FIRST then, I think it appears very Plain from the _Three preceding Chapters_, that _NUMBERS_ are of a certain wonderful Efficacy and Virtue even in SUPERNATURALS.
SECONDLY, In _Natural Things_ also the Virtues of _NUMBERS_ (so _mystically_ constituted and _mysteriously_ intended) are conspicuously manifest: As is evident in the _Herb_, call’d PENTAPHYLLON, which is said to resist _Poisons_ by Virtue of _Number FIVE_; as _one Leaf_ of it taken _twice_ a day in _Wine_, cures the QUOTIDIAN; _three_, the TERTIAN; and four, the QUARTAN _Fever_. So likewise in the _Herb_ HELIOTROPIUM TRICOCCON[127], _three Grains_ whereof cures the TERTIAN: and _four_, the QUARTAN _Ague_. In like manner, as a _Serpent_, if struck ONCE with a _Spear_, _dies_; but if TWICE, is said to recover _Strength_. So much for the Curious.
HOWEVER, These and many other Things might be mentioned, both in _Natural_, and _Supernatural Beings_, upon the wonderful _Power_ and _Efficacy_ of _NUMBERS_: Which plausible _Doctrine_ not only the most Eminent _Philosophers_, but also the most Learned _Catholick DOCTORS_, namely, St. _Jerom_, _Austin_, _Origen_, _Ambrose_, _Athanasius_, &c. All unanimously teach; as well as the most famous Dr. _Rabanus_ (Archbishop of _Mentz_) who in his Time compos’d an excellent _Book_ to this purpose chiefly upon the _Virtues_ of Numbers.
BUT notwithstanding all This, I am far from believing that there is any peculiar _Virtue_ in _NUMBERS_, considered _abstractedly_: Only, I would hereby demonstrate, that as the _Omniscient CREATOR_ has appointed every thing a _certain TIME_ for its _Production_, _Augmentation_, _Perfection_, _Declension_, and _Duration_; so in all probability, the same _Decree_ or Good-Will of _Divine Providence_ may have ordered _NUMBERS_, and _Sett-Days_ or _Times_ to concur with the apparent Necessity of _Corporeal_, _Natural_, and _Mechanical_ CAUSES. For in Truth, at last, I cannot think that, unless there had been some great and distinct _Mysterys_ of _GOD_ and _Nature_ comprehended in _NUMBERS_, the Great DIVINE[128] would otherwise have recommended That _Search_ to the World of Understanding to count the _NUMBER_ of the _Beast_: saying, _It is the Number of a Man_. But to proceed: