Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n acknowledge_v act_n agent_n 19 3 9.5091 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61251 A vindication of the divine perfections illustrating the glory of God in them, by reason and revelation: methodically digested into several meditations. By a person of honour. Stair, James Dalrymple, Viscount of, 1619-1695. 1695 (1695) Wing S5181; ESTC R221836 207,616 368

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call_v intrinsical_o evil_a god_n may_v excite_v these_o act_n where_o the_o intention_n or_o direction_n only_o be_v evil_a god_n intention_n be_v quite_o different_a so_o he_o may_v excite_v the_o give_n of_o alm_n intend_v thereby_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o the_o direct_n of_o the_o alm_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v a_o distinct_a separate_z act._n there_o be_v no_o ground_n infer_v that_o god_n excite_v to_o that_o end_n much_o less_o that_o he_o excite_v to_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a which_o no_o intention_n can_v make_v good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o different_a part_n or_o different_a act_n therefore_o god_n do_v not_o foreknow_v act_n intrinsical_o evil_a or_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o act_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a in_o his_o decree_n to_o excite_v they_o but_o only_o in_o his_o permissive_a decree_n not_o to_o hinder_v the_o free_a creature_n in_o act_v they_o wherein_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o many_o pregnant_a reason_n first_o god_n foresee_v such_o act_n in_o his_o purpose_n to_o excite_v the_o creature_n to_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o i_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o thereby_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n i_o know_v many_o good_a man_n perceive_v not_o this_o consequence_n and_o be_v far_o from_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o be_v force_v to_o harsh_a concession_n to_o shun_v it_o as_o that_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o act_n but_o not_o of_o the_o vitiosity_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v only_o privative_a and_o require_v no_o cause_n nor_o any_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n which_o import_v nothing_o as_o to_o evil_a intention_n or_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a but_o only_o as_o to_o act_n that_o will_v be_v good_a if_o right_o direct_v and_o be_v well_o illustrate_v by_o ride_v of_o a_o lame_a horse_n where_o the_o rider_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ride_v but_o the_o lameness_n of_o the_o horse_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o halt_a but_o this_o can_v be_v applicable_a to_o a_o indivisible_a act_n whence_o sin_n necessary_o result_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a act_n or_o the_o act_n of_o intention_n be_v total_o evil_a and_o thereby_o there_o can_v be_v one_o part_n attribute_v to_o god_n and_o another_o to_o the_o creature_n if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n but_o that_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o different_a act_n the_o forefight_n of_o that_o act_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o act_v it_o and_o so_o all_o free_a act_n can_v not_o be_v foresee_v that_o way_n the_o more_o ingenuous_a be_v force_v to_o recur_v to_o this_o evasion_n that_o god_n be_v under_o no_o law_n and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n may_v be_v sin_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o no_o sin_n in_o god_n but_o this_o overturn_v the_o be_v of_o act_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_a in_o congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o so_o will_v they_o because_o they_o be_v absolute_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o not_o alone_o by_o the_o will_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n god_n be_v above_o his_o positive_a law_n but_o he_o be_v neither_o above_n nor_o under_o his_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o else_o god_n can_v make_v virtue_n vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n for_o whatever_o depend_v upon_o act_n of_o the_o will_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n so_o god_n have_v alter_v many_o of_o his_o positive_a law_n and_o precept_n because_o they_o be_v only_o good_a in_o that_o they_o be_v will_v and_o command_v second_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v many_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o import_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v act_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o say_v that_o god_n decree_v to_o be_v a_o actor_n with_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o decree_v to_o hinder_v that_o same_o act_n thus_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v abimelech_n to_o touch_v sarah_n who_o he_o have_v take_v on_o design_n to_o make_v she_o his_o concubine_n but_o god_n disable_v he_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o meddle_v with_o she_o nor_o any_o other_o three_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n of_o omission_n wherein_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o resolve_v to_o omit_v but_o by_o carelessness_n and_o inconsideration_n omit_v here_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o if_o god_n hinder_v the_o creature_n to_o consider_v he_o must_v be_v sole_a actor_n in_o these_o sin_n and_o if_o not_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a act_n or_o excitation_n in_o they_o and_o so_o no_o decree_n for_o such_o