mathe_n hale_v miles_n capitalis_fw-la justic_n de_fw-fr banco_n regis_fw-la ano_fw-la 1677_o for_o w._n shrowsbery_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o duck_n lane_n f._n h._n van_fw-mi hâ—ue_v sculp_v the_o primitive_a origination_n of_o mankind_n consider_v and_o examine_v according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n write_a by_o the_o honourable_a sir_n matthew_n hale_v knight_n late_a chief_z justice_z of_o his_o majesty_n court_n of_o king_n bench_n london_n print_v by_o william_n godbid_v for_o william_n shrowsbery_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o duke-lane_n mdclxxvii_o to_o the_o reader_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o this_o book_n be_v a_o free_a disquisition_n according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n touch_v the_o primitive_a origination_n of_o mankind_n consist_v principal_o of_o these_o part_n and_o assertion_n i._o that_o according_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a reason_n the_o mundus_fw-la 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different_a from_o that_o of_o moses_n be_v mistake_v wherein_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o aristotle_n plato_n empedocles_n epicurus_n avicen_n cardanus_n cisalpinus_n beregardus_fw-la and_o other_o be_v examine_v and_o the_o absurdity_n and_o impossibility_n thereof_o detect_v vi_o that_o the_o moysaicall_a system_n as_o well_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n as_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n abstractive_o consider_v without_o relation_n to_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n be_v high_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o upon_o a_o bare_a rational_a account_n high_o preferrible_a before_o the_o sentiment_n of_o those_o philospher_n that_o either_o think_v mankind_n eternal_a or_o substitute_v hypothesis_n of_o his_o first_o production_n different_a from_o the_o moysaicall_a vii_o i_o have_v conclude_v the_o whole_a with_o certain_a corollary_n and_o deduction_n necessary_o flow_v from_o the_o thing_n thus_o assert_v as_o well_o touch_v the_o existence_n the_o 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be_v but_o one_o quarter_n of_o that_o atheism_n in_o the_o world_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o better_a cure_n of_o it_o or_o preservative_n against_o it_o next_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n than_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n 2._o again_o though_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o jew_n and_o christian_n yet_o we_o must_v likewise_o consider_v that_o many_o take_v it_o up_o only_o as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o education_n and_o not_o upon_o any_o serious_a deep_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o have_v such_o man_n but_o a_o education_n in_o such_o a_o place_n or_o country_n where_o it_o be_v not_o believe_v or_o where_o it_o be_v doubt_v they_o will_v be_v at_o least_o sceptical_a and_o doubtful_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o sound_a believer_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v better_o confirm_v by_o the_o accession_n and_o suffrage_n even_o of_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o verity_n they_o already_o believe_v but_o howsoever_o it_o better_o enable_v they_o to_o convince_v such_o gainsayer_n as_o will_v be_v govern_v in_o their_o judgement_n by_o no_o other_o light_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o many_o such_o there_o may_v be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v bottom_v upon_o natural_a and_o moral_a evidence_n suit_v to_o these_o man_n principle_n or_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o be_v guide_v and_o govern_v yea_o when_o i_o make_v use_n of_o the_o sacred_a and_o infallible_a scripture_n i_o do_v use_v they_o abstractive_o from_o their_o divine_a and_o infallible_a authority_n and_o only_o as_o moral_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o assert_v for_o any_o man_n may_v easy_o foresee_v that_o a_o atheistical_a spirit_n that_o deny_v or_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n therein_o deliver_v will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o scripture_n which_o deliver_v that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o he_o deny_v or_o question_n this_o whole_a book_n as_o thou_o now_o see_v it_o be_v write_v by_o i_o some_o year_n since_o and_o have_v lie_v ever_o since_o in_o my_o chest_n and_o sure_o therein_o shall_v have_v lie_v still_o but_o only_o for_o three_o reason_n 1._o because_o that_o some_o write_n of_o my_o have_v without_o my_o privity_n come_v abroad_o in_o print_n which_o i_o never_o intend_v and_o this_o may_v have_v have_v the_o same_o fate_n if_o not_o in_o my_o life_n time_n yet_o after_o my_o death_n 2._o because_o possible_o there_o have_v some_o more_o care_n be_v use_v by_o i_o in_o the_o digest_v and_o write_v hereof_o than_o of_o some_o other_o that_o have_v go_v abroad_o in_o public_a 3._o that_o although_o i_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o value_v the_o write_n of_o my_o that_o be_v publish_v as_o worthy_a of_o the_o public_a view_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o well_o accept_v by_o many_o which_o encourage_v i_o to_o let_v this_o book_n come_v abroad_o under_o my_o own_o name_n wherein_o i_o use_v more_o care_n than_o in_o those_o lesser_a tractate_v although_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o confidence_n enough_o to_o say_v that_o this_o may_v deserve_v any_o great_a acceptation_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o may_v not_o please_v yet_o i_o do_v think_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n useful_a and_o such_o as_o will_v not_o displease_v judicious_a reader_n if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n or_o mistake_v in_o quotation_n in_o syntax_n in_o translation_n in_o transcription_n or_o if_o there_o by_o any_o error_n as_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v in_o my_o deductive_n inference_n or_o application_n or_o if_o the_o language_n be_v in_o some_o place_n either_o improper_a or_o obscure_a or_o if_o the_o expression_n or_o word_n which_o we_o sometime_o use_v be_v not_o so_o full_a so_o significant_a or_o proper_a or_o deliver_v from_o amphibology_n yet_o i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o take_v this_o apology_n for_o it_o 1._o it_o be_v write_v at_o leisure_n and_o break_a time_n and_o with_o great_a interval_n and_o many_o time_n hasty_o as_o my_o busy_a and_o important_a employment_n of_o another_o nature_n know_v to_o the_o world_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v which_o must_v needs_o make_v such_o break_v and_o chasm_n and_o incoherence_n that_o possible_o a_o continue_a uninterrupted_a series_n of_o writing_n will_v have_v prevent_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o discourse_n with_o a_o more_o equal_a thread_n 2._o a_o long_a indisposition_n of_o health_n have_v much_o hinder_v and_o interrupt_v i_o in_o a_o strict_a revise_v and_o amend_v of_o what_o possible_o may_v have_v be_v requisite_a to_o be_v do_v 3._o a_o man_n who_o scope_n and_o intent_n and_o drift_n be_v at_o some_o one_o thing_n and_o have_v his_o eye_n and_o design_n fix_v upon_o it_o many_o time_n be_v not_o so_o solicitous_a nor_o so_o curious_a nor_o so_o exact_a in_o the_o choice_n of_o
race_n and_o progeny_n of_o god_n which_o swell_v into_o great_a number_n pedigree_n and_o genealogy_n of_o god_n and_o hero_n theogonia_n which_o fill_v the_o superior_a world_n as_o man_n fill_v the_o inferior_a world_n by_o successive_a generation_n and_o those_o author_n that_o have_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o apotheosis_n the_o inauguration_n of_o the_o heathenish_a deity_n and_o their_o succession_n be_v many_o especial_o diodorus_n siculus_n in_o his_o first_o six_o book_n eusebius_n in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr praeparatione_fw-la evangelii_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o phoenicians_n egyptian_n and_o grecian_n and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n in_o lib._n 1._o stromat_n who_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o apotheosis_n of_o bacchus_n hercules_n aesculapius_n isis_n ceres_n serapis_n apis_n and_o other_o many_o of_o they_o if_o not_o all_o have_v their_o be_v and_o translation_n into_o deity_n after_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o various_a denomination_n of_o those_o heathenish_a deity_n some_o have_v one_o name_n among_o the_o egyptian_n another_o among_o the_o phoenicians_n another_o among_o the_o syrian_n another_o among_o the_o grecian_n though_o possible_o the_o person_n themselves_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o second_o by_o carry_v up_o the_o original_a of_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a deity_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n and_o descendants_n deduce_v by_o very_o probable_a argument_n that_o noah_n be_v saturn_n chronos_n etc._n etc._n that_o japhet_n be_v neptune_n ham_n jupiter_n shem_fw-mi pluto_n canaan_n mercury_n nimrod_n bacchus_n magog_n prometheus_n vid._n bochart_n in_o phaleg_n l._n 1._o vossius_fw-la de_fw-la idololatriae_fw-la origine_fw-la &_o progressu_fw-la l._n 1._o and_o other_o that_o have_v follow_v those_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a author_n but_o this_o inference_n of_o the_o recentness_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o recentness_n of_o these_o apotheosis_n and_o origination_n of_o gentile_a deity_n seem_v also_o too_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o this_o supposition_n of_o the_o novitas_fw-la humani_fw-la generis_fw-la 1._o because_o although_o possible_o some_o of_o their_o heathenish_a deity_n may_v have_v be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v many_o more_o that_o may_v be_v ancient_a who_o either_o be_v antiquate_v and_o forget_v or_o they_o