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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n affliction_n punishment_n sin_n 1,661 5 5.5146 4 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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without_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n deserve_v damnation_n it_o do_v no_o way_n follow_v that_o he_o do_v save_v and_o glorify_v the_o elect_a upon_o foresight_n of_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n in_o they_o god_n independence_n can_v exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o object_n of_o his_o decree_n as_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o his_o decree_n he_o can_v decree_v to_o give_v mercy_n but_o to_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n miserable_a he_o can_v decree_v to_o relieve_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o distress_a he_o have_v clear_o declare_v and_o consequent_o decree_v that_o he_o will_v never_o pardon_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o foresee_v who_o will_v commit_v that_o sin_n for_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o will_v never_o decree_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o a_o case_n that_o be_v never_o to_o exist_v he_o can_v not_o decree_v to_o elect_v any_o creature_n but_o upon_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n that_o he_o be_v to_o create_v that_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o he_o in_o that_o golden_a chain_n who_o he_o do_v foreknow_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 and_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v the_o first_o link_n be_v foreknowledge_n of_o the_o object_n to_o be_v predestinate_v which_o with_o congruity_n to_o the_o divine_a natural_a perfection_n be_v predestinable_a prior_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o predestination_n yet_o in_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o independence_n of_o god_n encroach_v on_o can_v a_o miserable_a or_o distress_a creature_n be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o pretend_v that_o its_o misery_n or_o distress_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n mercy_n or_o relief_n but_o only_o the_o object_n or_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o true_a cause_n be_v god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o god_n decree_n to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o foresee_v will_v hate_v he_o or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o sin_n be_v his_o own_o justice_n and_o purity_n 2_o it_o be_v say_v in_o god_n we_o live_v we_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o body_n must_v be_v his_o motion_n act_v by_o he_o which_o inference_n be_v no_o better_a than_o this_o in_o he_o we_o have_v our_o be_v therefore_o our_o be_v be_v his_o be_v but_o the_o true_a meaning_n be_v clear_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o say_v of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o creature_n import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v by_o virtue_n and_o power_n derive_v from_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o move_v in_o god_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n and_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o 3_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n god_n be_v not_o actor_n he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n but_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n must_v still_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o total_a cause_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o universal_a predetermination_n 4thly_a the_o main_a reason_n against_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n which_o it_o do_v not_o for_o whosoever_o permit_v evil_a that_o he_o can_v hinder_v be_v accessary_a thereto_o and_o guilty_a thereof_o and_o so_o god_n judge_v his_o creature_n which_o will_v not_o conclude_v against_o god_n because_o creature_n be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o moral_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n but_o to_o his_o positive_a law_n neither_o be_v creature_n universal_o oblige_v to_o hinder_v all_o evil_a act_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v for_o god_n have_v set_v up_o civil_a authority_n thereby_o oblige_v subject_n to_o suffer_v the_o legal_a execution_n thereof_o though_o unjust_a albeit_o they_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o this_o reason_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a inducement_n of_o the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n encroach_v upon_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n hold_v that_o the_o will_n of_o a_o free_a creature_n be_v essential_o undeterminable_a by_o any_o other_o than_o by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o persuade_v and_o bring_v motive_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v blameless_a have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v do_v to_o hinder_v sin_n for_o certain_o god_n can_v have_v be_v so_o powerful_a a_o persuader_n as_o to_o make_v prophet_n and_o preacher_n go_v to_o all_o nation_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v and_o this_o ground_n encroach_v on_o god_n omnipotence_n that_o he_o can_v effectual_o over-rule_v his_o free_a creature_n and_o encroach_v on_o his_o wisdom_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o creature_n create_v such_o which_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v but_o behove_v only_o to_o supplicate_v and_o persuade_v the_o 5_o reason_n assign_v for_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o accurate_a argue_v of_o that_o case_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o roman_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v neither_o have_v do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v against_o which_o he_o bring_v this_o objection_n be_v there_o vnrighteousness_n with_o god_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v with_o a_o strong_a denial_n god_n forbid_v for_o be_v say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o run_v or_o of_o he_o that_o will_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n whence_o he_o do_v conclude_v therefore_o have_v he_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v against_o which_o conclusion_n he_o bring_v a_o new_a objection_n thus_o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v thus_o nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n shall_v the_o thing_n form_v say_v to_o he_o that_o form_v it_o why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n thence_o the_o author_n of_o universal_a predetermination_n