act_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v foresee_v in_o that_o decree_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v certain_o foresee_v four_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o divine_a purity_n that_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o privation_n require_v no_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n that_o can_v not_o but_o also_o vindicate_v the_o creature_n albeit_o a_o total_a actor_n of_o the_o same_o act._n five_o if_o god_n decree_n without_o foresight_n of_o what_o the_o creature_n use_v its_o proper_a power_n will_v act_v than_o he_o behove_v to_o decree_v the_o torment_n of_o his_o creature_n without_o consideration_n of_o their_o future_a sin_n voluntary_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o which_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o force_v the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v eternal_o torment_v his_o innocent_a creature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o give_v they_o a_o miserable_a be_v than_o no_o be_v at_o all_o which_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o goodness_n and_o give_v a_o most_o unlovely_a representation_n of_o he_o six_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v all_o future_a thing_n without_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n prayer_n be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o a_o mere_a formality_n without_o any_o efficacy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o pray_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n who_o have_v already_o determine_v all_o thing_n without_o consideration_n of_o prayer_n i_o know_v no_o evasion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o that_o god_n have_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o so_o determine_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v after_o antecedent_n prayer_n but_o then_o prayer_n be_v a_o mere_a antecedent_n formality_n and_o no_o efficacious_a mean_a avail_v much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v many_o thing_n upon_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n pray_v as_o if_o he_o be_v undetermined_a when_o they_o pray_v i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o specious_a reason_n accustom_v to_o be_v bring_v for_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a total_a actor_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o i_o consider_v as_o objection_n one_a it_o be_v object_v if_o god_n decree_v any_o thing_n upon_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o independent_a but_o behove_v to_o depend_v upon_o such_o consideration_n and_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o his_o creature_n this_o reason_n can_v conclude_v nothing_o against_o god_n foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o foresee_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o give_v by_o himself_o above_o their_o natural_a strength_n for_o thereby_o he_o depend_v on_o nothing_o but_o on_o his_o own_o supernatural_a grace_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n election_n be_v upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o the_o creature_n faith_n or_o good_a work_n by_o that_o common_a power_n all_o man_n have_v by_o their_o birth_n they_o may_v glory_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o election_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o god_n may_v be_v think_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o opinion_n of_o papist_n and_o arminian_n be_v just_o reject_v but_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n he_o foresee_v will_v malicious_o or_o obstinate_o and_o final_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n because_o he_o decree_v to_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o who_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o cross_v and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o decree_n to_o damn_v the_o reprobate_n
the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n lest_o you_o corrupt_v yourselves_o and_o make_v you_o a_o grave_a image_n the_o similitude_n of_o any_o figure_n what_o a_o pitiful_a evasion_n be_v it_o that_o a_o grave_a image_n be_v only_o forbid_a when_o also_o be_v express_o forbid_v the_o similitude_n of_o any_o figure_n and_o the_o reason_n add_v be_v general_a for_o you_o see_v no_o manner_n of_o similitude_n the_o fire_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o god_n speak_v be_v there_o express_v to_o be_v no_o similitude_n or_o figure_n of_o god_n or_o the_o sun_n for_o which_o there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a pretence_n yea_o it_o be_v make_v one_o of_o the_o ten_o word_n of_o the_o decalogue_n after_o all_o this_o shall_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v change_v this_o precept_n which_o be_v not_o ceremonial_a but_o opposite_a to_o ceremony_n be_v it_o not_o a_o horrid_a and_o impious_a boldness_n to_o leave_v that_o command_n out_o of_o the_o decalogue_n rather_o than_o to_o forbear_v the_o worship_v of_o or_o by_o image_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v avow_v and_o practice_v i_o adore_v thou_o the_o only_a pure_a spirit_n that_o thou_o have_v not_o leave_v i_o to_o my_o imagination_n to_o apprehend_v thou_o as_o be_v any_o way_n like_o a_o body_n or_o matter_n by_o extension_n or_o diffusion_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v exclude_v where_o any_o other_o substance_n be_v or_o can_v be_v whether_o a_o body_n or_o create_v spirit_n it_o be_v so_o incident_a to_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n to_o have_v all_o his_o first_o thought_n by_o imagination_n