other_o and_o upon_o other_o account_v it_o seem_v to_o have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o of_o they_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o the_o unprejudiced_a in_o what_o be_v further_o to_o be_v discourse_v of_o final_o therefore_o if_o the_o urger_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o genesis_n of_o either_o side_n against_o this_o hypothesis_n will_v but_o consider_v that_o the_o soul_n that_o descend_v hither_o for_o their_o prevarication_n in_o another_o state_n lie_v in_o a_o long_a condition_n of_o silence_n and_o insensibility_n before_o they_o appear_v in_o terrestrial_a body_n each_o of_o they_o then_o may_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n thus_o state_v gain_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o suppose_v to_o have_v by_o his_o own_o opinion_n and_o avoid_v all_o those_o alsurdity_n which_o he_o see_v the_o other_o run_v upon_o if_o the_o asserter_n of_o daily_a creation_n think_v it_o clear_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n and_o immediate_a maker_n of_o soul_n they_o will_v find_v the_o same_o make_v good_a and_o assent_v to_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o if_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o hold_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v immortal_a and_o indiscerpible_a the_o doctrine_n of_o praeexistence_n amicable_o close_v with_o they_o in_o this_o also_o and_o if_o the_o patron_n of_o traduction_n will_v have_v a_o way_n how_o sin_n and_o misery_n may_v be_v propagate_v from_o our_o first_o parent_n without_o asperse_v the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o providence_n and_o nature_n this_o hypothesis_n will_v clear_v the_o business_n it_o give_v we_o so_o fair_a a_o account_n how_o we_o all_o die_v in_o adam_n without_o blot_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n or_o affirm_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o on_o this_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v one_o main_a objection_n and_o we_o see_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prejudice_v that_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o praeexistence_n and_o now_o beside_o this_o that_o i_o have_v name_v i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o this_o doctrine_n considerable_a enough_o to_o excuse_v a_o mention_n of_o they_o however_o if_o the_o candid_a reader_n will_v pardon_v the_o impertinency_n i_o will_v present_v to_o view_v what_o i_o find_v most_o colourable_a therefore_o 2_o it_o may_v be_v some_o be_v so_o inadvertent_n as_o to_o urge_v against_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v of_o old_a that_o sacred_a writ_n say_v we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o which_o expression_n of_o divine_a scripture_n be_v questionless_a to_o be_v understand_v of_o our_o appearance_n on_o this_o stage_n of_o earth_n and_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o praeexistence_n than_o that_o other_o phrase_n of_o he_o before_o i_o go_v hence_o and_o be_v no_o more_o be_v against_o our_o future_a existence_n in_o a_o other_o state_n after_o the_o present_a life_n be_v end_v nor_o will_v it_o prove_v more_o the_o business_n it_o be_v bring_v for_o than_o the_o expression_n of_o rachel_n weep_v for_o her_o child_n because_o they_o be_v not_o will_v infer_v that_o they_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n more_o be_v make_v 3._o of_o that_o place_n in_o ecclesiastes_n yea_o better_o be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o mean_v the_o dead_a and_o live_a which_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v since_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o like_a scheme_n of_o speech_n with_o the_o former_a it_o seem_v more_o to_o favour_n than_o discountenance_n praeexistence_n for_o what_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o can_v neither_o be_v worse_o nor_o better_o moreover_o we_o come_v from_o a_o state_n of_o silence_n and_o inactivity_n when_o we_o drop_v into_o these_o body_n we_o be_v before_o as_o if_o we_o have_v not_o be_v and_o so_o there_o be_v better_a ground_n in_o this_o case_n for_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o speak_v than_o in_o mere_a non-appearance_n which_o yet_o scripture_n phrase_v a_o not_o be_v *_o and_o now_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o place_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n more_o that_o can_v make_v a_o tolerable_a plea_n against_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o our_o soul_n have_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n except_o 4._o any_o will_v draw_v a_o negative_a argument_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n conclude_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o make_v of_o old_a because_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o of_o any_o such_o matter_n to_o which_o i_o return_v brief_o that_o the_o same_o argument_n conclude_v against_o the_o be_v of_o angel_n of_o who_o creation_n there_o be_v no_o more_o say_v in_o the_o first_o story_n than_o of_o this_o inferior_a rank_n of_o spirit_n soul_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o silence_n be_v common_o take_v to_o be_v because_o moses_n have_v here_o to_o do_v with_o a_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a people_n who_o have_v few_o or_o no_o apprehension_n of_o any_o thing_n beyond_o their_o sense_n and_o therefore_o he_o take_v notice_n to_o they_o of_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v sensible_a and_o of_o common_a observation_n this_o reason_n be_v give_v also_o why_o mineral_n be_v omit_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o show_v how_o the_o outward_a cortex_fw-la the_o letter_n of_o this_o history_n be_v adapt_v to_o mean_v and_o vulgar_a apprehension_n who_o narrowness_n render_v they_o incapable_a of_o sublime_a speculation_n but_o that_o be_v more_o than_o need_v for_o our_o present_a purpose_n i_o shall_v forbear_v to_o speak_v further_o of_o it_o i_o may_v 2_o further_o add_v that_o great_a and_o learned_a interpreter_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o spirit_n angel_n and_o soul_n be_v symbollical_o mean_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o light_n and_o if_o it_o be_v direct_o in_o the_o way_n of_o our_o present_a business_n it_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v no_o improbable_a conjecture_n but_o i_o refer_v he_o that_o be_v curious_a in_o this_o particular_a to_o the_o great_a restorer_n of_o the_o ancient_a cabbala_n the_o learned_a dr._n h._n more_o in_o his_o conjectura_fw-la cabbalistica_n and_o now_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o silence_n of_o the_o first_o history_n we_o descend_v to_o the_o last_o and_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v urge_v scruple_n which_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n 5._o we_o be_v not_o to_o step_v beyond_o the_o divine_a revalation_n and_o since_o god_n have_v make_v know_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o this_o of_o the_o soul_n praeexistence_n any_o where_o in_o his_o word_n we_o may_v reasonable_o deny_v it_o or_o at_o least_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o embrace_v it_o this_o be_v the_o most_o important_a objection_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o most_o likely_a to_o prepossess_v timorous_a and_o wary_a inquirer_n against_o this_o hypothesis_n wherefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o doubt_n will_v prevent_v many_o scrupulous_a haesitation_n and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a hear_n of_o what_o i_o have_v further_o to_o allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o 1._o i_o wish_v that_o those_o that_o urge_v scripture_n silence_n to_o disprove_v praeexistence_n will_v consider_v how_o silent_a it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o case_n of_o daily_a creation_n and_o traduction_n we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o sacred_a writ_n to_o warrant_n either_o but_o only_o such_o general_n from_o which_o the_o respective_a patron_n of_o either_o doctrine_n will_v infer_v their_o own_o conclusion_n though_o indeed_o they_o all_o of_o they_o with_o better_a right_n and_o congruity_n prove_v praeexistence_n 2._o i_o suppose_v those_o that_o argue_v from_o scripture-silence_n in_o such_o case_n mistake_v the_o design_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o to_o determine_v point_n of_o speculation_n but_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n nor_o do_v it_o otherwise_o design_v the_o teach_n of_o doctrinal_n than_o as_o they_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o promote_v the_o divine_a life_n righteousness_n and_o holiness_n it_o be_v never_o intend_v by_o its_o inspire_a author_n to_o fill_v our_o head_n with_o notion_n but_o to_o regulate_v our_o disorderly_a appetite_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o direct_v we_o the_o way_n to_o a_o noble_a happiness_n therefore_o those_o that_o look_v for_o a_o system_a of_o opinion_n in_o those_o otherways-designed_n write_n do_v like_o he_o that_o shall_v see_v for_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n in_o epictetus_n his_o moral_n or_o seneca_n epistle_n 3._o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n speak_v and_o write_v as_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n with_o who_o they_o deal_v administer_v occasion_n as_o as_o do_v also_o the_o other_o penman_n
therefore_o doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o noble_a theory_n which_o they_o can_v have_v make_v the_o world_n acquaint_v with_o which_o yet_o for_o want_n of_o a_o fit_a occasion_n to_o draw_v they_o forth_o be_v never_o upon_o record_n and_o we_o know_v sew_v speculative_a truth_n be_v deliver'_v in_o scripture_n but_o such_o as_o be_v call_v forth_o by_o the_o controversy_n of_o those_o time_n and_o praeexistence_n be_v none_o of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o constant_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o question_n master_n be_v it_o for_o this_o man_n sin_n or_o his_o father_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v blind_a which_o suppose_v it_o of_o the_o disciple_n also_o wherefore_o 4._o there_o be_v little_a need_n of_o more_o teach_n of_o that_o which_o those_o time_n be_v sufficient_o instruct_v in_o and_o indeed_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v if_o scripture-silence_n be_v argumentative_a it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o praeexistence_n since_o it_o be_v the_o then_o common_a opinion_n and_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v of_o that_o belief_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a have_v it_o be_v a_o error_n that_o our_o saviour_n or_o his_o apostle_n will_v have_v witness_v against_o it_o but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n let_v fall_v from_o they_o in_o disapproval_n of_o that_o opinion_n though_o sometime_o occasion_n be_v administer_v as_o by_o the_o question_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o some_o other_o occurrence_n it_o be_v a_o good_a presumption_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o it_o now_o that_o praeexistence_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o those_o time_n may_v be_v make_v good_a with_o full_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n be_v it_o worth_a our_o labour_n to_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o inquiry_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o by-consideration_n a_o brief_a touch_n of_o it_o will_v suffice_v we_o one_o of_o the_o great_a rabbin_n therefore_o *_o mr._n ben_fw-mi israel_n in_o his_o problem_n the_o creatione_n assure_v we_o that_o praeexistence_n be_v the_o common_a belief_n of_o all_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o jew_n without_o exception_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n who_o certain_o be_v a_o jew_n probable_o philo_n plain_o suppose_v the_o same_o doctrine_n in_o that_o speech_n for_o i_o be_v a_o witty_a child_n and_o have_v a_o good_a spirit_n wherefore_o the_o rather_o be_v good_a i_o come_v into_o a_o body_n undefiled_a as_o also_o do_v the_o disciple_n in_o their_o forementioned_a question_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o except_o they_o suppose_v that_o he_o may_v have_v sin_v before_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o question_n have_v be_v senseless_a and_o impertinent_a again_o when_o christ_n ask_v they_o who_o man_n say_v he_o be_v they_o answer_v that_o some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n other_o elias_n other_o jeremias_n or_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n which_o saying_n of_o they_o suppose_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o metempsychosis_n and_o consequent_o of_o praeexistence_n these_o one_o will_v think_v be_v very_o proper_a occasion_n for_o our_o saviour_n to_o have_v rectify_v his_o mistake_a follower_n have_v their_o supposition_n be_v a_o error_n as_o he_o be_v wont_a to_o do_v in_o case_n not_o more_o considerable_a therefore_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o praeexistence_n will_v needs_o urge_v scripture_n suppose_a silence_n against_o it_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o show_v they_o how_o their_o argument_n recoil_v upon_o themselves_o and_o destroy_v their_o own_o cause_n instead_o of_o their_o adversary_n 5._o beside_o there_o be_v doubtless_o many_o doctrine_n entertain_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o more_o learned_a of_o their_o follower_n which_o be_v disproportion_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n who_o hold_v but_o little_a theory_n there_o be_v strong_a meat_n for_o the_o more_o grow_v and_o manly_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o milk_v for_o babe_n and_o weak_a constitution_n now_o scripture_n be_v design_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o most_o and_o they_o can_v little_o understand_v and_o less_o make_v use_n of_o a_o speculation_n so_o remote_a from_o common_a conceit_n as_o praeexistence_n among_o we_o wise_a man_n count_v it_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o deal_v forth_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a point_n in_o divinity_n to_o common_a and_o promiscuous_a auditory_n wherefore_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o of_o their_o more_o improve_v and_o capable_a disciple_n may_v have_v have_v such_o a_o doctrine_n among_o they_o though_o it_o be_v never_o express_o define_v in_o their_o public_a write_n and_o the_o learned_a origen_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o ancient_n affirm_v that_o praeexistence_n be_v a_o cabbala_n which_o be_v hand_v down_o from_o the_o apostolic_a age_n to_o their_o time_n and_o we_o know_v those_o be_v early_o and_o have_v therefore_o better_a advantage_n of_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o tradition_n than_o we_o at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n nor_o need_v any_o wonder_n how_o it_o come_v at_o length_n to_o be_v lose_v or_o at_o least_o keep_v but_o among_o a_o few_o who_o consider_v the_o grossness_n of_o succeed_a age_n when_o such_o multitude_n can_v swallow_v the_o dull_a and_o coarse_a anthropomorphite_n doctrine_n much_o less_o if_o he_o reflect_v upon_o that_o black_a night_n of_o barbaric_n ignorance_n which_o spread_v itself_o over_o this_o western_a world_n upon_o the_o incursion_n of_o those_o rude_a and_o uncivilise_v nation_n that_o '_o ore-ran_a the_o empire_n out_o of_o which_o darkness_n it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o century_n to_o recover_v the_o then_o obscure_a region_n of_o civility_n and_o letter_n moreover_o it_o will_v allay_v the_o admiration_n of_o any_o one_o inquisitive_a in_o such_o researche_n when_o he_o shall_v have_v take_v notice_n of_o the_o start_n up_o and_o prevail_v of_o school-divinity_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o aristotle_n philosophy_n theologise_v and_o we_o know_v that_o philosophy_n have_v the_o luck_n to_o swim_v in_o the_o general_a esteem_n and_o credit_n when_o platonism_n and_o the_o more_o ancient_a wisdom_n a_o branch_n of_o which_o praeexistence_n be_v be_v almost_o quite_o sink_v and_o bury_v so_o that_o a_o theology_n be_v now_o make_v out_o of_o aristotelian_a principle_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o praeexistence_n be_v leave_v out_o nothing_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v say_v of_o it_o by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o that_o philosophy_n and_o his_o admire_a sectator_n be_v loath_a to_o borrow_v so_o considerable_a a_o theory_n from_o their_o master_n neglect_a rival_n plato_n but_o 6_o at_o once_o to_o remove_v this_o stone_n of_o offence_n out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o think_v scripture_n be_v not_o so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o be_v imagine_v and_o i_o be_o confident_a more_o can_v be_v say_v from_o those_o divine_a write_n in_o behalf_n of_o praeexistence_n than_o for_o many_o opinion_n that_o its_o opposer_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o and_o think_v to_o be_v there_o evident_o assert_v and_o have_v this_o be_v a_o common_o receive_v doctrine_n and_o man_n wit_n as_o much_o exercise_v for_o the_o defence_n on_o it_o as_o they_o have_v be_v for_o the_o common_a dogmata_fw-la i_o nothing_o doubt_v but_o that_o scripture_n will_v have_v be_v heap_v up_o in_o abundance_n for_o its_o justification_n and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v plain_o witness_v too_o in_o the_o inspire_a volume_n for_o as_o man_n fancy_n will_v ready_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o proof_n of_o that_o of_o who_o truth_n they_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v so_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o will_v be_v very_o backward_o to_o see_v any_o evidence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v strange_a to_o they_o and_o which_o have_v always_o be_v repute_v a_o absurdity_n but_o my_o scripture-evidence_n be_v not_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o place_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v it_o a_o argument_n by_o itself_o therefore_o if_o the_o urger_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v but_o have_v a_o little_a patience_n till_o i_o come_v so_o far_o on_o the_o way_n of_o my_o discourse_n i_o hope_v he_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o praeexistence_n be_v not_o such_o a_o stranger_n to_o scripture_n as_o he_o conject_v it_o chap._n v._n reason_n against_o praeexistence_n answer_v our_o forget_v the_o former_a state_n be_v no_o argument_n to_o disprove_v it_o nor_o be_v the_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v produce_v more_o conclusive_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o praeexistence_n be_v enough_o all_o other_o hypothesis_n be_v absurd_a and_o contradictious_a but_o it_o be_v prove_v also_o by_o positive_a argument_n now_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v let_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o our_o progress_n and_o so_o enter_v on_o what_o remain_v we_o have_v see_v that_o god_n can_v have_v create_v all_o soul_n at_o first_o have_v he_o so_o please_v and_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v nothing_o
and_o suppose_v a_o conflict_n therefore_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o holy_a but_o not_o virtuous_a take_v away_o a_o possibility_n of_o evil_n and_o in_o the_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o moral_a goodness_n and_o then_o no_o reward_n no_o pleasure_n no_o happiness_n therefore_o in_o sum_n 5_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v manifest_v in_o make_v all_o creature_n suitable_o to_o those_o idea_n of_o their_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n and_o their_o good_a and_o happiness_n consist_v in_o act_v according_a to_o those_o nature_n and_o in_o be_v furnish_v with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o such_o action_n now_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v no_o arbitrary_a thing_n that_o can_v change_v or_o alter_v those_o settle_a immutable_a idea_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v there_o represent_v it_o lop_v not_o off_o essential_a attribute_n of_o some_o being_n to_o inoculate_v they_o upon_o other_o but_o distinct_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n assign_v each_o be_v its_o proper_a nature_n and_o quality_n and_o the_o divine_a goodness_n according_a to_o the_o wise_a direction_n of_o the_o eternal_a intellect_n in_o like_a distinct_a and_o orderly_a manner_n produce_v all_o thing_n viz._n according_a to_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o their_o respective_a idea_n in_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n *_o wherefore_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n oblige_v he_o not_o to_o make_v every_o planet_n a_o fix_a star_n or_o every_o star_n a_o sun_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o oblige_v he_o to_o make_v every_o degree_n of_o life_n a_o rational_a soul_n or_o every_o soul_n a_o impeccable_a angel_n *_o for_o this_o be_v to_o tie_v he_o to_o contradiction_n since_o therefore_o such_o a_o order_n of_o being_n as_o rational_a and_o happy_a though_o free_a and_o therefore_o mutable_a creature_n be_v distinct_o comprehend_v in_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o be_v even_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o in_o their_o eternal_a idea_n they_o be_v represent_v thus_o than_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o infinite_a plenitude_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n *_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v make_v peccable_a and_o liable_a to_o defection_n and_o be_v thus_o in_o our_o very_a essential_a constitution_n lapsible_a it_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o maker_n that_o he_o do_v not_o interpose_v by_o his_o absolute_a omnipotence_n to_o prevent_v our_o actual_a prevarication_n and_o apostasy_n since_o his_o goodness_n oblige_v he_o not_o to_o secure_v we_o upon_o any_o term_n whatever_o but_o upon_o such_o as_o may_v most_o promote_v the_o general_a good_a and_o advantage_n and_o questionless_a it_o be_v much_o better_a that_o such_o as_o will_v wilful_o depart_v from_o the_o law_n of_o their_o bless_a nature_n and_o break_v through_o all_o restraint_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n shall_v feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o disobedience_n than_o that_o providence_n shall_v disorder_v the_o constitution_n of_o nature_n to_o prevent_v the_o punishment_n which_o they_o draw_v upon_o themselves_o since_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n remain_v instance_n to_o those_o that_o stand_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o severity_n against_o sinner_n and_o so_o may_v contribute_v not_o a_o little_a to_o their_o security_n and_o for_o that_o long_a night_n of_o silence_n in_o which_o multitude_n ofsoul_n be_v bury_v before_o they_o descend_v into_o terrestrial_a matter_n it_o be_v but_o the_o due_a reward_n of_o their_o former_a disobedience_n for_o which_o consider_v the_o happy_a circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v they_o deserve_v to_o be_v nothing_o for_o ever_o and_o their_o reinstating_a in_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o self-injoyment_n after_o so_o high_o culpable_a delinquency_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o overflow_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a compassion_n and_o benignity_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v that_o god_n make_v we_o lapsible_a and_o permit_v we_o to_o fall_v be_v no_o prejudice_n in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o infinite_a fecundity_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o make_v all_o thing_n best_o so_o that_o my_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n bottom_v on_o this_o foundation_n stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o immovable_a notwithstanding_o the_o rude_a assault_n of_o this_o objection_n from_o which_o i_o pass_v to_o a_o four_o chap._n ix_o a_o four_o objection_n against_o the_o argument_n from_o god_n goodness_n viz._n that_o it_o will_v conclude_v as_o well_o that_o the_o world_n be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a answer_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n therefore_o four_a it_o will_v be_v except_v if_o we_o may_v argue_v from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o always_o do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n then_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v both_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a since_o a_o infinite_a communication_n of_o goodness_n be_v better_a than_o a_o finite_a to_o this_o because_o i_o doubt_v i_o have_v distress_v the_o reader_n patience_n already_o i_o answer_v brief_o 1_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o answer_v this_o objection_n as_o i_o be_o for_o it_o will_v be_v say_v infinite_a goodness_n do_v good_a infinite_o and_o consequent_o the_o effect_n to_o which_o it_o do_v communicate_v be_v infinite_a for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o may_v have_v communicate_v to_o more_o and_o thereby_o have_v do_v more_o good_a than_o now_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n now_o be_v not_o infinite_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a where_o what_o it_o do_v and_o intend_v to_o do_v be_v but_o finite_a will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n since_o goodness_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o in_o god_n always_o respect_v somewhat_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la for_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o nature_n that_o can_v receive_v no_o additional_a perfection_n wherefore_o this_o objection_n make_v no_o more_o against_o my_o argument_n than_o it_o do_v against_o the_o infinity_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_o no_o more_o concern_v in_o iâ—_n than_o other_o yea_o two_o lie_v the_o scripture_n affirm_v that_o which_o be_v the_o very_a strength_n of_o my_o argument_n viz._n that_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n best_o very_o good_a say_v our_o translation_n but_o the_o original_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o superlative_a and_o therefore_o every_o one_o that_o own_v its_o sacred_a authority_n be_v interest_v against_o this_o objection_n for_o it_o urge_v it_o have_v be_v far_o more_o splendid_a glorious_a and_o magnificent_a for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v the_o universe_n commensurate_a to_o his_o own_o immensity_n and_o to_o have_v produce_v effect_n of_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n where_o ever_o he_o himself_o be_v viz._n in_o infinite_a space_n and_o duration_n than_o to_o have_v confine_v his_o omnipotence_n to_o work_v only_o in_o one_o little_a spot_n of_o a_o infinite_a inane_fw-la capacity_n and_o to_o begin_v to_o act_v but_o tâ—other_n day_n thus_o than_o the_o late_a creation_n and_o finiteness_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o conflict_n with_o the_o undoubted_a oracle_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o with_o my_o argument_n and_o therefore_o the_o objection_n draw_v thence_o be_v of_o no_o validity_n 3_o those_o that_o have_v most_o strenuous_o defend_v the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n against_o the_o old_a opinion_n of_o the_o eternity_n and_o infinity_n of_o the_o world_n *_o have_v assert_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o sure_o the_o divine_a benignity_n oblige_v he_o not_o to_o do_v contradiction_n or_o such_o thing_n as_o in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o they_o be_v impossible_a but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o praeexistence_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v reasonable_o pretend_v as_o above_o have_v be_v declare_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o escape_v by_o this_o evasion_n neither_o nor_o can_v there_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v urge_v to_o this_o purpose_n but_o what_o whoever_o believe_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a bounty_n will_v be_v concern_v to_o answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v make_v no_o more_o against_o i_o than_o against_o a_o truth_n on_o all_o hand_n confess_v let_v i_o only_o add_v this_o that_o it_o be_v more_o become_v we_o to_o enlarge_v our_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v suit_v the_o divine_a beneficence_n than_o to_o draw_v it_o down_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o our_o little_a scheme_n and_o narrow_a model_n thus_o than_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o argument_n for_o praeexistence_n draw_v from_o the_o
and_o in_o little_a mechanical_a contrivance_n other_o love_v to_o be_v rhyme_v almost_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v speak_v plain_o and_o be_v take_v up_o in_o small_a essay_n of_o poetry_n some_o will_v be_v scrawl_v picture_n and_o other_o take_v as_o great_a delight_n in_o some_o pretty_a offer_n at_o music_n and_o vocal_a harmony_n infinite_a almost_o be_v the_o way_n in_o which_o this_o pure_a natural_a diversity_n do_v discover_v itself_o *_o now_o to_o say_v that_o all_o this_o variety_n proceed_v primary_o from_o the_o mere_a temper_n of_o our_o body_n be_v i_o think_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o unsatisfy_a account_n *_o for_o those_o that_o be_v the_o most_o like_a in_o the_o temper_n air_n complexion_n of_o their_o body_n be_v yet_o of_o a_o vast_o differ_v genius_n yea_o they_o that_o have_v be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o clay_n cast_v in_o the_o same_o mould_n and_o have_v lie_v at_o once_o in_o the_o same_o natural_a bed_n the_o womb_n yea_o who_o body_n have_v be_v as_o like_v as_o their_o state_n and_o fortune_n and_o their_o education_n and_o usage_n the_o same_o yet_o even_o they_o do_v not_o unfrequent_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o genius_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o those_o that_o in_o all_o these_o particular_n be_v of_o very_o different_a condition_n beside_o there_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o make_v form_n disposition_n temper_n and_o complexion_n of_o body_n that_o be_v addict_v by_o their_o nature_n to_o the_o same_o exercise_n and_o employment_n so_o that_o to_o ascribe_v this_o to_o any_o peculiarity_n in_o the_o body_n be_v i_o seem_v a_o very_a improbable_a solution_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n and_o to_o say_v all_o these_o inclination_n be_v from_o custom_n or_o education_n be_v the_o way_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v since_o all_o experience_n testify_v the_o contrary_a what_o then_o can_v we_o conjecture_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o diversity_n but_o that_o we_o have_v take_v a_o great_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o some_o thing_n like_a and_o analogous_a unto_o these_o in_o a_o former_a condition_n which_o now_o again_o begin_v to_o put_v forth_o itself_o when_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o our_o silent_a recess_n into_o a_o state_n of_o action_n and_o though_o the_o employment_n pleasure_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o former_a life_n be_v without_o question_n very_o different_a from_o these_o in_o the_o present_a estate_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v more_o confamiliar_a and_o analogous_a to_o some_o of_o our_o transaction_n than_o other_o so_o that_o as_o any_o exercise_n or_o employment_n here_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o particular_a disposition_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o the_o other_o state_n with_o the_o more_o peculiar_a kindness_n be_v it_o regard_v by_o we_o and_o the_o more_o greedy_o do_v our_o inclination_n now_o fasten_v on_o it_o thus_o if_o a_o musician_n shall_v be_v interdict_v the_o use_n of_o all_o musical_a instrument_n and_o yet_o may_v have_v his_o choice_n of_o any_o other_o art_n or_o profession_n it_o be_v likely_a he_o will_v betake_v himself_o to_o limn_v or_o poetry_n these_o exercise_n require_v the_o same_o disposition_n of_o will_n and_o genius_n as_o his_o belove_a music_n do_v and_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v by_o the_o â—ate_z of_o our_o wretched_a descent_n hinder_v from_o the_o direct_a exercise_v ourselves_o about_o the_o object_n of_o our_o former_a delight_n and_o pleasure_n do_v yet_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v able_a take_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o do_v most_o correspond_v to_o that_o genius_n that_o former_o inspire_v we_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n that_o give_v evidence_n for_o praeexistence_n if_o any_o one_o think_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o demonstrative_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v answer_v or_o at_o least_o evade_v i_o pray_v he_o to_o consider_v how_o many_o demonstration_n he_o ever_o meet_v with_o that_o a_o good_a wit_n resolve_v in_o a_o contrary_a cause_n can_v not_o shuâ—â—le_v from_o the_o edge_n of_o or_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v allege_v be_v no_o infallible_a or_o necessary_a proof_n yet_o if_o they_o render_v my_o cause_n but_o probable_a yea_o but_o possible_a i_o have_v win_v what_o i_o contend_v for_o for_o it_o have_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o i_o think_v can_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o the_o way_n of_o new_a creation_n be_v most_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o bless_a attribute_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o other_o of_o traduction_n be_v most_o impossible_a and_o contradictioâ—s_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n *_o there_o be_v now_o no_o other_o way_n leave_v but_o preexistence_n if_o that_o be_v probable_a or_o but_o bare_o possible_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v it_o the_o victory_n and_o whether_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v prove_v so_o much_o or_o no_o i_o leave_v to_o the_o indifferent_a to_o determine_v i_o think_v he_o that_o will_v say_v it_o do_v not_o can_v bring_v few_o