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132 ESSAYS anp OBSERVATIONS 
confidering the effects of thefe powers in ge- 
-neral, and without regard to any particular _ ‘ 
application of them, that we muft determine | 
concerning their nature. And it hath been 
already attempted to fhew, that they are all 
probably derived from an active intelligence, 
either immediately or mediately exercifed up- 
on matter. A connection manifeftly appears 
amongft different parts of the fyftem of the 
world; and many bodies in it, tho’ dead and 
inanimated, are not only moved and agitated 
themfelves, but communicate motion to each. 
other, according to a certain fixed and efta- 
blifhed order, which is called the courfe of 
nature. But there is no foundation in me- 
chanics for imagining, that a lifelefs body, 
in confequence of a law promulgated fome 
thoufands of years ago, can move itfelf with 
as much regularity and variety, as if it was 
actually endued with thought and reflexion. 
' Tuts, to moft people, will appear an im- 
pofibility, as much as to make a blind man 
to fee, whilft he continues blind. And there 
are few, but will at leaft acknowledge the 
contrary opinion to be fuprorted with fo 
high a degree of probability, as juftly to de- 
ferve 
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