of_o body_n and_o their_o resemblance_n except_o the_o son_n of_o god_n alone_o for_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o father_n that_o in_o he_o all_o fullness_n shall_v dwell_v i_o lament_v and_o pity_v their_o weakness_n that_o frame_v a_o conception_n of_o the_o infinite_o glorious_a god_n as_o a_o body_n or_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o body_n though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o pure_a air_n or_o aether_n that_o reason_n convince_v to_o be_v every_o where_o in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o mean_a of_o communication_n throughout_o the_o world_n without_o which_o no_o creature_n at_o distance_n can_v communicate_v its_o thought_n or_o act_n to_o another_o which_o scarce_o can_v the_o imagination_n apprehend_v but_o only_o the_o pure_a reason_n and_o which_o be_v conceive_v so_o pure_a that_o it_o be_v invisible_a impalpable_a unperceivable_a by_o any_o sense_n in_o resomblance_n to_o which_o man_n conceive_v angel_n or_o their_o own_o soul_n as_o substance_n like_o some_o part_n of_o the_o pure_a air_n that_o can_v pass_v without_o stop_n through_o all_o body_n though_o of_o never_o so_o close_a contexture_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o apprehend_v god_n by_o the_o like_a resemblance_n because_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o can_v fall_v under_o no_o sense_n yet_o be_v far_o more_o clear_o conceivable_a pure_o by_o the_o mind_n i_o pray_v god_n it_o be_v not_o impute_v to_o those_o who_o through_o weakness_n have_v so_o low_a and_o unsuitable_a thought_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_v god_n meditation_n iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n by_o self-existence_n i_o understand_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v which_o have_v no_o cause_n of_o the_o existence_n thereof_o and_o which_o have_v its_o existence_n in_o itself_o for_o if_o it_o have_v a_o efficient_a cause_n it_o behove_v to_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o that_o cause_n as_o the_o author_n thereof_o a_o self-existent_a be_v can_v have_v no_o constituent_a or_o component_a part_n whether_o they_o be_v essential_a part_n or_o integral_a part_n or_o of_o whatsoever_o composition_n can_v be_v suppose_v for_o than_o it_o behove_v to_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o these_o component_a part_n for_o such_o part_n though_o they_o be_v not_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o that_o compound_v yet_o they_o be_v the_o material_a formal_a or_o essential_a cause_n thereof_o a_o self-existent_a be_v can_v have_v no_o final_a cause_n or_o any_o end_n ulteriour_a to_o itself_o but_o the_o design_n thereof_o must_v necessary_o be_v itself_o as_o the_o ultimate_a and_o last_o end_n and_o can_v be_v a_o mean_a or_o mid_n towards_o any_o other_o end_n but_o all_o thing_n design_v and_o act_v thereby_o must_v necessary_o be_v design_v for_o and_o terminate_v upon_o itself_o as_o the_o last_o end_n a_o self-existent_a be_v have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o sect_n who_o have_v pretend_v to_o any_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o mind_n can_v not_o be_v so_o far_o elevate_v as_o to_o apprehend_v a_o possibility_n of_o creation_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v so_o powerful_a as_o to_o give_v existence_n to_o a_o substance_n which_o have_v no_o existence_n before_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o atheist_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n know_v and_o capable_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n possible_a which_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o self-existent_a active_a cause_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o a_o self-existent_a passive_a or_o material_a cause_n of_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o first_o cause_n make_v all_o production_n and_o alteration_n whether_o that_o cause_n be_v one_o similar_v substance_n which_o most_o of_o they_o do_v with_o the_o great_a probability_n suppose_v to_o be_v water_n or_o air_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o heterogeneous_a mass_n or_o chaos_n whereby_o the_o active_a cause_n can_v only_o segregate_v the_o immutable_a particle_n of_o that_o chaos_n and_o unite_v they_o in_o compound_n of_o divers_a shape_v but_o none_o of_o they_o can_v ever_o distinct_o propose_v whence_o life_n and_o perception_n arise_v and_o therefore_o be_v necessitate_v to_o suppose_v that_o there_o have_v precede_v eternal_a train_n of_o all_o animal_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o self-existent_a percipient_a cause_n but_o these_o first_o active_a cause_n only_o yea_o all_o the_o atheistical_a philosopher_n who_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n yet_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o self-existent_a be_v both_o active_a and_o passive_a and_o yet_o attribute_v no_o knowledge_n to_o the_o active_a cause_n and_o so_o work_v without_o choice_n by_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v no_o percipient_a be_v to_o be_v self-existent_a but_o either_o by_o eternal_a generation_n or_o by_o production_n from_o the_o earth_n not_o only_o plant_n but_o animal_n these_o thing_n first_o arise_v which_o be_v less_o perfect_a and_o need_v less_o elaboration_n so_o that_o mankind_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o last_o birth_n of_o the_o earth_n i_o rejoice_v that_o all_o these_o fantastic_a supposition_n be_v evanished_a and_o that_o not_o only_a revelation_n but_o reason_n also_o have_v concur_v that_o creation_n be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o