proof_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o judge_v will_v deserve_v to_o be_v call_v demonstration_n chap._n xi_o great_a caution_n to_o be_v use_v in_o allege_v scripture_n for_o our_o speculative_a opinion_n the_o countenance_n that_o praeexistence_n have_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n reason_n of_o the_o seem_a uncouthness_n of_o these_o allegation_n praeexistence_n stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o scripture-proof_n it_o will_v be_v next_o expect_v that_o i_o shall_v now_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n i_o have_v undertake_v for_o by_o scripture_n evidence_n and_o make_v good_a what_o i_o say_v above_o that_o the_o divine_a oracle_n be_v not_o so_o silent_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o be_v imagine_v but_o true_o i_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o that_o holy_a volume_n that_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a with_o it_o as_o to_o force_v it_o to_o speak_v what_o i_o think_v it_o intend_v not_o a_o presumption_n that_o be_v too_o common_a among_o our_o confident_a opinionist_n and_o that_o have_v occasion_v great_a trouble_n to_o the_o church_n and_o disrepute_n to_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o for_o man_n to_o ascribe_v the_o odd_a notion_n of_o their_o overheat_v imagination_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v i_o think_v a_o very_a bold_a and_o impudent_a belie_n it_o wherefore_o i_o dare_v not_o but_o be_v very_o cautious_a what_o i_o speak_v in_o this_o matter_n nor_o will_v i_o willing_o urge_v scripture_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o i_o be_o sure_a by_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o it_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o will_v i_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o fetch_v in_o every_o thing_n for_o a_o scripture-evidence_n that_o with_o a_o little_a industry_n a_o man_n may_v make_v serviceable_a to_o his_o design_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o â—ill_v my_o margin_n with_o quotation_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o much_o to_o purpose_n as_o have_v be_v cite_v in_o general_a catechism_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o point_n that_o must_v forsooth_o be_v dignify_v with_o the_o sacred_a title_n of_o fundamental_a but_o reverend_a assembly_n may_v make_v more_o bold_a with_o scripture_n than_o private_a person_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o so_o timorous_a that_o i_o dare_v not_o follow_v their_o example_n though_o in_o a_o matter_n that_o i_o will_v never_o have_v impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o man_n though_o i_o be_v certain_a on_o it_o and_o have_v absolute_a power_n to_o enjoin_v it_o i_o think_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o oracle_n of_o truth_n be_v never_o to_o urge_v their_o authority_n but_o in_o thing_n very_o momentous_a and_o such_o as_o the_o whole_a current_n of_o they_o give_v a_o evident_a suffrage_n to_o but_o to_o make_v they_o speak_v every_o trivial_a conceit_n that_o our_o sick_a brain_n can_v imagine_v or_o dream_v of_o as_o i_o intimate_v be_v to_o vilify_v and_o deflower_v they_o therefore_o though_o i_o think_v that_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n look_v very_o fair_o upon_o praeexistence_n and_o will_v encourage_v a_o man_n that_o consider_v what_o strong_a reason_n it_o have_v to_o back_v it_o to_o think_v that_o very_o probable_o they_o mean_v some_o thing_n in_o favour_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v they_o as_o a_o irrefutable_a proof_n be_v not_o willing_a to_o lay_v more_o stress_n upon_o any_o thing_n than_o it_o will_v bear_v yea_o i_o be_o most_o willing_a to_o confess_v the_o weakness_n of_o my_o cause_n in_o
the_o solid_a earth_n to_o reach_v but_o to_o a_o certain_a and_o that_o not_o very_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o surface_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a this_o way_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o phaenomenon_n *_o for_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o gravity_n of_o those_o body_n be_v less_o because_o the_o quantity_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o draw_v they_o be_v so_o whereas_o be_v it_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o solidity_n to_o the_o centre_n this_o diminution_n of_o its_o bulk_n and_o consequent_o virtue_n will_v not_o be_v at_o all_o considerable_a nor_o in_o the_o least_o sensible_a now_o though_o there_o be_v other_o cause_v pretend_v for_o this_o effect_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o likely_a and_o easy_a a_o solution_n as_o this_o though_o i_o know_v it_o also_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o exception_n which_o i_o can_v now_o stand_v to_o meddle_v with_o all_o that_o i_o will_v have_v be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o probability_n *_o and_o the_o mention_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o great_a deep_a in_o the_o sacred_a history_n as_o also_o the_o flame_a vulcano_n and_o smoke_v mountain_n that_o all_o relation_n speak_v of_o are_z other_o other_o now_o i_o intend_v not_o that_o after_o a_o certain_a distance_n all_o be_v fluid_a matter_n to_o the_o centre_n for_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n distribute_v the_o subterranean_a space_n into_o distinct_a region_n of_o divers_a matter_n which_o be_v divide_v from_o each_o other_o by_o as_o solid_a wall_n as_o be_v the_o open_a air_n from_o the_o inferior_a atmosphere_n therefore_o i_o suppose_v only_o that_o under_o this_o thick_a outside_n there_o be_v next_o a_o vast_a and_o large_a region_n of_o fluid_a matter_n *_o which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n very_o likely_a be_v a_o gross_a and_o fetid_v kind_n of_o air_n as_o also_o considerable_a proportion_n of_o fire_n and_o water_n under_o all_o which_o there_o may_v be_v other_o solid_a floor_n that_o may_v encompass_v and_o cover_v more_o 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severe_a penance_n for_o their_o past_a impiety_n and_o have_v their_o sense_n which_o upon_o earth_n they_o do_v so_o fond_o indulge_v and_o take_v such_o care_n to_o gratify_v now_o persecute_v with_o darkness_n stench_n and_o horror_n thus_o do_v the_o divine_a justice_n triumph_n in_o punish_v those_o vile_a apostate_n suitable_o to_o their_o delinquency_n now_o if_o those_o vicious_a soul_n be_v not_o carry_v down_o to_o the_o infernal_a cavern_n by_o the_o mere_a congruity_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o imagine_v we_o may_v then_o reasonable_o conceive_v *_o that_o they_o be_v drive_v into_o those_o dungeon_n by_o the_o invisible_a minister_n of_o justice_n that_o manage_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n by_o axiom_n 3_o for_o those_o pure_a spirit_n doubtless_o have_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o let_v those_o inexcusable_a wretch_n to_o escape_v their_o deserve_a castigation_n or_o permit_v they_o to_o reside_v among_o the_o good_a lest_o they_o shall_v infect_v and_o poison_v the_o better_a world_n by_o their_o example_n wherefore_o i_o say_v they_o be_v dispose_v of_o into_o those_o black_a under-abysses_a where_o they_o be_v suit_v with_o company_n like_o themselves_o and_o match_v unto_o body_n as_o impure_a as_o be_v their_o deprave_a inclination_n not_o that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o the_o same_o place_n and_o under_o the_o like_a torment_n but_o be_v various_o distribute_v according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o action_n some_o only_a into_o the_o upper_a prison_n *_o other_o to_o the_o dungeon_n and_o some_o to_o the_o most_o intolerable_a hell_n the_o abyss_n of_o fire_n thus_o do_v a_o just_a nemesis_n visit_v all_o the_o quarter_n of_o the_o universe_n now_o those_o miserable_a prisoner_n can_v escape_v from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o confinement_n for_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a that_o those_o watchful_a spirit_n that_o be_v instrumental_a in_o commit_v they_o *_o have_v a_o strict_a and_o careful_a eye_n upon_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o confine_n of_o their_o goal_n that_o they_o rove_v not_o out_o into_o the_o region_n of_o light_n and_o liberty_n yea_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o body_n they_o have_v contract_v in_o those_o squalid_a mansion_n may_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o fatal_a magnetisme_n be_v chain_v down_o to_o this_o their_o proper_a element_n or_o they_o have_v now_o a_o congruity_n only_o to_o such_o fetid_v vehicle_n may_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o abide_v the_o clear_a and_o lightsome_a air_n than_o the_o bat_n or_o owl_n be_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o sun_n noonday_n beam_n or_o the_o fish_n to_o live_v in_o these_o thin_a region_n this_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o unfrequency_n of_o their_o appearance_n and_o that_o they_o most_o common_o get_v they_o away_o at_o the_o approach_n of_o light_n beside_o all_o this_o some_o there_o be_v who_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o polity_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v *_o under_o severe_a penalty_n prohibit_v all_o unlicensed_a excursion_n into_o the_o upper_a world_n though_o i_o confess_v this_o seem_v nor_o so_o probable_a and_o we_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o the_o supposition_n for_o though_o the_o law_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v not_o detain_v they_o within_o their_o proper_a residence_n yet_o the_o care_n and_o oversight_n of_o those_o watchful_a spirit_n who_o first_o commit_v they_o will_v do_v it_o effectual_o and_o very_o oft_o when_o they_o do_v appear_v they_o signify_v that_o they_o be_v under_o restraint_n and_o come_v not_o abroad_o but_o by_o permission_n as_o by_o several_a credible_a story_n i_o can_v make_v good_a but_o for_o brevity_n i_o omit_v they_o now_o though_o i_o intend_v not_o this_o hypothesis_n either_o for_o a_o discovery_n of_o infallible_a truth_n or_o declarement_n of_o my_o own_o opinion_n yet_o i_o can_v forbear_v to_o note_v the_o strange_a coincidence_n that_o there_o be_v between_o scripture_n expression_n in_o this_o matter_n some_o main_a stroke_n of_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n and_o this_o philosophical_a conjecture_n of_o the_o state_n and_o place_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n as_o a_o deep_a pit_n a_o prison_n a_o place_n of_o darkness_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o the_o go_v thither_o be_v name_v a_o descent_n all_o which_o most_o apposite_o agree_v with_o the_o representation_n we_o have_v make_v and_o the_o usual_a periphrasis_n of_o hell_n torment_n fire_n and_o brimstone_n be_v wonderful_o applicable_a to_o the_o place_n we_o have_v be_v describe_v since_o it_o abound_v with_o fuliginous_a flame_n and_o sulphureous_a stench_n and_o vapour_n and_o as_o we_o have_v conjecture_v the_o low_a cavity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o vault_n of_o â—â—re_n for_o the_o other_o expression_n mention_v every_o one_o can_v make_v the_o application_n so_o that_o when_o a_o man_n consider_v this_o he_o will_v almost_o be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o the_o inspire_a writer_n have_v some_o such_o thing_n in_o their_o fancy_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v to_o trope_n and_o figure_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o plain_a and_o literal_a description_n except_o some_o weighty_a reason_n force_v we_o to_o such_o a_o refuge_n moreover_o hell_n be_v believe_v among_o the_o orthodox_n to_o have_v degree_n of_o torment_n to_o be_v a_o place_n of_o uncomfortable_a horror_n and_o to_o stand_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o seat_n and_o habitation_n of_o the_o bless_a all_o which_o and_o more_o that_o i_o can_v reckon_v up_o can_v more_v clear_o be_v make_v out_o and_o explain_v than_o they_o be_v in_o this_o hypothesis_n thus_o than_o we_o see_v the_o irreclaimable_o wicked_a lodge_v in_o a_o place_n and_o condition_n very_o wretched_a and_o calamitous_a if_o any_o of_o