be_v translate_v to_o other_o name_n and_o successor_n it_o fare_v with_o idol_n god_n as_o it_o do_v with_o word_n or_o language_n cecidere_fw-la cadéntque_fw-la quae_fw-la jam_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o honore_fw-la vocabula_fw-la the_o lust_n of_o man_n fancy_n in_o propagation_n of_o deity_n be_v endless_a and_o unsatiable_a we_o be_v tell_v out_o of_o varro_n that_o there_o be_v no_o less_o than_o thirty_o thousand_o heathenish_a god_n and_o deity_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o be_v know_v in_o his_o time_n and_o how_o many_o more_o there_o may_v be_v who_o name_n and_o worship_n be_v long_o before_o that_o time_n antiquate_v we_o can_v easy_o conjecture_v only_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o be_v far_o more_o than_o those_o that_o survive_v and_o therefore_o possible_o there_o may_v be_v a_o race_n and_o succession_n of_o apotheosis_n long_a antecedent_n to_o those_o who_o original_n we_o have_v give_v we_o in_o ancient_a history_n we_o see_v how_o easy_o the_o roman_a calendar_n swell_v with_o new_a consecration_n of_o saint_n and_o to_o what_o a_o multitude_n they_o have_v grow_v within_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o one_o thousand_o year_n and_o possible_o have_v the_o world_n continue_v many_o thousand_o year_n before_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v begin_v there_o may_v have_v be_v a_o interminate_a succession_n of_o imaginary_a deity_n though_o many_o or_o most_o of_o their_o name_n be_v now_o unknown_a or_o the_o time_n of_o their_o consecration_n forget_v 2._o but_o yet_o far_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o this_o course_n of_o idolatry_n begin_v even_o short_o after_o the_o time_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n yet_o it_o be_v grant_v of_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o world_n have_v stand_v above_o 1600_o year_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n so_o that_o ex_fw-la confesso_fw-la this_o be_v not_o the_o first_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n neither_o do_v this_o religion_n tread_v upon_o the_o heel_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n if_o mankind_n be_v and_o be_v 1600_o year_n before_o those_o deity_n be_v find_v out_o and_o so_o this_o religion_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v coeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n nor_o give_v we_o any_o sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o recentness_n of_o mankind_n 3._o but_o yet_o far_o it_o be_v very_o apparent_a that_o this_o veneration_n of_o man_n consecrate_a into_o deity_n be_v not_o the_o ancient_a idolatry_n much_o less_o the_o ancient_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n the_o worship_v of_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v a_o idolatry_n that_o way_n far_o more_o ancient_a than_o this_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n make_v of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o antecedency_n of_o that_o idolatry_n of_o the_o star_n and_o heavenly_a body_n in_o as_o much_o as_o when_o these_o new_a consecrate_a deity_n be_v make_v they_o do_v as_o it_o be_v incorporate_a and_o affix_v they_o to_o that_o more_o ancient_a idolatry_n transfer_v the_o name_n of_o most_o of_o their_o god_n to_o the_o heavenly_a body_n or_o asterism_n as_o saturn_n to_o the_o star_n of_o saturn_n mars_n venus_n mercury_n jupiter_n to_o the_o several_a planetary_a body_n and_o to_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n a_o prodigious_a number_n of_o deity_n as_o to_o the_o sun_n phoebus_n apollo_n osiris_n horus_n and_o many_o more_o to_o the_o moon_n diana_n hecate_n venus_n astarte_n and_o many_o other_o so_o that_o although_o we_o shall_v allow_v the_o first_o origination_n of_o those_o heathenish_a deity_n to_o have_v be_v when_o historian_n give_v we_o a_o account_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o the_o idolatry_n perform_v to_o the_o heavenly_a or_o elementary_a body_n the_o sun_n moon_n star_n fire_n aether_n etc._n etc._n may_v have_v have_v a_o long_a practice_n among_o man_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o these_o late_a deity_n 4._o but_o yet_o far_o in_o as_o much_o as_o truth_n be_v certain_o more_o ancient_a than_o error_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o even_o before_o the_o ancient_a form_n of_o idolatrous_a worship_n in_o the_o world_n even_o that_o of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o elementary_a body_n there_o be_v a_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o may_v continue_v many_o age_n before_o any_o sort_n of_o idolatry_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o rash_a to_o conclude_v that_o because_o many_o of_o the_o heathenish_a deity_n have_v their_o know_a original_a that_o therefore_o no_o other_o religion_n antecede_v it_o or_o that_o that_o religion_n soon_o follow_v the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n 5._o beside_o all_o this_o there_o seem_v in_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o suppose_v certain_a vicissitude_n or_o relation_n not_o only_o in_o art_n and_o science_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v but_o even_o in_o the_o religion_n profess_v which_o may_v obtain_v successive_o both_o in_o place_n and_o age_n according_a to_o several_a vicissitude_n we_o see_v that_o in_o the_o country_n of_o palestine_n short_o after_o the_o flood_n idolatry_n obtain_v among_o the_o canaanite_n and_o the_o descendants_n of_o ham_n after_o that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n among_o the_o israelite_n for_o many_o age_n and_o after_o that_o a_o degeneration_n of_o the_o great_a part_n thereof_o to_o idolatry_n again_o in_o the_o country_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n and_o in_o a_o great_a part_n among_o the_o other_o two_o tribe_n after_o that_o a_o reformation_n and_o restitution_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o return_n from_o the_o captivity_n until_o christ_n come_v then_o the_o most_o sound_a and_o perfect_a religion_n namely_o christianity_n obtain_v for_o some_o time_n then_o the_o return_n of_o paganism_n under_o persecute_v roman_a emperor_n then_o the_o prevalence_n again_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o constantine_n and_o some_o that_o succeed_v he_o then_o popish_a superstition_n after_o that_o turcism_n and_o mahumetanism_n especial_o in_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n palestine_n egypt_n and_o other_o part_n of_o asia_n and_o africa_n thus_o various_a profession_n of_o religion_n have_v have_v various_a vicissitude_n revolution_n and_o successive_a alteration_n in_o place_n and_o age_n albertus_n magnus_n as_o i_o remember_v with_o somewhat_o too_o much_o curiosity_n and_o somewhat_o transport_v with_o too_o much_o fancifulness_n towards_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a motion_n and_o astrological_a calculation_n suppose_v that_o religion_n have_v
have_v its_o successive_a alteration_n and_o season_n according_a to_o certain_a periodical_a revolution_n of_o the_o planet_n to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n he_o assign_v the_o presidency_n of_o saturn_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o downward_o according_a to_o several_a successive_a assign_a period_n these_o be_v vain_a conjecture_n but_o they_o serve_v to_o explain_v what_o i_o mean_v namely_o that_o there_o may_v be_v successive_a alteration_n and_o change_n in_o the_o profess_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n in_o successive_a age_n and_o successive_o in_o the_o same_o and_o other_o place_n of_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o determine_v the_o epocha_n of_o the_o commencement_n of_o mankind_n by_o any_o one_o form_n or_o shape_n of_o religion_n profess_v in_o the_o world_n for_o there_o may_v be_v some_o religion_n antecedent_n to_o that_o which_o to_o we_o in_o this_o age_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o ancient_a but_o still_o with_o this_o probable_a conclusion_n that_o since_o truth_n be_v more_o ancient_a than_o error_n it_o seem_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o religion_n that_o be_v primitive_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o not_o idolatry_n or_o worship_v of_o man_n or_o idol_n or_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o although_o we_o have_v no_o monument_n extant_a of_o any_o religion_n ancient_a than_o idolatry_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o that_o idolatrous_a religion_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a or_o coeval_fw-fr to_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n but_o rather_o that_o mankind_n have_v a_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n much_o antecedent_n to_o such_o idolatrous_a worship_n wherein_o the_o true_a god_n be_v for_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n true_o worship_v and_o that_o partly_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o mankind_n partly_o by_o the_o apostasy_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o gradual_a decay_n of_o that_o true_a and_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n prevail_v and_o obtain_v in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o mankind_n have_v a_o origination_n and_o be_v not_o without_o beginning_n yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o idolatrous_a deity_n be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n cap._n vi_o a_o five_o consideration_n concern_v the_o decay_n especial_o of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o decay_n and_o what_o may_v be_v collect_v concern_v the_o origination_n of_o man_n upon_o that_o supposition_n this_o argument_n have_v be_v excellent_o handle_v by_o dr._n hakewell_n i_o shall_v therefore_o be_v the_o short_a in_o it_o yet_o somewhat_o i_o shall_v say_v concern_v it_o some_o of_o those_o that_o have_v be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n