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But yet the improving of essential predicates, is no specification of subjects, but a me∣lioration of the first.
The ordinary Reader may perhaps think, that there is some great mystery wrapt up under these hard words; but the plain meaning of them, is (as I suppose) that
the improving of essential predicates, doth not make a specifical change of subjects, but onely advance a subject unto a better being. Essential predicates may be said to be improved three manner of ways. 1. By abolition of them. 2. By intension of them. 3. By addition unto them.
The two latter are impertinent to this business in hand; for suppose (though not grant) that the essential predicates of substances might be improved by intension of them, or by addition unto them; yet what will this make to the separability of es∣sentials from a subject: The improving of essential predicates, that belongs unto our present purpose, is by abolition of them, and by substituting new and more no∣ble essentials in their room; and that essentials may be abolished, and new essen∣tials substituted in their rooms (the things remaining the same) is a thing you may magisterially and imperiously dictate, but can never Scholastically prove.
But (perhaps) you will say, that you take essential in a Moral and Theological sense: But Sir, you must remember, that you are not to take essential here, in such a latitude, as to include accidental and contingent predicates; for if you should, Porphyry's definition of Accidens will remain unshaken by what you say: Would not this be a ridiculous Argument? accidental and contingent predicates may be taken away, sine subjecti interitu, therefore adesse & abesse sine subjecti interit••, is no excellent definition of an accident; and yet this will be your very argument, if by essential predicates you mean any thing besides the four first predicables, unto which all essential predicates are reducible.