or_o excitation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o worst_a act_n think_v they_o have_v unanswerable_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o permitter_n but_o the_o actor_n of_o harden_v as_o well_o as_o of_o mercy_n yea_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o act_v in_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n than_o in_o election_n and_o glorification_n but_o that_o of_o the_o same_o lump_n or_o mass_n of_o mankind_n he_o do_v as_o indifferent_o make_v the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n that_o be_v the_o reprobate_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v the_o elect._n but_o the_o context_n sufficient_o clear_v the_o mistake_v of_o these_o inference_n for_o it_o infer_v nothing_o as_o to_o reprobation_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o good_a or_o evil_a the_o inference_n be_v only_o that_o election_n may_v not_o be_v of_o foresee_a work_n but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n though_o they_o have_v yet_o do_v nothing_o it_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o foresee_a merit_n or_o cause_n of_o love_n of_o the_o elect_n for_n that_o god_n hate_v the_o damn_a without_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n deserve_v his_o hatred_n there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n election_n and_o love_n which_o be_v act_n of_o bounty_n to_o infer_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o hatred_n and_o reprobation_n which_o be_v act_n of_o justice_n for_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n be_v absolute_o free_a but_o so_o be_v not_o justice_n but_o the_o main_a mistake_n be_v that_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o reprobate_n and_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n the_o elect_a as_o if_o god_fw-we as_o indifferent_o reprobate_n and_o elect_v as_o the_o potter_n do_v of_o the_o same_o lump_n make_v one_o vessel_n to_o honour_n and_o another_o to_o dishonour_v
in_o this_o present_a life_n he_o continue_v to_o over-rule_v they_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n for_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o this_o life_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n use_v to_o be_v handle_v apart_o by_o divine_n as_o it_o do_v not_o only_o comprehend_v his_o dominion_n and_o government_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n but_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o preservation_n provision_n and_o direction_n of_o every_o creature_n towards_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n apart_o as_o be_v thereby_o the_o more_o able_a to_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o clear_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n reach_v unto_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n even_o unto_o the_o damn_a spirit_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v executioner_n of_o his_o justice_n against_o man_n as_o he_o send_v they_o out_o wherein_o though_o their_o end_n be_v always_o wicked_a the_o act_n itself_o be_v ever_o just_a and_o good_a so_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n vex_v king_n saul_n when_o he_o have_v forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o government_n but_o these_o spirit_n be_v only_o permit_v while_o they_o tempt_v to_o act_n which_o no_o intention_n can_v make_v good_a or_o indifferent_a but_o most_o of_o all_o god_n do_v over-rule_v these_o spirit_n by_o restrain_v their_o malice_n from_o tempt_v or_o trouble_v man_n and_o even_o in_o the_o permission_n of_o their_o temptation_n he_o put_v no_o man_n under_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o be_v overcome_v but_o those_o that_o voluntary_o or_o habitual_o have_v render_v themselves_o weak_a whether_o by_o positive_a choice_n or_o by_o neglect_n and_o inadvertence_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v how_o god_n do_v over-rule_v damn_a spirit_n who_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o far_a punishment_n be_v already_o condemn_v and_o in_o a_o continual_a torment_n of_o mind_n nor_o can_v they_o expect_v reward_n it_o will_v be_v no_o punishment_n to_o they_o to_o annihilate_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o diversion_n by_o compass_v the_o earth_n go_v to_o and_o fro_o therein_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n unto_o the_o like_a condition_n with_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v still_o capable_a of_o great_a torment_n and_o therefore_o they_o tremble_v man_n be_v much_o more_o governable_a in_o this_o life_n be_v far_o more_o passable_a than_o spirit_n and_o be_v seldom_o in_o absolute_a despair_n but_o ever_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o great_a they_o be_v the_o more_o be_v they_o capable_a single_n person_n that_o have_v no_o near_a relation_n be_v far_o less_o liable_a to_o shame_n or_o suffer_v than_o the_o master_n of_o family_n or_o ruler_n of_o state_n and_o the_o noble_a than_o the_o ignoble_a who_o be_v liable_a to_o shame_n affront_v and_o disgrace_n which_o they_o regard_v more_o than_o their_o life_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o godly_a the_o honest_a and_o the_o profane_a the_o godly_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n reach_v not_o only_o to_o divine_a worship_n but_o even_o to_o the_o act_n of_o honesty_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n in_o all_o which_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o determine_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n towards_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n these_o be_v govern_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o by_o internal_a reward_n in_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o internal_a punishment_n in_o the_o doubt_n and_o disquiet_v of_o their_o soul_n beside_o the_o other_o way_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n common_a to_o the_o rest_n those_o that_o be_v only_o honest_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o love_n to_o mankind_n which_o for_o that_o very_a end_n god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereby_o till_o they_o be_v deprave_v they_o be_v inclinable_a in_o every_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o all_o man_n they_o will_v live_v happy_o and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v that_o in_o thing_n in_o their_o power_n they_o will_v prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o single_a person_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o family_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o family_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o any_o of_o these_o