have_v observe_v two_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o be_v true_a will_v certain_o give_v we_o a_o irrefragable_a argument_n against_o the_o eternal_a succession_n of_o mankind_n viz._n 1._o that_o the_o age_n of_o man_n grow_v gradual_o short_a and_o short_a 2._o that_o the_o quantity_n of_o humane_a body_n be_v ordinary_o heretofore_o much_o large_a than_o they_o be_v now_o and_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o gradual_a decay_n of_o that_o natural_a vigour_n and_o strength_n they_o decline_v to_o a_o small_a stature_n thus_o plutarch_n inter_fw-la placita_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la tell_v we_o out_o of_o empedocles_n nostrae_fw-la aetatis_fw-la homines_fw-la priscis_fw-la comparatos_fw-la infantium_fw-la instar_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o yet_o empedocles_n live_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o 2000_o year_n since_o and_o plutarch_n near_o 1500_o year_n since_o and_o pliny_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o book_n of_o his_o natural_a history_n cap._n 16._o tell_v we_o the_o same_o in_o plenum_fw-la autem_fw-la cuncto_fw-la mortalium_fw-la generi_fw-la minorem_fw-la indy_n fieri_fw-la propemodum_fw-la observatur_fw-la rarósque_fw-la patribus_fw-la proceriores_fw-la consument_fw-la ubertate_fw-la seminum_fw-la exustione_fw-la in_fw-la cujus_fw-la vice_n nunc_fw-la vergat_fw-la aevum_fw-la and_o some_o instance_n be_v give_v there_o and_o by_o the_o additional_a note_n thereupon_o of_o the_o great_a sceleton_n of_o man_n body_n find_v in_o several_a age_n and_o that_o jam_fw-la ante_fw-la annos_fw-la mille_fw-la vates_fw-la ille_fw-la homerus_fw-la non_fw-la cessavit_fw-la minora_fw-la corpora_fw-la mortalium_fw-la quam_fw-la prisca_fw-la conqueri_fw-la and_o indeed_o if_o this_o natural_a decrease_v of_o the_o age_n of_o man_n life_n and_o their_o bodily_a stature_n have_v hold_v such_o a_o proportion_n it_o will_v not_o only_o avoid_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o eternal_a succession_n of_o mankind_n but_o will_v also_o give_v we_o a_o very_a late_a epocha_n of_o their_o first_o origination_n for_o a_o very_a ancient_a original_a accompany_v with_o such_o a_o natural_a decrease_v of_o age_n and_o stature_n by_o reason_n of_o that_o insensible_a but_o unintermit_v decay_n of_o the_o strength_n and_o stature_n of_o nature_n will_v have_v long_a since_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o be_v but_o ephemerae_n in_o duration_n and_o little_a other_o than_o infect_v in_o extent_n or_o rather_o whole_o determine_v and_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o whole_a species_n infinite_a age_n past_a but_o it_o seem_v that_o these_o be_v mistake_v complaint_n both_o of_o empedocles_n and_o homer_n for_o sure_o in_o so_o great_a a_o period_n as_o 2000_o or_o 1500_o year_n elapse_v since_o the_o death_n of_o those_o man_n the_o experiment_n of_o that_o decrease_v will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o obvious_a and_o observable_a than_o we_o find_v it_o at_o this_o day_n and_o although_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o other_o creature_n subject_a to_o corruption_n if_o leave_v to_o itself_o without_o the_o continue_a subsidium_fw-la and_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n will_v soon_o have_v fall_v into_o dissolution_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la and_o without_o the_o incessant_a and_o corrode_a invasion_n of_o so_o long_a a_o time_n yet_o that_o same_o power_n that_o first_o give_v be_v to_o thing_n have_v support_v their_o successive_a generation_n in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o natural_a vigour_n that_o it_o ever_o have_v abate_v those_o accidental_a occurrence_n that_o sin_n excess_n and_o other_o occurrence_n have_v bring_v into_o thing_n first_o therefore_o as_o touch_v the_o decay_n of_o the_o age_n of_o man_n life_n we_o do_v indeed_o learn_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n for_o no_o humane_a history_n reach_v so_o high_a that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v very_o long_o especial_o before_o and_o for_o some_o time_n after_o the_o flood_n and_o this_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n providence_n and_o goodness_n order_v for_o most_o excellent_a end_n namely_o the_o people_n of_o the_o new_a world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o his_o own_o will_n or_o at_o least_o by_o mean_n unknown_a to_o we_o in_o arphaxad_a the_o son_n of_o shem_o the_o great_a age_n of_o the_o ancient_n be_v cut_v to_o half_n namely_o to_o 440_o year_n and_o in_o his_o grandchild_n peleg_n it_o be_v again_o cut_v to_o half_n for_o he_o live_v but_o 242_o year_n and_o it_o be_v also_o true_a that_o afterward_o gradual_o to_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n the_o life_n of_o man_n become_v short_a and_o short_a till_o they_o fix_v in_o that_o common_a period_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n of_o 70_o or_o 80_o year_n and_o although_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n give_v we_o some_o account_n of_o long_a life_n of_o man_n as_o the_o life_n of_o moses_n aaron_n phinehas_n and_o some_o other_o and_o those_o mention_v by_o pliny_n lib._n 7._o cap._n 48._o and_o some_o in_o our_o own_o experience_n yet_o moses_n himself_o state_v the_o ordinary_a standard_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n to_o be_v 70_o or_o at_o most_o 80_o year_n psal_n 90.10_o 2_o sam._n 19.32_o 35._o and_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v true_a upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o chronological_a account_n of_o the_o year_n of_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n and_o king_n that_o succeed_v moses_n as_o likewise_o of_o the_o time_n that_o the_o israelite_n live_v in_o the_o wilderness_n all_o which_o that_o be_v twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_o at_o the_o come_n into_o the_o wilderness_n when_o the_o spy_n be_v send_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v short_o after_o their_o come_n thither_o all_o these_o i_o say_v except_o joshua_n and_o caleb_n die_v within_o the_o 40_o year_n peregrination_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o at_o this_o stay_v the_o ordinary_a age_n of_o man_n have_v be_v for_o these_o 4000_o year_n abate_v those_o casualty_n either_o of_o disease_n or_o other_o accident_n that_o have_v shorten_v the_o ordinary_a complete_a
and_o the_o humane_a nature_n almighty_a god_n be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o excellent_a and_o sovereign_a object_n of_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n it_o be_v true_a he_o fall_v not_o under_o the_o last_o qualification_n though_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o one_o most_o simple_a uncompounded_a be_v yet_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n his_o power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o all_o other_o excellency_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o intellectual_a nature_n but_o himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v a_o object_n infinite_o too_o large_a for_o the_o comprehension_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n he_o be_v a_o light_n too_o bright_a for_o our_o intellective_a eye_n to_o see_v but_o by_o reflection_n or_o through_o the_o veil_n of_o his_o word_n or_o work_n the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o he_o and_o the_o more_o we_o draw_v near_o unto_o he_o by_o serious_a and_o humble_a contemplation_n the_o more_o we_o discover_v a_o endless_a and_o unsearchable_a ocean_n and_o perfection_n in_o he_o so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n his_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o and_o much_o more_o his_o essence_n and_o perfection_n so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o the_o most_o desirable_a object_n of_o create_a understanding_n he_o be_v a_o object_n infinite_o too_o large_a for_o it_o but_o although_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o perfection_n he_o be_v a_o object_n unproportionate_a to_o a_o create_a understanding_n a_o light_n too_o bright_a and_o a_o ocean_n too_o large_a and_o too_o deep_a for_o it_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o his_o knowledge_n attainable_a by_o we_o as_o be_v sufficient_a for_o use_v nature_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v attainable_a by_o our_o narrow_a create_a understanding_n high_o advance_v the_o humane_a understanding_n upon_o all_o account_n and_o infinite_o excel_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o object_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o these_o ensue_a account_n among_o many_o other_o first_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o such_o a_o object_n that_o have_v the_o great_a and_o most_o convince_a certainty_n in_o the_o world_n a_o certainty_n that_o he_o be_v and_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n a_o certainty_n what_o he_o be_v for_o though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o or_o all_o the_o create_v being_n in_o the_o world_n to_o attain_v a_o distinct_a perfect_a and_o full_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n in_o their_o full_a adequate_a distinct_a perfection_n yet_o that_o image_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v do_v with_o all_o imaginable_a certainty_n evince_n that_o he_o be_v that_o he_o be_v but_o one_o one_o most_o intelligent_a wise_a powerful_a free_a good_a simple_a eternal_a infinite_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v the_o fountain_n of_o be_v and_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n though_o we_o can_v attain_v the_o full_a comprehension_n of_o that_o perfection_n and_o true_o it_o be_v no_o small_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o that_o great_a and_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v and_o perfection_n of_o almighty_a god_n the_o principle_n and_o