Another Argument hee had from his master Plato,[1] that there is but one World, because there is but one first mover, God.[2]
But here I may deny the consequence, since a plurality of worlds doth not take away the unity of the first mover. Vt enim forma substantialis, sic primum efficiens apparentem solummodo multiplicitatem induit per signatam materiam (saith a Countreyman of ours.)[3] As the substantiall forme, so the efficient cause hath onely an appearing multiplicity from its particular matter. You may see this point more largely handled, and these Arguments more fully answered by Plutarch in his Booke (why Oracles are silent) and Iacob Carpentarius in his comment on Alcinous.
But our opposites the Interpreters themselves, (who too often doe jurare in verba magistri) will grant that there is not any
- ↑ Metaphys. l. 12. c. 8
- ↑ Diog. Laert. lib. 3
- ↑ Nic. Hill. de Philosop. Epic partic. 379.