interest_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a god_n overrule_v even_o by_o their_o self-love_n for_o though_o they_o will_v subordinate_a all_o thing_n to_o their_o selfinterest_n if_o secure_o they_o can_v and_o when_o with_o probability_n they_o can_v yet_o suppose_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o inclination_n their_o own_o interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o profess_v if_o not_o piety_n in_o hypocrisy_n at_o least_o common_a honesty_n wherein_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v eminent_o see_v for_o otherwise_o most_o man_n will_v be_v as_o malicious_a and_o open_o wicked_a as_o the_o damn_a spirit_n god_n have_v reward_n and_o punishment_n sufficient_a and_o suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n though_o their_o reward_n be_v not_o by_o exact_a justice_n prosperity_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o common_a encouragement_n to_o good_n trouble_v and_o affliction_n be_v the_o common_a outward_a punishment_n and_o more_o particular_o disquiet_a and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o special_a cause_n thereof_o be_v not_o know_v these_o be_v dispense_v to_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o society_n use_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v but_o upon_o atrocious_a common_a and_o avow_a vice_n for_o which_o god_n send_v common_a calamity_n as_o plague_n famine_n inundation_n sterility_n shipwreck_n and_o the_o destruction_n by_o ravenous_a beast_n which_o be_v more_o frequent_a when_o the_o world_n be_v less_o plant_v the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o mention_v god_n four_o sore_a judgement_n god_n excit_v war_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n and_o overrule_v it_o when_o upon_o unjust_a but_o rather_o use_v the_o other_o plague_n god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n partly_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n partly_o by_o diyine_a institution_n reveal_v to_o men._n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o government_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n by_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n whereby_o they_o take_v pleasure_n to_o preserve_v direct_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o by_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o the_o child_n to_o reverence_n and_o obey_v their_o parent_n which_o affection_n arise_v in_o both_o from_o their_o belief_n of_o these_o relation_n even_o where_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o contract_n and_o paction_n of_o party_n to_o govern_v and_o to_o obey_v as_o between_o master_n and_o servant_n between_o ruler_n and_o subject_n for_o the_o force_n of_o these_o paction_n be_v by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o which_o his_o conscience_n convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o husband_n over_o the_o wife_n by_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o government_n of_o common_a wealth_n by_o god_n institution_n of_o a_o public_a judgement_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n concern_v such_o as_o shall_v unite_v themselves_o in_o civil_a society_n the_o former_a be_v propagate_v by_o a_o universal_a tradition_n to_o all_o nation_n from_o adam_n till_o the_o flood_n and_o from_o noab_n and_o his_o posterity_n after_o the_o flood_n but_o civil_a government_n be_v only_o institute_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o man_n life_n become_v short_a god_n allow_v the_o father_n of_o family_n to_o unite_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n into_o civil_a society_n and_o to_o transmit_v the_o power_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o government_n of_o their_o family_n in_o most_o thing_n upon_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o society_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v mutual_a paction_n in_o marriage_n and_o government_n yet_o the_o essential_o of_o both_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n which_o can_v lawful_o be_v alter_v person_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v marry_v or_o not_o and_o with_o who_o but_o the_o degree_n within_o which_o they_o may_v marry_v be_v institute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o indurance_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o marriage_n be_v institute_v
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
can_v comprehend_v they_o distinct_o altogether_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o glorify_a creature_n will_v have_v a_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o apprehend_v distinct_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o his_o manifold_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n which_o will_v yield_v fresh_a and_o renew_a pleasure_n for_o ever_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o thought_n turn_v upon_o a_o few_o delightful_a object_n give_v a_o fresh_a continuance_n of_o pleasure_n albeit_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n be_v but_o low_a how_o fresh_a then_o and_o how_o great_a must_v that_o pleasure_n be_v that_o have_v the_o variety_n of_o god_n existence_n and_o nature_n in_o be_v a_o pure_a immaterial_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n bring_v to_o a_o unalterable_a condition_n second_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n but_o creature_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o infinite_a perfection_n therefore_o their_o delight_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v still_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v full_o satisfactory_a in_o the_o degree_n that_o god_n free_o give_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v satisfy_v without_o envy_n emulation_n or_o desire_v of_o more_o than_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o their_o glorify_a body_n three_o the_o delight_n of_o glorify_a creature_n be_v not_o upon_o ground_n from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o perfection_n whole_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v in_o all_o occasion_n of_o danger_n meditation_n x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n have_v meditate_a upon_o the_o glorious_a divine_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o immanent_a so_o far_o as_o my_o narrow_a capacity_n do_v reach_v and_o apprehend_v and_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n whereby_o the_o antecedent_n do_v always_o make_v way_n for_o the_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o subsequent_a the_o first_o and_o absolute_a attribute_n be_v a_o spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v