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THE SECOND BOOKE 155
expresse what I would maintaine, as I should neede no
other proofe against such as with all submission and
obeysance would yeeld to his authority. But these
will needs be whipt to their owne cost, and cannot
abide their reason to be combatted, but by itselfe. Let
us now but consider man alone without other help,
armed but with his own weapons, and unprovided of
the grace and knowledge of God, which is all his
honour, all his strength, and all the ground of his
being. Let us see what hold-fast or free-hold he hath
in this gorgeous and goodly equipage. Let him with
the utmost power of his discourse make me understand
upon what foundation he hath built those great advantages
and ods he supposeth to have over other creatures.
Who hath perswaded him that this admirable moving of
heavens vaults, that the eternal light of these lampes
so fiercely rowling over his head, that the horrormoving
and continuall motion of this infinite vaste
ocean were established, and continue so many ages for
his commoditie and service ? Is it possible to imagine
anything so ridiculous as this miserable and wretched
creature, which is not so much as master of himselfe,
exposed and subject to offences of all things, and
yet dareth call himselfe Master and Emperour of this
Universe ? In whose power it is not to know the least
part of it, much lesse to command the same. And the
privilege, which he so fondly challengeth to be the
onely absolute creature in this huge worlds frame,
perfectly able to know the absolute beautie and several
parts thereof, and that he is only of power to yeeld the
great architect thereof due thanks for it, and to keepe
account both of the receipts and layings out of the
world. Who hath scaled him this patent ? Let him
shew us his letters of privilege for so noble and so great
a charge. Have they been granted onely in favour of
the wise? Then concerne they but a few. Are the
foolish and wicked worthy of so extraordinary a favour,
who being the worst part of the world, should they be
preferred before the rest? Shall we believe him:
Quorum igitur causa quis dixerit effectum esse mundum ?