have_v not_o always_o a_o natural_a existence_n these_o can_v no_o otherwise_o stand_v but_o by_o suppose_v the_o coeternal_a existence_n of_o simple_a essence_n in_o the_o ideal_o world._n xxxiv_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o this_o one_o consideration_n more_o upon_o this_o head_n that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o the_o soundness_n of_o a_o truth_n than_o when_o its_o profess_a adversary_n do_v unaware_o fall_v in_o with_o it_o and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o case_n here_o the_o schoolman_n who_o stand_v devote_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o aristotle_n do_v notwithstanding_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o blind_a parturiency_n light_v oftentimes_o upon_o such_o notion_n which_o if_o thorough_o sift_v must_v needs_o come_v to_o the_o same_o with_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o they_o can_v mean_v else_o by_o the_o celebrate_a glass_n of_o the_o divinity_n what_o can_v this_o be_v but_o the_o ideal_o world_n represent_v all_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o what_o else_o can_v they_o mean_v when_o they_o say_v as_o they_o common_o do_v of_o science_n that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o singulars_n as_o be_v flux_n temporary_a mutable_a and_o contingent_a but_o of_o abstract_n and_o universal_a nature_n what_o be_v this_o but_o in_o other_o word_n to_o confess_v the_o necessity_n of_o eternal_a essence_n or_o idea_n exist_v out_o of_o and_o before_o those_o singular_n who_o essence_n they_o be_v in_o order_n to_o the_o salve_v the_o stability_n of_o science_n thus_o do_v these_o man_n stumble_v upon_o truth_n blindfold_a but_o not_o discern_v she_o through_o he_o veil_v they_o let_v she_o go_v again_o xxxv_o nay_o even_o aristotle_n himself_o after_o all_o his_o zealous_a opposition_n of_o plato_n idea_n have_v in_o the_o four_o of_o his_o metaphysic_n come_v about_o to_o he_o again_o and_o cross_v the_o very_a road_n which_o he_o study_v so_o careful_o to_o avoid_v for_o discourse_v against_o the_o sceptic_n who_o allow_v no_o certainty_n of_o science_n he_o first_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o mistake_n to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o think_v singular_n and_o sensible_fw-fr exist_v without_o to_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o science_n his_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n the_o original_a of_o these_o man_n mistake_n be_v this_o because_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o in_o thing_n and_o they_o conceive_v the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v sensible_fw-fr in_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v much_o of_o the_o indeterminate_a nature_n wherefore_o they_o perceive_v all_o the_o nature_n of_o sensible_fw-fr to_o be_v movable_a or_o in_o perpetual_a flux_n and_o mutation_n since_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v verify_v or_o constant_o affirm_v concern_v that_o which_o be_v not_o the_o same_o but_o changeable_a conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o truth_n at_o all_o nor_o certain_o of_o science_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o it_o never_o continue_v the_o same_o xxxvi_o thus_o have_v open_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o sceptical_a doctrine_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o he_o thus_o add_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n we_o will_v have_v these_o man_n therefore_o to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o essence_n of_o thing_n beside_o that_o of_o sensible_fw-fr to_o which_o belongeh_a neither_o motion_n nor_o corruption_n nor_o any_o generation_n at_o all_o xxxvii_o observe_v here_o that_o aristotle_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o sceptic_n argument_n no_o he_o allow_v if_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o steady_a and_o immutable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o science_n but_o he_o deny_v his_o minor_a proposition_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o go_v upon_o a_o wrong_a hypothesis_n in_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o essence_n of_o thing_n but_o singular_n and_o sensible_fw-fr in_o opposition_n to_o which_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o essence_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v immovable_a incorruptible_a and_o in_o generable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v upon_o these_o that_o all_o science_n be_v found_v now_o who_o will_v desire_v a_o better_a establishment_n of_o platonic_a idea_n than_o what_o aristotle_n himself_o have_v here_o give_v let_v any_o intelligent_a person_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o plain_a give_v up_o the_o cause_n so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n not_o to_o contradict_v himself_o when_o once_o he_o come_v to_o contradict_v truth_n xxxviii_o it_o be_v now_o from_o the_o premise_n sufficient_o conclude_v that_o the_o idea_n or_o simple_a essence_n of_o thing_n have_v a_o eternal_a existence_n in_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o their_o existence_n be_v sufficient_o explain_v the_o next_o advance_v of_o my_o contemplation_n be_v this_o that_o since_o all_o the_o simple_a essence_n of_o thing_n do_v exist_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n