other_o way_n nor_o any_o other_o notion_n according_a to_o which_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v particularise_v or_o distinguish_v but_o that_o of_o relation_n the_o formal_a notion_n of_o which_o be_v ad_fw-la aliquid_fw-la or_o some_o way_n or_o other_o ad_fw-la aliud_fw-la by_o which_o too_o we_o have_v see_v god_n know_v and_o love_v himself_o oblige_v we_o to_o distinguish_v he_o whence_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v distinguish_v relative_o nor_o do_v this_o notion_n multiply_v the_o common_a nature_n essential_o as_o do_v the_o former_a way_n which_o distinguish_v the_o common_a notion_n by_o essential_a difference_n both_o because_o the_o relation_n by_o prelim._n x._o and_o xi_o be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o the_o divine_a essence_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n and_o ground_n of_o refer_v it_o diverse_o as_o also_o because_o it_o spring_v from_o a_o most_o high_a perfection_n in_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n i_o add_v and_o terminate_v also_o in_o a_o high_a perfection_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v viz._n in_o that_o of_o personality_n or_o person_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o divine_a essence_n which_o be_v distinguish_v or_o particularise_v there_o be_v nothing_o else_o in_o god_n to_o be_v distinguish_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o distinguish_v essential_o or_o according_a to_o the_o precise_a notion_n of_o essence_n or_o be_v but_o relative_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_a in_o be_v and_o so_o can_v be_v in_o that_o absolute_a reâ—â—ct_n but_o one._n 8._o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o avoid_v use_v the_o word_n â—â—dividuum_fw-la though_o i_o do_v not_o blame_v other_o that_o do_v perhaps_o i_o be_o too_o scrupulous_a in_o it_o yet_o i_o can_v â—â—t_n think_v it_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n at_o â—ast_n comparative_o my_o reason_n be_v first_o it_o be_v â—â—o_o logical_a and_o artificial_a and_o consequent_o though_o it_o have_v get_v i_o know_v not_o how_o out_o of_o the_o school_n into_o the_o language_n of_o some_o well-bred_a man_n to_o say_v it_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a man_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o vulgar_a speech_n nor_o so_o natural_a second_o because_o it_o be_v make_v particular_o such_o by_o its_o difference_n too_o viz._n by_o the_o complexion_n of_o its_o accident_n and_o subsume_v under_o the_o specific_a notion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o negation_n of_o the_o superior_a notion_n and_o signify_v the_o same_o as_o ungenerical_a or_o unspecifical_a whereas_o the_o word_n person_n have_v a_o positive_a signification_n nor_o have_v any_o reference_n to_o the_o genus_fw-la and_o species_n as_o be_v see_v in_o angel_n and_o moreover_o it_o direct_o import_v the_o high_a perfection_n in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_o transferrible_a to_o god._n again_o the_o word_n individuum_fw-la be_v a_o logical_a term_n be_v more_o subject_a to_o wrangle_v for_o artist_n be_v the_o imposer_n and_o as_o it_o be_v creator_n of_o the_o word_n which_o themselves_o use_v and_o such_o man_n seldom_o agree_v in_o their_o thought_n and_o meaning_n nor_o consent_v universal_o that_o such_o a_o word_n shall_v stand_v for_o such_o a_o mean_v or_o notion_n it_o happen_v that_o some_o of_o they_o do_v take_v the_o word_n in_o one_o sense_n other_o in_o another_o and_o very_o frequent_o ampliate_v or_o restrain_v the_o signification_n of_o it_o at_o pleasure_n hence_o perpetual_a and_o if_o this_o inconvenience_n be_v not_o remedy_v by_o clear_a definition_n of_o such_o word_n eternal_a dissension_n must_v needs_o ensue_v and_o indeed_o most_o of_o the_o liâ—igâ—â—â—_n dispute_v and_o controversy_n among_o learned_a mâ—â—_n in_o case_n the_o contester_n be_v sincere_a and_o disintereâ—â—ed_v do_v arise_v from_o this_o defect_n now_o mention_v froâ—_n which_o mischief_n the_o word_n use_v by_o the_o generalâ—â—_n to_o express_v our_o natural_a notion_n be_v free_a for_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v one_o another_o very_a well_o and_o easy_o nor_o be_v subject_n to_o perpetual_a word-skirmish_n in_o their_o common_a conversation_n as_o the_o other_o be_v 9_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v infer_v from_o this_o explication_n that_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o will_v be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o angel_n and_o soul_n separate_v when_o they_o know_v and_o love_v themselves_o for_o self-knowledge_n formal_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o thing_n know_v do_v inexi_v in_o its_o own_o know_v power_n as_o a_o object_n or_o after_o a_o intellectual_a manner_n and_o the_o existence_n and_o consequent_o inexistence_n of_o all_o creature_n be_v extrinsical_a oâ—_n acoidental_a to_o they_o as_o be_v give_v they_o by_o another_o and_o not_o essential_a to_o they_o or_o their_o very_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n it_o be_v one_o of_o his_o peculiar_a attribute_n hence_o iâ—_n follow_v that_o the_o relation_n of_o knower_n and_o know_v be_v in_o they_o accidental_a to_o they_o as_o be_v ground_v on_o what_o be_v accidental_a to_o their_o essence_n and_o consequent_o by_o prelim._n x._o be_v identify_v with_o the_o object_n accidental_o only_o whence_o it_o can_v make_v only_o a_o accidental_a distinction_n in_o they_o and_o not_o a_o distinction_n in_o their_o substance_n or_o a_o distinction_n of_o that_o most_o perfect_a substantial_a notion_n person_n as_o for_o the_o contrary_a reason_n it_o must_v make_v in_o god._n add_v that_o god_n self-knowledge_n be_v proper_o and_o perfect_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v his_o primary_n operation_n by_o which_o according_a to_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v he_o be_v constitute_v such_o or_o rather_o 〈…〉_o eâ—â—ence_o as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n do_v consist_v in_o it_o â—â—ereas_fw-la in_o angel_n and_o soul_n the_o know_v the_o â—…le_a extent_n of_o entity_n and_o even_a god_n himself_o 〈…〉_o the_o primary_n operation_n for_o which_o nature_n inâ—â—nded_v they_o and_o to_o know_v themselves_o be_v only_a 〈◊〉_d mean_n or_o first-step_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o thence_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o self-knowledge_n be_v far_o from_o be_v their_o primary_n operation_n or_o that_o by_o respect_n â—o_o which_o their_o essence_n be_v constitute_v nor_o consequent_o can_v it_o distinguish_v their_o substance_n as_o it_o do_v and_o must_v in_o god._n 10._o nor_o last_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o the_o common_a suppositum_fw-la have_v all_o perfection_n that_o can_v â—â—_o in_o the_o line_n of_o be_v and_o therefore_o among_o the_o rest_n personality_n in_o it_o do_v constitute_v a_o four_o person_n for_o since_o god_n or_o the_o common_a suppositum_fw-la as_o have_v be_v show_v be_v common_a to_o the_o three_o relative_n person_n or_o in_o they_o all_o it_o carry_v along_o with_o it_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n the_o personality_n too_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o the_o relative_n person_n as_o it_o do_v all_o the_o other_o positive_a or_o absolute_a perfection_n in_o the_o godhead_n whence_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o to_o subsist_v or_o absolute_o to_o be_v person_n from_o the_o godhead_n or_o the_o common_a suppositum_fw-la and_o that_o they_o be_v different_a person_n come_v whole_o and_o sole_o from_o their_o distinct_a relation_n as_o be_v prove_v above_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o show_n that_o the_o common_a suppositum_fw-la can_v make_v a_o four_o or_o distinct_a person_n since_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o or_o each_o can_v be_v particular_a or_o contradistinguisht_v to_o any_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o opposition_n of_o the_o common_a person_n to_o the_o relative_n once_o both_o because_o it_o have_v a_o absolute_a and_o not_o a_o relative_n notion_n as_o also_o because_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v opposite_a that_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o they_o all_o or_o with_o each_o of_o they_o sect_n vii_o that_o this_o distinction_n of_o three_o person_n put_v no_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o they_o be_v most-â—itly_o call_v the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n 1._o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o order_n and_o not_o of_o confusion_n it_o be_v most_o worthy_a his_o divine_a nature_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o true_a reason_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o order_n among_o those_o threâ—_n divine_a person_n and_o some_o solid_a ground_n for_o that_o order_n and_o since_o all_o order_n among_o more_o must_v begin_v from_o some_o one_o or_o some_o first_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o one_o among_o they_o which_o be_v the_o first_o or_o beginning_n of_o that_o order_n and_o that_o therefore_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n beginning_n must_v be_v transfer_v to_o god_n or_o be_v peculiar_a to_o some_o one_o of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v god_n provide_v it_o can_v be_v do_v