object_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o advance_v and_o perfect_a of_o humane_a nature_n shall_v be_v write_v in_o such_o plain_a clear_a and_o evident_a character_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o evince_v by_o evidence_n rise_v from_o thence_o as_o be_v obvious_a to_o any_o person_n that_o have_v but_o the_o common_a use_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o honesty_n to_o use_v and_o exercise_v it_o sincere_o second_o it_o be_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a object_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o may_v and_o do_v most_o ennoble_v and_o advance_v the_o intellective_a faculty_n he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o be_v and_o of_o all_o perfection_n those_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o the_o noble_a create_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n be_v but_o shadow_n of_o that_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o he_o though_o a_o create_a understanding_n can_v never_o take_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n yet_o so_o much_o as_o it_o can_v or_o do_v receive_v thereof_o be_v of_o great_a extent_n use_n and_o value_n and_o do_v more_o advance_v and_o enrich_v the_o faculty_n than_o any_o other_o object_n in_o the_o world_n though_o that_o other_o object_n be_v full_o and_o adequate_o know_v three_o although_o the_o understanding_n can_v never_o search_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a excess_n of_o this_o object_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o create_a faculty_n yet_o there_o be_v that_o congruity_n between_o this_o faculty_n and_o this_o object_n that_o connatural_a ordination_n as_o it_o be_v of_o intellective_a faculty_n to_o this_o object_n as_o if_o it_o be_v if_o not_o only_o yet_o principal_o lodge_v in_o the_o humane_a nature_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o object_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o commensurableness_n between_o this_o object_n and_o a_o create_a understanding_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o congruity_n and_o connaturality_n between_o they_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o so_o much_o as_o we_o do_v or_o can_v know_v of_o god_n be_v delightful_a and_o grateful_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o though_o this_o abyss_n of_o excellency_n be_v infinite_a yet_o it_o do_v not_o confound_v nor_o disorder_n nor_o overwhelm_v the_o understanding_n in_o its_o modest_a and_o due_a search_n into_o it_o and_o beside_o although_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o many_o of_o his_o attribute_n as_o infinitude_n immensity_n indivisibility_n etc._n etc._n do_v dazzle_v our_o understanding_n yet_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o the_o manifestation_n thereof_o be_v not_o only_o high_o delectable_a to_o the_o intellective_a faculty_n but_o be_v suitable_a and_o easy_o conceptible_a by_o we_o because_o apparent_a in_o his_o work_n as_o his_o goodness_n beneficence_n wisdom_n power_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o certain_o it_o be_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n unto_o his_o creature_n man_n that_o when_o he_o know_v all_o his_o own_o excellency_n be_v too_o great_a and_o too_o bright_a for_o we_o to_o see_v he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o discover_v so_o much_o of_o himself_o as_o be_v fit_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v by_o mean_n that_o our_o faculty_n may_v use_v without_o dissipation_n distraction_n or_o too_o great_a astonishment_n namely_o first_o by_o his_o work_n reflect_v his_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n second_o by_o his_o word_n by_o divine_a revelation_n discover_v his_o goodness_n mercy_n power_n and_o truth_n three_o by_o his_o son_n through_o the_o veil_n of_o our_o flesh_n by_o all_o which_o that_o brightness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o divine_a excellence_n that_o by_o a_o immediate_a intuition_n or_o exhibition_n would-have_a overwhelm_v our_o intellective_a faculty_n as_o it_o stand_v unite_v to_o our_o body_n be_v present_v to_o we_o more_o proportionate_o to_o our_o capacity_n and_o faculty_n by_o a_o kind_n of_o refraction_n and_o a_o more_o easy_a and_o familiar_a manifestation_n four_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a object_n of_o our_o knowledge_n that_o can_v be_v and_o in_o comparison_n of_o this_o all_o other_o knowledge_n be_v vain_a light_a and_o impertinent_a and_o indeed_o all_o other_o knowledge_n be_v valuable_a upon_o this_o single_a account_n by_o how_o much_o it_o give_v we_o a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o lead_v and_o conduct_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o his_o attribute_n if_o i_o consider_v myself_o in_o this_o life_n there_o be_v not_o a_o moment_n which_o i_o live_v or_o wherein_o i_o have_v any_o contentation_n or_o comfort_n or_o convenience_n but_o all_o this_o i_o have_v from_o his_o influence_n and_o bounty_n and_o certain_o it_o concern_v i_o high_o to_o know_v my_o benefactor_n from_o who_o i_o receive_v my_o good_a that_o i_o may_v depend_v upon_o he_o be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o probitiate_v he_o and_o make_v my_o application_n to_o he_o for_o what_o i_o want_v again_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o have_v search_v after_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n though_o they_o have_v miss_v of_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v have_v with_o great_a reason_n place_v the_o best_a happiness_n that_o can_v be_v find_v on_o this_o side_n death_n either_o in_o virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n thereof_o or_o in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n or_o in_o both_o for_o they_o be_v rare_o asunder_o now_o i_o may_v be_v a_o excellent_a mathematician_n a_o
while_n rest_v unmoveable_a and_o keep_v the_o same_o unaltered_a site_n or_o position_n in_o itself_o so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o coexistence_n of_o successive_a being_n with_o the_o indivisible_a fix_v permanent_a state_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n but_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o answer_v or_o weaken_v the_o reason_n before_o give_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o successive_a generation_n or_o individual_n which_o be_v not_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a can_v be_v extend_v to_o a_o great_a extent_n at_o the_o hithermost_a and_o conclude_a extreme_a as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o for_o at_o the_o hither_o end_v it_o be_v quasi_fw-la quid_fw-la finitum_fw-la but_o that_o those_o being_n that_o must_v by_o their_o successive_a existence_n excrescere_fw-la in_o multitudinem_fw-la sive_fw-la numerum_fw-la can_v be_v eternal_a upon_o a_o certain_a intrinsic_a incongruity_n between_o multitude_n and_o number_n of_o the_o one_o part_n and_o infinite_a of_o the_o other_o part_n but_o in_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n there_o be_v neither_o multitude_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o succession_n and_o this_o be_v my_o second_o answer_n 3._o my_o three_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o although_o it_o may_v be_v and_o certain_o be_v consistent_a with_o a_o eternal_a duration_n that_o it_o may_v be_v short_a or_o it_o may_v be_v long_o upon_o the_o hither_o end_v thereof_o namely_o that_o extreme_a wherein_o it_o be_v finite_a as_o be_v before_o show_v yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n to_o be_v long_o or_o short_a à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la in_o the_o extreme_a or_o remote_a part_n thereof_o as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o for_o upon_o that_o supposition_n it_o shall_v be_v utrinque_fw-la clausa_fw-la terminate_v in_o the_o moment_n wherein_o i_o write_v and_o terminate_v or_o limit_v by_o a_o antecedent_n be_v or_o duration_n of_o something_o else_o with_o reverence_n be_v it_o speak_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o compass_n of_o nature_n may_v bear_v a_o eternal_a creation_n yet_o if_o that_o creation_n be_v but_o a_o moment_n after_o the_o divine_a existence_n that_o create_v be_v can_v not_o be_v eternal_a because_o it_o have_v a_o pre-existence_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v before_o it_o nay_o though_o i_o use_v the_o expression_n of_o a_o antecedent_n moment_n to_o render_v my_o conception_n yet_o that_o very_o imaginable_a moment_n must_v be_v a_o infinite_a duration_n antecedent_n to_o that_o create_v be_v and_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o will_v consequent_o deny_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o create_v be_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v eternal_a since_o it_o must_v ex_fw-la suppositione_n have_v a_o pre-existing_a moment_n of_o the_o divine_a existence_n if_o that_o mora_fw-la prae-existentiae_a divinae_fw-la be_v not_o eternal_a but_o a_o moment_n or_o any_o limit_a duration_n less_o than_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o addition_n of_o a_o limit_a time_n to_o a_o limit_a or_o non-eternal_a time_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v eternal_a and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n the_o eternal_a incomprehensible_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o this_o dispute_n which_o be_v not_o create_v being_n nor_o distinct_a from_o the_o divine_a essence_n or_o essential_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o but_o one_o incomprehensible_a god_n bless_v for_o ever_o though_o under_o a_o personal_a distinction_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o matter_n the_o reason_n herein_o give_v do_v not_o at_o all_o infirm_a the_o important_a reason_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o mankind_n because_o necessary_o there_o will_v upon_o such_o a_o supposition_n