there_o must_v also_o be_v the_o repository_n of_o all_o their_o several_a habitude_n and_o respect_n these_o natural_o arise_v from_o the_o other_o by_o way_n of_o natural_a result_n for_o as_o the_o relation_n of_o essence_n can_v exist_v without_o the_o essence_n themselves_o so_o neither_o can_v the_o essence_n exist_v without_o be_v accompany_v with_o such_o their_o essential_a relation_n and_o as_o before_o we_o argue_v from_o the_o position_n of_o the_o habitude_n to_o the_o position_n of_o the_o simple_a essence_n so_o now_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v from_o the_o position_n of_o the_o simple_a essence_n to_o the_o position_n of_o their_o habitude_n thirty-nine_o thus_o for_o instance_n as_o from_o this_o eternal_a habitude_n viz._n that_o a_o circle_n of_o such_o a_o determinate_a circumference_n will_v have_v such_o a_o determinate_a diameter_n i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o essence_n of_o such_o a_o circle_n do_v eternal_o exist_v so_o again_o suppose_v such_o a_o circle_n to_o exist_v it_o be_v as_o necessary_a it_o shall_v retain_v such_o a_o diameter_n and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n the_o essence_n argue_v and_o infer_v the_o habitude_n as_o well_o as_o the_o habitude_n do_v the_o essence_n for_o it_o be_v here_o as_o in_o all_o other_o relation_n which_o immediate_o result_v upon_o the_o position_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o term._n xl._o this_o admit_v i_o now_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v now_o nothing_o want_v to_o infer_v the_o omnisciency_n of_o god._n for_o since_o the_o simple_a essence_n of_o thing_n do_v all_o exist_v in_o god_n and_o since_o these_o be_v ever_o accompany_v with_o all_o their_o habitude_n and_o relation_n and_o since_o these_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o truth_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o truth_n be_v in_o god._n i_o say_v god_n comprehend_v within_o himself_o all_o the_o idea_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o possible_a reference_n and_o respect_n comprehend_v all_o truth_n the_o whole_a field_n of_o truth_n within_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v omniscient_a knowledge_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v before_o define_v xli_o and_o thus_o we_o have_v not_o only_o prove_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n but_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n represent_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o concern_v this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o further_a remark_n that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o perfect_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v conceive_v for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o any_o derivative_a phantasm_n or_o secondary_a image_n of_o thing_n but_o per_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o very_a immediate_a and_o essential_a presence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o he_o have_v all_o his_o knowledge_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n he_o see_v nay_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o thing_n he_o be_v the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o truth_n nay_o he_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o beside_o his_o knowledge_n be_v all_o simple_a and_o uncompounded_a without_o reason_v and_o infer_v premise_v and_o conclude_v for_o he_o have_v ever_o before_o he_o in_o one_o simple_a view_n the_o whole_a field_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o one_o single_a act_n of_o intuition_n glance_n through_o the_o whole_a possibility_n of_o be_v for_o this_o word_n of_o god_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o essential_a wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a and_o sharp_a than_o any_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v even_o to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n 3.12_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a unto_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o
the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v various_o exhibitive_a and_o representative_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n make_v use_v of_o by_o this_o great_a theorist_n to_o explain_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o his_o eternal_a generation_n and_o i_o think_v it_o do_v both_o much_o better_a than_o any_o other_o and_o indeed_o as_o far_o as_o conceivable_a by_o human_a understanding_n so_o high_o useful_a be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o idea_n when_o right_o understand_v to_o unsold_a the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o of_o philosophy_n and_o so_o great_a reason_n have_v st._n austin_n to_o say_v 46._o tanta_fw-la vis_fw-la in_o ideis_fw-la constituitur_fw-la ut_fw-la nisi_fw-la his_fw-la intellectis_fw-la sapiens_fw-la esse_fw-la nemo_fw-la possit_fw-la there_o be_v so_o much_o moment_n in_o idea_n that_o without_o the_o understanding_n of_o these_o no_o man_n can_v be_v wise._n xxvi_o and_o i_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v no_o less_o according_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o scripture_n than_o of_o natural_a reason_n st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o second_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n say_v