Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n author_n sin_n will_n 1,685 5 6.8791 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61580 Origines sacræ, or, A rational account of the grounds of Christian faith, as to the truth and divine authority of the Scriptures and the matters therein contained by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1662 (1662) Wing S5616; ESTC R22910 519,756 662

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which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v uncapable_a of_o full_a and_o particular_a resolution_n and_o those_o be_v that_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o man_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o if_o then_o man_n ruin_n and_o misery_n be_v from_o himself_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o much_o inculcate_v on_o all_o occasion_n then_o without_o controversy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o too_o which_o be_v sin_n so_o that_o if_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o by_o which_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_v misery_n unavoidable_o fall_v upon_o he_o for_o with_o what_o authority_n and_o majesty_n do_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n with_o what_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n do_v he_o woo_v the_o sinner_n to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n with_o what_o loathe_n and_o detestation_n do_v he_o mention_v sin_n with_o what_o justice_n and_o severity_n do_v he_o punish_v sin_n with_o what_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n do_v he_o threaten_v contumacious_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o solemn_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o the_o least_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o god_n or_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a will_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a justice_n purity_n and_o holiness_n punish_v the_o sinner_n for_o that_o which_o himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o far_o be_v such_o unworthy_a thought_n from_o our_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n much_o more_o of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v declare_v his_o mind_n so_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a together_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n we_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o account_n 2._o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v any_o way_n charge_v it_o upon_o god_n there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n which_o according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n record_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n either_o first_o by_o the_o give_v he_o that_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n or_o second_o by_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n first_o the_o giving_z of_o that_o positive_a law_n can_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o lay_v man_n 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sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n which_o god_n have_v over_o man_n as_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v whatever_o his_o m●ker_n do_v command_v he_o so_o that_o god_n have_v full_a and_o absolute_a right_n to_o require_v from_o man_n what_o he_o do_v as_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o h●s_n creator_n without_o some_o declaration_n of_o his_o creator_n will._n second_o god_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n but_o to_o determine_v man_n general_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o particular_a positive_a precept_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o man_n fall_v if_o god_n power_n over_o man_n be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o shall_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o a_o positive_a law_n be_v it_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o law_n seem_v too_o low_a for_o god_n to_o command_v his_o creature_n but_o whatever_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o man_n have_v testify_v as_o much_o in_o that_o instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o disobedience_n for_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o contemn_v his_o goodness_n slight_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n question_v his_o name_n dishonour_v his_o majesty_n affront_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o it_o have_v be_v if_o the_o law_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o its_o self_n yet_o god_n authority_n add_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o be_v it_o then_o because_o god_n conceal_v from_o man_n his_o counsel_n in_o give_v of_o that_o positive_a precept_n have_v not_o then_o a_o legislator_n power_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o satisfy_v every_o one_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o command_v it_o if_o so_o what_o become_v of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o probative_a precept_n on_o this_o account_n and_o the_o legislator_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v which_o as_o it_o concern_v humane_a legislator_n who_o have_v not_o that_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o all_o law_n of_o policy_n and_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n this_o plutarch_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o numine_fw-la when_o he_o discourse_v ●o_o rational_o of_o the_o sobriety_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o say_v he_o physician_n will_v give_v prescription_n without_o give_v the_o patient_a a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o circumstance_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o have_v humane_a law_n always_o apparent_a reason_n for_o they_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o appearance_n ridiculous_a for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o that_o law_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a ephori_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v annex_v but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o command_v every_o magistrate_n at_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o office_n to_o ●have_v himself_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o obey_v law_n themselves_o he_o further_o instance_v in_o the_o roman_a custom_n of_o manumission_n their_o law_n about_o testament_n solon_n law_n against_o neutrality_n in_o sedition_n and_o conclude_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o one_o will_v easy_o find_v many_o absurdity_n in_o law_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o what_o he_o require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v so_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o those_o of_o the_o deity_n this_o can_v be_v then_o any_o ground_n on_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o man_n disobedience_n upon_o god_n because_o he_o require_v from_o