member_n nourish_v and_o decay_v of_o strength_n repair_v i_o say_v the_o gather_n from_o all_o these_o which_o one_o will_v think_v be_v a_o very_a natural_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a principle_n which_o direct_v all_o these_o being_n unknown_a to_o you_o in_o their_o several_a motion_n to_o their_o several_a end_n suppose_v the_o dependence_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o arbitrarious_fw-la be_v a_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o incogitancy_n for_o how_o can_v the_o order_n of_o those_o thing_n speak_v a_o wise_a and_o understanding_n be_v which_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o respect_n unto_o one_o another_o but_o their_o whole_a agreement_n suitableness_n and_o proportion_n be_v a_o mere_a casual_a issue_n of_o absolute_a and_o independent_a will_n if_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o any_o effect_n and_o a_o proportionate_a mean_n to_o any_o end_n who_o can_v infer_v infinite_a wisdom_n from_o the_o dependence_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o relation_n unto_o one_o another_o *_o for_n we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o that_o god_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o mutual_a harmony_n or_o disproportion_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v these_o principal_a respect_n that_o thing_n have_v among_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n for_o these_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n that_o any_o logic_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v any_o conclusion_n but_o suppose_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o as_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v deny_v the_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a truth_n of_o common_a notion_n and_o the_o indispensible_a and_o eternal_a relation_n of_o thing_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a however_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v yet_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o these_o common_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o natural_a instinct_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o discourse_n and_o argumentation_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a truth_n and_o that_o our_o sense_n which_o with_o these_o former_a principle_n we_o suppose_v this_o divine_a nature_n to_o have_v give_v we_o to_o converse_v with_o this_o outward_a world_n be_v not_o on_o purpose_n bestow_v upon_o we_o to_o befool_v delude_v and_o cheat_v we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o first_o assure_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v of_o that_o if_o we_o know_v not_o that_o veracity_n be_v a_o perfection_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v it_o be_v so_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a relation_n betwixt_o veracity_n and_o perfection_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o arbitrarious_fw-la respect_n depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o way_n possible_a leave_v whereby_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v in_o god_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v full_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o natural_a instinct_n whereupon_o we_o ground_n all_o our_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v mere_a chimaera_n to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o all_o those_o idea_n phantasm_n and_o apprehension_n of_o our_o external_a sense_n we_o imagine_v be_v occasion_v in_o we_o by_o the_o preâ—ence_n of_o outward_a object_n be_v mere_a spectrum_n and_o gullery_n wherewith_o poor_a mortal_n be_v befool_v and_o cheat_v as_o that_o they_o be_v give_v we_o by_o the_o first_o goodness_n and_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a consequence_n and_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o that_o do_v not_o complain_v of_o darkness_n in_o the_o bright_a and_o most_o meridian_n light_n and_o here_o you_o have_v the_o foundation_n lay_v of_o the_o high_a scepticism_n for_o who_o can_v say_v he_o know_v any_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v no_o basis_n on_o which_o he_o can_v raise_v any_o true_a conclusion_n sect_n x._o that_o the_o deny_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a respect_n of_o thing_n frustrate_v all_o the_o noble_a essay_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o understanding_n of_o man_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o man_n his_o mind_n and_o understanding_n will_v be_v to_o no_o end_n and_o purpose_n but_o for_o a_o rack_n and_o torture_n for_o what_o great_a unhappiness_n or_o torment_n can_v there_o be_v imagine_v than_o to_o have_v faculty_n who_o accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o due_a conformation_n unto_o their_o object_n and_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o object_n unto_o which_o they_o may_v be_v conform_v to_o have_v a_o soul_n unmeasurable_o breathe_v after_o the_o embrace_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o after_o a_o search_n and_o enquiry_n after_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o to_o find_v at_o last_o they_o be_v but_o â—iery_a empty_a and_o uncertain_a notion_n depend_v upon_o the_o arbitrarious_fw-la determination_n of_o boundless_a and_o independent_a will_n which_o determination_n she_o see_v it_o beyond_o she_o reach_v ever_o to_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o sect_n xi_o that_o in_o the_o abovesaid_a denial_n be_v lad_n the_o foundation_n of_o rantism_n debauchery_n and_o all_o dissoluteness_n of_o life_n here_o you_o have_v likewise_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o that_o we_o call_v rantism_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o distinction_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o we_o never_o can_v be_v assure_v what_o be_v the_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a will_n because_o veracity_n be_v not_o intrinsical_o and_o ex_fw-la natura_fw-la reâ—_n a_o perfection_n but_o only_o a_o arbitrarious_fw-la if_o any_o attribute_n in_o the_o deity_n *_o then_o it_o infallible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v all_o one_o what_o i_o do_v or_o how_o i_o live_v and_o i_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o as_o please_v unto_o god_n when_o i_o give_v up_o myself_o unto_o all_o fâ—â—thiness_n uncleanness_n and_o sin_n when_o i_o swell_v with_o pride_n envy_n hatred_n and_o malice_n etc._n etc._n as_o when_o i_o endeavour_v with_o all_o my_o may_v and_o strength_n to_o purge_v and_o purify_v my_o soul_n from_o all_o pollution_n and_o defilement_n both_o oâ—_n flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o when_o i_o pursue_v the_o mortification_n of_o all_o my_o carnal_a lust_n and_o inclination_n and_o i_o have_v full_o as_o much_o ground_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o one_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o happiness_n as_o the_o other_o sect_n xii_o that_o our_o assurance_n of_o future_a happiness_n be_v quite_o cut_v off_o by_o the_o deny_v of_o the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a respect_n of_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v another_o branch_n of_o this_o second_o absurdity_n from_o the_o denial_n oâ—_n the_o intrinfecal_v and_o eternal_a respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o have_v any_o assurance_n of_o future_a happiness_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o or_o at_o least_o we_o fancy_n to_o ourselves_o that_o god_n have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o have_v make_v very_o large_a and_o ample_a promise_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o and_o conform_v his_o life_n unto_o his_o precept_n shall_v be_v make_v heir_n of_o the_o same_o inheritance_n and_o glory_n which_o christ_n be_v now_o possess_v of_o and_o invest_v with_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o father_n yet_o what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v only_o to_o play_v with_o and_o abuse_v our_o faculty_n and_o in_o conclusion_n to_o damn_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o live_v as_o be_v above_o express_v and_o to_o take_v they_o only_o into_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n who_o have_v be_v the_o great_a opposer_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o gospel_n and_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o eternal_a and_o indispensible_a relation_n of_o thing_n then_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_a evil_a in_o deceive_v and_o falsify_v in_o the_o damn_v the_o good_a or_o save_v obstinate_a and_o contumacious_a sinner_n whilst_o such_o notwithstanding_o any_o promise_n or_o threaten_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a it_o be_v a_o unadvised_a confidence_n to_o pronounce_v determinate_o on_o either_o side_n yea_o further_o suppose_v we_o shall_v be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v verax_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v declare_v what_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o pleasure_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o intrinsical_v opposition_n betwixt_o the_o be_v and_o not_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n then_o god_n can_v make_v a_o thing_n
