare_n to_o show_v they_o what_o noble_a end_v they_o be_v to_o pursue_v and_o what_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a mean_n of_o bring_v those_o end_n to_o pass_v to_o fit_a man_n for_o the_o great_a and_o most_o generous_a undertake_n and_o to_o make_v they_o man_n of_o renown_n to_o inspire_v they_o with_o laudable_a ambition_n and_o upon_o animate_v hope_n to_o find_v glorious_a achievement_n and_o to_o erect_v the_o fortune_n of_o kingdom_n to_o make_v we_o aspire_v towards_o the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a enjoyment_n in_o short_a to_o help_v we_o to_o do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o mortal_a creature_n here_o and_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o labour_n under_o the_o sun_n to_o show_v we_o a_o glimpse_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o sit_v we_o for_o a_o bless_a and_o eternal_a state_n in_o it_o 2._o these_o be_v the_o noble_a power_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o hence_o i_o argue_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o this_o excellence_n of_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n because_o these_o high_a endowment_n and_o faculty_n can_v not_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o casual_a modification_n of_o dead_a and_o senseless_a matter_n but_o from_o the_o agency_n of_o a_o intelligent_a cause_n that_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o in_o the_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o cause_n if_o there_o can_v be_v more_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o something_o can_v come_v of_o itself_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v impossible_a defect_n of_o power_n in_o a_o agent_n be_v a_o nonentity_n a_o want_n of_o be_v a_o privation_n a_o incapacity_n a_o utter_a nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a how_o any_o