thè_z soul_n be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o it_o do_v one_o may_v just_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o god_n who_o permit_v such_o a_o force_n to_o be_v offer_v it_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v proper_o evil_a which_o the_o soul_n be_v constrain_v to_o but_o since_o it_o act_v free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n the_o soul_n must_v alone_o be_v account_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o evil_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n be_v account_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n because_o he_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o principle_n of_o internal_a freedom_n when_o the_o very_a freedom_n of_o act_v which_o the_o soul_n have_v put_v it_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o stand_v as_o well_o as_o fall_v and_o certain_o he_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o break_n of_o a_o person_n who_o give_v he_o a_o stock_n to_o set_v up_o with_o and_o suppose_v he_o able_a to_o manage_v it_o when_o he_o give_v it_o he_o indeed_o have_v not_o man_n have_v this_o freedom_n of_o will_n he_o can_v not_o have_v fall_v but_o then_o neither_o have_v he_o be_v a_o rational_a agent_n which_o suppose_v no_o corruption_n do_v speak_v freedom_n of_o action_n so_o that_o while_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n to_o assign_v it_o to_o but_o man_n abuse_n of_o that_o free_a power_n of_o act_v which_o he_o have_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o inquire_v further_o why_o god_n do_v create_v man_n with_o such_o a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o not_o rather_o fix_v his_o soul_n immutable_o on_o good_a if_o the_o order_n of_o being_n be_v no_o satisfactory_a reason_n for_o it_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o than_o that_o why_o he_o make_v man_n or_o the_o world_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n but_o second_o suppose_v god_n give_v man_n this_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n do_v not_o 7._o his_o leave_v man_n to_o this_o liberty_n of_o he_o in_o the_o temptation_n make_v he_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n i_o answer_v no_o and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o man_n stand_v then_o upon_o such_o term_n that_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a act_n he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o stand_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n at_o all_o in_o his_o faculty_n but_o he_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a soul_n which_o can_v not_o be_v pollute_v without_o its_o own_o consent_n now_o it_o have_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o man_n stand_v which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o his_o creator_n have_v he_o be_v irresistible_o determine_v any_o way_n simplicius_n put_v this_o question_n after_o the_o former_a discourse_n whether_o god_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o permit_v the_o soul_n to_o use_v her_o liberty_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v god_n shall_v not_o have_v permit_v this_o use_n of_o its_o freedom_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n ●ither_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v indifferent_a to_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o keep_v from_o the_o choose_n evil_a or_o else_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o choose_v evil_a the_o first_o be_v irrational_a and_o absurd_a for_o what_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n have_v that_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n and_o what_o choice_n can_v there_o have_v be_v where_o the_o mind_n be_v necessitate_v only_o to_o one_o part_n for_o the_o second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v say_v he_o that_o no_o evil_n be_v in_o its_o self_n desirable_a or_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o withal_o if_o this_o power_n of_o determine_v its_o self_n ●ither_o way_n must_v be_v take_v away_o it_o must_v be_v either_o as_o something_o not_o good_a or_o as_o some_o great_a evil_n and_o whoever_o say_v so_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v which_o be_v account_v good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n yet_o be_v no_o way_n comparable_a with_o this_o freedom_n of_o will._n for_o it_o excel_v all_o sublunary_a being_n and_o there_o be_v none_o will_v rather_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o brute_n or_o plant_n then_o man_n if_o god_n then_o show_v his_o goodness_n in_o give_v to_o inferior_a being_n such_o perfectiou_n which_o be_v far_o below_o this_o be_v it_o any_o way_n incongruous_a to_o god_n nature_n and_o goodness_n to_o give_v man_n the_o freedom_n of_o his_o action_n and_o a_o self_n determine_v power_n though_o he_o permit_v he_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o beside_o as_o that_o author_n reason_n have_v god_n to_o prevent_v man_n sin_n take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n he_o have_v likewise_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o virtue_n will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o have_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o act_v contrary_n and_o man_n nature_n will_v have_v be_v divine_a because_o impeccable_a therefore_o say_v ●e_n though_o we_o attribute_v this_o self-determining_a power_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o that_o evil_n to_o god_n