in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n and_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n and_o the_o word_n be_v god._n he_o say_v also_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o or_o according_a to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o he_o further_o say_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a light_n that_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n now_o what_o can_v this_o signify_v but_o this_o ideal_o world_n or_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o various_o exhibitive_a and_o representative_a of_o thing_n for_o observe_v he_o call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o here_o signify_v the_o same_o as_o the_o inward_a conception_n or_o idea_n he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v in_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o he_o be_v with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o thus_o far_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o the_o agreement_n be_v very_o exact_a as_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o character_n how_o this_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o i_o shall_v explain_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v see_v and_o know_v all_o that_o he_o see_v and_o know_v in_o this_o ideal_o world_n which_o may_v therefore_o be_v say_v to_o be_v his_o light._n xxvii_o again_o this_o second_o person_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o his_o person_n both_o which_o expression_n denote_v he_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o this_o ideal_o world._n and_o by_o he_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v the_o world_n 1_o that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a exemplar_n or_o platform_n in_o this_o ideal_o world._n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v by_o way_n of_o overplus_n that_o noble_a description_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o substantial_a wisdom_n give_v we_o in_o the_o 7._o chap._n of_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o breath_n or_o vapour_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o a_o efflux_n or_o emanation_n from_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o almighty_a a_o clear_a mirror_n or_o looking-glass_n of_o his_o active_a energory_n virtue_n and_o the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o what_o can_v all_o this_o be_v but_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o exhibitive_a the_o ideal_o world_n last_o i_o will_v have_v it_o consider_v how_o what_o our_o saviour_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o truth_n and_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n can_v be_v verify_v any_o other_o way_n but_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n xxviii_o i_o have_v the_o long_o insist_v on_o this_o to_o show_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o ideal_o world_n and_o that_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v eternal_a existence_n in_o it_o but_o also_o how_o very_a useful_a this_o notion_n be_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n and_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o his_o eternal_a generation_n from_o the_o father_n which_o be_v also_o a_o further_a confirmation_n that_o the_o notion_n be_v true_a and_o solid_a so_o great_a aguard_n be_v true_a platonism_n against_o socinianism_n xxix_o hence_o also_o we_o may_v be_v instruct_v how_o to_o understand_v that_o common_a axiom_n of_o the_o school_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v its_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n this_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v understand_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o conceptive_a that_o be_v as_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o as_o exhibitive_a for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n as_o conceptive_a depend_v upon_o its_o conformity_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n upon_o that_o but_o it_o must_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o exhibitive_a that_o be_v of_o this_o ideal_o world_n for_o upon_o this_o all_o truth_n depend_v and_o every_o thing_n and_o every_o proposition_n be_v so_o far_o true_a as_o it_o be_v conformable_a with_o it_o for_o indeed_o the_o intellect_n of_o god_n as_o exhibitive_a be_v the_o cause_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n xxx_o and_o it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o the_o help_n of_o this_o notion_n that_o that_o keen_a wit_n discartes_n blunder_v so_o horrible_o in_o state_v the_o dependence_n of_o proposition_n of_o eternal_a truth_n upon_o the_o intellect_n of_o god._n he_o see_v it_o it_o be_v necessary_a as_o indeed_o it_o be_v to_o make_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o truth_n must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o depend_v upon_o he_o but_o then_o he_o make_v it_o depend_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o conceptive_a and_o that_o thing_n be_v so_o only_o because_o god_n be_v please_v so_o to_o conceive_v they_o and_o this_o he_o carry_v so_o high_a as_o to_o say_v that_o even_o in_o a_o triangle_n three_o angle_n will_v not_o have_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o have_v not_o god_n be_v please_v so_o to_o conceive_v and_o make_v it_o now_o i_o be_o for_o the_o dependence_n of_o truth_n