OF MATTER AND MOTION.

THERE is no first Matter, nor first Motion; for mat­ter and motion are infinite, and being infinite, must consequently be Eternall; and though but one matter, yet there is no such thing, as the whole matter, that is, as one should say, All. And though there is but one kinde of matter, yet there are infinite degrees of matter, as thinner and thicker, softer and harder, weightier and lighter; and as there is but one matter, so there is but one motion, yet there are infinite degrees of [Page 2] motion, as swifter and slower; and infinite changes of motion: And although there is but one matter, yet there are infinite of parts in that matter, and so infinites of Figures: if infinite figures, infinite sizes; if infinite sizes, infinite degrees of higness, and infinite degrees of smalnesse, infinite thicknesse, infinite thinnesse, infinite light­nesse, infinite weightinesse; if infinite de­grees of motion, infinite degrees of strengths; if infinite degrees of strengths, infinite de­grees of power, and infinite degrees of knowledge, and infinite degrees of sense.

Of the Form, and the Minde. I mean of Forme, dull Matter.

AS I sayd, there is but one Matter, thinner and thicker, which is the Forme, and the Minde, that is, Matter moving, or Matter moved; likewise there is but one motion, though slower or swif­ter moving severall wayes; but the slow­er or weaker motions are no lesse motion, then the stronger or swifter. So Matter that is thinnest or thickest, softest or hardest, yet it is but one Matter; for if it were divided by degrees, untill it came to an Atome, that Atome would still be the [Page 3] same Matter, as well as the greatest bulk. But we cannot say smallest, or biggest, thickest or thinnest, softest or hardest in Infinite.

Eternall Matter.

THat Matter which was solid, and weighty from all Eternity, may be so eternally; and what was spungie, and light from all Eternity, may be so eter­nally; and what had innate motion from Eternity, may be so eternally; and what was dull without innate motion from E­ternity, may be so eternally: for if the degrees could change, then there might be all thin, and no thicke, or all thicke, and no thin, all hard, no soft, and fluid, or all fluid, and no solidity. For though contracting and dilating may bring and joyne parts together, or separate parts asunder, yet those parts shall not be a­ny other wayes, then by Nature they were.

Of Infinite matter.

INfinite Matter cannot have exact Forme, or Figure, because it hath no Limits: but being divided by motion in­to severall parts, those Parts may have perfect Figures, so long as those Figures last; yet these parts cannot be taken from the Infinite Body. And though parts may be divided in the Body Infinite, and joyned severall wayes, yet Infinite can neither be added, nor diminished; yet division is as infinite, as the Matter di­vided.

No proportion in Nature.

IN Nature there is no such thing, as Number, or Quantity; for Number, & Quantity have only reference to division: neither is there any such thing as Time in Eternity; for Time hath no reference but to the Present, if there be any such thing as Present.

Of one Kinde of Matter.

ALthough there may be infinite de­grees of matter, yet the Nature, and kind of Matter is finite: for Infinite of severall kindes of Matter would make a Confusion.

Of Infinite knowledge.

THere can be no absolute Knowledge, if infinite degrees of Knowledge; nor no absolute power, if there be infinite de­grees of strength: nor present, if infinite de­grees of Motion.

No Judge in Nature.

NO Intreaty, nor Petition can per­swade Nature, nor any Bribes an corrupt, or alter the course of Nature. Justly there can be no complaints made against Nature, nor to Nature. Na­ture can give no redresse. There are no Appeales can be made, nor Causes de­termined, because Nature is Infinite, and eternall: for Infinite cannot be confined, [Page 6] or prescribed, setled, or altered, rul'd, or dispos'd, because the Effects are as infinite as the Causes: and what is infinite, hath no absolute power: for what is absolute, is finite.

The Unity of Nature.

NAture tends to Unity, being but of a kinde of Matter: but the degrees of this Matter being thinner, and thicker, softer, and harder, weightier, and lighter, makes it, as it were, of different kinde, when tis but different degrees: Like seve­rall extractions, as it were out of one and [Page 10] the same thing; and when it comes to such an Extract, it turnes to Spirits, that is, to have an Innate motion.

Of Division.

THe severall Degrees of Matter cause Division by different Motion, making severall Figures, erecting, and dissolving them, according as their Matter moves, This makes Motion, and Figure alwayes to be in War, but not the Matter; for it is the severall effects that disagree, but not the Causes: for the Eternall Mat­ter is allwayes in Peace, as being not sub­ject to Change; but Motion, and Fi­gure, Severall Motions, and seve­rall Fi­gures. being subject to Change, strive for Superiority: which can never be, because subject to Change.

The Order of Nature.

THe Reason, that there is not a Con­fusion in Nature, but an orderly Course therein, is, the Eternall Matter is allwayes One, and the same: for though there are Infinite degrees, yet the Na­ture of that Matter never alters. But all [Page 11] Variety is made according to the severall Degrees, & the severall Degrees do palli­ate, and in some sense make an Equali­ty in Infinite; so as it is not the severall degrees of Matter, that strive against each other, but severall Motions drive them against one another.

Of War, and no absolute Power.

THe Reason, that all things make War upon one another, is, the seve­rall Not the Mat­ter, but the De­grees Degrees of Matter, the contra­diction of Motion, and the Degrees, and the Advantage of the shapes of Not the Bigness of Figures, but the manner of shapes: which makes some shapes to have the Advantage over others much bigger, as a Mouse will kill an Elephant. Fi­gures alwayes striving.

Of Power.

THere is no absolute Power, because Power is Infinite, and the Infinitenesse hinders the absolutenesse: for if there were an absolute power, there would be no dispute; but because there is no abso­lute [Page 12] power, there would be no dispute; but because there is no absolute power, therefore there are Disputes, and will be eternally: for the severall Degrees of Matter, Motion, and Figure strive for Superiority, making Faction by Which is in Like­nesse. Sym­pathy, and Fraction, by Un­likenesse. Antipathy.