follow_v a_o eternity_n that_o have_v a_o beginning_n a_o eternity_n that_o be_v puisne_n to_o some_o other_o thing_n or_o some_o other_o eternal_a and_o that_o although_o that_o duration_n which_o be_v infinite_a in_o one_o extreme_a namely_o à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la and_o finite_a at_o another_o extreme_a namely_o by_o the_o present_a time_n may_v have_v a_o increase_n accession_n or_o addition_n in_o that_o part_n in_o which_o it_o be_v finite_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o in_o that_o extreme_a wherein_o it_o be_v infinity_o and_o eternity_n consist_v this_o be_v the_o chief_a stress_n of_o the_o former_a debate_n which_o be_v no_o way_n impugn_a by_o the_o instance_n here_o give_v for_o the_o glorious_a god_n and_o his_o eternal_a existence_n be_v such_o that_o it_o have_v not_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o it_o neither_o be_v it_o measure_v by_o successive_a part_n but_o be_v simple_o eternal_a infinite_a before_o all_o thing_n without_o beginning_n of_o be_v or_o duration_n as_o well_o as_o without_o end_n and_o such_o a_o duration_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o or_o any_o thing_n equal_o ancient_a to_o it_o but_o ever_o be_v and_o ever_o have_v be_v or_o existence_n that_o be_v eternal_o and_o immutable_o the_o same_o what_o once_o he_o be_v he_o ever_o be_v still_o be_v and_o ever_o shall_v be_v 5._o a_o five_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o because_o we_o have_v former_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v eternal_a and_o together_o with_o it_o have_v variety_n of_o operation_n the_o glorious_a eternal_a god_n have_v variety_n of_o operation_n in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n his_o emanant_fw-la action_n and_o also_o in_o the_o counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n his_o immanent_a action_n and_o therefore_o the_o position_n seem_v to_o be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o eternity_n of_o almighty_a god_n i_o have_v not_o insert_v this_o objection_n but_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o no_o way_n in_o the_o least_o imaginable_a degree_n derogate_v from_o the_o truth_n concern_v god_n i_o therefore_o answer_v that_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o alteration_n or_o change_n it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v one_o of_o these_o kind_n 1._o a_o alteration_n that_o with_o it_o carry_v a_o change_n of_o the_o nature_n or_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o thus_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n generation_n or_o corruption_n or_o the_o essential_a change_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o be_v into_o another_o thing_n thus_o corporeal_a matter_n under_o any_o determinate_a form_n be_v changeable_a and_o such_o a_o mutability_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v consistent_a with_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o impossible_a for_o the_o glorious_a god_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o any_o change_n for_o he_o necessary_o and_o therefore_o eternal_o exist_v and_o must_v ever_o exist_v 2._o a_o alteration_n of_o state_n or_o condition_n of_o any_o be_v which_o yet_o as_o to_o its_o essential_a condition_n persist_v as_o before_o thus_o body_n be_v every_o moment_n change_v sometime_o in_o quality_n as_o from_o hot_a to_o cold_a sometime_o in_o figure_n sometime_o in_o dimension_n as_o the_o motion_n of_o augmentation_n and_o diminution_n a_o child_n grow_v unto_o the_o stature_n of_o a_o youth_n and_o then_o of_o a_o man_n and_o such_o being_n as_o these_o can_v sustain_v a_o eternal_a duration_n à _fw-la parte_fw-la ante_fw-la and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o ever-glorious_a god_n be_v perfect_o unchangeable_a without_o so_o much_o as_o a_o shadow_n of_o change_n but_o eternal_o and_o immutable_o the_o same_o 3._o a_o change_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o immanent_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n in_o a_o be_v endue_v therewith_o as_o to_o know_v that_o which_o before_o it_o know_v not_o to_o will_v purpose_n or_o determine_v what_o before_o it_o will_v not_o or_o purpose_v not_o the_o schoolman_n be_v indeed_o many_o of_o they_o a_o generation_n of_o man_n that_o think_v they_o can_v give_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n even_o those_o that_o be_v immanent_a when_o yet_o god_n know_v it_o be_v more_o possible_a for_o the_o infant_n of_o a_o span_n long_o to_o discern_v and_o understand_v and_o define_v and_o determine_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o abstruse_a notion_n of_o the_o most_o seraphical_a doctor_n than_o for_o such_o a_o doctor_n to_o give_v a_o estimate_n of_o the_o hide_a operation_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n and_o will_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v too_o bold_a to_o adventure_v upon_o such_o determination_n touch_v these_o operation_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n and_o in_o the_o upshot_n arrive_v at_o nothing_o touch_v they_o but_o presumptuous_a uncertain_a and_o dangerous_a speculation_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n so_o and_o much_o
of_o mankind_n be_v by_o the_o same_o wise_a and_o provident_a power_n and_o that_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v accommodate_v to_o itself_o so_o this_o world_n be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o exigence_n and_o convenience_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n when_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o admirable_a congruity_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o how_o it_o correspond_v and_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o convenience_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o those_o antecedent_n prophecy_n promise_n and_o direction_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n bear_v a_o admirable_a congruity_n to_o the_o model_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n notwithstanding_o the_o vast_a distance_n between_o the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o and_o how_o all_o the_o scheme_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n bear_v a_o admirable_a accommodation_n each_o to_o other_o and_o to_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o give_v we_o a_o strong_a moral_a evidence_n that_o the_o same_o one_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o although_o there_o seem_v a_o diversity_n and_o variety_n in_o the_o administration_n yet_o when_o i_o look_v upon_o they_o together_o compare_v the_o congruity_n of_o what_o go_v before_o to_o what_o follow_v it_o seem_v one_o most_o beautiful_a piece_n fit_v and_o accommodate_v in_o every_o part_n to_o the_o other_o and_o hereby_o i_o satisfy_v myself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v all_o of_o one_o piece_n and_o one_o common_a author_n of_o it_o namely_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o admirable_a accommodation_n that_o one_o part_n thereof_o have_v to_o the_o other_o and_o also_o look_v upon_o the_o mundus_fw-la aspectabilis_fw-la especial_o this_o low_a world_n wherewith_o we_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o its_o vicinity_n best_o acquaint_v and_o observe_v how_o admirable_o the_o same_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o animal_n life_n of_o man_n and_o although_o the_o part_n thereof_o be_v distinct_a various_a distant_a yet_o there_o be_v draw_v from_o it_o line_n of_o accommodation_n and_o communication_n to_o the_o use_v of_o the_o humane_a nature_n so_o exact_o and_o apposite_o that_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o acknowledge_v one_o common_a author_n both_o of_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a world_n and_o such_o a_o author_n as_o make_v and_o dispose_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o high_a wisdom_n and_o the_o wise_a choice_n if_o there_o have_v be_v divers_a author_n of_o the_o great_a and_o lesser_a world_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v a_o accommodation_n of_o thing_n so_o disparate_a one_o to_o another_o unless_o both_o have_v act_v in_o subordination_n to_o one_o common_a third_n be_v or_o by_o one_o common_a counsel_n again_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o casualty_n or_o chance_n can_v have_v accommodate_v thing_n of_o various_a kind_n one_o to_o another_o if_o chance_n can_v make_v a_o beam_n of_o a_o house_n and_o can_v have_v make_v tenant_n at_o either_o end_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o conceive_v that_o chance_n can_v cast_v it_o to_o be_v just_a of_o a_o fit_a length_n to_o answer_v the_o congruity_n of_o its_o contignation_n to_o another_o piece_n of_o timber_n or_o fit_v the_o mortise_n of_o other_o piece_n of_o timber_n to_o those_o tenant_n or_o fit_v the_o particle_n and_o scantlet_n to_o answer_v just_a one_o another_o this_o must_v of_o necessity_n require_v a_o workman_n that_o work_v by_o understanding_n choice_n and_o appropriation_n because_o it_o require_v accommodation_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o several_a kind_n to_o one_o end_v by_o several_a mean_n thus_o therefore_o when_o i_o see_v the_o admirable_a accommodation_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o its_o own_o existence_n and_o convenience_n the_o admirable_a accommodation_n therein_o of_o thing_n of_o different_a nature_n one_o to_o another_o as_o organ_n to_o faculty_n sinew_n to_o bone_n nerve_n to_o muscle_n spirit_n to_o nerve_n when_o i_o see_v the_o excellent_a accommodation_n of_o this_o low_a world_n especial_o to_o the_o humane_a nature_n although_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o several_a and_o heterogeneal_a i_o can_v without_o violence_n to_o my_o own_o observation_n experience_n and_o reason_n i_o say_v i_o can_v but_o attribute_v the_o first_o formation_n of_o humane_a nature_n yea_o and_o of_o all_o the_o universe_n