to_o be_v spiritual_o unitive_a of_o the_o lover_n to_o the_o thing_n love_v our_o common_a unstudy_v thought_n and_o language_n give_v this_o to_o be_v true_a if_o two_o friend_n love_v one_o another_o dear_o all_o mankind_n use_v to_o say_v they_o be_v all_o one_o and_o our_o b._n saviour_n pray_v to_o his_o heavenly_a father_n that_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n may_v be_v one_o as_o himself_o and_o his_o father_n be_v one_o that_o be_v by_o mutual_a love_n it_o be_v impossible_a those_o word_n can_v there_o bear_v any_o other_o signification_n 13._o we_o have_v see_v above_o that_o divine_a love_n which_o be_v the_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a object_n or_o from_o the_o divine_a essence_n know_v that_o be_v the_o father_n in_o his_o own_o divine_a knowledge_n in_o which_o consist_v essential_a truth_n that_o this_o truth_n be_v therefore_o god_n great_a good_a because_o this_o infinite_a truth_n be_v the_o best_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v intelligent_a or_o spiritual_a that_o because_o it_o do_v thus_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a object_n in_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n this_o three_o person_n do_v therefore_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n immediate_o and_o formal_o according_a to_o their_o distinct_a personality_n or_o relation_n and_o that_o therefore_o because_o no_o relation_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o another_o relation_n but_o can_v only_o refer_v what_o be_v absolute_a there_o can_v be_v no_o reciprocal_a opposite_a or_o distinct_a relation_n of_o the_o divine_a object-known_a to_o the_o lover_n nor_o consequent_o any_o occasion_n of_o conceive_v a_o four_o person_n it_o remain_v now_o to_o show_v that_o since_o love_v by_o §_o 12._o import_v a_o spiritual_a union_n or_o conjunction_n of_o the_o lover_n with_o that_o which_o it_o love_v therefore_o from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n conjoin_v there_o must_v be_v some_o distinction_n between_o those_o which_o be_v thus_o ioyn'd-togeth_a since_o what_o be_v in_o every_o respect_n one_o and_o the_o same_o can_v without_o injury_n to_o common_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v conjoin_v with_o itself_o in_o any_o respect_n that_o be_v conjoin_v at_o all_o but_o in_o what_o manner_n do_v this_o three_o person_n proceed_v from_o the_o other_o two_o not_o according_a to_o likeness_n or_o identity_n of_o nature_n as_o do_v the_o son_n but_o it_o presuppose_v this_o likeness_n conformity_n agreeableness_n or_o identity_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o object_n as_o know_v and_o in_o the_o knower_n as_o know_v it_o for_o in_o this_o consist_v that_o great_a good_a call_v truth_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o love_n and_o it_o be_v against_o all_o our_o natural_a notion_n to_o conceive_v actual_a love_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o suppose_v to_o be_v wherefore_o this_o similitude_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a motive_n nor_o the_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a love_n proceed_v but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o other_o two_o person_n according_a to_o their_o distinction_n of_o knower_n and_o know_v in_o which_o consist_v divine_a truth_n do_v integrate_a as_o it_o be_v that_o bonum_fw-la dei_fw-la or_o good_a which_o be_v the_o adequate_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n the_o son_n therefore_o proceed_v from_o his_o father_n by_o have_v communicate_v to_o he_o the_o same_o form_n as_o it_o be_v or_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o object_n which_o formal_o constitute_v he_o a_o knower_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o a_o son_n the_o b._n spirit_n proceed_v from_o the_o two_o other_o person_n as_o they_o be_v a_o good_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o it_o affect_v spiritual_o cling_v to_o or_o embrace_n and_o so_o become_v or_o be_v actual_o unite_v or_o one_o with_o it_o the_o former_a according_a to_o our_o weak_a manner_n of_o conceive_v proceed_v as_o come_v from_o the_o object_n communicate_v itself_o to_o it_o the_o late_a by_o its_o be_v draw_v as_o it_o be_v by_o the_o object_n and_o â—…oving_v it_o self_n forward_o to_o or_o rather_o in_o reality_n haâ—ing_v actual_o a_o union_n with_o it_o the_o former_a by_o â—ay_n of_o inform_v or_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n the_o late_a by_o enamour_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o pursue_v what_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o lover_n as_o such_o or_o rather_o in_o our_o case_n to_o enjoy_v it_o actual_o which_o expression_n though_o most_o beseem_a a_o pure_a actuality_n of_o be_v yet_o it_o debar_v not_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a enjoy_v and_o the_o enjoyer_n of_o it_o but_o oblige_v we_o to_o conceive_v they_o as_o thus_o distinct._n 14._o have_v thus_o declare_v the_o particularity_n or_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n in_o order_n to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o manifest_v in_o the_o â—ext_a place_n what_o name_n and_o what_o effect_n be_v peculiarly_a to_o be_v attribute_v to_o each_o of_o they_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o we_o whence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o as_o our_o explication_n be_v agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o consonant_a to_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o the_o sense_n and_o language_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o mention_v a_o few_o chief_a one_o will_v hint_n to_o we_o the_o â—est_n 15._o since_o then_o be_v be_v the_o first_o in_o order_n of_o all_o our_o natural_a notion_n so_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v communicate_v or_o to_o deserve_v love_n unless_o it_o be_v hence_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v be_v just_o conceive_v to_o be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o first_a person_n who_o be_v the_o beginning_n and_o origin_n of_o the_o rest_n and_o communicate_v it_o to_o the_o son_n whence_o proceed_v as_o be_v now_o say_v the_o b._n spirit_n who_o be_v divine_a love_n hence_o also_o since_o every_o thing_n act_v as_o it_o be_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v author_n and_o cause_n of_o all_o create_v be_v or_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n hence_o also_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o a_o natural_a but_o less_o proper_a sense_n because_o he_o give_v we_o our_o be_v and_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n since_o his_o only_a son_n by_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o make_v himself_o in_o some_o sort_n our_o brother_n as_o also_o in_o a_o civil_a sense_n because_o it_o belong_v to_o father_n to_o provide_v for_o their_o child_n as_o his_o heavenly_a providence_n do_v for_o all_o his_o creature_n not_o to_o speak_v how_o he_o be_v a_o father_n in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n as_o we_o be_v re-generated_n by_o his_o grace_n give_v we_o free_o for_o the_o merit_n and_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o eternal_a son_n who_o he_o send_v among_o we_o to_o that_o end_n 16._o what_o peculiar_a attribute_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o son_n be_v declare_v above_o §_o 10._o i_o only_a remark_n here_o that_o when_o