Similizing the Spirits, or Innate Matter.

THe Spirits, or Essences in Nature are like Quick-silver: for say it be fluid, it will part into little Sphaericall Bodyes, running about, though it be nere so small a Quantity: and though they are Sphaericall, yet those Figures they make by severall, and subtle motion, may differ variously, and Infinitely.

This Innate Matter is a kind of God, or Gods to the dull part of Matter, ha­ving power to forme it, as it please: and why may not every degree of Innate Matter be, as severall Gods, and so a stronger Motion be a God to the weaker, and so have an Infinite, and Eternall Go­vernment? As we will compare Motions to Officers, or Magistrates. The Con­stable [Page 13] rules the Parish, the Mayor the Constable, the King the Mayor, and some Higher power the King: thus Infinite pow­ers rule Eternity. Or againe thus, the Constable rules the Hundred, the Mayor rules the City, the King the Kingdome, and Caesar the World.

Thus may dull Matter over others rule, One Shape hath power o­ver ano­ther; one Minde knowes more then another. According as 'tis † shap'd by Motions Tool.

So Innate Matter Governs by degree, According as the stronger Motions be.

Of Operation.

ALL t hings in the World have an O­perat ive power; which Operation is made by Sympatheticall Motions, and Antipatheticall Motions, in severall Fi­gures. For the assisting Operation is cau­sed by One, the destructive Operation by another; like Poyson, and Cordialls, the one Kills, the other cures: but Opera­tions are as Infinite, as Motions.

Naturall, or Sensitive War.

ALL Naturall War is caused either by a Sympatheticall Motion, or an An­tipatheticall Motion. For Naturall Warre, and Peace proceed from Selfe-preservati­on, which belongs only to the Figure; for nothing is annihilated in Nature, but the particular Prints, or severall shapes that Motion makes of Matter; which Motion in every Figure strives to main­taine what they have created: for when some Figures destroy others, it is for the maintenance or security of themselves: and when the Destruction is, for Food, it is Sympatheticall Motion, which makes a particular Appetite, or nourishment from some Creatures to others; but an Antipatheticall Motion, that makes the Destruction.

Of Annihilation.

THere can be no Annihilation in Na­ture: not particular Motions, and Figures, because the Matter, remaines [Page 15] hat was the Cause of those Motions and Figures. As for particular Figures, al­though every part is separated that made such a Figure, yet it is not Annihilated; because Those parts remaine that made it. So as it is not impossible but the same particular Figures may be erected by the same Motions, that joynd those parts, and in the Matter may repeat the same Motion eternally so by succession: and the same Matter in a Figure may be Erected, and dispersed eternally. Thus the Dispersing of the Matter into particular Figures Either by Growth, or Sense, or Reason. by an Alteration of Motion, we call Death; and the joyning of Parts to create a Fi­gure, we call Life. Death is a Separation, Life is a Contraction.

Of LIFE.

LIfe is the Extract, or Spirit of Com­mon For when Matter comes to such a de­gree it quickens, Matter: (†) This Extract is Agile, being alwayes in motion; for the Thinnesse of this Matter causes the sub­telty of the Quality, or property which Quality, or property is to work upon all dull Matter.

[Page 16]This Essence, or Life, which are Spirits of Sense, move of themselves: for the dull part of Matter moves not, but as it is moved thereby.

• Atractive.
• Retentive.
• Digestive.
• Expulsive.

Atractive is that which we call Growth, That it begins to move, & Motion is Life. or Youth. Retentive, is that we call Strength. Digestive is that we call Health, that is an equall distribution of Parts to Parts, and agreeing of those Sprits. Ex­pulsive is that which we call Death, or Decay.

[Page 17]Those Spirits most commonly move according to the matter they worke on. For in spungy and in Porous light mat­ter, their motion is quick; in solid, and weighty, their motion is slower. For the solid parts are not onely dull, and im­moveable in themselves, but they hinder and I meane when I say Obstruct, that it ei­ther turnes their motion another way, or makes them move slower. obstruct those Spirits of sense, and though they cut and peirce through all, yet it is with more labour, and slower motion; for their motions change ac­cording to the quantity and quality of that Matter they meet with; for that which is Porous and Spungy, the Figures that they forme that matter in, are soo­ner made, and suddenlier destroyed, then that which is more combustible. This is the reason Mineralls last longer then Ve­getables and Animals, because that Mat­ter is both tougher and harder to worke on, then Vegetables and Animals are.

These Sensitive spirits we may similize to severall Workmen, being alwayes bu­sily imployed, removing, lifting, carry­ing, driving, drawing, digging, and the like. And although these Spirits are of substance thinner then dull matter, yet they are stronger by reason of their sub­tlety, [Page 18] and motion, which motion gives them power: for they are of an acute quality, being the Vitrioll, as it were, of Nature, cut and divide all that opposeth their way.

Now these Spirits although they be infinite, yet we cannot thinke them so grosse an infinite, as combustible matter, yet those thinner infinites may cut, and carve the thicker infinites all into severall Figures: like as Aqua-fort is will eate into the hardest Iron, and divide it into small parts.

As I have sayd before, the Spirits of life worke according as the Matter is, for e­very thing is shap'd according to the soli­dity of the matter; like as a man which builds a House, makes the beames of the House of such wood, which is tough, and strong, because he knows otherwise it will breake, by reason of the great weight they are to bear; but to make Laths he takes his Wood and cuts it thin, that the Nayls may easier passe through, so joyning and fitting severall forts to proper uses to build his house. Or like a Cooke when he's to raise a Pye, must take stiffe Dough; for otherwise it will not [Page 19] onely fall before it be finished, but it cannot be raised, and to make the Lids to cover his Pye, hee must use a softer Paste, otherwise it will not rowle thinn; thus a stiffe Paste is not fit for a Lid, nor a thinner Paste for to raise a Pye; it may make a Cake, or so. So the Spirits of life must make Figures, as the matter is fit, and proper thereto, for the figure of man or the like; the Spirits of life take the solid and hard matter for the I do not say that Bones are the solid'st matter in Nature. Bones: The Glutinous Matter for the Sinews, Nerves, Muscles. and the like; and the Oyly matter for Flesh, Fat, Marrow. So the fluid for Blood, and such like mat­ter. And the Spirits themselves do give this dull matter, motion, not onely in the building of the Figure, but to make the Figure move when it is built.