dead_a to_o their_o life_n but_o the_o change_n of_o our_o earthly_a body_n for_o a_o aereal_a or_o aethereal_a this_o be_v not_o death_n but_o reviviscency_n in_o which_o all_o the_o energy_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o depress_v but_o exalt_v and_o our_o memory_n with_o the_o rest_n quicken_v as_o it_o be_v in_o esdras_n after_o he_o have_v drink_v down_o that_o cup_n offer_v to_o he_o by_o the_o angel_n full_a of_o liquor_n like_o fire_n which_o fill_v his_o heart_n with_o understanding_n and_o strengthen_v his_o memory_n as_o the_o text_n say_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o all_o objection_n against_o the_o three_o reason_n of_o lapse_v soul_n lose_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o other_o state_n vanish_v into_o smoke_n wherefore_o they_o every_o one_o of_o they_o single_a be_v so_o sound_a all_o three_o put_v together_o methinks_v shall_v not_o fail_v of_o convince_a the_o most_o refractory_a of_o this_o truth_n that_o though_o the_o soul_n do_v pre-exist_a and_o act_n in_o another_o state_n yet_o she_o may_v utter_o forget_v all_o the_o scene_n thereof_o in_o this_o pag._n 46._o now_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o lose_v the_o remembrance_n of_o our_o former_a life_n be_v great_a etc._n etc._n and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o do_v appear_v in_o our_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n make_v against_o the_o say_a reason_n if_o the_o reader_n will_v consider_v they_o pag._n 50._o and_o thereby_o have_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o there_o be_v yet_o one_o reason_n against_o pre-existence_n which_o the_o ingenious_a author_n never_o think_v of_o urge_v by_o the_o anti-pre-existentiaries_a namely_o that_o it_o imply_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n people_v with_o mankind_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o all_o soul_n descend_v in_o their_o lapse_n to_o this_o only_a earth_n of_o we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v lapse_v soul_n there_o how_o shall_v they_o be_v recover_v shall_v christ_n undergo_v another_o and_o another_o death_n for_o they_o but_o i_o believe_v the_o ingenious_a author_n will_v have_v look_v upon_o this_o but_o as_o a_o mean_a and_o trifle_a argument_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o earth_n be_v the_o only_a hospital_n nosocomium_fw-la or_o coemeterium_fw-la speak_v platonical_o of_o sinful_o lapse_v soul_n and_o then_o suppose_v other_o lapse_v in_o other_o planet_n what_o need_n christ_n die_v again_o for_o they_o when_o one_o drop_n of_o his_o blood_n be_v sufficient_a to_o save_v miriads_o of_o world_n whence_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o pity_n there_o be_v not_o more_o world_n than_o this_o earth_n to_o be_v redeem_v by_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o necessary_a they_o shall_v historical_o know_v it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o his_o passion_n by_o some_o inspire_a prophet_n may_v give_v they_o notice_n of_o it_o and_o describe_v to_o they_o as_o orderly_o a_o account_n of_o the_o redemption_n as_o moses_n do_v of_o the_o creation_n though_o he_o stand_v not_o by_o while_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v but_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o he_o by_o god_n and_o last_o it_o be_v but_o a_o rash_a and_o precarious_a position_n to_o say_v that_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v no_o more_o way_n than_o one_o to_o save_v lapse_v soul_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o son_n of_o adam_n and_o these_o be_v the_o fix_a bound_n of_o reveal_v truth_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o appertain_v to_o we_o inhabitant_n on_o earth_n but_o as_o for_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o other_o planet_n if_o we_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o our_o absolute_a ignorance_n thereof_o we_o will_v have_v the_o discretion_n not_o to_o touch_v upon_o that_o topick_n unless_o we_o intend_v to_o make_v ourselves_o ridiculous_a while_o we_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o so_o chap._n 6._o pag._n 51._o now_o as_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o deity_n oblige_v he_o always_o to_o do_v good_a so_o by_o the_o same_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a etc._n etc._n to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o this_o chief_a argument_n of_o the_o pre-existentiaries_a a_o ingenious_a opposer_n have_v devise_v a_o way_n which_o seem_v worth_a our_o consider_v which_o be_v this_o viz._n by_o make_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n to_o consist_v main_o in_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o under_o no_o other_o notion_n than_o as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o universe_n wherefore_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o that_o enterfere_n with_o the_o uncontroulableness_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o say_v he_o they_o that_o assert_v goodness_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n that_o can_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a direct_o supplant_v and_o destroy_v all_o the_o right_n of_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n nay_o he_o add_v afterward_o that_o this_o notion_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v most_o apparent_o inconsistent_a not_o only_o with_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n but_o with_o all_o his_o other_o moral_a perfection_n and_o for_o a_o further_a explication_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o add_v afterward_o that_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o high_a kind_n of_o liberty_n as_o it_o import_v a_o freedom_n not_o only_o from_o foreign_a violence_n but_o also_o from_o inward_a necessity_n for_o spontaneity_n or_o immunity_n from_o coaction_n without_o indifferency_n carry_v in_o it_o as_o great_a necessity_n as_o those_o motion_n that_o proceed_v from_o violence_n or_o mechanism_n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o divine_a will_n can_v otherwise_o be_v determine_v than_o by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a energy_n and_o last_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o courtesy_n can_v oblige_v but_o what_o be_v receive_v from_o one_o that_o have_v a_o power_n not_o to_o bestow_v they_o if_o god_n necessary_o act_v according_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o not_o out_o of_o mere_a choice_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n there_o be_v no_o thanks_o nor_o praise_n due_a to_o he_o which_o therefore_o will_v take_v away_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o his_o hypothesis_n whereby_o he_o will_v defeat_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o soul_n take_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o this_o hypothesis_n certain_o will_v do_v if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o therefore_o we_o will_v brief_o examine_v it_o first_o therefore_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o represent_v god_n as_o the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o universe_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o conceal_v his_o other_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o the_o former_a shall_v be_v so_o much_o inculcate_v be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o beget_n in_o the_o people_n awe_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o but_o it_o be_v a_o invalid_a consequence_n to_o draw_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v main_o consist_v in_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n which_o abstract_v from_o his_o other_o attribute_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v be_v a_o very_a black_a and_o dark_a representation_n of_o he_o and_o such_o as_o this_o ingenious_a writer_n can_v not_o himself_o contemplate_v without_o aversation_n and_o horror_n how_o then_o can_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n chief_o consist_v in_o this_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrify_v indeed_o but_o not_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o accomplish_v part_n in_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o deity_n this_o sovereignty_n than_o be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o bound_v or_o not_o bound_v by_o any_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n if_o bound_v by_o none_o than_o he_o may_v do_v as_o well_o unwise_o as_o wise_o unjust_o as_o just_o if_o bound_v by_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n why_o be_v it_o bound_v by_o they_o but_o that_o it_o be_v better_a so_o to_o be_v than_o otherwise_o and_o goodness_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o god_n as_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v bound_v by_o that_o as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o other_o and_o so_o he_o be_v bind_v from_o himself_o of_o himself_o to_o do_v as_o well_o what_o be_v best_a as_o what_o be_v better_o this_o consist_v with_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o what_o can_v be_v absolute_a sovereignty_n in_o a_o intelligent_a be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o viz._n full_o and_o entire_o to_o follow_v the_o will_n and_o inclination_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o any_o check_n or_o control_v of_o any_o one_o touch_v those_o over_o who_o he_o rule_v whence_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o assert_v that_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n in_o
it_o may_v be_v so_o much_o as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n suppose_v and_o des_n cartes_n his_o vortices_fw-la and_o the_o like_a to_o be_v certain_a science_n it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o every_o national_a church_n to_o define_v the_o truth_n of_o no_o more_o theory_n than_o be_v plain_o necessary_a for_o faith_n and_o good_a manner_n because_o if_o they_o either_o be_v real_o or_o seem_v to_o be_v mistake_v in_o their_o unnecessary_a decision_n or_o definition_n this_o with_o those_o that_o be_v more_o know_v than_o ingenuous_a will_n certain_o lessen_v the_o authority_n and_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o church_n and_o hazard_v a_o secret_a enmity_n of_o such_o against_o she_o but_o to_o adventure_v upon_o no_o decision_n but_o what_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o have_v that_o be_v the_o decision_n of_o general_a council_n before_o the_o apostasy_n and_o plain_a usefulness_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n of_o their_o side_n this_o be_v the_o great_a conservative_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o church_n especial_o join_v with_o a_o exemplary_a life_n that_o the_o great_a prudence_n or_o politic_n can_v ever_o excogitate_v which_o true_a politic_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o desert_v have_v be_v fain_o a_o horrid_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o it_o to_o support_v her_o authority_n and_o extort_v reverence_n by_o mere_a violence_n and_o blood_n whenas_o if_o she_o have_v follow_v these_o more_o true_a and_o christian_n politic_n she_o will_v never_o have_v make_v herself_o so_o obnoxious_a but_o for_o aught_o one_o know_v she_o may_v have_v stand_v and_o retain_v her_o authority_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o be_v suitable_a enough_o and_o very_o well_o worth_a our_o note_n that_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n assist_v unnecessary_a decision_n though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n much_o less_o of_o any_o national_a one_o so_o that_o if_o such_o a_o point_n be_v determine_v it_o be_v uncertain_o determine_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v several_a way_n of_o hold_v a_o necessary_a point_n some_o more_o accommodate_v to_o one_o kind_n of_o man_n other_o to_o another_o and_o that_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n that_o either_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v more_o firm_a or_o their_o life_n more_o irreprehensible_a these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v premise_v it_o seem_v most_o prudent_a and_o christian_n in_o a_o church_n to_o decline_v the_o decision_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o any_o necessary_a point_n forasmuch_o as_o by_o decide_v and_o determine_v the_o thing_n one_o way_n those_o other_o handle_v by_o which_o other_o may_v take_v more_o fast_o hold_v on_o it_o be_v thereby_o cut_v off_o and_o so_o their_o assent_n make_v less_o firm_a thereto_o we_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o a_o example_n if_o we_o but_o remember_v what_o we_o have_v be_v about_o all_o this_o time_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o we_o have_v in_o we_o a_o immortal_a spirit_n capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n