PAG ERRAT A. AGE 15. Line 2. read about 45000. p. 16. 1. 8. r. 200,000.000. p. 25. l. 13. г.47′′. p. 50. 1. 20. Marg. Fig. V. p. 135. l. 30, 31. r. Mankind: For all this, &c. Vid. Errat. reliq. in calce, p 304.] B EFORE I come to treat of this Noble Subiect, The Aftronomical Syftem of the Universe, with its wonderful Confequences, as it is now difcovered to us by the good Providence of God, and the laborious Searches of this and the laft Age; and chiefly, by the Surprizing Sagacity and Penetration of the Illuftrious Sir Ifaac Newton; I think it proper to premife two Enquiries, as of great Confequence in way of Preparation to the receiving real Advantage by this Treatife; and without Satisfaction wherein, all fuch Difcourfes will be of little Effect with many of its Perufers: I mean the Enquiry about that Temper A Temper of Mind, which is necessary for the Difcovery of Divine Truth; and the Enquiry into that Degree of Evidence, that ought to be expected in Divine Matters. For, if all our Knowledge be derived from God, and if it bas pleafed God to require a certain Degree of Probity, Serioufnefs, Impartiality, and Humility of Mind; together with hearty Prayers to him for his Direction, Blessing, and Affiftance; and a proper Submiffion to him, before he will communicate his Truths to Men ; I mean, at least, communicate the fame So as Shall make a due Impreffion upon their Minds, and turn to their real Profit and Edification, to their true Improvement in Virtue and Happiness And if Men at any time come to the Examination either of the Works or Word of God, without that Temper of Mind, and without thofe Addreffes for his Aid, and Submiffion to bis Will, which He has det mined fhall be the Conditions of his Communications to them; efpecially if they came with the contrary Difpofitions, with a Wicked, Partial, Proud, and Ludicrous Temper, and with an utter Difregard to God, his Providence, Worship, and Revelation; all their Refearches will come to nothing. If, I say, this be the Cafe, as to Divine Knowledge, as I believe it is, it cannot but be highly neceffary for us all to confider of this Matter beforehand, and to endeavour after the proper Qualifi \་ 6 Qualifications, before we fet our felves about the main Enquiries themfelves. If it has alfo pleafed God to expect from us fome more Deference and Regard for him, than for our pour fallible Fellow-Creatures here below and to claim our Belief and Obedience, upon plain external Evidence, That certain DoArines or Duties are derived from him, without our being always let into the Secrets of his Government, or acquainted with the Reasons of his Conduct and also to expect that this plain external Evidence be treated, as it is in all the other Cafes of Human Determinations and Judgments; I mean, that it be submitted to, and acquiefced in, when it appears to be fuch, as in all other Cafes would be allowed to be fatisfactory, and plainly fuperior to what is alledged to the contrary: If, I say, this also be the Cafe as to Divine Knowledge, as I believe it is; It will be very proper for us all to confider of this Matter befone-band also that so we may not be afterward difappainted, when in our future Progress we do not always find that irrefiftible and over-bearing Degree of Evidence for certain Divine Truths, which in fuch Cafes is not to be bad; which in truth is almoft peculiar to the Mathematicks; and the Expectation of which is to common, tho' unjust, a Pretence for Infidelity among us. |