Now the spirits of life, or lively spirits do not onely move dull and in moving matter, but makes that matter to move, and worke upon others; for some kinde of Figures shall make As the Figure of Man. another to re­semble it selfe, though not just be as it selfe is made, but as the shadow like the substance; for it workes as a Hand that is guided by another, and not of its [Page 20] owne strength: that is the reason, Arts have not so much persection as Nature. The Copy is not so lively as the Originall; for the spirits of life move, and work of their own strength, and the dull matter by the strength of the Spirits.

Of CHANGE.

THe Change of motion in severall Fi­gures makes all change and difference in the World, and their severall proper­ties and effects thereto. And that which we call Death, or corruption, is not All Mo­tion is Life. an absence of life, but an expulsive motion which doth annihilate those figures, that erecting motion hath made. So death is an annihilation of the Print, not of the Mould of figures; for the Moulds of those figures of Mankinde, Beast, or Plant, of all kinds whatsoever, shall ne­ver be annihilated so long as motion and matter last, which may alwayes be; for the mould of all Figures is in the power of motion, and the substance of matter.

Of Youth, or Growth.

THus Spirits of sense work according to the substance of the matter: for if the matter be porous and light, they form those Figures quicker, and dissolve them suddenly: But if their matter be solid and hard, they worke slower, which makes some figures longer ere they come to perfection, and not so easily undone. And if their strength be too weake for the matter they worke upon, as wanting helpe, then the Figure is imperfect, and mishapen, as we say. This is the reason Animals & Vegetables, which are young, have not so great strength as when they are full growne; because there are fewer spirits, and the materialls are loose and unsetled, not knockt close: But by de­grees more spirits gather together, which helpe to forward their worke, bring in materialls by Food, setling them by nou­rishment, carrying out by Evacuations that matter that is unusefull, and that Rubbish and Chips, as I may say, which would hinder their motion. If they bring in unusefull matter, their figure increases [Page 22] not, as we say, thrives not. And if they carry out the principall materials, the fi­gure decayes, and falls downe. But those parts of matter which are not spirits, do not carry that part of matter which is spirit, but the spirits carry the dull mat­ter. Thus the spirits, the innated matter, move in dull matter, and dull matter mo­veth by the spirits; and if the matter be fine, and not grosse, which they build withall, and their motion be regular, then the Figure is beautifull and well propor­tioned.

Of Increasing.

THe reason that the corruption of one Figure is the cause of making of ano­ther of the same kinde, is, not onely, that it is of such a tempered matter that can onely make such a kinde of figure; but that the spirits make figures according to their strength: So that the spirits that I mean the Figure of dul matter are in the Seed, when they have undone the figure they are in, by a generall ex­pulsion, which we call corruption, they begin to create againe another figure of the same kinde, if no greater power hin­der [Page 23] it. For the Matter that is proper, to make such like Figures, is fitted, or temper'd to their strengths. So as the Temper of the Matter, and the strength of the Spirits, are the Erectors of those Figures eternally. And the reason, that from one Seed, lesse, or more Numbers are increased and raisd, is, that though few begin the work, more will come to their help; And as their Numbers are increased, their Figures are more, or lesse, weaker, or stronger.

Of Decay.

WHen Spirits of Life have created As a plen­tifull Crop, or a great Brood. a Figure, and brought it to per­fection; if they did not pull it down a­gain they would be idle having no work to do; and Idlenesse is against the Na­ture of Life, being a perpetuall Mption. For as soon as a Figure is perfected, the Spirits generally move to an Expulsive Motion. This is the reason, that Age hath not that strength as Full-growth: But like an old house falling down by de­grees, shed their Haires or Leaves, in­stead of Tiles, the Windowes broke [Page 24] downe, and stopped with Rubbish.

So Eyes in Animals grow hollow and dimme. And when the Foundation of a house is loose, every little wind shakes it. So when the Nerves being slack, and the Muscles untyed, and the Joynts unhing'd, the whole Body is weak, and tottering, which we call Palsies: which Palsies, as the wind, shakes.

The Blood, as the Springe dries up, Rheumes as Raine fals down, and Vapours, as Dust, flye up.

Of Dead, and Death.

DEad is, where there is a Generall Al­teration of such Motion, as is proper to such Figures. But Death is an Anni­hilation of that Print, or Figure, by an Expulsive Motion: And as that Figure dissolves, the Spirits disperse about, carrying their severall burthens to the making of other Figures. Like as a house that is ruin'd by Time, or spoyled by ac­cident; the severall Materials are im­ployed to other uses; sometimes to the building of an house again. But a house is longer a building then a pulling down, [Page 25] by reason of the cutting, carving, lay­ing, carrying, placing, and fitting every part to make them joyn together; so all the works of Nature are sooner dissolv'd then created.

Of Locall Shapes.

SOme Shapes have power over others, but tis not alwaies in the size, or bulck of the Figure, but in the manner of their Formes that gives advantage, or disad­vantage. A little Mouse will run through the Snowt of a great Elephant: A little Flye will sting a great Figure to death; A Worm will wind through a thick Bo­dy; The Lions force lies in his Clawes, The Horses in his Hoofe, The Dogs in his Teeth, The Bulls in his Hornes, and Mans in his Armes, and Hands; Birdes in their Bills, and Talons: And the man­ner of their Shapes gives them severall properties, or faculties. As the Shape of a Bird causes them to flye, a Worm to creep, the Shape of a Beast to run, the Shape of Fish to swim; yet some flye swifter, and higher then others, as their Wings are made: So some run nimbler [Page 26] then others, according as their Limbs are made; and some swim glider then others, according as their Fins are made. But Man surpasses the shape of all other Creatures; because he hath a part, as it were, of every shape. But the same Mo­tion, and the same Matter, without the shape, could not give such Externall Pro­perties; since all Internall Properties are wrought out of dull Matter. So as it is their shapes, joyned with such Motions proper thereunto, that give strength, & Agilenesse. But the Internall Qualities may be alike in every Figure; because Rationall Spirits worke not upon dull Matter, but Figures themselves.