true_a and_o i_o do_v admire_v and_o resent_v that_o even_o some_o christian_a philosopher_n and_o many_o of_o they_o by_o profession_n divine_n maintain_v the_o impossiblity_n of_o vacuity_n without_o any_o body_n or_o any_o real_a extension_n because_o such_o a_o vacuity_n be_v inconceivable_a without_o conceive_v longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a intrinsic_a property_n of_o a_o body_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v not_o annihilate_v the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o matter_n leave_v nothing_o where_o it_o be_v nor_o can_v give_v existence_n to_o any_o body_n where_o nothing_o be_v before_o and_o therefore_o the_o universe_n must_v necessary_o be_v so_o far_o extend_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o further_a extension_n thereof_o by_o these_o opinion_n there_o be_v suppose_v a_o eternal_a passive_a cause_n from_o eternity_n to_o eternity_n and_o there_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o evasion_n that_o this_o passive_a cause_n must_v be_v self-existent_a or_o that_o god_n from_o eternity_n do_v give_v it_o existence_n and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v true_o say_v that_o he_o give_v it_o existence_n if_o it_o proceed_v from_o he_o by_o emanation_n without_o choice_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o by_o choice_n he_o give_v it_o existence_n from_o eternity_n much_o less_o that_o he_o give_v it_o a_o independent_a existence_n that_o he_o can_v not_o annihilate_v it_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o it_o exceed_v my_o capacity_n to_o imagine_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o with_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o clear_v my_o own_o judgement_n that_o there_o be_v no_o solidity_n in_o that_o consequence_n that_o vacuity_n can_v not_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v without_o longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o demonstration_n thereupon_o be_v as_o true_a as_o upon_o any_o body_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v here_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o attribution_n of_o property_n and_o consequence_n do_v not_o import_v the_o real_a existence_n of_o the_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n
manner_n which_o god_n have_v free_o choose_v whereby_o to_o communicate_v grace_n and_o glory_n to_o the_o elect._n i_o like_v it_o not_o to_o be_v call_v proper_o a_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a cause_n have_v some_o influence_n with_o the_o principal_a agent_n whereas_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n neither_o yet_o to_o be_v proper_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n be_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n see_v a_o condition_n must_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o who_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n the_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o hand_n be_v certain_o metaphorical_a without_o doubt_n causa_fw-la conditio_fw-la &_o modus_fw-la be_v different_a there_o be_v least_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v only_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o save_v which_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a manner_n for_o god_n may_v have_v exert_v all_o his_o dispensation_n with_o creature_n without_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o free_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o so_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o exclude_v all_o glory_v of_o man_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o there_o can_v not_o be_v less_o of_o man_n in_o a_o covenant_n if_o god_n have_v proceed_v only_o by_o mercy_n to_o save_v man_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o covenant_n and_o man_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o rational_a creature_n proceed_v by_o reason_n deliberation_n and_o choice_n as_o by_o a_o covenant_n hence_o way_n be_v make_v to_o the_o last_o point_n propose_v what_o may_v be_v think_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n choose_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o act_n of_o man_n to_o be_v man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o there_o need_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o free_a arbitrary_a choice_n of_o god_n yet_o though_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v indifferent_a his_o wisdom_n appear_v much_o in_o this_o choice_n and_o his_o goodness_n also_o that_o he_o will_v honour_v man_n to_o contract_v with_o he_o and_o to_o take_v his_o consent_n to_o that_o and_o yet_o to_o give_v he_o no_o cause_n and_o even_o no_o pretext_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o if_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v great_a thing_n from_o another_o free_o which_o he_o know_v he_o expect_v from_o he_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o one_o to_o give_v and_o the_o other_o to_o get_v can_v he_o without_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o impudence_n attribute_v the_o gift_n to_o his_o own_o hope_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o giver_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n exert_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o mercy_n be_v misery_n the_o object_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v a_o rational_a hope_n or_o trust_v which_o be_v far_o large_a than_o mercy_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o innocent_a creature_n who_o be_v never_o miserable_a this_o way_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n