upon_o the_o divine_a intellect_n as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o arbitrary_a and_o contingent_a and_o consequent_o not_o upon_o the_o divine_a intellect_n as_o conceptive_a but_o only_o as_o exhibitive_a that_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v therefore_o true_a in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v conformable_a to_o those_o stand_n and_o immutable_a idea_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o exhibitive_a and_o representative_a of_o all_o the_o whole_a possibility_n of_o be_v xxxi_o now_o if_o after_o all_o this_o ideal_o way_n of_o thing_n subsist_v from_o all_o eternity_n in_o god_n shall_v seem_v strange_a as_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v to_o those_o who_o be_v unexercised_a in_o these_o contemplation_n i_o shall_v only_o further_o say_v first_o that_o it_o must_v be_v infinite_o more_o strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v eternal_a truth_n that_o be_v eternal_a relation_n and_o habitude_n of_o simple_a essence_n or_o thing_n without_o the_o coeternal_a existence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o relate_v for_o what_o shall_v support_v such_o relation_n the_o simple_a essence_n therefore_o must_v exist_v eternal_o if_o their_o relation_n do_v and_o where_o can_v that_o be_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n xxxii_o second_o i_o say_v that_o this_o ideal_o way_n of_o subsist_v ought_v not_o to_o seem_v such_o a_o bugbear_n as_o some_o make_v it_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a not_o only_o for_o the_o salve_v of_o proposition_n of_o eternal_a truth_n before_o their_o subject_n exist_v in_o nature_n but_o even_o when_o they_o do_v for_o even_o while_o thing_n have_v a_o natural_a subsistence_n the_o proposition_n concern_v they_o be_v not_o can_v be_v verify_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a but_o according_a to_o their_o ideal_o subsistency_n thus_o we_o demonstrate_v several_a proposition_n concern_v a_o right_a line_n a_o circle_n etc._n etc._n when_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o none_o of_o these_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o nature_n according_a to_o that_o exactness_n suppose_v in_o our_o demonstration_n such_o and_o such_o affection_n therefoe_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o they_o must_v belong_v to_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o ideal_o world_n or_o not_o at_o all_o xxxiii_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a in_o proposition_n who_o subject_n exist_v in_o nature_n much_o more_o be_v it_o in_o eternal_a proposition_n who_o simple_a essence_n
between_o its_o two_o point_n be_v there_o can_v there_o be_v any_o such_o line_n in_o nature_n to_o which_o this_o relation_n may_v belong_v this_o relation_n therefore_o be_v not_o the_o relation_n of_o any_o line_n in_o nature_n but_o of_o a_o line_n in_o idea_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o instance_n the_o relation_n which_o we_o behold_v be_v not_o the_o relation_n of_o any_o natural_a but_o of_o ideal_o entity_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_o relate_v other_o thing_n be_v so_o only_o by_o accident_n and_o reductive_o as_o they_o come_v under_o these_o and_o it_o be_v the_o relation_n of_o these_o which_o we_o proper_o discern_v and_o which_o be_v the_o prime_n direct_a and_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o perception_n the_o relation_n of_o other_o thing_n come_v under_o a_o secondary_a discernment_n and_o they_o be_v only_o so_o far_o behold_v as_o they_o be_v behold_v in_o these_o xxx_o and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o school_n themselves_o must_v of_o necessity_n come_v to_o if_o they_o will_v but_o attend_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v when_o they_o say_v that_o science_n be_v not_o of_o singulars_n but_o of_o universal_a and_o abstract_a nature_n for_o where_o be_v these_o universal_a nature_n not_o in_o this_o ectypal_a world._n whatever_o be_v here_o be_v singular_a this_o or_o that_o it_o must_v be_v therefore_o in_o the_o ideal_o or_o archetypal_a world_n that_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o exhibitive_a of_o that_o which_o be_v create_v where_o these_o universal_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o science_n be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v in_o god_n that_o we_o know_v all_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o know_v xxxi_o and_o this_o very_a notion_n aquinas_n have_v once_o plain_o light_a upon_o however_o he_o come_v afterward_o to_o lose_v it_o for_o say_v he_o in_o express_a term_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o say_v that_o the_o human_a soul_n know_v all_o thing_n in_o their_o eternal_a reason_n by_o the_o participation_n of_o which_o we_o know_v all_o thing_n for_o that_o intellectual_a light_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o participate_v similitude_n of_o that_o increated_a light_n in_o which_o the_o eternal_a reason_n be_v contain_v 5._o this_o be_v almost_o as_o plain_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o god_n as_o one_o will_v wish_v and_o differ_v little_a or_o nothing_o from_o that_o celebrate_a definition_n plato_n give_v of_o knowledge_n which_o he_o call_v a_o participation_n of_o idea_n xxxii_o but_o to_o proceed_v if_o the_o truth_n which_o we_o see_v