The Visible Motion in Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals.

THE Externall Motions of Animals are, running, turning, winding, tumbling, leaping, jumping, shoving, throwing, darting, climbing, creeping, drawing, heaving, lifting, carrying, holding, or staying, piercing, digging flying, swimming, diving. The Internall [Page 27] Motion, is, contriving, directing, exami­ning, comparing, or judging, contem­plating, or reasoning, approving, or dis­approving, resolving. From whence a­rise all the Passions, and severall Dispo­sitions. These, and the like, are the vi­sible, Internall Motions in Animals.

The Internall Motions of Vegetables, and Minerals, are in operation; As, contracting, dilating; which is At­tractive, Retentive, Digestive, Expulsive. The Vegetables Externall Motion, is, in­creasing, decreasing, that is enlarging, or lasting; although there may be Mat­ter not moving, yet there is no Matter, which is not moved.

Of the Minde.

THere is a degree of stronger Spirits then the Sensitive Spirits, as it were These de­grees are visible to us. the Essence of Spirits; as the Spirit of Spirits: This is the Minde, or Soule of Animalls. For as the Sensitive Spirits are a weak knowledge, so this is a stronger Knowledge. As to similize them, I may say, there is as much difference betwixt them, as Aqua Fortis, to ordinary Vitri­oll. These Rationall Spirits, as I may call them, worke not upon dull Matter, as the Sensitive Spirits do; but only move in measure, and number, which make Figures; which Figures are Thoughts, as Memory, Understanding, Imaginations, or Fancy, and Remembrance, and Will.

Thus these Spirits moving in measure, casting, and placing themselves into Fi­gures make a Consort, and Harmony by Numbers.

Where the greater Quantity, or Num­bers, [Page 31] are together of those rationall Spi­rits, the more variety of Figure is made Dancing is a measur'd Motion. by their severall Motion, they dance se­verall dances according to their Com­pany.

Of their severall Dances, or Figures.

WHat Object soever is presented un­to them by the senses, they straite dance themselves into that Figure; this is Memory. And when they dance the same figure without the helpe of the out­ward object, this is Remembrance When they dance figures of their owne inven­tion, (as I may say) then that is Imagi­nation or Fancie. Understanding is when they dance perfectly (as I may say) not to misse the least part of those figures that are brought through the senses. Will is to choose a dance, that is to move as they please, and not as they are per­swaded by the sensitive spirits. But when their motion and measures be not regular, or their quantity or numbers sufficient to make the figures perfect, then is the minde weak and infirme, (as I may say) they [Page 32] dance out of time and measure. But where the greatest number of these, or quantity of these Essences are met, and joyn'd in the most regular motion, there is the clearest Understanding, the deepest Judgement, the perfectest Knowledge, the finest Fancies, the more Imagination, the stronger Memory, the obstinatest Will.

But sometimes their motions may be re­gular; but society is so small, so as they cannot change into so many severall fi­gures: then we say he hath a weak minde, or a poor soule. But be their quantity or numbers few or great, yet if they move confusedly, and out of order, wee say the minde is distracted. And the reason the minde, or soule is improveable, or decayable, is, that the quantity or num­bers are increaseable, or decreaseable, and their motions regular, and irregular.

A Feaver in the Body is the same mo­tion amongst the sensitive spirits, as mad­nesse is in the minde amongst the rationall Spirits. So lkewise Paine in the Body is like those Motions, that make Griefe in the Minde. So Pleasure in the Body is the like Motions, as make Delight, and Joy in the Minde, All Convulsive Motions [Page 33] in the Body, are like the Motions that cause Feare in the Minde. All Expul­sive motions amongst the Rational Spirits, are a dispersing their Society; As Ex­pulsity in the Body, is the dispersing of dull Matter by the Sensitive Spirits.

All Drugs have an Opposite Motion to the Matter they work on, working by an Expulsive Motion; and if they move strongly, having great quantity of Spirits gathered together in a little dul Matter, they do not only cast out superfluous matter, but pul down the very Materials of a Figure. But al Cordials have a Sym­patheticall Motion to the Matter they meet, giving strength by their help to those Spirits they finde tired: (as one may say) that it is to be over-power'd by opposite Motions in dull Matter.

The Sympathy, and Antipathy of Spirits.

PLeasure, and Delight, Discontent, and Sorrow, which is Love, and Hate, is like Light, and Darknesse; the one is a quick, equall, and free Motion; the o­ther [Page 34] is a slow, irregular, and obstructed Motion. When there is the like Motion of Rationall Spirits in opposite Figures, then there is a like Understanding, and Disposition. Just as when there is the like Motion in the Sensitive Spirits, then there is the like Constitution of Body. So when there is the like quantity laid in the same Symmetry, then the Figures agree in the same Proportions, and Lineaments of Figures.

The reason, that the Rationall Spirits in one Figure, are delighted with the outward Forme of another Figure, is, that the Motions of those sensitive Spirits which move in that Figure agree with the Motion of the rationall Spirits in the other. This is Love of Beauty; And when the sensitive Motions alter in the Figure of the Body, and the Beauty decaies, then the Motion of the rationall Spirits alter, and the love, or goodliking ceases. If the Motion of the rationall Spirits are crosse to the Motion of the sensitive Spirits, in opposite Figures, then it is dislike. So if the Motion be just crosse, and contrary, of the rationall Spirits in opposite Figures, it is Hate; but if they agree, it is Love.