to_o one_o most_o wise_a intelligent_a powerful_a be_v who_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n after_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o excellent_a idea_n of_o his_o unsearchable_a understanding_n cap._n v._n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o intelligent_a agent_n that_o first_o form_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o some_o objection_n against_o the_o inference_n above_o make_v and_o their_o answer_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n reduce_v the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n to_o a_o intelligent_a efficient_a effect_v it_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la efficientis_fw-la voluntarii_fw-la &_o per_fw-la intentionem_fw-la i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n inquire_v what_o kind_n of_o intelligent_a efficient_a this_o be_v for_o among_o intelligent_a being_n there_o be_v one_o primum_fw-la the_o glorious_a god_n who_o understanding_n power_n and_o goodness_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o heathen_a intelligentiae_fw-la à _fw-la primo_fw-la those_o which_o aristotle_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o separate_a intelligence_n plato_n call_v dii_fw-la ex_fw-la diis_fw-la and_o we_o common_o call_v angel_n very_o glorious_a and_o powerful_a creature_n which_o plato_n take_v into_o the_o business_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o corporeal_a frame_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o the_o effection_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o any_o part_n thereof_o be_v not_o attributable_a to_o the_o angel_n neither_o as_o instrumental_a much_o less_o as_o principal_a cause_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n it_o seem_v beyond_o dispute_n for_o that_o be_v a_o create_a substance_n and_o creation_n of_o any_o new_a substance_n be_v a_o infinite_a motion_n be_v not_o within_o the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a nature_n the_o pretence_n therefore_o rest_v only_o as_o to_o the_o corporeal_a or_o at_o least_o animal_n nature_n 2._o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o bodily_a much_o less_o the_o animal_n nature_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v neither_o coordinate_o nor_o instrumental_o the_o work_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o make_v out_o this_o truth_n be_v these_o 1._o it_o seem_v utter_o above_o a_o angelical_a power_n to_o organize_v the_o body_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o generation_n the_o parent_n who_o be_v inferior_a in_o nature_n to_o angel_n do_v organize_v the_o body_n at_o least_o mediante_a semine_fw-la yet_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o virtue_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o ordination_n and_o institution_n of_o almighty_a god_n so_o that_o as_o well_o man_n as_o the_o semen_n genitale_fw-it be_v the_o instrument_n depute_v by_o almighty_a god_n in_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a power_n to_o propagate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o first_o formation_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v a_o new_a formation_n not_o according_a to_o the_o law_n establish_v after_o in_o nature_n the_o first_o production_n of_o mankind_n be_v immediate_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n and_o not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o any_o subordinate_a intelligence_n 2._o again_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v but_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n must_v be_v complete_v in_o a_o instant_n for_o how_o be_v it_o conceptible_a that_o first_o there_o shall_v be_v corpus_fw-la formatum_fw-la with_o all_o the_o organ_n vessel_n blood_n and_o spirit_n dispose_v and_o order_v in_o their_o several_a cell_n and_o motion_n unless_o man_n have_v be_v then_o at_o the_o same_o time_n animate_v as_o well_o as_o organise_v for_o the_o outward_a shape_n or_o stature_n of_o a_o man_n be_v no_o more_o a_o fit_a receptacle_n of_o a_o animal_n much_o less_o of_o a_o rational_a life_n than_o a_o statue_n of_o wax_n or_o stone_n the_o same_o hand_n therefore_o that_o animate_v form_v and_o fashion_v also_o the_o same_o humane_a body_n in_o the_o same_o moment_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o volition_n determination_n or_o faciamus_fw-la of_o the_o divine_a will._n 3._o as_o we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o evidence_n of_o the_o angelical_a concurrence_n or_o instrumentality_n in_o the_o formation_n of_o man_n or_o of_o any_o of_o the_o low_a animal_n so_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o such_o a_o supposition_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o multiply_v cause_n without_o necessity_n for_o as_o the_o bare_a determination_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a
institute_v and_o statuminate_v nature_n be_v his_o law_n and_o his_o institution_n and_o the_o connexion_n of_o natural_a effect_n to_o their_o natural_a cause_n be_v his_o institution_n his_o law_n his_o order_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v neither_o deny_v a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o connexion_n between_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_n but_o that_o which_o we_o just_o blame_v in_o these_o man_n that_o pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o great_a priest_n of_o nature_n and_o admirer_n and_o adorer_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v and_o observe_v that_o this_o which_o they_o and_o we_o call_v nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o wise_a institute_v law_n of_o the_o most_o wise_a powerful_a and_o intelligent_a be_v as_o real_o and_o true_o as_o a_o edict_n of_o trajan_n or_o justinian_n be_v a_o law_n of_o trajan_n or_o justinian_n sic_fw-la paruis_fw-la magna_fw-la and_o 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consideration_n that_o the_o first_o individual_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v their_o original_a from_o a_o great_a powerful_a wise_a intelligent_a be_v i_o now_o come_v to_o that_o upon_o which_o i_o have_v my_o eye_n from_o the_o first_o line_n that_o be_v write_v touch_v this_o subject_a namely_o the_o consequence_n and_o illation_n that_o arise_v from_o this_o great_a truth_n contain_v in_o these_o conclusion_n 1._o that_o mankind_n have_v a_o original_a of_o his_o be_v ex_fw-la non_fw-la genitis_fw-la 2._o that_o this_o origination_n of_o mankind_n be_v neither_o casual_a nor_o mere_o natural_a 3._o that_o the_o efficient_a of_o man_n origination_n be_v and_o be_v a_o intelligent_a efficient_a of_o a_o incomparable_a wisdom_n and_o power_n first_o therefore_o we_o have_v here_o a_o most_o evident_a sensible_a and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o consist_v principal_o in_o the_o acknowledge_v of_o almighty_a god_n 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sea_n heal_v of_o the_o sick_a by_o a_o touch_n or_o word_n raise_v the_o dead_a etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v far_o say_v that_o almighty_a god_n never_o use_v miracle_n to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o existence_n power_n wisdom_n goodness_n or_o for_o the_o establish_n of_o natural_a religion_n or_o the_o confute_v of_o atheism_n but_o i_o take_v it_o that_o there_o be_v real_o as_o many_o miracle_n for_o the_o evince_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n viz._n the_o exist_v of_o almighty_a god_n as_o there_o be_v work_n in_o nature_n for_o although_o it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o position_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o elementary_a body_n their_o motion_n light_n influence_n regularity_n position_n propagation_n of_o vegetable_n animal_n man_n and_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n settle_v in_o a_o regular_a course_n so_o that_o now_o we_o 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darken_v or_o the_o great_a luminous_a or_o planetary_a body_n shall_v bulge_v and_o fall_v foul_a one_o upon_o the_o other_o or_o that_o disorder_n or_o confusion_n shall_v general_o fall_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o break_v that_o excellent_a order_n that_o now_o obtain_v among_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v full_a of_o admiration_n of_o such_o a_o change_n and_o account_v they_o miraculous_a and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o change_n be_v at_o present_a incumbent_n upon_o we_o and_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o as_o strong_a unusual_a miraculous_a prodigy_n when_o all_o this_o while_n nature_n course_n hold_v regular_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n be_v ten_o time_n great_a in_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o now_o stand_v than_o it_o will_v be_v in_o such_o a_o discomposure_n of_o nature_n the_o motion_n and_o light_n and_o position_n and_o order_n of_o the_o heavenly_a and_o elementary_a body_n be_v a_o great_a