according_a as_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o this_o be_v certain_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o be_v of_o indispensable_a usefulness_n but_o though_o this_o opinion_n or_o rather_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o oâ—e_a yet_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o hold_v it_o and_o it_o lie_v more_o easy_a in_o some_o man_n mind_n if_o they_o suppose_v it_o create_v by_o god_n at_o every_o conception_n in_o the_o womb_n in_o othersome_a if_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v ex_fw-la traduce_v and_o last_o in_o other_o if_o it_o pre-exist_a but_o the_o way_n of_o hold_v this_o article_n signify_v nothing_o but_o as_o they_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o make_v we_o the_o more_o firm_o hold_v the_o same_o for_o the_o more_o firm_o we_o believe_v it_o the_o great_a influence_n will_v it_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n to_o cause_v we_o to_o live_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n like_o good_a christian_n wherefore_o now_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o will_v stick_v more_o firm_a and_o fix_v in_o some_o man_n mind_n by_o some_o one_o of_o these_o three_o way_n rather_o than_o by_o either_o of_o the_o other_o two_o and_o thus_o of_o any_o one_o of_o the_o three_o it_o be_v manifest_a it_o be_v much_o more_o prudent_o do_v of_o the_o church_n not_o to_o cut_v off_o two_o of_o these_o three_o handle_n by_o a_o needless_a nay_o a_o harmful_a decision_n but_o let_v every_o one_o choose_v that_o handle_n that_o he_o can_v hold_v the_o article_n fast_o by_o for_o his_o own_o support_n and_o edification_n for_o thus_o every_o one_o lay_v firm_a hold_n on_o that_o handle_n that_o be_v best_a fit_v for_o his_o own_o grasp_n the_o article_n will_v carry_v all_o these_o three_o sort_n of_o believer_n saâ—e_v up_o to_o heaven_n they_o live_v according_o whenas_o two_o sort_n of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o slippery_a or_o uncertain_a hold_n if_o they_o have_v no_o handle_n offer_v to_o they_o but_o those_o which_o be_v less_o suitable_a to_o their_o grasp_n and_o genius_n which_o show_v the_o prudence_n care_n and_o accuracy_n of_o judgement_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o she_o have_v make_v no_o such_o needless_a and_o indeed_o hurtful_a decision_n but_o leave_v the_o mode_n of_o conceive_a thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o every_o one_o self_n to_o take_v it_o that_o way_n that_o he_o can_v lay_v the_o fast_o hold_v of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v lie_v the_o most_o easy_o in_o his_o mind_n without_o doubt_n and_o waver_a and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o one_o of_o these_o handle_v but_o what_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o some_o or_o other_o for_o the_o more_o easy_a and_o undoubted_a hold_v that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a soul_n or_o spirit_n my_o have_v take_v this_o small_a pain_n to_o wipe_v off_o the_o soil_n and_o further_o the_o usefulness_n of_o one_o of_o they_o by_o these_o annotation_n if_o it_o may_v not_o merit_v thanks_o it_o must_v i_o hope_v at_o least_o deserve_v excuse_n with_o all_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o too_o sour_a and_o tetrick_a a_o genius_n and_o prefer_v their_o own_o humour_n and_o sentiment_n before_o the_o real_a benefit_n of_o other_o but_o now_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v invidious_o object_v that_o i_o prefer_v the_o christian_a discretion_n of_o my_o own_o church_n the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o general_n council_n namely_o the_o five_o ecumenical_a council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n in_o justinian_o time_n under_o the_o patriarch_n eutychius_n who_o succeed_v menas_n late_o decease_v to_o who_o justinian_n send_v that_o discourse_n of_o he_o against_o origen_n and_o his_o error_n among_o which_o pre-existence_n be_v reckon_v one_o in_o 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reveal_v in_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o whether_o it_o do_v not_o make_v for_o the_o interest_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n to_o decline_v the_o meddle_v with_o other_o thing_n as_o unprofitable_a and_o unnecessary_a to_o be_v decide_v three_o whether_o if_o a_o general_n council_n meet_v not_o together_o in_o via_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la but_o some_o stickle_v imbitter_v grandee_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o a_o pique_n that_o they_o have_v take_v against_o some_o person_n get_v through_o their_o interest_n a_o general_n council_n call_v whether_o be_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o a_o meeting_n so_o that_o they_o shall_v conclude_v nothing_o against_o truth_n four_o whether_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o general_a council_n as_o providence_n by_o some_o notable_a prodigy_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v intimate_v a_o dislike_n of_o be_v not_o thereby_o just_o suspect_v and_o not_o easy_o to_o be_v admit_v as_o infallible_a decider_n five_o whether_o a_o general_a council_n that_o be_v find_v mistake_v in_o one_o point_n anathematise_v that_o for_o a_o heresy_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n forfeit_v not_o its_o authority_n in_o other_o point_n which_o than_o whether_o falsehood_n or_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deem_v so_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o council_n but_o from_o other_o topic_n six_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commerce_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n nor_o he_o communicate_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o but_o by_o supposition_n that_o our_o sense_n right_o circumstantiate_v be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v skill_n in_o we_o to_o understand_v word_n and_o grammar_n and_o scheme_n of_o speech_n as_o also_o common_a notion_n and_o clear_a inference_n of_o reason_n whether_o if_o a_o general_n council_n conclude_v any_o thing_n plain_o repugnant_a to_o these_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o such_o a_o council_n true_a and_o valid_a and_o whether_o the_o indelible_a notice_n of_o truth_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o mankind_n be_v possess_v of_o whether_o logical_a moral_a or_o metaphysical_a be_v not_o more_o the_o dictate_v of_o god_n than_o those_o of_o any_o council_n that_o be_v against_o they_o seven_o if_o a_o council_n as_o general_a as_o any_o have_v be_v call_v have_v in_o the_o very_a midnight_n of_o the_o church_n apostasy_n and_o ignorance_n meet_v and_o conclude_v all_o those_o corruption_n that_o now_o be_v obtrude_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o transubstantiation_n invocation_n of_o saint_n worship_v of_o image_n and_o the_o like_a whether_o the_o decision_n of_o such_o a_o council_n can_v be_v hold_v infallible_a or_o valid_a what_o our_o own_o excellent_o well_o reform_a church_n hold_v in_o this_o case_n be_v evident_a out_o of_o her_o article_n for_o eighthly_a the_o church_n of_o england_n plain_o declare_v that_o general_a council_n when_o they_o be_v gather_v together_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v a_o assembly_n of_o man_n whereof_o all_o be_v not_o govern_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o word_n of_o god_n they_o may_v err_v and_o sometime_o have_v err_v even_o in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n wherefore_o say_v she_o thing_n ordain_v by_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n artic_a 21._o nine_o and_o again_o artic._n 20._o where_o she_o allow_v the_o church_n to_o have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n but_o with_o this_o restriction_n that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n write_v neither_o may_v it_o so_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o another_o she_o conclude_v wherefore_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o ought_v it_o not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n what_o then_o do_v she_o null_a the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o general_a council_n and_o have_v no_o deference_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o mere_a word_n of_o god_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o heresy_n no_o such_o matter_n what_o her_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v you_o will_v find_v in_o 1_o eliz._n cap._n 1._o wherefore_o ten_o and_o last_o what_o general_n council_n the_o church_n of_o england_n allow_v of_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n you_o may_v understand_v out_o of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o statute_n they_o shall_v not_o adjudge_v any_o matter_n or_o cause_n to_o be_v heresy_n but_o only_o such_o as_o heretofore_o have_v be_v adjudge_v to_o be_v heresy_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n or_o by_o the_o first_o four_o general_n council_n or_o any_o of_o they_o or_o by_o any_o other_o general_n council_n wherein_o the_o same_o be_v declare_v heresy_n by_o the_o express_a and_o plain_a word_n of_o the_o say_v canonical_a scripture_n by_o brief_a reflection_n upon_o some_o of_o these_o ten_o head_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o lessen_v the_o invidiousness_n of_o my_o seem_a to_o prefer_v the_o discretion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o general_n council_n i_o mean_v of_o such_o a_o general_n council_n as_o be_v so_o unexceptionable_a that_o we_o may_v rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o decision_n that_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a of_o which_o sort_n whether_o the_o five_o repute_v general_n council_n be_v we_o will_v brief_o first_o consider_v for_o reflect_v on_o the_o first_o head_n it_o seem_v scarce_o numerous_a enough_o for_o a_o general_n council_n the_o first_o general_n council_n of_o nice_a have_v above_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n that_o of_o chalcedon_n above_o six_o hundred_o this_o five_o council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n have_v but_o a_o hundred_o sixty_o odd_a and_o which_o still_o make_v it_o more_o unlike_o a_o general_n council_n in_o the_o very_a same_o year_n viz._n 553_o the_o western_a bishop_n hold_v a_o council_n at_o aquileia_n and_o condemn_v this_o five_o council_n hold_v at_o constantinople_n second_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n and_o indeed_o hold_v by_o all_o philosopher_n in_o the_o affirmative_a that_o hold_v the_o soul_n incorporeal_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v whether_o we_o may_v not_o just_o deem_v this_o case_n referrible_a to_o the_o second_o head_n and_o to_o look_v something_o like_o pope_n zacharies_n appoint_v a_o council_n to_o condemn_v virgilius_n as_o a_o heretic_n for_o hold_v antipode_n three_o we_o may_v very_o well_o doubt_v whether_o this_o council_n proceed_v in_o via_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sancti_fw-la this_o not_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o the_o lover_n and_o admirer_n of_o origen_n for_o his_o great_a piety_n and_o knowledge_n and_o singular_a good_a service_n he_o have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o time_n have_v foul_a play_n play_v they_o witness_v the_o story_n of_o theophilus_n bishop_n of_o antioch_n who_o to_o revenge_v himself_o on_o dioscorus_n and_o two_o other_o