he_o be_v call_v verbum_fw-la the_o word_n by_o a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o our_o verbum_fw-la mentis_fw-la that_o be_v our_o conception_n or_o notion_n of_o a_o object_n in_o our_o know_a power_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v by_o those_o word_n that_o imperfect_a form_n of_o speak_a truth_n interior_o which_o be_v find_v in_o mental_a proposition_n which_o affirm_v or_o deny_v for_o even_o in_o angel_n and_o separate_a soul_n as_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v knowledge_n be_v above_o all_o composition_n of_o several_a notion_n of_o which_o proposition_n be_v make_v but_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v that_o the_o divine_a object_n in_o which_o be_v essential_o all_o the_o metaphysical_a verity_n both_o of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n be_v most_o express_o in_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o knower_n of_o it_o that_o be_v indeed_o in_o the_o very_a divine_a essence_n in_o which_o the_o most_o actual_a that_o be_v the_o most_o bright_a and_o most_o universal_a truth_n be_v communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n and_o be_v most_o exact_o in_o he_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n also_o that_o when_o he_o be_v call_v imago_fw-la patris_fw-la and_o such_o like_a some_o cartesian_a or_o other_o ideist_n catch_v at_o the_o word_n do_v not_o make_v â—im_a a_o mere_a picture_n or_o similitude_n of_o his_o father_n â—…d_o that_o he_o have_v not_o therefore_o the_o very_a divine_a create_v essence_n or_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o he_o â—…t_o only_o some_o create_a similitude_n of_o it_o i_o must_v â—…nfess_v this_o suit_n well_o enough_o with_o the_o doctrine_n idea_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v spiritual_a pourâ—…itures_n or_o resemblance_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o know_v â—…d_v not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o that_o it_o suit_n â—…ither_o with_o reason_n or_o faith_n they_o can_v never_o show_v â—…s_n for_o how_o can_v mere_a fancy_n agree_v
a_o spiritual_a understanding_n and_o not_o idea_n or_o similitude_n of_o they_o only_o 10._o this_o doctrine_n be_v ground_v on_o that_o logical_a maxim_n all_o difference_n be_v nothing_o but_o more_o and_o less_o of_o the_o generical_a notion_n the_o consideration_n of_o that_o thesis_n be_v recommend_v to_o the_o reader_n 11._o this_o hold_v equal_o in_o a_o soul_n too_o when_o she_o come_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a act._n 12._o angel_n be_v pure_a act_n be_v immutable_a 13._o the_o distinction_n of_o angel_n be_v take_v from_o be_v more_o or_o less_o cognoscitive_a after_o their_o manner_n 14._o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o extent_n of_o their_o knowledge_n but_o of_o the_o intenseness_n or_o penetrativeness_n of_o it_o 15._o hence_o as_o far_o as_o reason_n carry_v we_o be_v take_v the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o hierarchy_n and_o nine_o quire_n of_o angel_n 16._o the_o different_a manner_n by_o which_o angel_n and_o human_a soul_n come_v to_o have_v all_o their_o knowledge_n 17._o that_o those_o angel_n have_v noble_a essence_n who_o each_o act_n of_o knowledge_n have_v for_o its_o object_n a_o great_a portion_n of_o the_o universe_n 18._o which_o fit_v they_o to_o super-intend_a the_o administration_n of_o a_o large_a province_n 19_o how_o consonant_a this_o be_v to_o those_o passage_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o such_o operation_n of_o angel_n 20._o a_o angel_n can_v operate_v upon_o another_o angel_n so_o as_o to_o change_v it_o 21._o wherefore_o all_o it_o be_v external_n operation_n which_o work_v a_o change_n in_o another_o thing_n can_v only_o be_v upon_o body_n 22._o a_o angel_n can_v thus_o operate_v upon_o material_a being_n or_o body_n 23._o that_o we_o only_o intend_v to_o evince_v here_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o this_o operation_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o not_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v perform_v 24._o yet_o no_o one_o angel_n have_v a_o unlimited_a power_n to_o operate_v thus_o on_o all_o body_n whatever_o 25._o a_o angel_n can_v move_v or_o change_v those_o body_n which_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o activity_n in_o a_o imperceptible_a time_n 26._o hence_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o angel_n be_v consonant_a to_o metaphysical_a principle_n 27._o that_o the_o ordinary_a minister_a spirit_n or_o angel-guardian_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v the_o low_a sort_n of_o angel_n 28._o but_o the_o great_a and_o weighty_a affair_n ure_n manage_v and_o transact_v by_o archangel_n 29._o the_o low_a angel_n receive_v intellectual_a light_n from_o god_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o superior_a one_o in_o the_o very_a instant_a they_o be_v create_v 30._o in_o what_o manner_n the_o good_a angel_n perform_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n without_o new_a instruction_n 31._o that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o holy_a angel_n to_o procure_v our_o good_a and_o of_o bad_a one_o to_o afflict_v and_o punish_v mankind_n as_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v fit_v meditation_n by_o what_o mean_v metaphysic_n have_v raise_v our_o thoughtâ—_n above_o the_o sordid_a mass_n of_o matter_n to_o contemplate_v the_o angelical_a nature_n the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o their_o intellectual_a essence_n decipher_v how_o faith_n have_v antecedent_o enlighten_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o explicate_v and_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o empty_a flourish_v of_o the_o drollich_n renouncer_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n both_o what_o gratitude_n love_n and_o veneration_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n and_o what_o benefit_n we_o shalâ—_n reap_v by_o keep_v up_o a_o spiritual_a communion_n with_o they_o by_o follow_v their_o good_a inspiration_n yet_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o honour_v they_o so_o as_o to_o remember_v they_o be_v only_o our_o fellow_n servant_n though_o high_o dignify_v by_o our_o common_a master_n book_n iii_o of_o the_o most_o pure_a actuality_n of_o be_v the_o adorable_a deity_n of_o the_o existence_n essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god._n §_o 1._o that_o there_o must_v be_v something_o which_o be_v a_o most_o pure_a actuality_n of_o be_v demonstrate_v 2._o dem._n ii_o from_o the_o acknowledge_a potentiality_n of_o be_v necessary_o annex_v or_o rather_o essential_a to_o all_o creature_n 3._o dem._n iii_o because_o what_o be_v not_o can_v act._n 4._o dem_n iu._n because_o actual_a be_v or_o existence_n be_v the_o noble_a effect_n imaginable_a 5._o dem._n v._o because_o no_o power_n can_v produce_v a_o effect_n which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o what_o itself_o be_v or_o to_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n 6._o the_o foresay_a proof_n sum_v up_o in_o one_o and_o enforce_v 7._o this_o actuality_n of_o be_v give_v be_v to_o all_o other_o thing_n 8._o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n propose_v viz._n that_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o 9_o first_o answer_n that_o this_o do_v not_o solve_v our_o demonstration_n 10._o second_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a voluntary_a assertion_n neither_o prove_v nor_o attempt_v to_o be_v prove_v nor_o possible_a to_o be_v prove_v 11._o three_o answer_n farther_o show_v that_o our_o argument_n be_v not_o touch_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o a_o identical_a proposition_n 12._o four_o answer_n this_o pretence_n or_o voluntary_a assertion_n be_v show_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n 13._o five_o answer_n that_o the_o put_v a_o infinite_a antecedent_n time_n which_o in_o their_o supposition_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n 14._o six_o answer_n that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o the_o word_n infinite_a apply_v to_o our_o case_n show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n 15._o the_o put_v a_o finite_a number_n of_o cause_n give_v be_v to_o one_o another_o circular_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o contradictory_n as_o the_o former_a 16._o the_o notion_n of_o ens_fw-la