give_v a_o easy_a outgate_n to_o that_o bitter_a contest_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o elsewhere_o whether_o only_o the_o active_a or_o also_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o controversy_n be_v state_v the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n be_v hardly_o solvable_a for_o it_o be_v state_v thus_o whether_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o man_n or_o if_o he_o do_v also_o stand_v in_o his_o place_n in_o his_o act_n of_o holiness_n the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o both_o the_o latter_a affirm_v by_o the_o one_o and_o deny_v by_o the_o other_o the_o main_a reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o suffering_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o satisfy_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o can_v only_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v free_a of_o misery_n and_o torment_n in_o which_o case_n adam_n be_v before_o the_o fall_n but_o can_v not_o raise_v man_n from_o that_o animal_n state_n be_v so_o much_o common_a with_o brute_n to_o a_o angelical_a state_n in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o christ._n therefore_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o his_o suffering_n but_o by_o his_o holiness_n as_o adam_n will_v have_v merit_v heaven_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o good_a work_n as_o of_o debt_n not_o of_o grace_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n so_o that_o christ_n pay_v the_o debt_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o advance_v they_o unto_o glory_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o chief_a reason_n be_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v a_o creature_n be_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o the_o creator_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n beyond_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o by_o which_o he_o do_v deserve_v all_o that_o glory_n that_o no_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v a_o supererrogation_n in_o christ_n active_a obedience_n merit_v the_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a for_o the_o elect_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n although_o it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o son_n to_o become_v man_n his_o become_a man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o press_v if_o in_o that_o way_n the_o active_a obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v thereby_o entire_o holy_a and_o their_o own_o holiness_n be_v but_o work_v of_o supererrogation_n at_o least_o be_v not_o work_n due_a by_o justice_n but_o work_v of_o gratitude_n and_o the_o fail_n in_o they_o can_v never_o require_v repentance_n which_o will_v agree_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o none_o but_o of_o the_o antinomian_o nor_o do_v it_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n if_o he_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o advance_v they_o to_o glory_n but_o that_o which_o in_o recompense_n at_o least_o in_o premiative_a justice_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v there_o be_v small_a ground_n in_o a_o creditor_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o have_v exact_v all_o he_o can_v have_v require_v though_o not_o from_o his_o debtor_n but_o from_o a_o interpose_a person_n i_o have_v already_o clear_v my_o thought_n that_o though_o christ_n satisfaction_n may_v by_o resemblance_n be_v call_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n yet_o proper_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o do_v god_n crave_v satisfaction_n as_o a_o creditor_n or_o be_v sin_n expiate_v by_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o compense_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v in_o their_o sin_n see_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a with_o so_o solemn_a a_o asseveration_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o require_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n be_v the_o vindication_n of_o his_o purity_n and_o of_o his_o infinite_a aversion_n from_o sin_n as_o by_o his_o justice_n he_o proportion_v the_o suffer_v requisite_a for_o the_o vindication_n to_o the_o sin_n deserve_v therefore_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o adam_n fall_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o and_o posterity_n to_o celestial_a glory_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v expiate_v the_o son_n do_v free_o interpose_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v by_o adam_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n by_o suffering_n of_o as_o much_o value_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v in_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o christ_n perform_v what_o adam_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v by_o a_o full_a implement_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o end_n assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n i_o have_v also_o clear_v my_o mind_n that_o though_o adam_n have_v stand_v he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v that_o exaltation_n which_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o have_v have_v by_o the_o first_o covenant_n for_o he_o may_v have_v continue_v innocent_a and_o sinless_a without_o great_a advances_n in_o holiness_n can_v it_o then_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v think_v that_o his_o so_o continue_v do_v in_o any_o way_n of_o justice_n and_o merit_n purchase_v glory_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o like_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n