be_v not_o in_o god_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whence_o have_v it_o its_o unity_n and_o identity_n its_o steddiness_n and_o immutability_n its_o everlastingness_n and_o perpetuity_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v alike_o discern_v by_o different_a mind_n and_o by_o the_o same_o mind_n at_o different_a time_n we_o have_v nothing_o in_o our_o self_n but_o what_o be_v flux_n and_o mutable_a and_o the_o thing_n without_o we_o be_v as_o mutable_a and_o uncertain_a as_o we_o ourselves_o again_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o truth_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o that_o independent_o upon_o our_o think_n or_o know_v for_o suppose_v all_o the_o man_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v suspend_v think_v yet_o the_o existence_n of_o truth_n will_v not_o be_v thereby_o suspend_v but_o remain_v as_o it_o be_v before_o for_o by_o think_v we_o do_v not_o make_v truth_n but_o only_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o by_o attend_v to_o that_o light_n which_o shine_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v intimate_o present_a with_o we_o truth_n therefore_o will_v exist_v and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o whether_o we_o think_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o though_o it_o be_v in_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o of_o we_o nor_o be_v at_o all_o dependent_a upon_o our_o understanding_n but_o only_o upon_o he_o who_o be_v necessary_o and_o be_v in_o all_o place_n and_o be_v truth_n itself_o xxxiii_o this_o conclusion_n may_v be_v further_o infer_v from_o the_o permanency_n and_o immutable_a stability_n of_o simple_a idea_n i_o find_v in_o my_o mind_n certain_a idea_n of_o a_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a nature_n such_o as_o i_o can_v neither_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o or_o at_o all_o diminish_v from_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n have_v a_o determinate_a and_o immutable_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n any_o way_n to_o alter_v i_o can_v indeed_o cease_v to_o think_v of_o a_o triangle_n and_o convert_v my_o mind_n to_o the_o speculation_n of_o some_o other_o figure_n but_o whensoever_o i_o do_v think_v of_o a_o triangle_n i_o can_v help_v represent_v it_o to_o my_o mind_n after_o one_o and_o the_o same_o determinate_a way_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o this_o idea_n be_v not_o of_o my_o own_o raise_n or_o form_v for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v arbitrary_a and_o i_o may_v vary_v it_o at_o pleasure_n but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a nature_n distinct_a from_o and_o independent_a on_o my_o understanding_n and_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o divine_a essence_n itself_o after_o a_o special_a mode_n of_o exhibition_n or_o imitability_n for_o nothing_o but_o god_n himself_o be_v absolute_o immutable_a he_o only_o be_v that_o father_n of_o light_n in_o who_o be_v no_o vary_v nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v xxxiv_o this_o again_o may_v be_v further_o argue_v from_o our_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n and_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o attain_n to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o desire_n of_o knowledge_n i_o remark_n this_o that_o among_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v knowable_a there_o be_v not_o one_o which_o i_o may_v not_o nay_o which_o i_o do_v not_o actual_o desire_v to_o know_v but_o now_o i_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n of_o that_o whereof_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o knowledge_n for_o desire_n proceed_v from_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o presupposes_a it_o i_o must_v therefore_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v already_o some_o knowledge_n of_o all_o that_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v that_o be_v i_o must_v have_v a_o confuse_v knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o therefore_o since_o i_o desire_v to_o know_v or_o may_v desire_v to_o know_v every_o thing_n clear_o and_o distinct_o i_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v a_o confuse_v knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n but_o now_o how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o by_o my_o have_v all_o thing_n actual_o present_a to_o my_o mind_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v but_o by_o my_o have_v a_o confuse_v glance_n of_o that_o be_v in_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v all_o xxxv_o then_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o attain_n to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o place_n worth_n consider_v how_o a_o child_n come_v to_o learn_v his_o first_o language_n to_o know_v a_o language_n be_v to_o know_v that_o such_o a_o word_n be_v to_o go_v as_o a_o sign_n for_o such_o a_o thing_n now_o of_o word_n there_o be_v some_o to_o which_o the_o thing_n that_o answer_v be_v material_a and_o sensible_a other_o again_z there_o be_v to_o which_o the_o thing_n that_o answer_v be_v pure_o intellectual_a this_o premise_a i_o demand_v how_o a_o child_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o first_o language_n which_o he_o learn_v you_o will_v say_v by_o frequent_a hear_v the_o word_n