be_v different_a from_o that_o of_o existence_n and_o consequent_o essence_n from_o existence_n 17._o philosopher_n must_v discourse_v of_o the_o first_o be_v by_o such_o notion_n as_o they_o have_v 18._o the_o notion_n of_o existence_n be_v the_o most_o actual_a of_o any_o we_o have_v 19_o and_o therefore_o the_o fit_a to_o express_v a_o pure_a actuality_n of_o be_v and_o give_v we_o by_o god_n himself_o 20._o every_o abstract_a word_n include_v comprehensive_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o form_n or_o act_n it_o signify_v without_o any_o limitation_n 21._o therefore_o it_o be_v limitation_n either_o proceed_v from_o the_o subject_a or_o from_o the_o cause_n that_o determine_v it_o 22._o wherefore_o god_n essence_n be_v existenceâ—â—_n â—â—_z self_n be_v absolute_o unlimited_a or_o actual_o infinite_a 23._o therefore_o god_n be_v but_o one_o 24._o hence_o polytheism_n or_o the_o put_v many_o god_n be_v a_o most_o senseless_a absurdity_n and_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n 25._o hence_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v divine_a the_o dawn_v of_o which_o chase_v away_o that_o universal_a darkness_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o opposition_n humane_a power_n wit_n or_o learning_n can_v make_v 26_o existence_n be_v the_o whole_a perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o exist_v 27._o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v essential_a and_o actual_o infinite_a 28._o therefore_o the_o divine_a existence_n or_o the_o deity_n include_v or_o concenter_v all_o imaginable_a perfection_n in_o its_o self_n 29._o therefore_o god_n be_v infinite_o perfect_a in_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a attribute_n 30._o therefore_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 31._o and_o no_o way_n corporeal_a 32._o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o indignity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o apply_v any_o such_o predicate_v to_o he_o as_o belong_v to_o body_n 33._o hence_o also_o he_o be_v immutable_a 34._o and_o a_o self-subsistent_a be_v 35._o also_o his_o essence_n be_v most_o simple_a or_o uncompounded_a 36._o and_o his_o duration_n eternal_a 37._o whence_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v explicate_v by_o a_o correspondency_n to_o our_o time_n 38._o hence_o also_o god_n be_v immense_a 39_o it_o be_v high_o derogatory_n to_o this_o attribute_n to_o explicate_v it_o by_o commensuration_n to_o a_o infinite_a space_n 40._o last_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v of_o its_o self_n infinite_o knowable_a or_o intelligible_a 41._o of_o what_o comfort_n this_o may_v be_v to_o some_o humble_a and_o pious_a soul_n 42._o that_o the_o author_n confine_n himself_o here_o to_o metaphysical_a medium_n 43._o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o be_v say_v no_o notion_n or_o word_n we_o have_v be_v univocal_o or_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n apply_v to_o god_n and_o to_o creature_n 44._o wherefore_o all_o the_o word_n we_o use_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n be_v in_o some_o sort_n metaphorical_a 45._o because_o each_o of_o they_o signify_v some_o one_o notion_n or_o some_o one_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o plenitude_n of_o all_o be_v and_o all_o perfection_n centre_v
of_o they_o of_o the_o same_o high_a excellency_n since_o upon_o that_o motion_n give_v by_o they_o every_o single_a action_n of_o all_o the_o body_n throughout_o the_o vast_a region_n which_o those_o luminary_n do_v enlighten_v and_o influence_n do_v whole_o depend_v 29._o from_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o a_o pure_a act_n or_o a_o angel_n which_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v above_o it_o be_v create_v the_o low_a angel_n receive_v intellectual_a light_n from_o the_o superior_a in_o the_o same_o instant_a they_o be_v create_v evident_o deduce_v that_o whatever_o intellectual_a light_n the_o inferior_a angel_n do_v as_o be_v most_o requisite_a and_o fit_a receive_v from_o the_o superior_a one_o be_v impart_v to_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v or_o be_v co-aeve_a to_o their_o be_v this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o immutability_n of_o a_o pure_a spirit_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a proof_n since_o if_o they_o have_v any_o thing_n anew_o they_o must_v have_v be_v change_v 30._o it_o be_v likewise_o evident_a that_o since_o every_o angel_n do_v comprehend_v all_o material_a nature_n and_o consequent_o every_o least_o circumstance_n of_o it_o they_o do_v from_o instruction_n in_o what_o manner_n the_o good_a angel_n perform_v the_o will_n of_o their_o maker_n without_o new_a instruction_n the_o very_a creation_n as_o far_o as_o be_v on_o their_o part_n stand_v over_o ready_a and_o bend_v with_o their_o will_n to_o act_v upon_o matter_n in_o such_o precise_a juncture_n and_o in_o that_o very_a manner_n in_o which_o and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o know_v they_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a appointment_n to_o exert_v their_o active_a power_n without_o need_v any_o new_a motive_n or_o any_o new_a change_n fit_v or_o dispose_v they_o to_o act_v hic_fw-mi &_o nunc_fw-la this_o follow_v manifest_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n wherefore_o the_o resistance_n of_o one_o angel_n to_o another_o and_o such_o like_a expression_n neither_o aught_o nor_o need_n be_v so_o interpret_v as_o to_o a_o gue_z their_o ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v defeat_v of_o their_o intention_n or_o opposition_n to_o one_o another_o will_n but_o in_o the_o plain_a obvious_a sense_n as_o when_o we_o use_v to_o say_v i_o have_v go_v about_o such_o a_o business_n but_o that_o such_o cause_n make_v i_o see_v it_o be_v impracticable_a or_o imprudent_a to_o attempt_v it_o or_o i_o can_v not_o come_v till_o it_o have_v do_v rain_v so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a opposition_n as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o a_o moral_a on_o which_o be_v between_o the_o good_a angel_n for_o example_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o persia_n have_v a_o desire_n to_o do_v the_o persian_n all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v it_o be_v his_o province_n and_o duty_n which_o be_v to_o keep_v the_o jew_n there_o still_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o persian_n may_v better_o learn_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god._n and_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o jew_n desire_v to_o deliver_v they_o from_o captivity_n that_o so_o they_o may_v serve_v god_n and_o observe_v the_o law_n better_o in_o their_o own_o country_n these_o be_v the_o particular_a inclination_n of_o each_o of_o they_o all_o other_o consideration_n be_v abstract_v or_o set_v aside_o god_n have_v prefix_v a_o determinate_a time_n of_o their_o deliverance_n and_o of_o comfort_v daniel_n in_o the_o interim_n both_o of_o they_o know_v god_n will_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o yet_o the_o angel_n of_o persia_n act_v for_o his_o province_n and_o detain_v the_o jew_n till_o the_o prefix_a time_n come_v be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o jewish_a angel_n can_v not_o till_o that_o time_n come_v act_n for_o their_o deliverance_n whereas_o have_v there_o be_v another_o state_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v not_o he_o obviate_v the_o particular_a propension_n of_o the_o jewish_a angel_n he_o have_v soon_o assist_v they_o and_o come_v to_o daniel_n 31._o from_o the_o nature_n and_o genius_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n and_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n wisdom_n fit_v that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o holy_a angel_n to_o procure_v our_o good_a and_o of_o bad_a one_o to_o afflict_v and_o punish_v mankind_n as_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v fit_v make_v use_v of_o the_o proper_a instrument_n to_o perform_v his_o will_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o he_o order_v the_o good_a angel_n to_o protect_v guide_v and_o inspire_v pious_a soul_n and_o procure_v their_o good_a so_o he_o send_v and_o order_n bad_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n his_o executioners_z to_o inflict_v punishment_n on_o misdeserver_n to_o do_v which_o their_o inveterate_a malice_n to_o mankind_n