relative_a suppose_v a_o subject_a to_o which_o they_o relate_v of_o which_o the_o near_a to_o the_o pure_o immaterial_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v omniscience_n and_o next_o thereto_o activity_n by_o his_o will_n choose_v and_o effectuate_a according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o then_o his_o omnipotence_n extend_v not_o only_a to_o what_o he_o choose_v or_o will_v but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o consistent_a all_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o caufe_fw-fr whereby_o he_o be_v self-existent_a and_o eternal_a self-sufficient_a infinite_o delight_v in_o himself_o and_o thereby_o bless_v and_o as_o to_o all_o transient_a act_n absolute_o free_a and_o full_o independent_a in_o his_o be_v power_n choice_n or_o operation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v my_o most_o serious_a and_o humble_a thought_n to_o his_o voluntary_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o former_a which_o i_o perceive_v not_o only_o to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o consequent_a but_o that_o they_o be_v as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n have_v a_o extrinsic_a cause_n or_o a_o real_a multiplicity_n or_o difference_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o god_n alone_o do_v act_v immediate_o by_o his_o be_v some_o have_v extend_v that_o to_o creature_n but_o if_o without_o injury_n i_o think_v not_o without_o error_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n perceive_v judge_v reason_v choose_v by_o its_o own_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o man_n fancy_n that_o imagine_v superad_v power_n such_o as_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n wherein_o they_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o err_v in_o the_o defect_n as_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o schoolman_n do_v in_o the_o excess_n multiply_v real_a entity_n as_o they_o imagine_v as_o the_o eternal_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v exi_v or_o do_v exist_v and_o of_o the_o real_a be_v of_o thing_n possible_a that_o do_v not_o never_o do_v nor_o never_o shall_v exist_v and_o suppose_v a_o multitude_n of_o accident_n real_o distinct_a from_o any-substance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o individual_a accident_n be_v separable_a from_o one_o individual_a substance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v unto_o another_o and_o which_o consequent_o can_v subsist_v without_o any_o substance_n and_o so_o not_o differ_v from_o a_o substance_n by_o subsist_v without_o a_o subject_a but_o be_v difference_v by_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o perfect_v a_o subject_a by_o actual_a inhere_n in_o it_o and_o differ_v also_o from_o modes_n that_o these_o imply_v a_o individual_a subject_n from_o which_o they_o be_v inseparable_a yet_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o attribute_v such_o accident_n to_o god_n which_o indeed_o can_v escape_v to_o infer_v a_o composition_n of_o separable_a thing_n it_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o create_a substance_n to_o act_v by_o its_o substance_n or_o immediate_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o suppose_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o species_n to_o differ_v by_o substantial_o and_o consequent_o by_o separable_o subsistent_a part_n and_o so_o shall_v conceive_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_v to_o be_v such_o then_o the_o soul_n will_v substantial_o comprehend_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_n and_o must_v act_v immediate_o but_o though_o the_o capacity_n to_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n separable_a from_o the_o soul_n they_o may_v still_o be_v essential_a though_o not_o substantial_a difference_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n act_v not_o immediate_o but_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o and_o i_o conceive_v it_o a_o abusive_a speech_n and_o if_o proper_o take_v derogatory_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o withdraw_v the_o power_n of_o reason_v or_o free_a choice_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o annihilate_v its_o substance_n but_o only_o change_v it_o unto_o another_o kind_n which_o yet_o may_v essential_o differ_v from_o a_o brute_n which_o can_v judge_n nor_o compare_n no_o more_o than_o reason_n but_o only_o perceive_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o instinct_n it_o do_v much_o more_o quadrate_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o he_o free_o give_v these_o power_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o special_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o such_o power_n must_v be_v free_o superad_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o creature_n i_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o this_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o substance_n but_o spirit_n and_o matter_n that_o all_o the_o species_n of_o creature_n be_v by_o superadded_a power_n or_o modes_n which_o be_v not_o separable_a being_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o spirit_n by_o its_o substance_n can_v reason_v choose_v worship_n or_o adore_v than_o all_o spirit_n behove_v necessary_o so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o matter_n as_o such_o can_v move_v or_o act_v all_o body_n behove_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o something_o must_v be_v superad_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v neither_o body_n nor_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o act_v immediate_o that_o the_o transient_a act_n of_o god_n perfection_n be_v cause_n and_o effect_n it_o do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o unsutable_o think_v of_o god_n when_o i_o inquire_v why_o do_v god_n punish_v sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v just_a and_o if_o i_o yet_o further_o inquire_v why_o be_v god_n unchangeable_o just_a i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a or_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a only_o because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o three_o ground_n or_o rise_v whence_o all_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n do_v flow_v i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n if_o all_o his_o dispensation_n do_v not_o arise_v only_o from_o his_o will_n but_o that_o very_a reason_n infer_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o all_o must_v flow_v from_o god_n will_n to_o wit_v his_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o will_n nor_o from_o his_o will_n nor_o be_v they_o moral_a but_o natural_a perfection_n