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PHYSICAL axp LITERARY. | ar 
fuppofed, that matter is altogether patlives 
For, if matter itfelf has not apower of mo- 
tion, the {pirit which actuates matter, cannot 
otherways preferve it in motion, but by a 
continued exertion of power. 
Tue fecond propofition is almoft felf- 
evident. ‘To account for continuance at reft, 
nothing is required except barely the nega- ; 
tion of a caufe. But matter at reft not only 
continues in that ftate, but plainly refifts e- 
very force which tends to change its {tate 
from reft to motion. Matter makes no re- 
fiftance to any caufe which produces an alte- 
ration in its figure or colour. Refiftance is a 
pofitive effect which requires a pofitive caufe. 
And this property of refiftance which all mat- 
ter isendued with, is a principle dire@tly op- 
pofite to inertnefs or pafleity, if I may ufe 
that term. Refiftanceis plainly action, which 
every man may readily perceive in himfelf, 
when an impulfe is made upon him: and, 
were matter abfolutely paflive and inert, it 
would make no refiftance, but be carried on 
by every impulfe, without diminifhing the 
force of the impelling body. 
WitTu regard to the third propofition, we 
cannot be at any lofs to aflign a caufe for the 
continuance 