give_v they_o most_o eager_a propension_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o disaster_n which_o befall_v job_n and_o may_v also_o be_v collect_v from_o psalm_n 78._o 45._o prov._n 15._o 11._o judge_n 9_o 23._o and_o king_n 22._o 22._o and_o divers_a other_o text_n meditation_n let_v we_o now_o my_o soul_n look_v down_o upon_o those_o low_a and_o despicable_a essence_n from_o which_o we_o take_v our_o rise_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o what_o nature_n by_o what_o mean_v metaphysic_n have_v raise_v our_o thought_n above_o the_o sordid_a mass_n of_o matter_n to_o contemplate_v the_o angelical_a nature_n a_o unexpected_a height_n we_o have_v climb_v our_o step_n be_v indeed_o all_o the_o way_n immediate_n yet_o it_o have_v cost_v we_o some_o pant_a labour_n ere_o we_o can_v mount_v to_o the_o superior_a region_n of_o being_n we_o have_v transcend_v our_o own_o essence_n and_o wound_v ourselves_o up_o by_o the_o connected_a chain_n of_o our_o reason_n twist_v of_o our_o natural_a notion_n as_o high_a as_o the_o low_a story_n of_o heaven_n and_o gain_v some_o acquaintance_n with_o those_o winge_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o the_o angel_n the_o contemplation_n of_o who_o essence_n do_v confine_v next_o upon_o that_o of_o the_o adorable_a deity_n itself_o we_o behold_v with_o admiration_n those_o bright_a being_n who_o understanding_n be_v guild_v and_o beautify_v with_o pure_a ray_n of_o intellectual_a decipher_v the_o surpass_a excellency_n of_o their_o intellectual_a essence_n decipher_v light_n stream_v together_o with_o their_o essence_n from_o the_o inexhausted_a source_n and_o luminary_n of_o all_o knowledge_n essential_a truth_n nay_o we_o can_v moreover_o take_v a_o steady_a view_n of_o their_o eminent_a nature_n without_o those_o astonish_a ecstasy_n which_o so_o surprise_v daniel_n esdras_n and_o the_o eagle-eyed_a evangelist_n himself_o and_o notwithstanding_o we_o see_v they_o all_o over_o bespangle_v with_o the_o most_o glitter_a truth_n yet_o our_o eye_n though_o weak_a be_v not_o dazzle_v nor_o our_o thought_n distract_v with_o fear_n and_o horror_n as_o be_v those_o other_o to_o who_o they_o appear_v but_o it_o be_v because_o we_o see_v they_o at_o distance_n through_o the_o dull_a optic_n of_o our_o natural_a speculation_n not_o near_o at_o hand_n nor_o clad_v in_o those_o majestic_a resemblance_n which_o they_o put_v on_o when_o they_o be_v to_o represent_v the_o great_a king_n of_o glory_n who_o ambassador_n they_o be_v our_o reason_n have_v ascertain_v we_o that_o there_o may_v and_o must_v be_v such_o thing_n as_o pure_a act_n or_o angel_n that_o be_v in_o the_o climax_n of_o entity_n superior_a to_o body_n they_o do_v therefore_o include_v and_o comprehend_v in_o themselves_o after_o their_o manner_n that_o be_v know_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o body_n their_o underling_n that_o be_v depure_v from_o that_o passive_a principle_n matter_n and_o withal_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o all_o motion_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o action_n in_o the_o material_a world_n their_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n active_a whence_o they_o come_v necessary_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o power_n to_o work_v upon_o corporeal_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_o passive_a and_o this_o with_o a_o incredible_a celerity_n also_o that_o be_v free_a from_o the_o alloy_n of_o matter_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o mutability_n they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n unchangeable_n we_o have_v gain_v certain_a light_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v into_o their_o several_a rank_n or_o kind_n and_o that_o those_o low_a sort_n of_o they_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o manage_n material_a nature_n and_o procure_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o who_o sake_n the_o corporeal_a world_n be_v make_v have_v as_o be_v most_o sit_v large_a or_o narrow_a province_n assign_v they_o according_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o their_o essence_n to_o which_o their_o power_n of_o act_v be_v proportion_v we_o have_v see_v how_o consonant_n to_o reason_n those_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v which_o deliver_v to_o we_o narrative_o many_o action_n do_v and_o effect_n produce_v by_o those_o administer_a angel_n and_o how_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v divers_a place_n there_o in_o which_o sacred_a
writer_n accommodate_v themselves_o to_o our_o rude_a fancy_n though_o god_n wisdom_n have_v lay_v mean_n for_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o those_o heaven-inspired_a oracle_n to_o teach_v we_o literal_o such_o truth_n as_o belong_v to_o philosophy_n or_o to_o give_v reason_n for_o every_o particular_a they_o mention_v it_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o indict_v they_o to_o instruct_v we_o scientifical_o as_o if_o no_o credit_n or_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o his_o word_n signify_v both_o how_o faith_n have_v antecedent_o enlighten_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o explicate_v and_o defend_v it_o against_o the_o empty_a flourish_v of_o the_o drollish_a renouncer_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n both_o to_o we_o by_o such_o authentic_a instrument_n write_v by_o his_o immediate_a commission_n it_o be_v favour_n enough_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o give_v we_o some_o conclusion_n or_o acquaint_v we_o with_o some_o thesis_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n and_o to_o ascertain_v their_o truth_n by_o engage_v his_o infallible_a veracity_n and_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o our_o industrious_a study_n he_o bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o inferior_a and_o more_o familiar_a light_n of_o scientifical_a knowledge_n to_o explicate_v those_o truth_n by_o show_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o evident_a principle_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o same_o god_n of_o truth_n have_v also_o teach_v we_o though_o not_o so_o immediate_o that_o so_o we_o may_v comfort_v faith_n and_o make_v it_o more_o lively_a and_o operative_a in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o as_o also_o defend_v it_o against_o opposer_n and_o confute_v by_o solid_a discourse_n the_o fantastic_a raillery_n of_o ignorant_a unbeliever_n who_o choose_v rather_o to_o mistrust_v their_o own_o natural_a notion_n than_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o imagination_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o renounce_v the_o best_a production_n of_o their_o reason_n reflect_v upon_o principle_n than_o to_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o faith_n though_o the_o same_o reason_n inform_v they_o by_o a_o thousand_o instance_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o such_o a_o restiff_n humoursomeness_n so_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o adversary_n to_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v withal_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o true_a science_n if_o any_o man_n complain_v he_o be_v injure_v by_o this_o censure_n i_o will_v candid_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o may_v clear_v himself_o let_v he_o leave_v off_o his_o witty_a talk_n and_o loose_a drollery_n and_o lay_v first_o his_o principle_n draw_v thence_o by_o connected_a discourse_n his_o conclusion_n this_o method_n will_v have_v force_n upon_o humane_a nature_n whereas_o when_o truth_n be_v inquire_v after_o raillery_n satisfy_v no_o man_n of_o sense_n nor_o please_v any_o but_o giggler_n but_o alas_o their_o weak_a cause_n forbid_v they_o any_o such_o manly_a procedure_n the_o very_a attempt_v it_o will_v convince_v themselves_o if_o candid_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o impracticable_a and_o make_v they_o confess_v at_o least_o by_o their_o carriage_n and_o ill_a performance_n that_o they_o never_o follow_v the_o wise_a conduct_n of_o true_a reason_n but_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o imagination_n but_o what_o gratitude_n what_o acknowledgement_n do_v we_o owe_v to_o those_o bless_a spirit_n for_o their_o ever-watchful_a care_n over_o we_o for_o spirit_n what_o gratitude_n love_n and_o veneration_n we_o owe_v to_o those_o bless_a minister_a spirit_n prevent_v