[Page 35] But these Sympathies, which are made only by a likenesse of Motions without an Intermixture, last not longe; because those Spirits are at a distance, changing their Motion without the knowledge, or consent of either side. But the way that the Rationall Spirits intermix, is, through the Organs of the Body, especially the Eyes, and Eares, which are the common doors, which let the Spirits out, and in. For the Vocall, and Verbal Motion from the mouth, carry the spirits through the eares down to the Heart, where Love, and Hate is lodged. And the Spirits from the Eyes issue out in Beames, and Raies; as from the Sun, which heat, or scorch Scorch­ing is, when the Motion is too quick. the Heart, which either raise a fruitful crop of Love, making the ground fertile, or dries it so much, as makes it insipid, that nothing of good will grow there, unlesse stinking Weeds of Hate: But if the ground be fertile, although e­very Crop is not so rich, as some, yet it never growes barren, unlesse they take out the strength with too much kindness; As the old Proverb, they kill with too much kindnesse; which Murther is sel­dome committed. But the rationall spi­rits That is, when there come so many Spi­rits, as they disa­gree, pres­sing upon one ano­ther. [Page 36] are apt to take Surfet, as wel as sen­sitive spirits, which makes Love, and Good-will, so often to be ill rewarded, neglected, and disdain'd.

The Sympathy of Sensitive, and Rationall Spirits in one Fi­gure.

THere is a stronge Sympathy, and a­greement, or Affection (as I may say) betwixt the rationall spirits, and the sensitive spirits joyned in one Fi­gure: Like Fellow-labourers that assist one another, to help to finish their work. For when they disagree, as the ra­tionall spirits will move one way some­times, and the sensitive spirits another; that is, when Reason strives to abate the Appetite of the Senses; yet it is by a loving direction, rather to admonish them by a gentle contrary Motion for them to imitate, and follow in the like Motions; yet it is, as they alwayes agree at last; Like the Father, and the Son. For though the Father rules by command, and the Son obeies through obedience, [Page 37] yet the Father out of love to his Son, as willing to please him, submits to his de­light, although Those Degrees that are neerest, have the greatest Sympa­thy. it is against his liking. So the rationall spirits oftimes agree with the Motions of the sensitive spirits, al­though they would rather move another way.

The Sympathy of the Rationall and Sensitive Spirits, to the Figure they make, and inha­bit.

ALL the Externall Motion in a Fi­gure, is, by the sensitive spirits; and all the Internall, by the Rationall spirits: and when the Rationall, and Sensitive Spirits, disagree in opposite Figures, by contrary Motion, they oft war upon one another; which to defend, the sensitive Spirits, and rationall Spirits, use all their force, and power in either Figure; to defend, or to assault, to succour, or to destroy, through an aversion made by contrary Motions in each other.

Now the rationall spirits do not only choose the Materialls for their defence, [Page 38] or assault, but do direct the sensitive spi­rits in the management thereof; and according to the strength of the spirits of either side, the victory is gain'd, or lost. If the Body be weak, there is lesse sensitive Spirit, if the direction be not advantageous, there is lesse rationall Spi­rit. But many times the Alacrity of the rationall and sensitive Spirits, made by moving in a regular Motion, overcomes the greater numbers, being in a disorder'd Motion. Thus what is lost by Scarcity, is regain'd by Conformity and Unity.

Of Pleasure, and Paine.

ALL Evacuations have an Expul­sive Motion; If the Expulsive Mo­tion is regular, tis Pleasure, if irregular, tis Paine. Indeed, all Irregular, and crosse Motion, is Paine; all Regular Motion is Pleasure, and Delight, being a Harmony of Motion, or a discord of Motion.

Of the Minde.

IMagine the rationall Essence, or Spi­rits, like little sphericall Bodies of [Page 39] Quick-silver several ways Like Chess-men, Table-men Nine-pins, or the like. placing them­selves in several Figures, sometimes mo­ving in measure, and in order, and some­times out of order: this Quick-silver to be the Minde, and their severall postures made by Motion, the Passions, and Affe­ctions; or all that is moving in a Minde, to expresse those severall motions, is one­ly to be done by guesse, not by knowledge, as some few I will guesseat. Love is, when they move in equall number, and even measure. Hate is an opposite motion: Feare is, when those small Bodies tum­ble on a Heap together without order. Anger is, when they move without mea­sure, and in no uniforme Figure. Incon­stancy is, when they move swistly severall wayes. Constancy is a circular motion. Doubt, and suspition, and jealousie, are, when those small Bodies move with odd numbers. Hope is when those small Bo­dies move like wilde Geese, one after a­nother. Admiration is, when those Sphe­ricall Bodies gather close together, knit­ting so, as to make such a circular figure; and one is to stand for a Center or point in the midst. Humility is a creeping mo­tion. Joy is a hopping, skipping motion. [Page 40] Ambition is a lofty motion, as to move upwards, or I say higher, for expressions sake. higher then other mo­tions. Coveting, or Ambition is like a fly­ing motion, moving in severall Figures like that which they covet for; if they covet for Fame, they put themselves into such Figures, as Letters do, that expresse words, which words are such praises as they would have, or such Figures as they would have Statues cutt, or Pictures drawne: But all their motion which they make, is according to those Figures with which they sympathize and agree: be­sides, their motion and figures are like the sound of Musick; though the Notes differ, the cords agree to make a harmony: so se­veral Symmetries make a perfect Figure, severall Figures make a just number, and severall quantities or proportions make a just weight, and severall Lines make an even measure: thus equall may be made out of Divisions eternally, and infinite­ly. And because the Figures and motions of the infinite Spirits which they move, and make, are infinite, I cannot give a fi­nall description: besides, their motion is so subtle, curious, and intricate, as they are past finding out.

Of Thinking, or the Minde, and Thoughts.

