So far we are agreed. But then we
differ as to the kind of this powerful Being. I will have it to
be Spirit, you Matter, or I know not what (I may add too, you
know not what) Third Nature. Thus, I prove it to be Spirit. From
the effects I see produced, I conclude there are actions; and,
because actions, volitions; and, because there are volitions,
there must be a
. Again, the things I perceive must have an
existence, they or their archetypes, out of mind: but, being
ideas, neither they nor their archetypes can exist otherwise than
in an understanding; there is therefore an . But
will and understanding constitute in the strictest sense a mind
or spirit. The powerful cause, therefore, of my ideas is in
strict propriety of speech a .
. And now I warrant you think you have made the point
very clear, little suspecting that what you advance leads
directly to a contradiction. Is it not an absurdity to imagine
any imperfection in God?
. Without a doubt.
.
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