our_o heedlessness_n and_o want_n of_o foresight_n from_o fall_v into_o a_o thousand_o mischance_n for_o keep_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n psal._n 90._o 11._o for_o inspire_v we_o with_o good_a thought_n and_o pitch_v their_o tent_n about_o we_o to_o defend_v we_o from_o the_o assault_n and_o fiery_a dart_n of_o our_o ghostly_a enemy_n what_o respect_n ought_v we_o to_o show_v towards_o they_o for_o the_o excellency_n rf_n their_o nature_n and_o their_o high_a station_n in_o the_o create_a universe_n what_o veneration_n for_o their_o pure_a sanctity_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n they_o enjoy_v by_o be_v attendant_n in_o god_n empyreal_a court_n and_o their_o see_v daily_o the_o unveil_v and_o blissful_a face_n of_o our_o father_n who_o be_v heaven_n mat._n 18._o 10._o let_v we_o then_o present_v they_o with_o our_o humble_a thanks_o for_o their_o solliciton_n care_n of_o we_o and_o their_o offer_v up_o the_o incense_n of_o our_o prayer_n in_o their_o golden_a censor_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n rev._n 8._o 3_o 4_o 5._o our_o good_a god_n who_o have_v command_v we_o to_o honour_v our_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o our_o magistrate_n and_o to_o be_v grateful_a to_o our_o benefactor_n who_o as_o second_o cause_n he_o have_v order_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o our_o good_a will_v not_o be_v offend_v that_o we_o honour_v his_o holy_a angel_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v to_o assist_v we_o in_o a_o more_o sovereign_a manner_n both_o temporal_o and_o spiritual_o and_o who_o have_v a_o great_a power_n over_o the_o world_n and_o all_o material_a nature_n than_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n who_o can_v reflect_v upon_o those_o word_n tell_v we_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o that_o the_o angel_n do_v rejoice_v at_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o not_o admire_v at_o such_o a_o disinterest_v goodness_n and_o charity_n towards_o we_o poor_a mortal_n and_o love_v honour_n and_o thank_v they_o for_o it_o common_a morality_n and_o nature_n enjoin_v we_o these_o duty_n and_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o right_a nature_n or_o reason_n can_v never_o be_v opposite_a to_o christianity_n which_o establish_v and_o not_o dissolve_v those_o law_n though_o they_o need_v not_o nor_o require_v those_o duty_n at_o our_o hand_n yet_o we_o do_v nevertheless_o owe_v they_o though_o they_o do_v neither_o more_o or_o less_o assist_v we_o whether_o we_o apply_v to_o they_o or_o neglect_v they_o yet_o our_o obligation_n be_v not_o the_o less_o but_o rather_o more_o for_o their_o love_n they_o what_o benefit_n we_o shall_v reap_v by_o keep_v up_o a_o spiritual_a communication_n with_o they_o to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o love_n as_o be_v not_o at_o all_o selfish_n there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o distance_n between_o the_o church_n militant_a and_o triumphant_a as_o to_o render_v a_o mutual_a and_o spiritual_a commerce_n between_o they_o impracticable_a we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o fellow_n servant_n of_o the_o same_o common_a lord_n and_o have_v the_o same_o head_n christ_n jesus_n nor_o can_v distance_n at_o all_o hinder_v the_o communication_n of_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o the_o limit_a nature_n of_o quantity_n they_o be_v true_o and_o in_o a_o better_a manner_n present_v with_o we_o while_o we_o be_v in_o their_o thought_n which_o be_v all_o the_o presence_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n be_v capable_a and_o we_o be_v real_o unite_v spiritual_o with_o they_o when_o we_o have_v the_o same_o pious_a affection_n with_o they_o they_o frequent_o converse_v with_o mankind_n under_o visible_a apparition_n in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n and_o though_o better_a ordinary_a mean_n be_v now_o allow_v and_o therefore_o such_o extraordinary_a favour_n need_v not_o be_v so_o frequent_a yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o neglect_v a_o invisible_a or_o spiritual_a communication_n with_o they_o especial_o since_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n and_o benefit_n to_o caltivate_v it_o by_o consider_v their_o happy_a state_n their_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o their_o diligent_a and_o charitable_a concern_v for_o we_o they_o be_v as_o pure_a in_o their_o moral_n from_o sin_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o natural_n from_o matter_n and_o they_o purify_v and_o spiritualise_v our_o soul_n while_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n be_v employ_v in_o think_v on_o such_o holy_a and_o pure_a object_n our_o soul_n take_v a_o tincture_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v moral_a from_o the_o object_n it_o affectionate_o converse_v with_o that_o soul_n which_o be_v oft_o thus_o think_v of_o earthly_a thing_n be_v earthly_a of_o corporeal_a pleasure_n be_v brutish_a of_o empty_a honour_n be_v airy_a and_o vain_a of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o soul_n which_o thus_o affectionate_o apply_v its_o thought_n and_o master_n yet_o to_o honour_v they_o so_o as_o still_o to_o remember_v they_o be_v only_o our_o fellow-servant_n though_o high_o dignify_v by_o our_o common_a master_n affection_n to_o angel_n or_o converse_v with_o they_o spiritual_o cum_fw-la sancto_fw-la sanctus_n eris_fw-la be_v angelical_a only_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a we_o honour_v they_o for_o their_o master_n sake_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o venerate_v
be_v not_o in_o reality_n passive_a by_o receive_v they_o have_v no_o passive_a principle_n or_o matter_n in_o they_o thus_o the_o essence_n of_o all_o creature_n do_v inexi_v in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n from_o eternity_n yet_o none_o will_v say_v this_o infer_v any_o passiveness_n in_o god._n indeed_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v in_o this_o state_n she_z as_o be_v the_o form_n of_o the_o body_n be_v thence_o in_o some_o sort_n passive_n because_o the_o suppositum_fw-la the_o man_n be_v such_o but_o when_o she_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n her_o knowledge_n be_v not_o then_o beat_v into_o she_o as_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o dint_n of_o the_o object_n but_o be_v in_o she_o pure_o by_o the_o formal_a inexistence_n of_o all_o create_a truth_n in_o one_o another_o by_o which_o be_v sâ—en_o that_o for_o the_o object_n know_v to_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o knower_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o form_n argue_v no_o imperfection_n in_o either_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v with_o good_a reason_n transferrible_a to_o god._n perhaps_o some_o may_v think_v that_o the_o subject_n be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o kind_n of_o matter_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o form_n and_o that_o this_o argue_v imperfection_n but_o they_o err_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n a_o â—orm_n that_o advenes_n to_o a_o material_a subject_n and_o intrinsical_o determine_v it_o as_o modes_n or_o accident_n do_v do_v indeed_o induce_v imperfection_n for_o it_o smell_v rank_a of_o materiality_n or_o corporeity_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o here_o for_o modes_n or_o accident_n have_v no_o be_v but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o subject_n whereas_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v by_o we_o have_v their_o own_o proper_a existence_n out_o of_o our_o soul_n notwithstanding_o the_o intellectual_a manner_n of_o be_v they_o have_v in_o it_o their_o essence_n and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o they_o be_v â—ngrafted_v on_o her_o noble_a stock_n of_o be_v not_o as_o a_o intrinsical_a part_n of_o its_o peculiar_a nature_n to_o which_o they_o owe_v their_o be_v but_o as_o another_o thing_n or_o as_o distinct_a from_o it_o so_o that_o both_o the_o peculiar_a essence_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o same_o essential_o and_o intrinsical_o though_o the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n be_v enlarge_v and_o perfect_v by_o have_v another_o be_v tack_v to_o it_o as_o a_o extrinsical_a form_n or_o by_o she_o be_v or_o become_v another_o in_o which_o as_o aristotle_n and_o evident_a reflection_n