ONE may think, and yet not of any particular thing; that is, one may have Sense, and not Thoughts: For Thoughts are when the Minde takes a particular notice of some outward Ob­ject, or inward Idea; But Thinking is only a Sense without any particular no­tice. As for Example; Those that are in a great feare, and are amazed, the Minde is in confus'd sense, without any particular Thoughts: but when the Minde is out of that amaze, it fixes it selfe on Particulars, and then have Thoughts of past danger; but the Minde can have no particular Thought of the Amaze; for the Minde cannot call to minde that which was not.

Likewise when we are asleep, the Mind is not out of the Body, nor the Motion [Page 42] that makes the sense of the Minde ceast, which is Thinking; but the Motion that makes the Thoughts therein work upon Particulars. Thus the Minde may bee without Thoughts, but Thoughts cannot be without the Minde: yet Thoughts go out of the Minde very oft, that is, such a Motion to such a thing is ceast; and when that Motion is made again, it returns. Thus Thinking is the Minde, and Thoughts the Effect thereof: Thinking is an equall Motion without a Figure, or as when we feele Heat, and see no fire.

Of the Motions of the Spirits.

IF it be, as probably it is, that all sensi­tive Spirits live in dull Matter; So rationall Spirits live in sensitive Spirits, according to the shape of those Figures that the sensitive Spirits form them.

The rationall Spirits by moving seve­rall waies, may make severall kindes of Knowledge, and according to the Moti­ons of the sensitive Spirits in their seve­rall Figures they make, though the Spi­rits may be the same, yet their severall Motions may be unknown to each other. [Page 43] Like as a Point, that writes upon a Ta­ble-book, which when the Letter that was writ thereon, is rub'd out, the Table is as plain, as if there was never any Let­ter thereon; But though the Letters are out, yet the Table-book, and Pen re­maine. So although this Motion is gone, the Spirit, and Matter remaine; But if those Spirits make other kindes of Mo­tions, like other kindes of Letters, or Language, those Motions understand not the first, nor the first understands not them, being as severall Languages. Even so it may be in a Sound; for that kind of Knowledge the Figure had in the Sound, which is an alteration of the Motion of the rationall Spirits, caus'd by an alte­ration of the Motion of the sensitive Spirits in dull Matter: And by these disorderly Motions, other Motions are ru'bd out of the Table-book, which is the Matter that was moved. But if the same kind of letters be writ in the same place again; that is, when the Spirits move in the same Motion, then the same know­ledge is in that Figure, as it was before; the other kind of Knowledge, which was made by other kind of Motion, is rub'd [Page 44] out; which severall knowledge is no more known to each other, then severall Languages by unlearned men. And as Language is still Language, though not understood, so Knowledge is still Knowledge, although not generall; but if they be That, we call dead, then those letters that were rubbed out, were never writ again; which is, the same knowledge never returnes into the same Figure.

Thus the Spirits of Knowledge, or the Knowledge of Spirits, which is their seve­rall Motions, may be ignorant, and unac­quainted with each other: that is, that some Motion may not know how other Motions move, not only in several Spirits, but in one and the same Spirit; no more then every Effect can know their Cause: And Motion is but the Effect of the Spi­rits, which Spirits are a thin, subtle Mat­ter: for there would be no Motion if there were no Matter; for Nothing can move: but there may be Matter with­out Selfe-motion, but not Selfe-motion without Matter.

Of the Creation of the Animall Figure.

THe reason, Though it may have other Motions, yet not the Animall Motion. that the sensitive spirits, when they begin to create an animal Figure, the figure that is created feels it not, untill the modell be finished, [Page 46] that is, it cannot have an animall mo­tion, untill it hath an animall Figure; for it is the shape which gives it locall motion: and after the Fabrick is built, they begin to furnish it with The Fi­gure might bee without an Animall Motion, but an A­nimall Motion cannot bee untill there is an Ani­mall Fi­gure strength, and inlarge it with growth, and the ra­tionall Spirit which inhabits it, chooseth his room, which is the Head; And al­though some rationall Spirits were from the first creating it, yet had not such mo­tions, as when created: besides, at first they have not so much company, as to make so much change, as to take parts, like Instruments of Musick, which can­not make so much Division upon few strings as upon more. The next, the Fi­gure being weak, their motions cannot be strong; besides, before the Figure is inlarged by growth, they want room to move in. This is the reason, that new­borne Animalls seeme to have no know­ledge, especially Man; because the spi­rits do neither move so strong, nor have such variety of change, for want of com­pany to make a Consort. Yet some Ani­malls have more knowledge then others, by reason of their strength, as all Beasts know their Dams, and run to their Dugs, [Page 47] and know how to suck as soone as they are borne; and Birds and Children, and the like weak Creatures, such do not.

But the Spirits of sense give them strength, and the spirits of reason do direct them to their Food, Which Food is when such Materialls are not proper for such a Fi­gure. & the Spirits of sense give them Taste, and Appetite, and the spirits of reason choose their meat: for all Animall Creatures are not of one dyet, for that which will nourish one, will destroy another.

The Gathering of Spirits.

IF the rationall Spirits should enter in­to a Figure newly created, altogether, and not by degrees, a Childe (for ex­ample) would have as much understan­ding and knowledge in the Womb, or when it is new-borne, as when it is inlarged and fully grown. But we finde by experience there are severall sorts and degrees of knowledge and understanding, by the re­course of spirits: Which is the reason, some Figures have greater Proportion of understanding and knowledge, and sooner then others; yet it is increased by de­grees, according as rationall spirits in­crease. [Page 48] Like as Children, they must get strength before they can go. So Learn­ing and experience increase rationall spi­rits, as Food the sensitive: But expe­rience and Learning is not alwayes tyed to the Eare; for every Organ and Pore of the Body is as severall doores to let them in and out: For the Rationall spirits li­ving with the Sensitive spirits, come in, and go out with them, but not in equall proportion, but sometimes more, some­times fewer: this makes understanding more perfect in Health then in Sicknesse, and in our middle age, more then in the latter age: For in age and sicknesse there is more carryed out, then brought in. This is the Reason, Children have not such understanding, but their reason in­creaseth with their yeares. But the Ra­tionall spirits may be similized The grea­ter the Number is, the more vari­ety of Mo­tion is made, which makes Fi­gures in the braine. to a com­pany of Good fellows, which have poin­ted a meeting; and the Company coming from severall places, makes their time the longer ere their numbers are complea­ted, though many a braine is disappoin­ted; but in some Figures the rooms are not commodious to move in, made in their Creation, for want of helpe: those [Page 49] are Changelings, Innocents, or Naturall Fooles.