repeat_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o thing_n be_v point_v to_o he_o begin_v at_o length_n to_o collect_v that_o such_o a_o word_n be_v to_o go_v for_o such_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o to_o call_v a_o table_n a_o table_n and_o a_o stool_n a_o stool_n true_o this_o serve_v well_o enough_o to_o explain_v how_o we_o may_v learn_v the_o meaning_n of_o such_o word_n to_o which_o something_o sensible_a answer_n but_o this_o will_v at_o all_o help_v we_o out_o in_o account_v for_o the_o understand_a word_n which_o signify_v pure_a intellectual_a notion_n for_o these_o can_v be_v point_v at_o when_o i_o hear_v the_o word_n as_o in_o the_o other_o case_n because_o not_o present_a nor_o sensible_a and_o therefore_o shall_v the_o word_n be_v never_o so_o often_o say_v over_o to_o i_o i_o may_v indeed_o grow_v familiar_a with_o the_o sound_n but_o i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a thence_o to_o understand_v that_o this_o word_n be_v to_o be_v join_v as_o a_o sign_n to_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o for_o instance_n shall_v i_o hear_v this_o word_n virtue_n repeat_v to_o i_o daily_o i_o shall_v in_o a_o little_a time_n come_v to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sound_n so_o as_o to_o know_v it_o again_o from_o any_o other_o sound_n but_o sure_o
and_o direct_a influence_n of_o knowledge_n but_o come_v to_o pass_v only_o occasional_o and_o accidental_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o impediment_n suppose_v pride_n lust_n covetousness_n or_o some_o such_o indisposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v of_o more_o force_n and_o prevalency_n to_o let_v our_o devotion_n than_o knowledge_n be_v to_o further_o it_o and_o then_o no_o wonder_n that_o the_o heavy_a scale_n weigh_v down_o but_o still_o knowledge_n have_v a_o natural_a aptness_n to_o excite_v devotion_n and_o will_v infallible_o do_v it_o if_o not_o hinder_v by_o some_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o we_o may_v take_v this_o for_o a_o never-failing_a rule_n that_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a the_o more_o know_v and_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o devout_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n will_v be_v verify_v 39_o while_o i_o be_v muse_v the_o fire_n kindle_v the_o great_a god_n so_o enlighten_v my_o mind_n and_o so_o govern_v my_o pen_n that_o by_o these_o my_o meditation_n i_o may_v illustrate_v his_o ineffable_a excellence_n and_o kindle_v holy_a flame_n of_o devotion_n both_o in_o myself_o and_o in_o my_o reader_n to_o he_o therefore_o i_o pray_v in_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n i_o beseech_v thou_o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n amen_n contemplation_n i._o of_o the_o general_a idea_n of_o god._n i._o god_n never_o at_o any_o time_n discover_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o in_o so_o few_o word_n as_o when_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n inquire_v by_o what_o name_n he_o shall_v style_v he_o to_o make_v he_o know_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n thus_o shall_v thou_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n not_o as_o we_o render_v it_o in_o english_a i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o but_z i_o be_o that_o be_o or_o i_o be_o he_o that_o be_o and_o so_o the_o seventy_o read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o he_o that_o be_v ii_o this_o be_v the_o sacred_a and_o incommunicable_a name_n of_o the_o great_a god_n that_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n all_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o divinity_n by_o this_o name_n he_o be_v distinguish_v not_o only_o from_o false_a god_n but_o from_o all_o other_o being_n whatsoever_o i_o be_o he_o that_o be_o say_v god_n imply_v that_o he_o be_v after_o some_o very_a eminent_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n and_o that_o nothing_o else_o beside_o he_o true_o be_v this_o therefore_o denote_v the_o great_a eminence_n and_o peculiarity_n both_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o god._n here_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v my_o ground_n and_o shall_v hence_o deduce_v and_o unfold_v 1._o the_o general_a idea_n or_o notion_n of_o god._n 2_o lie_v some_o of_o those_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o which_o may_v have_v a_o more_o strong_a and_o immediate_a influence_n upon_o our_o piety_n and_o devotion_n iii_o in_o the_o present_a contemplation_n i_o be_o concern_v for_o no_o more_o than_o only_o to_o six_o the_o general_a idea_n or_o notion_n of_o god._n this_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a moment_n to_o the_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o our_o follow_a contemplation_n for_o unless_o we_o take_v the_o right_a thread_n at_o first_o the_o whole_a progress_n will_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o error_n and_o confusion_n iv._o now_o as_o to_o the_o general_a idea_n or_o first_o conception_n of_o god_n this_o have_v be_v universal_o understand_v to_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v make_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o metaphysic_n and_o divinity_n that_o i_o have_v yet_o see_v and_o particular_o it_o have_v be_v embrace_v by_o two_o author_n of_o extraordinary_a speculation_n cartesius_n and_o dr._n more_o who_o