tell_v we_o all_o knowledge_n consist_v there_o be_v a_o conceit_n current_n among_o many_o philosopher_n that_o every_o spiritual_a operation_n be_v a_o action_n and_o hence_o they_o may_v mean_v to_o transfer_v such_o a_o spiritual_a action_n to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a error_n indeed_o our_o formal_a judge_v and_o discourse_v may_v be_v call_v action_n because_o they_o be_v find_v in_o our_o soul_n while_n in_o the_o body_n and_o have_v succession_n in_o they_o be_v accompany_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o phantasm_n without_o which_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o state_n can_v operate_v but_o pure_a act_n have_v no_o such_o leisurely_o progress_n of_o their_o thought_n nor_o do_v they_o compound_v or_o divide_v their_o notion_n as_o we_o do_v here_o but_o all_o their_o knowledge_n be_v by_o simple_a intuition_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o succession_n or_o motion_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o sort_n of_o spiritual_a operation_n only_o be_v that_o which_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o god_n the_o other_o which_o be_v part_n after_o part_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n quantitative_a or_o corporeal_a that_o iâ—_n most_o imperfect_a now_o if_o we_o take_v away_o the_o state_n of_o motion_n there_o be_v no_o notion_n leave_v we_o but_o that_o of_o be_v whence_o all_o knowledge_n that_o be_v purely-spiritual_a must_v be_v explicate_v by_o be_v or_o the_o inexistence_n of_o the_o object_n in_o the_o knower_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o form_n which_o make_v the_o knower_n be_v that_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v in_o case_n the_o knower_n be_v a_o create_v be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o form_n which_o according_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n constitute_v a_o thing_n in_o be_v such_o or_o such_o whence_o such_o a_o operation_n suit_n not_o with_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o action_n which_o do_v necessary_o at_o least_o connotate_n motion_n but_o be_v better_o express_v by_o a_o neuter-active_a verb_n such_o as_o be_v stupeo_fw-la ardeo_fw-la and_o such_o like_a which_o signify_v that_o the_o affection_n of_o amazement_n or_o burn_v be_v in_o i_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o accidental_a form_n for_o it_o be_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o word_n i_o know_v signify_v that_o the_o object_n be_v in_o my_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o inexistence_n of_o the_o object_n in_o the_o knower_n may_v without_o scruple_n be_v transfer_v to_o god_n for_o it_o be_v our_o great_a spiritual_a perfection_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o know_v so_o that_o whoever_o deny_v this_o to_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v at_o the_o same_o time_n deny_v he_o to_o be_v know_v for_o these_o reason_n i_o do_v judge_n that_o in_o explicate_v this_o mystery_n we_o ought_v to_o decline_v the_o use_v any_o notion_n that_o imply_v or_o cannotate_v agency_n and_o action_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o those_o which_o have_v â—â—e_z conception_n of_o a_o form_n which_o constitute_v the_o to_o be_v such_o or_o such_o a_o far_a reason_n may_v be_v because_o essence_n self-existence_n subsistence_n personality_n which_o we_o must_v necessary_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o indeed_o all_o abstract_a word_n whatever_n have_v that_o manner_n of_o signification_n 11._o prel_n xi_o because_o in_o discourse_v of_o this_o mystery_n we_o shall_v only_o make_v use_n of_o such_o notion_n as_o belong_v to_o the_o common_a head_n of_o substance_n and_o relation_n or_o rather_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o in_o god_n of_o relatum_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o set_v these_o two_o kind_n of_o notion_n in_o as_o clear_a a_o light_n as_o we_o can_v to_o begin_v then_o with_o substance_n a_o natural_a thing_n or_o ens_fw-la call_v also_o a_o individuum_fw-la or_o substantia_fw-la prima_fw-la only_a which_o do_v exist_v in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o from_o which_o only_o we_o have_v all_o our_o natural_a notion_n do_v give_v we_o these_o distinct_a or_o abstract_a conception_n of_o it_o to_o take_v they_o in_o order_n and_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o be_v most_o potential_a and_o imperfect_a in_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v conceive_v that_o it_o be_v mutable_a there_o can_v another_o natural_a thing_n be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o somewhat_o by_o which_o it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o become_v another_o thing_n which_o power_n we_o call_v matter_n for_o we_o call_v that_o matter_n of_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v make_v now_o this_o mere_a power_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v hold_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o sole_a notion_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n since_o nothing_o be_v that_o which_o it_o be_v only_o a_o power_n to_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o as_o thus_o conceive_v a_o thing_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v any_o accident_n mode_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o determination_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o be_v subsequent_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n for_o all_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o determine_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mere_a power_n which_o be_v utter_o indeterminate_a hence_o be_v see_v clear_o why_o aristotle_n give_v this_o exact_a description_n of_o this_o matter_n or_o power_n to_o be_v viz._n that_o which_o be_v nec_fw-la quid_fw-la nec_fw-la quantum_fw-la nec_fw-la quâ—le_fw-la neque_fw-la aliquid_fw-la aliud_fw-la eorum_fw-la quibus_fw-la ens_fw-la determinatur_fw-la proceed_v still_o forward_o we_o may_v conceive_v this_o individual_a thing_n according_a to_o that_o in_o it_o which_o so_o determine_v this_o power_n call_v matter_n as_o to_o individuate_v it_o or_o so_o distinguish_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o this_o and_o no_o other_o which_o we_o have_v show_v in_o our_o metaphysic_n be_v perform_v by_o such_o a_o complexion_n of_o accident_n as_o be_v find_v no_o where_o but_o in_o it_o which_o therefore_o be_v its_o substantial_a or_o essential_a form_n whence_o it_o become_v proper_o or_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n a_o thing_n or_o as_o logician_n call_v it_o a_o individuum_fw-la and_o because_o nothing_o in_o common_a can_v exist_v but_o only_a what_o be_v thus_o ultimate_o determine_v it_o be_v just_o conceive_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o exist_v or_o possible_a to_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o ens_fw-la or_o to_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n or_o notion_n of_o what_o we_o call_v by_o that_o word_n the_o
of_o god_n be_v at_o present_a the_o subject_a of_o our_o discourse_n or_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o explicate_v our_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n be_v not_o true_o one_o in_o nature_n or_o essence_n and_o three_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o person_n hence_o it_o be_v most_o fittirg_n we_o shall_v take_v our_o rise_n and_o ground_n our_o discourse_n from_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o we_o according_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n as_o be_v declare_v above_o 2._o and_o because_o many_o attribute_n be_v hold_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n therefore_o to_o make_v our_o explication_n more_o facile_a and_o succinct_a we_o will_v pitch_v upon_o one_o or_o two_o attribute_n or_o predicate_v which_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o to_o belong_v to_o god_n nature_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v spiritual_a or_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_o perfect_a spirit_n 3._o moreover_o see_v all_o we_o know_v of_o spiritual_a nature_n or_o the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a and_o withal_o the_o most_o true_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v such_o being_n as_o have_v understanding_n and_o will_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o