The Rationall Spirits seem most to de­light in spungy, soft, and liquid Matter; as in the Blood, Brain, Nerves, and in Vegetables; as not only being neerest to their own nature, but having more room to move in. This makes the Rationall Spirits to choose the Head in Animals, for their chiefe room to dance their Fi­gures in: In A­nimall Shapes. for the Head is the big­gest place that hath the spungy Mate­rialls; thus as soon as a Figure is crea­ted, those Rationall Spirits choose a Room.

The moving of Innate Matter.

THough Motion makes Knowledge, yet the Spirits give Motion: for those Spirits, or Essences, are the Gui­ders, Governours, Directers; The Mo­tions are but their Instruments, the Spi­rits are the Cause, Motion but an Effect therefrom: For that thin Matter which is Spirits, can alter the Motion, but Mo­tion cannot alter the Matter, or Nature of those Essences, or Spirits; so as the [Page 50] same Spirits may be in a Body, but not one and the same Knowledge, because not the same Motion, that made that Knowledge. As for Example; How ma­ny severall Touches belong to the Body? for every part of the Body hath a severall Touch, which is a severall Knowledge be­longing to every severall part; for eve­ry severall part doth not know, and feele every severall Touch. For when the head akes, the heele feels it not, but only the Rationall Spirits which are free from the Incumbrance of dull Matter, they are agile, and quick to take notice of every particular Touch, in, or on every part of the Figure. The like motions of a paine in the Body. The like motion of the Rationall Spirits, we call a griefe in the Mind; for Touch in the Body, is a thought in the Mind; and to prove it is the like motion of the Rationall Spirits to the Sensitive, which makes the knowledge of it, is, that when the Rationall Spirits are busily moved with some Fantasmes, if a­ny thing touches the Body, it is not known to the Rationall Spirits, because the Rationall Spirits move not in such a Motion, as to make a Thought in the [Page 51] Head, of the touch in the heele, which makes the thoughts to be as senselesse of that touch, as any other part of the Bo­dy, that hath not such paines made by such Motions. And shall we say, there is no sense in the heele, because no know­ledge of it in the Head? we may as well say, that when an Object stands just be­fore an eye that is blind, either by a con­trary motion of the thoughts inward, by some deep Contemplation, or otherwise: we may as well say there is no outward Object, because the Rationall Spirits take no notice of that Object; tis not, that the stronger motion stops the lesse, or the swifter, the flower; for then the motions of the Planets would stop one anothers course.

Some will say, what sense hath man, or any other Animall when they are dead? It may be answered, that the Fi­gure, which is a Body, may have sense, but not the Animall; for that we call an Animall, is such a temper'd Matter joyn'd in such a Figure, moving with such kind of Motions; but when those motions do generally alter, that are pro­per to an Animall, although the Mat­ter, [Page 52] and Figure remain, yet it is no lon­ger an Animall, because those motions that help it to make an Animall are ceas'd: So as the Animall can have no more knowledge of what kind of sense the Figure hath, (because it is no more an Animall) then an Animall, what sense dust hath. And that is the reason, that when any part is dead in an Ani­mall, if that those motions that belong­ed to the Animall, are ceas'd in that part, which alter it from being a part of the Animall, and knowes no more what sense it hath, then if a living man should carry a dead man upon his shoulders, what sense the dead man feels, whether any, or no.

Of Matter, Motion, and Know­ledge or Understanding.

WHatsoever hath an innate motion, hath Knowledge; and what mat­ter soever hath this innate motion, is know­ing: But according to the severall mo­tions, are severall knowledges made; for Knowledge lives in motion, as motion lives in matter: for though the kind of matter [Page 53] never alters, yet the manner of motions alters in that matter: and as motions al­ter, so Knowledge differs, which makes the severall motions in severall Figures, to give severall knowledge. And where there is a likenesse of motion, there is a likenesse of Knowledge: As the Appetite of Sensitive spirits, and the desire of ra­tionall spirits are alike motions in severall degrees of matter. And the Touch in the heel, or any part of the body else, is the like motion, as the Thought thereof in the head; the one is the motion of the sensi­tive spirits, the other in the rationall spi­rits, as touch from the sensitive spirits: for thought is only a strong touch, & touch a weake thought. So Sense is a weak know­ledge, and knowledge a strong sense, made by the degrees of the Spirits: for Ani­mall spirits are stronger (as I sayd be­fore) being of an higher extract (as I may say) in the Chymistry of Nature, which makes the different degrees in knowledge, by the difference in strengths and finenesse, or subtlety of matter.

Of the Animall Figure.