faculty_n be_v but_o a_o part_n of_o that_o admirable_a effect_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n it_o rather_o advance_v than_o any_o way_n depreciate_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o first_o efficient_a of_o mankind_n that_o he_o be_v form_v together_o with_o such_o a_o power_n of_o propagate_a his_o kind_n 2._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n we_o learn_v what_o he_o be_v as_o this_o work_n the_o primitive_a effection_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o be_v effect_v but_o by_o a_o intelligent_a be_v so_o when_o we_o see_v such_o a_o work_n as_o this_o we_o can_v choose_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v transcendent_o wise_a transcendent_o powerful_a transcendent_o good_a that_o such_o be_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n appear_v by_o his_o work_n and_o that_o such_o be_v his_o goodness_n appear_v in_o that_o free_o without_o any_o motive_n or_o 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which_o a_o intelligent_a be_v may_v act_v yet_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n or_o order_n be_v a_o dead_a unactive_a uneffective_a thing_n of_o itself_o without_o a_o agent_n that_o use_v it_o and_o exercise_v it_o as_o his_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o action_n what_o will_v a_o law_n signify_v in_o a_o kingdom_n or_o state_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n that_o do_v exercise_v and_o execute_v and_o judge_n and_o determine_v and_o act_n by_o it_o or_o according_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o aristotle_n in_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la attribute_v to_o he_o though_o in_o the_o description_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o constancy_n of_o his_o work_n he_o style_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lex_fw-la aequabiliter_fw-la in_o nos_fw-la fusa_fw-la nec_fw-la transpositionem_fw-la nec_fw-la correctionem_fw-la ullam_fw-la recipiens_fw-la praestantior_fw-la &_o firmior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la quae_fw-la in_o tabulis_fw-la descriptae_fw-la contineantur_fw-la yet_o he_o rest_v not_o in_o that_o description_n but_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v that_o act_n by_o empire_n and_o command_n and_o will_n quod_fw-la in_o navi_fw-la guhernator_fw-la in_fw-la curru_fw-la auriga_fw-la in_fw-la choro_fw-la preceptor_n in_o civitate_fw-la lex_fw-la in_fw-la exercitu_fw-la imperator_fw-la hoc_fw-la idem_fw-la in_o mundo_fw-la deus_fw-la so_o that_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n a_o bare_a independent_a law_n be_v incompetent_a but_o there_o must_v be_v a_o intelligent_a be_v who_o will_v that_o rule_n and_o law_n which_o we_o call_v nature_n be_v 2._o that_o although_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n that_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n use_v in_o the_o first_o formation_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o cognoscible_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n without_o divine_a revelation_n because_o none_o but_o almighty_a god_n be_v acquaint_v with_o or_o present_a at_o that_o work_n and_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v use_v various_a order_n or_o method_n in_o its_o first_o effection_n yet_o the_o conclusion_n that_o this_o work_n whatever_o particular_a method_n it_o have_v for_o its_o effection_n be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o most_o powerful_a intelligent_a wise_a be_v act_v by_o intellection_n will_n and_o intention_n be_v a_o truth_n apparent_o evident_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o as_o infallible_a a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o if_o a_o man_n can_v have_v be_v present_a and_o see_v the_o work_n do_v as_o i_o do_v most_o rational_o conclude_v a_o excellent_a watch_n or_o other_o automaton_n be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o intelligent_a artist_n though_o i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o particular_a manner_n how_o he_o make_v it_o unless_o i_o be_o particular_o inform_v thereof_o by_o he_o 3._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n extend_v to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n therein_o and_o be_v not_o only_o confine_v to_o thing_n above_o the_o moon_n as_o aristotle_n will_v have_v it_o he_o that_o condescend_v to_o the_o effection_n not_o only_o of_o man_n but_o of_o all_o the_o animal_n of_o this_o low_a world_n certain_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o they_o and_o will_v not_o leave_v they_o without_o the_o regiment_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o immediate_a power_n and_o will._n it_o be_v true_a the_o ordinary_a regiment_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o thing_n natural_a be_v ordinary_o manage_v by_o this_o regular_a and_o ordinary_a law_n of_o nature_n whereof_o we_o have_v speak_v before_o but_o yet_o he_o deal_v not_o by_o the_o world_n as_o i_o deal_v by_o my_o watch_n when_o i_o have_v wound_v it_o up_o i_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o it_o but_o it_o move_v according_a to_o the_o regular_a composure_n of_o it_o but_o he_o communicate_v a_o general_a influence_n to_o it_o whereby_o it_o be_v support_v in_o its_o be_v and_o order_n and_o as_o he_o manifest_v a_o more_o special_a care_n in_o the_o fashion_v of_o man_n so_o he_o afford_v he_o a_o special_a providence_n in_o his_o regiment_n 4._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v not_o only_o the_o original_a of_o those_o admirable_a faculty_n in_o man_n especial_o of_o the_o light_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n whereby_o he_o resemble_v his_o maker_n but_o also_o from_o whence_o he_o have_v that_o intellectual_a soul_n not_o out_o of_o the_o matter_n whereof_o his_o corporeal_a and_o animal_n nature_n be_v constitute_v but_o of_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a extraction_n namely_o by_o creation_n he_o breathe_v into_o he_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n 5._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v to_o be_v confirm_v not_o only_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o create_v spiritual_a nature_n infuse_v into_o he_o by_o the_o almighty_a efficiency_n and_o infusion_n of_o god_n 6._o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o mankind_n be_v of_o kin_n to_o both_o world_n the_o celestial_a and_o elementary_a nexus_fw-la utriusque_fw-la mundi_fw-la capable_a of_o a_o felicity_n beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o inferior_a world_n 7._o from_o hence_o we_o also_o learn_v from_o whence_o these_o common_a notion_n especial_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o these_o anticipation_n of_o some_o moral_a principle_n of_o the_o veneration_n of_o god_n righteousness_n and_o justice_n be_v evident_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n but_o where_o they_o be_v impair_v by_o corrupt_a custom_n or_o education_n from_o whence_o those_o operation_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n be_v discernible_a in_o most_o man_n antecedent_n to_o any_o instruction_n or_o education_n the_o original_n of_o those_o common_a notion_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o intellective_a faculty_n and_o moral_a inclination_n that_o more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o
proportionate_a to_o their_o be_v nature_n and_o capacity_n 2._o and_o as_o thus_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o efficient_a and_o his_o beneficence_n to_o other_o create_a being_n induce_v we_o to_o conclude_v a_o end_n of_o fruition_n design_v to_o man_n so_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o conclude_v the_o same_o man_n have_v in_o the_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o nature_n these_o two_o great_a power_n and_o receptive_a faculty_n whereby_o he_o be_v render_v ample_o capable_a of_o a_o great_a enjoyment_n namely_o his_o understanding_n who_o proper_a object_n be_v truth_n and_o the_o noble_a truth_n that_o be_v and_o its_o proper_a action_n be_v direct_v to_o that_o object_n namely_o intellection_n and_o will_n who_o proper_a object_n be_v good_a and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o sovereign_a the_o good_a be_v the_o more_o suitable_a it_o be_v to_o this_o power_n and_o the_o proper_a act_n of_o this_o power_n be_v to_o reach_v after_o and_o desire_v and_o embrace_v and_o delight_n in_o its_o object_n and_o the_o fill_n of_o these_o two_o receptive_a power_n with_o the_o chief_a intellectual_a truth_n and_o with_o the_o chief_a and_o intellectual_a good_a be_v that_o which_o perfect_v advance_v and_o enable_v these_o faculty_n or_o power_n and_o this_o do_v lead_v we_o to_o a_o just_a discovery_n of_o what_o that_o end_n of_o fruition_n be_v for_o which_o man_n be_v design_v by_o his_o beneficent_a creator_n namely_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a answerable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o those_o power_n or_o faculty_n in_o man_n whereby_o he_o excel_v all_o inferior_a animal_n his_o understanding_n and_o his_o will_n and_o herein_o consist_v his_o happiness_n his_o end_n of_o fruition_n or_o enjoyment_n 1._o as_o to_o his_o understanding_n the_o great_a and_o general_a fruition_n of_o good_a therein_o be_v knowledge_n now_o i_o shall_v distinguish_v these_o object_n of_o knowledge_n or_o scibilia_n into_o two_o kind_n 1._o the_o scibilia_n subordinata_fw-la which_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o intellective_a power_n by_o that_o act_n or_o habit_n which_o we_o call_v knowledge_n do_v advance_v and_o perfect_v this_o power_n or_o faculty_n in_o a_o subordinate_a way_n measure_n or_o degree_n such_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_n of_o art_n liberal_a or_o manual_n of_o rule_n of_o justum_fw-la and_o decorum_n of_o moral_a truth_n and_o the_o like_a this_o give_v a_o subordinate_a perfection_n and_o fruition_n to_o this_o power_n vary_v and_o diversify_v according_a to_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o perfection_n or_o clearness_n of_o their_o perception_n 2._o the_o scibile_fw-la supremum_fw-la which_o be_v the_o ever-glorious_a god_n his_o perfection_n attribute_n wisdom_n power_n goodness_n his_o will_n and_o command_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o that_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v be_v cognoscible_a by_o our_o finite_a understanding_n this_o be_v the_o supreme_a truth_n the_o high_a fruition_n of_o the_o intellective_a power_n and_o the_o great_a perfection_n of_o a_o intellective_a nature_n as_o such_o 2._o again_o as_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_n it_o have_v likewise_o object_n of_o good_a answerable_a to_o the_o former_a distribution_n 1._o the_o subordinate_a good_a of_o moral_a virtue_n honesty_n sobriety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o all_o the_o