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1.THe WORLD we call, the Col∣lection of all existent Bo∣dies. That this is not infi∣nite, 'tis evident: For, if a∣ny longitude be infinite, that very notion imports that it has infinite parts equall to one another, (paces, suppose, or feet); and consequently, from an assigned point in that line, some one foot will be, by infinite others, distant; and so a term assign'd,
and limits fix'd at both ends, to a line which is call'd infinite.
2. If you answer, some one foot is infi∣nite intermediate ones distant from an assign'd point, but that foot cannot be as∣sign'd; as some one horse is necessary to ride on, yet no determinate one: 'Tis re∣ply'd, indetermination and infinity are qualifications or manners of a thing in po∣tentiâ or possibilitie: and so a horse is un∣determin'd whilst he is yet but necessary, that is, in possibility, not in act.
3. Nor makes it against this, that there are infinite objects in the understanding of the Intelligences: for, admit there were, we are not sure they are there actually di∣stinct, and not after the manner of one.
4. You'l say, Suppose Quantity to exist as great as 'tis possible, and 'twill be infi∣nite: 'tis no contradiction, therefore, to suppose it infinite. 'Tis answer'd, that, since, supposing any Quantity, how big so∣ever, yet one may alwaies suppose a big∣ger; there is no Quantity so big as may exist: whence, this is an implicatory pro∣position, that is, such as couches contradi∣ction in it self; as taking the manner of possibility to be the manner of act.
5. Again, 'tis evident, there's but one
World: For, since there's no space, by which two worlds could be separated one from the other; and quantitative bodies joyn'd together, even by that very con∣junction, are one; all quantity whatever must, of necessity, by continuednesse, con∣spire into one bulk.
6. Again, 'tis collected, that the World is not compos'd only of minute bodies, by nature indivisible: for, since an extrin∣secall denomination is nothing, but the intrinsecall natures of the things out of which it rises; and, if there were only in∣divisibles in the world, all the intrinsecalls would remain the same; since the same things alwaies afford the same denomina∣tion, 'twould be impossible any thing should be chang'd.
7. And, hence it follows, that there is still some liquid substance, where-ever there's any locall mutation: and therefore in Heaven it self, the Sphears cannot be so contiguous that there intervenes not some liquid and divisible substance between them.
8. Since, therefore, a whole, after 'tis divided, is no longer what it was; every divisible substance, in that very respect, is mortall. Wherefore, every moveable bo∣dy
must needs be either corruptible it self, or joyn'd to something that is corru∣ptible.