authority_n in_o this_o matter_n claim_v a_o peculiar_a deference_n because_o they_o be_v man_n that_o philosophize_v with_o a_o free_a and_o unaddict_v genius_n and_o write_v not_o as_o they_o read_v but_o as_o they_o think_v v._o this_o opinion_n because_o embrace_v by_o many_o and_o some_o of_o they_o great_a patron_n i_o once_o take_v for_o a_o theorem_fw-la of_o unquestionable_a truth_n but_o upon_o a_o more_o narrow_a inspection_n i_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o dissent_v from_o it_o though_o it_o be_v call_v singularity_n to_o do_v so_o for_o however_o plausible_a it_o may_v at_o first_o view_n appear_v i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o less_o a_o objection_n than_o plain_a demonstration_n against_o it_o which_o i_o make_v out_o upon_o these_o ground_n vi_o first_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o formal_a conception_n or_o inward_a word_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o express_v or_o represent_v the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n then_o again_o by_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v mean_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v first_o conceive_v in_o a_o thing_n and_o to_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v understand_v as_o superad_v i_o say_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v first_o conceive_v because_o in_o fix_v the_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o the_o arbitrary_a or_o accidental_a but_o the_o natural_a order_n of_o conception_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o express_v that_o which_o be_v first_o of_o a_o thing_n in_o order_n of_o conception_n vii_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o do_v hence_o evident_o follow_v that_o that_o which_o be_v not_o first_o to_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o suppose_v somewhat_o there_o before_o it_o in_o order_n of_o conception_n can_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o that_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o necessary_o and_o inseparable_o join_v with_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v than_o something_o will_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o first_o in_o order_n of_o conception_n which_o be_v against_o the_o definition_n of_o such_o a_o idea_n viii_o for_o to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o example_n who_o will_v say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o any_o two_o of_o its_o side_n take_v together_o be_v great_a than_o the_o three_o remain_v this_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessary_a affection_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o it_o must_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v its_o idea_n because_o it_o be_v not_o what_o we_o first_o conceive_v in_o it_o that_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o which_o be_v comprehend_v by_o three_o right_a line_n which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n conceive_v be_v therefore_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n ix_o now_o that_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a be_v not_o the_o first_o conceivable_a in_o god_n but_o suppose_v something_o before_o it_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v plain_a from_o hence_o because_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v a_o priori_fw-la or_o by_o way_n of_o a_o causal_a dependence_n from_o something_o in_o the_o same_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v thus_o prove_v i_o shall_v make_v appear_v in_o my_o second_o contemplation_n where_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o my_o profess_a business_n actual_o to_o prove_v it_o at_o present_a i_o suppose_v it_o and_o upon_o that_o supposition_n do_v i_o think_v right_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a can_v be_v proper_o the_o idea_n of_o god._n for_o the_o consequence_n of_o my_o argument_n will_v i_o suppose_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o the_o only_a difficulty_n be_v concern_v the_o proposition_n itself_o but_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o reserve_v to_o the_o next_o contemplation_n x._o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n object_v that_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o idea_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o no_o other_o be_v and_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o god._n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v involve_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o thing_n either_o formal_o and_o explicit_o or_o else_o virtual_o and_o implicit_o whatever_o be_v involve_v formal_o and_o explicit_o in_o any_o idea_n be_v essential_a to_o that_o idea_n but_o not_o what_o be_v involve_v only_o virtual_o and_o implicit_o thus_o it_o be_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o involve_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n that_o it_o have_v three_o angle_n equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o and_o yet_o we_o do_v it_o therefore_o make_v this_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o triangle_n because_o it_o be_v not_o there_o formal_o and_o explicit_o but_o only_o virtual_o and_o potential_o but_o now_o to_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a be_v not_o involve_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o