WHatsoever hath motion hath sensi­tive spirits; and what is there on Earth that is not wrought, or made into Figures, and then undone again by these Spirits? So that all matter is moving, or moved, by the movers; if so, all things have sense, because all things have of these Spirits in them; and if Sensitive spirits, why not rationall spirits? For there is as much infinite of every severall degree of matter, as if there were but one matter: for there is no quantity in infinite; for infinite is a continued thing. If so, who knowes, but Vegetables and Mineralls may have some of those ratio­nall spirits, which is a minde or soule in them, as well as Man? Onely they want that Figure (with such kinde of motion proper thereunto) to expresse Know­ledge that way. For had Vegetables and Mineralls the same shape, made by such motions, as the sensitive spirits create; then there might be Wooden men, and Iron Beasts; for though marks do not come in the same way, yet the same marks may [Page 55] come in, and be made by the same mo­tion; for the Spirits are so subtle, as they can passe and repasse through the solid­est matter. Thus there may be as many severall and various motions in Vegetables and Mineralls, as in Animals; and as many internall figures made by the ra­tionall spirits; onely they want the Ani­mall, to expresse it the Animall way. And if their Knowledge be not the same know­ledge, but different from the Knowledge of Animalls, by reason of their diffe­rent Figures, made by other kinde of motion on other tempered matter, yet it is Knowledge. For shall we say, A man doth not know, because hee doth not know what another man knows, or some higher Power?

What an Animall is.

AN Animall is that which wee call Sensitive spirit; that is, a Figure that hath locall motion; that is, such a kinde of Figure with such kinde of mo­tions proper thereunto. But when there is a generall alteration of those motions in it, then it is no more That we call Ani­mall; [Page 56] because the Locall motion is alter­ed; yet we cannot knowingly say, it is not a sensitive Creature, so long as the Figure lasts: besides when the Figure is dissolved, yet every scattered part may have sense, as long as any kinde of mo­tion is in it; and whatsoever hath an in­nate motion, hath sense, either increasing or decreasing motion; but the sense is as different as the motions therein, because those properties belonging to such a Fi­gure are altered by other motions.

Of the dispersing of the Rationall Spirits.

SOme think, that the Rationall Spirits flye out of Animals, (or that Ani­mall we call Man) like a swarm of Bees, when they like not their Hives, finding some inconvenience, seek about for another Habitation: Or leave the Body, like Rats, when they finde the house rotten, and ready to fall; Or scar'd away like Birds from their Nest. But where should this Swarm, or Troop, or Flight, or Essences go, unlesse they think this thin matter is an Essence, e­vaporates to nothing?

[Page 64] As I have said before, the difference of Rationall Spirits, and sensitive Spirits, is, that the sensitive Spirits make Figures out of dull Matter: The Rationall Spi­rits put themselves into Figure, placing themselves with Number, and Measure; this is the reason when Animals dye, the Externall Forme of that Animall may be perfect, and the Internall Motion of the Spirits quite alter'd; yet not absent, nor dispersd, untill the Annihilating of the Externall Figure: thus it is not the Matter that alters, but the Motion and Forme.

Some Figures are stronger built then others, which makes them last longer: For some, their building is so weak, as they fall as soon as finished; like houses that are built with Stone, or Timber, al­though it might be a Stone-house, or Timber-house, yet it may be built not of such a sort of Stone, or such a sort of Timber.

Of the Senses.

THE Pores of the Skin receive touch, as the Eye light, the Eare sound, the [Page 65] Nose scent, the Tongue tast. Thus the Spirits passe, and repasse by the holes, they peirce through the dull Matter, carrying their severall Burthens out, & in, yet it is neither the Burthen, nor the Passage that makes the different Sense, but the different Motion; To prove that it is the several Motion, is, that wee shall have the same sense in our sleep, either to move Pleasure, or feele Paine. for if the Motion that comes through the Pores of the Skin, were as the Motions that come from the Eye, Eare, Nose, Mouth, then the Body might receive Sound, Light, Scent, Tast, all over as it doth Touch.

Of Motion that makes Light.

IF the same Motion that is made in the Head did move in the Heele, there would appeare a Light to the Sense of that part of the Figure; unlesse they will make such Matter as the Braine to be infinite, and onely in the head of an Animall.

Opticks.

THere may be such Motion in the Braine, as to make Light, although the Sun never came there to give the [Page 66] first Motion: for two opposite Motions may give a Light by Reflection, unlesse the Sun, and the Eye have a particular Motion from all Eternity: As we say an Eternal Monopoler of such a kind of Mo­tion as makes Light.

Of Motion, and Matter.

WHY may not Vegetables have Light, Sound, Taste, Touch, as well as Animals, if the same kind of mo­tion moves the same kind of matter in them? For who knowes, but the Sappe in Vegetables may be of the same sub­stance, and degree of the Braine: And why may not all the Senses be inherent in a Figure, if the same Motion moves the same Matter within the Figure, as such Motion without the Figure?

Of the Braine.

THe Braine in Animals is like Clouds, which are sometimes swell'd full with Vapour, and sometimes rarified with Heat, and mov'd by the Sensitive Spirits to severall Objects, as the Cloudes are mov'd by the Wind to severall places.

The Winds seem to be all Spirits, be­cause they are so agile, and quick.

Of Darknesse.

TO prove that Darknesse hath parti­cular Motions which make it, as well as Motion makes Light, is, that when some have used to have a light by them while they sleep, will, as soon as the light goeth out, awake; for it Darknesse had no motion, it would not strike upon the Optick Nerve. But as an equall motion makes light, and a perturb'd motion makes colour, which is between Light, & Dark­nesse: So Darknesse is an Opposite Moti­on to those Motions that make light; for though Light is an equall Motion, yet it is such a kind, or sort of Mo­tion.

Of the Sun.

WHY may not the Sun be of an higher Extract then the rationall Spirits, and be like Glasse, which is a high Extract in Chymistry, and so be­come a Like Glass. shining Body? If so, sure it hath a great Knowledge; for the Sun seemes to be composed of purer Spirits, without the mixture of dull Matter; for the Motion is quick, and subtle, as wee may finde by the effect of the light, and heat.

Of the Cloudes.

THE Cloudes seem to be of such spun­gy, and porous Matter, as the Raine, and Aire, like the Sensitive Spirits that form, and move it, and the Sun the Ra­tionall Spirit to give them Knowledge: And as moist Vapours from the Stomack rise, and gathering in the Braine, flow through the Eyes; so do the Clouds send forth, as from the Braine, the Vapours which do rise in showres.