which_o come_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o liberty_n for_o as_o he_o further_o add_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o cause_n that_o aversion_n from_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o sin_n but_o only_o give_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o may_v turn_v its_o self_n to_o evil_a out_o of_o which_o god_n may_v afterward_o produce_v so_o much_o good_a which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v without_o it_o so_o consonant_o 187●_n to_o the_o scripture_n do_v that_o philosopher_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n because_o he_o do_v not_o withdraw_v before_o his_o fall_n any_o grace_n or_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o stand_n have_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o man_n for_o every_o moment_n to_o continue_v he_o in_o his_o innocency_n and_o have_v god_n before_o man_n fall_n withdraw_v such_o assistance_n from_o he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o ●ave_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a free_a god_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o put_v to_o such_o difficulty_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o for_o assert_v any_o distinction_n of_o sufficient_a and_o efficacious_a grace_n in_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n that_o the_o one_o shall_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o radical_a power_n of_o stand_v the_o other_o to_o every_o act_n of_o good_a which_o adam_n do_v for_o if_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o he_o certain_o give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o supervenient_a act_n of_o grace_n to_o elicit_v that_o habitual_a power_n into_o particular_a action_n if_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o stand_v unless_o efficacious_a help_n be_v superad_v to_o it_o god_n will_v not_o certain_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o integrity_n but_o what_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o obey_v and_o if_o there_o be_v necessary_a further_a grace_n to_o bring_v the_o power_n into_o act_n than_o the_o substract_n of_o this_o grace_n must_v be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n to_o man_n which_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v for_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v before_o man_n have_v sin_v or_o e●se_n god_n must_v subtract_v this_o grace_n on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v ●all_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v on_o this_o supposition_n in_o which_o case_n man_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o fall_v veluti_fw-la cum_fw-la subductis_fw-la columnis_fw-la dom_n we_o necessario_fw-la corruit_fw-la as_o one_o express_v it_o as_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o fall_v when_o the_o pillar_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o but_o now_o if_o god_n withdraw_v not_o any_o effectual_a grace_n from_o man_n whereby_o he_o must_v necessary_o fall_v then_o
good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n which_o socrates_n observe_v upon_o the_o rub_n of_o his_o thigh_n where_o the_o fetter_n make_v it_o itch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pbaed_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v that_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v pleasure_n how_o near_o of_o kin_n be_v it_o to_o that_o which_o seem_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o pain_n now_o the_o observe_v the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a vicissitude_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o what_o near_o neighbour_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n 9_o be_v to_o each_o other_o so_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o do_v yet_o more_o entangle_v they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o both_o these_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n and_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o do_v easy_o attribute_v whatever_o be_v good_a in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o that_o any_o evil_n shall_v come_v from_o he_o they_o think_v it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o right_a in_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v already_o show_v god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o but_o therein_o they_o show_v their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o evil_a that_o they_o do_v no●_n look_v upon_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n as_o effect_n of_o god_n justice_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v set_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a far_o enough_o off_o from_o god_n they_o make_v two_o different_a principle_n of_o thing_n the_o one_o of_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o evil_n this_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o universal_a account_n which_o he_o can_v meet_v with_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v this_o ample_a testimony_n of_o he_o in_o his_o learned_a discourse_n de_fw-fr iside_n &_o osiride_n fr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o cite_v because_o they_o give_v we_o the_o most_o full_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o opinion_n which_o assert_n two_o different_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n it_o be_v a_o tradition_n say_v he_o of_o great_a antiquity_n derive_v down_o from_o the_o ancient_a master_n of_o d●vine_a knowledge_n and_o former_n of_o commonwealth_n to_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n who_o first_o author_n can_v be_v find_v and_o yet_o have_v meet_v with_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a discourse_n and_o report_n but_o be_v spread_v into_o the_o mystery_n and_o sacrifice_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o other_o that_o the_o universe_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o chance_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o mind_n and_o reason_n to_o govern_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o one_o only_a reason_n which_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a or_o hold_v the_o reins_o whereby_o he_o do_v