do_v know_v and_o love_v such_o object_n as_o be_v proportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n or_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o be_v thereupon_o to_o build_v our_o explication_n on_o these_o two_o operation_n proper_a to_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o other_o create_v spiritual_a nature_n and_o thence_o transferâ—hem_n â—hem_z to_o god_n which_o we_o may_v safe_o do_v without_o danger_n of_o put_v any_o imperfection_n in_o god_n in_o regard_n those_o attribute_n be_v the_o great_a perfection_n of_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o even_o essential_a to_o they_o so_o that_o we_o need_v no_o more_o but_o only_a abstract_n from_o they_o the_o limitedness_n or_o finiteness_n necessary_o annex_v to_o all_o creature_n and_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a under_o these_o consideration_n as_o be_v declare_v prel_n vii_o 4._o far_o because_o that_o knowledge_n and_o love_n be_v imperfect_a which_o be_v exercise_v about_o unworthy_a object_n and_o those_o be_v most_o perfect_a which_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a object_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o only_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a object_n it_o follow_v that_o since_o no_o notion_n that_o be_v imperfect_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n therefore_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o must_v be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o the_o best_a of_o all_o object_n himself_o and_o thence_o we_o must_v affirm_v without_o the_o least_o fear_n of_o injure_v the_o divine_a nature_n that_o god_n know_v and_o love_v himself_o because_o to_o deny_v he_o this_o will_v make_v the_o divine_a nature_n most_o high_o imperfect_a nay_o more_o imperfect_a than_o create_v spiritual_a nature_n be_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v pure_a acts._n 5._o moreover_o this_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o himself_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o primary_n operation_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n wherefore_o since_o the_o primary_n operation_n of_o all_o creature_n we_o converse_v with_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o which_o constitute_v their_o essence_n we_o can_v but_o judge_v that_o consider_v god_n according_a to_o our_o natural_a notion_n this_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o himself_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n most_o essential_a to_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n 6._o this_o fundamental_a principle_n then_o be_v lay_v as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o all_o our_o ensue_a explication_n since_o by_o prelim._n ii_o and_o as_o plain_a reason_n tell_v we_o we_o be_v to_o discourse_v consequent_o of_o those_o true_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n so_o they_o imply_v no_o imperfection_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v next_o what_o genuine_a consequence_n do_v follow_v from_o this_o position_n 7._o it_o follow_v then_o hence_o immediate_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v verify_v the_o notion_n of_o knower_n and_o thing_n know_v lover_n and_o thing_n love_v and_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o which_o answer_v to_o those_o distinct_a notion_n nay_o which_o oblige_v we_o to_o say_v they_o be_v distinct._n for_o 8._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o knower_n and_o thing_n know_v and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o say_v of_o lover_n and_o thing_n love_v shall_v be_v the_o same_o notion_n and_o not_o contradistinct_a and_o some_o way_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o first_o because_o plain_a sense_n manifest_v they_o be_v counterpose_v next_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n which_o be_v entire_o ground_v on_o our_o natural_a notion_n and_o perfect_o distinguish_v they_o inform_v we_o certain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o relative_n opposition_n and_o consequent_o a_o unavoidable_a distinction_n between_o they_o three_o the_o thing_n know_v and_o love_v do_v evident_o import_v the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o what_o be_v object_v can_v but_o be_v distinct_a or_o some_o way_n other_o from_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v object_v four_o they_o be_v clear_o relative_n the_o very_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n add_v which_o formal_o express_v all_o relation_n must_v forcible_o signify_v there_o be_v some_o sort_n of_o distinction_n between_o they_o last_o they_o be_v correlative_n which_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n but_o this_o that_o they_o mutual_o respect_v one_o another_o now_o that_o knower_n and_o thing_n know_v shall_v mutual_o respect_v one_o another_o and_o yet_o there_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n one_o and_o another_o be_v perfect_a nonsense_n and_o mere_a contradiction_n 9_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o distinction_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o since_o predicate_v that_o do_v necessary_o bear_v distinction_n in_o their_o very_a notion_n be_v true_o verify_v of_o it_o nor_o can_v distinction_n be_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o must_v make_v it_o some_o way_n or_o other_o distinct._n 10._o nor_o can_v this_o distinction_n proceed_v from_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n as_o it_o do_v when_o we_o distinguish_v other_o divine_a attribute_n but_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o sovereign_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o know_v and_o love_v himself_o nor_o do_v our_o understanding_n in_o conceive_v this_o deform_v our_o true_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o the_o true_a conception_n of_o the_o deity_n itself_o do_v thus_o inform_v our_o understanding_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o affirm_v thus_o of_o it_o 11._o hence_o this_o distinction_n which_o those_o word_n god_n know_v and_o love_v himself_o do_v put_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v real_a not_o only_o because_o the_o divine_a self-knowledge_n do_v verify_v it_o but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o our_o weak_a manner_n of_o conceive_v it_o but_z as_o be_v show_v §§_o 4._o 5._o on_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n essence_n 12._o hence_o as_o we_o transfer_v to_o god_n the_o notion_n of_o justice_n mercy_n power_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n which_o we_o find_v in_o creature_n by_o observe_v such_o effect_n proceed_v from_o he_o as_o use_v to_o proceed_v from_o such_o like_a perfection_n in_o we_o or_o among_o we_o so_o with_o the_o same_o and_o far_o better_a reason_n we_o may_v transfer_v to_o he_o the_o notion_n of_o know_v and_o love_v himself_o and_o consequent_o of_o distinction_n between_o those_o relative_n notion_n of_o knower_n and_o know_v which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o objective_o he_o by_o priel_n 10._o 11._o 13._o to_o understand_v this_o more_o clear_o we_o may_v reflect_v that_o the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o we_o transfer_v to_o god_n do_v not_o in_o their_o notion_n import_v that_o one_o of_o they_o be_v not_o another_o nor_o hinder_v but_o they_o may_v all_o be_v comprise_v in_o one_o eminent_o perfect_a attribute_n i_o believe_v that_o i_o have_v show_v solid_a philosophy_n assert_v reflection_n xv._o that_o all_o virtue_n even_o among_o we_o be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o one_o notion_n right_v reason_n work_v on_o such_o or_o such_o object_n in_o such_o and_o such_o occasion_n much_o more_o easy_o may_v they_o all_o be_v centre_v in_o that_o one_o most_o perfect_a formality_n of_o god_n essence_n whence_o all_o the_o distinction_n of_o those_o attribute_n as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v refund_v into_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o by_o diverse_a act_n or_o abstract_a conception_n but_o now_o when_o we_o conceive_v that_o god_n know_v himself_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o his_o love_a himself_o the_o business_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o self-knowledge_n do_v essential_o import_v distinction_n of_o knower_n and_o know_v even_o knowledge_n amongst_a