train_n of_o moral_a virtue_n these_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o will_n in_o their_o act_n and_o constant_a habit_n the_o will_n enjoy_v a_o great_a moral_a good_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n complacency_n and_o delight_n 2._o the_o sovereign_n good_a which_o be_v the_o glorious_a god_n reach_v after_o by_o the_o will_n as_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o enjoy_v in_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n favour_n presence_n influence_n and_o beneficence_n this_o fill_v the_o vast_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n fill_v it_o with_o peace_n contentation_n and_o glory_n and_o keep_v it_o nevertheless_o in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n by_o return_n of_o gratitude_n humble_a love_n obedience_n and_o all_o imaginable_a extension_n of_o itself_o for_o the_o service_n honour_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n that_o have_v thus_o bountiful_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n a_o power_n in_o some_o measure_n receptive_a of_o his_o infinite_a self_n and_o fit_v that_o power_n with_o a_o proportionate_a good_a even_o the_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o the_o ever-glorious_a god_n and_o now_o because_o man_n have_v a_o double_a state_n namely_o a_o state_n in_o this_o life_n in_o conjunction_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n natural_o dissolvible_a and_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n after_o this_o life_n either_o in_o the_o soul_n alone_o or_o in_o the_o soul_n in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o immortal_a body_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v in_o its_o due_a time_n therefore_o proportionable_a to_o this_o double_a state_n be_v that_o fruition_n which_o almighty_a god_n design_v for_o his_o end_n 1._o in_o this_o life_n the_o proportionable_a fruition_n of_o man_n be_v that_o which_o be_v compatible_a to_o the_o state_n he_o have_v here_o namely_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n in_o a_o measure_n suitable_a to_o the_o intellectual_a capacity_n in_o this_o life_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a love_n favour_n goodness_n and_o protection_n the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o duty_n to_o god_n to_o man_n to_o himself_o with_o a_o cheerful_a endeavour_n to_o observe_v it_o and_o from_o these_o arise_v dominion_n over_o his_o passion_n and_o inferior_a faculty_n and_o the_o due_a place_n order_v and_o moderation_n of_o they_o a_o resignation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o a_o dependence_n upon_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o all-sufficiency_n and_o from_o all_o these_o arise_v peace_n of_o conscience_n contentation_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n in_o which_o even_o the_o wise_a of_o heathen_n place_v the_o great_a happiness_n acquirable_a in_o this_o life_n 2._o after_o this_o life_n a_o immutable_a state_n of_o everlasting_a rest_n and_o happiness_n in_o the_o beatifical_a vision_n of_o god_n and_o fruition_n of_o so_o much_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o beneficence_n as_o a_o glorify_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o end_n of_o fruition_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n shall_v be_v a_o everlasting_a good_a commensurate_a in_o its_o intention_n and_o duration_n to_o such_o a_o immortal_a nature_n and_o now_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v inquire_v if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o almighty_n god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o all_o man_n attain_v not_o this_o end_n or_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o almighty_a god_n come_v to_o be_v frustrate_v of_o the_o end_n which_o he_o thus_o design_v as_o well_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n i_o answer_v first_o in_o general_n that_o this_o enquiry_n belong_v to_o another_o way_n of_o examination_n namely_o herein_o we_o must_v have_v the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n both_o to_o answer_v this_o enquiry_n and_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o it_o which_o in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v prosecute_v 2._o yet_o more_o particular_o thus_o much_o i_o shall_v say_v 1._o that_o the_o wise_a god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v twist_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o glory_n with_o man_n felicity_n and_o happiness_n if_o man_n decline_v to_o honour_n glorify_v love_n and_o obey_v his_o maker_n and_o cast_v off_o the_o primary_n and_o chief_a end_n of_o his_o be_v it_o be_v just_a and_o necessary_a that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o fruition_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o duty_n 2._o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o almighty_a god_n have_v furnish_v that_o nature_n with_o all_o conducible_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o continue_v he_o in_o that_o obedience_n man_n by_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o own_o liberty_n deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o own_o felicity_n when_o we_o speak_v therefore_o of_o the_o end_n of_o man_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o god_n make_v he_o not_o as_o man_n make_v or_o rather_o unmake_v himself_o but_o of_o this_o end_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o his_o restitution_n by_o christ_n and_o the_o admirable_a system_n and_o connexion_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o relation_n to_o man_n in_o his_o redemption_n belong_v to_o another_o discourse_n we_o be_v in_o this_o precede_a discourse_n but_o in_o the_o outward_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o the_o gentile_n come_v or_o may_v come_v by_o natural_a light_n or_o ratiocination_n therefore_o to_o conclude_v all_o almighty_a god_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o beneficence_n as_o he_o have_v make_v mankind_n so_o he_o have_v fit_v he_o for_o a_o double_a end_n namely_o to_o glorify_v his_o maker_n and_o everlasting_o to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o have_v give_v he_o a_o double_a station_n and_o in_o each_o of_o these_o a_o differ_a kind_n of_o fruition_n of_o his_o maker_n viz._n a_o station_n in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o a_o station_n in_o the_o glorious_a heaven_n his_o station_n in_o this_o low_a world_n be_v during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o mortal_a life_n here_o below_o and_o in_o this_o station_n the_o glorious_a god_n have_v furnish_v mankind_n with_o all_o conveniencic_n and_o accommodation_n suitable_a to_o it_o as_o the_o comfortable_a accommodation_n of_o his_o sensible_a life_n the_o comfort_n of_o humane_a society_n the_o use_n and_o dominion_n of_o his_o creature_n the_o admirable_a faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o book_n and_o instruction_n of_o his_o word_n and_o will_n the_o goodly_a work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n the_o tender_v and_o aider_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o guidance_n the_o efflux_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o love_n the_o anticipation_n and_o hope_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n these_o and_o many_o more_o such_o as_o these_o the_o bountiful_a god_n afford_v to_o mankind_n even_o in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n which_o may_v and_o do_v render_v it_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n very_o comfortable_a but_o withal_o he_o let_v we_o know_v and_o we_o must_v know_v that_o these_o be_v but_o as_o so_o many_o bounty_n to_o render_v our_o passage_n through_o this_o life_n the_o more_o easy_a and_o convenient_a to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o more_o serviceable_a to_o our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o place_n of_o our_o rest_n or_o final_a happiness_n but_o a_o place_n of_o exercise_n and_o probation_n a_o place_n of_o preparation_n for_o our_o future_a and_o more_o durable_a state_n we_o be_v here_o as_o it_o be_v but_o put_v to_o school_n to_o learn_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o lesson_n we_o be_v but_o as_o young_a plant_n plant_v in_o a_o nursery_n till_o we_o come_v to_o a_o convenient_a size_n and_o fitness_n to_o be_v remove_v and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o be_v transplant_v into_o another_o and_o a_o rich_a soil_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v as_o it_o be_v seed_n ripen_v upon_o the_o tree_n or_o stalk_n till_o they_o be_v full_o digest_v and_o ripe_a and_o then_o as_o the_o seed_n drop_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o become_v the_o seminary_n of_o a_o new_a plantation_n so_o by_o death_n we_o drop_v into_o eternity_n and_o become_v the_o child_n the_o embryones_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o then_o we_o come_v into_o that_o second_o and_o bless_a station_n the_o country_n of_o our_o rest_n and_o happiness_n our_o home_n and_o the_o end_n of_o our_o be_v where_o we_o shall_v ever_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n and_o glorify_v he_o for_o ever_o where_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o perpetual_a sensible_a vigorous_a satisfactory_a manifestation_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o love_n to_o all_o eternity_n and_o enjoy_v that_o blessedness_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o glorious_a god_n in_o make_v this_o great_a goodly_a creature_n call_v man_n who_o body_n be_v but_o the_o husk_n the_o shell_n of_o that_o vital_a immortal_a beam_n of_o light_n life_n and_o immortality_n that_o seminal_a principle_n of_o eternal_a life_n the_o soul_n irradiate_v and_o influence_v by_o the_o sacred_a spirit_n of_o life_n and_o love_n and_o if_o god_n lend_v i_o life_n and_o strength_n shall_v in_o my_o next_o be_v handle_v finis_fw-la a_fw-la