order_n and_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o confusion_n and_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n that_o nature_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o pure_a untainted_a good_a there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o who_o like_o a_o drawer_n take_v the_o liquor_n out_o of_o two_o several_a vessel_n and_o mix_v they_o together_o and_o after_o distribute_v they_o but_o there_o be_v two_o principle_n and_o power_n contrary_a to_o each_o other_o whereof_o one_o draoe_v we_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o direct_v we_o straight_o forward_o the_o other_o pull_v we_o back_o and_o turn_v we_o the_o other_o way_n since_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o mix_v as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o the_o world_n too_o at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o be_v sublunary_a and_o terrestrial_a which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o variety_n irregularity_n and_o change_n for_o if_o nothing_o he_o without_o a_o cause_n and_o good_a can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o principle_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a so_o there_o must_v be_v another_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a but_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v only_o a_o sect_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o heathen_a manichee_n which_o hold_v this_o opinion_n he_o tell_v we_o to_o prevent_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a now_o these_o two_o principle_n some_o say_v he_o call_v two_o opposite_a god_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o evil_n he_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o this_o one_o will_v imagine_v that_o this_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a a_o little_a disguise_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o devil_n the_o first_o author_n of_o evil_n himself_o and_o the_o first_o solicitor_n and_o tempter_n of_o man_n to_o it_o who_o when_o god_n direct_v he_o straight_o forward_o pull_v man_n back_o and_o put_v he_o quite_o out_o of_o his_o way_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n come_v into_o it_o for_o while_o man_n keep_v close_o to_o his_o maker_n his_o integrity_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o he_o what_o the_o vasa_fw-la umbilicalia_fw-la be_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n by_o they_o he_o receive_v what_o ever_o tend_v to_o his_o subsistence_n and_o comfort_n but_o sin_n cut_v those_o vessel_n asunder_o and_o prove_v the_o midwife_n of_o misery_n bring_v man_n forth_o into_o a_o world_n of_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n now_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n take_v such_o especial_a notice_n of_o one_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o devil_n through_o who_o mean_n evil_a come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o heathen_n when_o length_n of_o time_n have_v make_v the_o original_a tradition_n more_o obscure_a to_o make_v these_o two_o god_n and_o the_o daemon_n as_o two_o anti-god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o one_o of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o evil_a which_o at_o last_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n great_a design_n in_o thus_o corrupt_v the_o tradition_n that_o both_o these_o anti-god_n shall_v have_v solemn_a worship_n by_o sacrifice_n the_o one_o by_o way_n of_o impetration_n for_o bestow_v of_o good_a the_o other_o by_o way_n of_o deprecation_n for_o avert_v of_o evil_a such_o plutarch_n there_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n of_o zoroastres_n which_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o persian_n the_o one_o for_o do_v good_a and_o the_o other_o for_o avoid_v evil_n the_o one_o they_o resemble_v to_o light_v or_o fire_n the_o other_o to_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n what_o animal_n be_v good_a and_o useful_a they_o ascribe_v to_o oromasdes_n and_o all_o venomous_a and_o noxious_a one_o to_o arimanius_n who_o plutarch_n elsewhere_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evil_a daemon_n of_o the_o persian_n the_o same_o diogenes_n laertius_n relate_v of_o the_o magi_n the_o philosopher_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o make_v two_o distinct_a principle_n philosoph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a and_o bad_a daemon_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v dinon_n aristotle_n hermippus_n eudoxus_n and_o other_o the_o same_o plutarch_n make_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_n who_o attribute_v the_o good_a to_o jupiter_n olympius_n the_o bad_a to_o hades_n the_o chaldeans_n say_v he_o make_v the_o planet_n their_o god_n of_o which_o two_o they_o suppose_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a two_o more_o of_o only_a a_o malignant_a influence_n and_o other_o three_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o the_o same_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o egyptian_n that_o whatever_o be_v evil_a and_o irregular_a they_o ascribe_v to_o typho_n what_o be_v good_a comely_a and_o useful_a they_o attribute_v to_o isis_n and_o osiris_n to_o isis_n as_o the_o passive_a osiris_n as_o the_o active_a principle_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o large_a a_o spread_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a have_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n neither_o do_v it_o expire_v with_o 10._o heathenism_n but_o manes_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v a_o persian_a that_o he_o make_v a_o strange_a medley_n of_o the_o persian_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o for_o that_o be_v his_o famous_a opinion_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o is●e_fw-la duo_fw-la principia_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la diversa_fw-la at_o que_fw-la adversa_fw-la cade●que_fw-la aeterna_fw-la &_o eterna_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