that_o be_v lover_n of_o origen_n and_o anti-anthropomorphites_a stickle_v so_o that_o he_o cause_v epiphanius_n in_o his_o see_n as_o he_o do_v in_o his_o own_o to_o condemn_v the_o book_n of_o origen_n in_o a_o synod_n to_o which_o condemnation_n epiphanius_n a_o anthropomorphite_n and_o one_o of_o more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n will_v have_v get_v the_o subscription_n of_o chrysostome_n the_o patriarch_n of_o constantinople_n but_o he_o have_v more_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n than_o to_o listen_v to_o such_o a_o injurious_a demand_n and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o those_o synod_n call_v by_o theophilus_n and_o epiphanius_n so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v with_o the_o five_o council_n pique_n and_o heartburning_n among_o the_o grandee_n of_o the_o church_n seem_v to_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o business_n binius_fw-la in_o his_o history_n of_o this_o five_o council_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o enmity_n betwixt_o pelagius_n pope_n vigilius_n apocrisiarie_n and_o theodorus_n bishop_n of_o caesarea_n cappadociae_fw-la a_o origenist_n and_o spondanus_n likewise_o mention_n the_o same_o who_o say_v touch_v the_o business_n of_o origen_n that_o pelagius_n the_o pope_n apocrisiarie_n eam_fw-la quaestionem_fw-la in_o ipsius_fw-la theodori_n odium_fw-la movisse_fw-la existimabatur_fw-la and_o true_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o altogether_o incredible_a unless_o there_o be_v some_o hellish_a spite_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v content_v themselves_o to_o condemn_v the_o error_n suppose_v to_o be_v origen_n but_o after_o so_o long_a a_o time_n after_o his_o death_n there_o be_v in_o his_o write_n such_o chopping_n
so_o considerable_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o concave_n of_o the_o aqueous_a orb_n and_o the_o aqueous_a orb_n itself_o betwixt_o the_o crust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o but_o the_o prisoner_n of_o this_o gaol_n of_o the_o rephaim_n will_v not_o be_v a_o little_a concern_v this_o hell_n of_o a_o sudden_a grow_v so_o smother_a hot_a to_o they_o all_o though_o the_o central_n fire_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o whatever_o become_v of_o those_o spirit_n that_o suffer_v in_o the_o very_a conflagration_n itself_o yet_o ab_fw-la hoc_fw-la inferno_fw-la nulla_fw-la est_fw-la redemptio_fw-la pag._n 147._o those_o immediate_a birth_n of_o unassisted_a nature_n will_v not_o be_v so_o tender_a etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o air_n be_v replenish_v with_o benign_a daemon_n or_o genii_n to_o who_o it_o can_v but_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o behold_v the_o inchoation_n and_o progress_v of_o revive_a nature_n they_o have_v the_o curiosity_n to_o contemplate_v these_o birth_n may_v also_o in_o all_o likelihood_n exercise_v their_o kindness_n in_o help_v they_o in_o their_o want_n and_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v up_o assist_v they_o also_o in_o the_o method_n of_o life_n and_o impart_v as_o they_o shall_v find_v fit_a the_o arcana_fw-la of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o religion_n unto_o they_o nor_o suffer_v they_o to_o symbolize_v overmuch_o in_o their_o way_n of_o live_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o fellow_n terrestrial_a creature_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o some_o hold_n that_o even_o now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o need_n every_o one_o have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o genius_n or_o guardian_n angel_n it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o at_o such_o a_o season_n as_o this_o every_o tender_a foetus_fw-la of_o their_o common_a mother_n the_o earth_n will_v be_v take_v into_o the_o care_n of_o some_o good_a daemon_n or_o other_o even_o at_o their_o very_a first_o bud_v out_o into_o life_n pag._n 148._o but_o all_o this_o be_v but_o the_o frolic_a exercise_n of_o my_o pen_n choose_v a_o paradox_n and_o let_v the_o same_o be_v say_v of_o the_o pen_n of_o the_o annotator_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o pain_n not_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o the_o opinion_n treat_v of_o in_o this_o discourse_n but_o to_o entertain_v the_o reader_n intellectual_n with_o what_o may_v something_o enlarge_v his_o thought_n and_o if_o he_o be_v curious_a and_o anxious_a help_v he_o at_o a_o pinch_n to_o some_o ease_n of_o mind_n touch_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o the_o world_n pag._n 149._o those_o other_o expression_n of_o death_n destruction_n perdition_n of_o the_o ungodly_a etc._n etc._n how_o the_o enter_v into_o the_o state_n of_o silence_n may_v well_o be_v deem_v a_o real_a death_n destruction_n and_o perdition_n that_o passage_n in_o lucretius_n do_v marvellous_o well_o set_v out_o nam_fw-la si_fw-la tantopere_fw-la est_fw-la animi_fw-la mutata_fw-la potestas_fw-la omnis_fw-la ut_fw-la actarum_fw-la exciderit_fw-la retinentia_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la opinor_fw-la ea_fw-la ab_fw-la letho_fw-mi jam_fw-la longiter_fw-la errat_fw-la quapropter_fw-la fateare_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la quoe_fw-la fuit_fw-la ante_fw-la interiisse_v etc._n etc._n de_fw-fr rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la lib._n 3._o and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o book_n he_o say_v though_o we_o be_v again_o just_a as_o we_o be_v before_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o memory_n thereof_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o we_o be_v perfect_o lose_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o divine_a nemesis_n send_v into_o the_o state_n of_o silence_n because_o afterward_o she_o remember_v nothing_o of_o her_o former_a life_n his_o word_n be_v these_o nec_fw-la si_fw-la materiam_fw-la nostram_fw-la collegerit_fw-la oetas_fw-la post_fw-la obitum_fw-la rursúmque_fw-la redegerit_fw-la ut_fw-la sita_fw-la nunc_fw-la est_fw-la atque_fw-la iterum_fw-la nobis_fw-la fuerint_fw-la data_fw-la lumina_fw-la vitoe_n pertineat_fw-la quicquam_fw-la tamen_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la id_fw-la quoque_fw-la factum_fw-la interrupta_fw-la semel_fw-la quom_fw-la sit_fw-la retinentia_fw-la nostri_fw-la pag._n 150._o in_o those_o passage_n which_o predict_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n etc._n etc._n i_o suppose_v he_o allude_v especial_o to_o that_o place_n in_o the_o apocalypse_n chap._n 21._o where_o present_o upon_o the_o description_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o fire_n in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n which_o answer_v to_o the_o conslagration_n it_o be_v say_v and_o i_o see_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n but_o questionless_a that_o passage_n as_o in_o other_o place_n be_v political_o to_o be_v understand_v not_o physical_o unless_o this_o may_v be_v the_o ingenious_a author_n meaning_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n adorn_v his_o style_n with_o allusion_n to_o the_o most_o rouse_a and_o most_o notable_a real_a or_o physical_a object_n which_o be_v observable_a all_o along_o the_o apocalypse_n it_o may_v be_v a_o sign_n that_o a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n succeed_v the_o conflagration_n be_v one_o of_o those_o noble_a phaenomena_n true_a and_o real_a among_o the_o rest_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o adorn_v his_o style_n with_o by_o allude_v thereto_o so_o that_o though_o the_o chief_a intend_a sense_n of_o the_o apocalypse_n be_v political_n yet_o by_o its_o allusion_n it_o may_v countenance_v many_o noble_a and_o weighty_a truth_n whether_o physical_a or_o metaphysical_a as_o the_o existence_n of_o angel_n which_o be_v so_o perpertual_o inculcate_v all_o along_o the_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n the_o divine_a shechina_n in_o the_o celestial_a region_n the_o dreadful_a abyss_n in_o which_o rebellious_a spirit_n be_v chain_v and_o at_o the_o commination_n whereof_o they_o so_o much_o tremble_v the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o last_o the_o renew_n and_o restore_v this_o earth_n and_o heaven_n after_o the_o conflagration_n pag._n 150._o the_o main_a opinion_n of_o pre-existence_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v very_o judicious_o and_o sober_o note_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n fair_o do_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o pre-existence_n while_o they_o make_v such_o a_o pother_n to_o confute_v any_o passage_n in_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o pre-existentiaries_a themselves_o to_o be_v no_o necessary_a or_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o dogma_fw-la but_o this_o they_o do_v that_o they_o may_v seem_v by_o their_o cavil_n for_o most_o of_o they_o be_v no_o better_a against_o some_o part_n of_o this_o unnecessary_a appendage_n of_o pre-existence_n to_o have_v do_v some_o execution_n upon_o the_o opinion_n itself_o which_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n discover_v by_o these_o note_n we_o have_v make_v upon_o it_o which_o state_v as_o they_o direct_v the_o hypothesis_n be_v at_o least_o possible_a but_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o the_o true_a one_o or_o shall_v be_v think_v so_o be_v not_o intend_v but_o as_o the_o ingenious_a author_n suggest_v it_o be_v either_o this_o way_n or_o some_o better_a as_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n may_v have_v order_v but_o this_o possible_a way_n show_v pre-existence_n to_o be_v neither_o impossible_a nor_o improbable_a pag._n 151._o but_o submit_v all_o that_o i_o have_v write_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n and_o this_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o hearty_o do_v as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o one_o in_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v confirm_v by_o either_o a_o plain_a demonstration_n clear_a authority_n of_o scripture_n manifestation_n of_o their_o outward_a sense_n or_o some_o rouse_a miracle_n to_o compromise_v with_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o national_a church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v they_o for_o common_a peace_n and_o settlement_n and_o for_o the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o governor_n but_o because_o a_o fancy_n have_v take_v a_o man_n in_o the_o head_n that_o he_o know_v great_a arcana_fw-la than_o other_o or_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n belief_n in_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o other_o have_v for_o he_o to_o affect_v to_o make_v other_o proselyte_n to_o his_o opinion_n and_o to_o wear_v his_o badge_n of_o wisdom_n as_o of_o a_o extraordinary_a master_n in_o matter_n of_o theory_n be_v a_o mere_a vanity_n of_o spirit_n a_o ridiculous_a piece_n of_o pride_n and_o levity_n and_o unbeseeming_a either_o a_o sober_a and_o staunched_a man_n or_o a_o good_a christian_n but_o upon_o such_o pretence_n to_o gather_v a_o sect_n or_o set_v up_o a_o church_n or_o independent_a congregation_n be_v intolerable_a faction_n and_o schism_n nor_o can_v ever_o bear_v a_o free_a and_o strict_a examination_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o true_a moral_n and_o politic_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o fate_n of_o some_o man_n to_o believe_v opinion_n to_o other_o but_o probable_a nor_o