impossibile_fw-it yet_o take_v that_o impossibility_n as_o relate_v to_o second_o cause_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v some_o divine_a prediction_n we_o see_v what_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v for_o they_o for_o the_o more_o unlikely_a the_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v effect_v by_o second_o cause_n the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o that_o the_o prophet_n in_o foretell_v it_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o mere_a order_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o unalterable_a counsel_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o therefore_o will_v certain_o have_v their_o timely_a accomplishment_n when_o therefore_o any_o prophet_n do_v foretell_v thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o those_o thing_n do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n as_o the_o contrary_n be_v of_o a_o true_a one_o for_o none_o can_v know_v so_o long_o beforehand_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a power_n but_o such_o to_o who_o god_n himself_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v they_o do_v reveal_v and_o communicate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o hence_o we_o see_v in_o scripture_n those_o prediction_n which_o have_v seem_v to_o carry_v the_o great_a improbability_n with_o they_o have_v have_v the_o most_o punctual_a accomplishment_n as_o the_o israelite_n return_v out_o of_o egypt_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 430_o year_n their_o deliverance_n by_o 17._o cyrus_n after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n which_o seem_v so_o improbable_a a_o thing_n that_o when_o god_n speak_v of_o it_o he_o usher_v it_o in_o 28._o with_o this_o preface_n that_o he_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v the_o diviner_n mad_a but_o confirm_v the_o word_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o perform_v the_o counsel_n of_o his_o messenger_n that_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n thou_o shall_v be_v inhabit_v etc._n etc._n the_o more_o unlikely_a than_o the_o thing_n be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o great_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o so_o clear_a a_o prophecy_n of_o it_o so_o long_o before_o above_o 100_o year_n and_o so_o exact_a a_o fulfil_n of_o it_o afterward_o precise_o at_o the_o expire_a of_o the_o l_o x_o x_o year_n from_o the_o first_o captivity_n prediction_n concern_v future_a event_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o a_o oath_n from_o god_n himself_o do_v express_v the_o immutable_a determination_n 3._o of_o god_n will_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n we_o can_v desire_v from_o that_o remarkable_a expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n heb._n 6._o 17_o 18._o wherein_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o apostle_n obviate_v and_o remove_v all_o doubt_n and_o misprision_n lest_o god_n after_o the_o declare_v of_o his_o will_n shall_v alter_v the_o event_n foretell_v in_o it_o and_o that_o he_o do_v both_o by_o show_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o absolute_a promise_n and_o withal_o to_o prevent_v all_o doubt_n lest_o some_o tacit_a condition_n may_v hinder_v performance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n to_o it_o which_o two_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o use_v do_v in_o scripture_n often_o note_v the_o frustrate_v of_o man_n hope_n and_o expectation_n so_o it_o be_v use_v habak_v 3._o 17._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o render_v it_o the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v so_o osea_n 9_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o new_a wine_n shall_v fail_v in_o she_o thus_o the_o meaning_n here_o be_v that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v frustrate_v the_o expectation_n of_o man_n or_o alter_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n after_o he_o have_v declare_v they_o for_o god_n oath_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o will_n in_o all_o prediction_n to_o which_o this_o be_v annex_v and_o do_v full_o exclude_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n call_v repent_v in_o god_n that_o be_v do_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n do_v seem_v to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_a condition_n understand_v in_o they_o so_o we_o find_v psal._n 89._o 31_o 32_o 33_o 34_o 35_o 36._o if_o they_o break_v my_o statute_n and_o keep_v not_o my_o commandment_n then_o will_v i_o visit_v their_o transgression_n with_o the_o rod_n and_o their_o iniquity_n with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o my_o love_a kindness_n will_v i_o not_o utter_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n that_o i_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n his_o seed_n shall_v endure_v for_o ever_o and_o his_o throne_n as_o the_o sun_n before_o i_o wherein_o we_o see_v what_o way_n god_n take_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n by_o the_o oath_n which_o he_o adjoin_v to_o his_o promise_n whereby_o god_n do_v most_o full_o express_v the_o unalterable_a determination_n of_o his_o own_o will_n in_o that_o he_o swear_v by_o his_o own_o holiness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v unto_o david_n i._n e._n that_o he_o will_v faithful_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n well_o say_v beati_fw-la sumus_fw-la quorum_fw-la causa_fw-la deus_fw-la jurat_fw-la sed_fw-la miseri_fw-la &_o detestabiles_fw-la si_fw-la ne_fw-la juranti_fw-la quidem_fw-la credimus_fw-la it_o be_v happy_a for_o we_o unbelieving_a creature_n that_o god_n stoop_v so_o low_a as_o to_o confirm_v his_o covenant_n with_o a_o oath_n but_o it_o will_v be_v sad_a and_o miserable_a for_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o it_o when_o god_n have_v annex_v his_o oath_n unto_o it_o it_o be_v think_v by_o expositor_n that_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a emphasis_n in_o those_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d once_o have_v i_o swear_v thereby_o note_v the_o irrevocable_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o repetition_n of_o it_o as_o among_o man_n because_o when_o once_o god_n swear_v by_o himself_o it_o be_v the_o high_a demonstration_n that_o no_o condition_n whatever_o shall_v alter_v his_o declare_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o council_n of_o toledo_n well_o explain_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o god_n oath_n and_o his_o repentance_n in_o scripture_n 3._o jurare_fw-la namque_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la à_fw-la se_fw-la ordinata_fw-la nullatenus_fw-la convellere_fw-la poenitere_fw-la vero_fw-la eadem_fw-la ordinata_fw-la cum_fw-la voluerit_fw-la immutare_fw-la god_n be_v say_v to_o swear_v when_o he_o bind_v himself_o absolute_o to_o performance_n and_o to_o repent_v when_o thing_n fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v concern_v they_o for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v only_o mutatio_fw-la sententiae_fw-la and_o not_o consilii_fw-la that_o the_o alteration_n may_v be_v only_o in_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o in_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n but_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o many_o prediction_n do_v imply_v some_o tacit_a condition_n and_o many_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_v do_v not_o express_v his_o internal_a purpose_n it_o seem_v necessary_a in_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o irrevocable_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n and_o character_n set_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o his_o people_n faith_n and_o this_o we_o find_v to_o be_v the_o annex_v a_o oath_n to_o his_o promise_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o grand_a instrument_n of_o peace_n between_o god_n and_o his_o people_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o people_n in_o it_o that_o he_o ratify_v the_o article_n of_o peace_n therein_o contain_v but_o especial_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n on_o his_o own_o part_n with_o a_o oath_n thereby_o to_o assure_v they_o it_o be_v never_o his_o purpose_n to_o repeal_v it_o nor_o to_o fail_v of_o performance_n in_o it_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o a_o oath_n lay_v any_o great_a obligation_n upon_o god_n for_o performance_n than_o the_o mere_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o immutable_a justice_n and_o consequent_o necessary_o employ_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o perform_v promise_n when_o once_o make_v but_o god_n
the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n but_o therein_o god_n do_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o absolute_a promise_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o commination_n confer_v no_o right_n to_o any_o which_o absolute_a promise_n do_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o necessary_a performance_n of_o what_o he_o threaten_v indeed_o the_o guilt_n or_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a where_o the_o offence_n h●●_n be_v commit_v to_o which_o the_o threaten_a be_v annex_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o punishment_n do_v still_o depend_v upon_o god_n arbitrarious_fw-la will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v suspend_v or_o remove_v it_o upon_o serious_a address_n make_v to_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o take_v the_o present_a forfeiture_n of_o the_o first_o grand_a transgression_n but_o make_v such_o a_o relaxation_n of_o that_o penal_a law_n that_o condition_n of_o pardon_n be_v admittable_a notwithstanding_o sentence_v pass_v upon_o the_o malefactor_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o presumption_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o god_n forbearance_n of_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o sin_n do_v suppose_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o particular_a threaten_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v suppose_v incorrigibleness_n in_o those_o they_o be_v pronounce_v against_o upon_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o hope_n be_v build_v that_o if_o timely_a repentance_n do_v intervene_v god_n will_v remove_v those_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n upon_o jonas_n his_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o when_o the_o threaten_a 11._o be_v so_o peremptory_a yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v of_o pardon_n must_v be_v from_o 4._o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o man_n soul_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o remove_v judgement_n upon_o repentance_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o despair_n and_o not_o the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o supplicate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n after_o they_o be_v convince_v these_o commination_n come_v from_o god_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n some_o think_v that_o jonas_n together_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n do_v intermix_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o probability_n at_o all_o for_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o jonas_n then_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o have_v undertake_v this_o message_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v the_o harshness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n he_o seek_v to_o have_v avoid_v it_o by_o fly_v to_o tarshish_n second_o jonas_n will_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n at_o all_o for_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n at_o god_n pardon_v ninive_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v because_o the_o ninivites_n may_v now_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o the_o event_n answer_v not_o his_o prediction_n now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o this_o if_o he_o have_v mix_v promise_n together_o with_o his_o threaten_n for_o than_o nothing_o will_v have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o message_n jonas_n be_v send_v with_o be_v only_o the_o commination_n of_o their_o speedy_a ruin_n which_o god_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v they_o the_o soon_o an_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n to_o repentance_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v in_o so_o peremptory_a a_o manner_n although_o it_o seem_v jonas_n have_v before_o such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v that_o he_o may_v suppose_v god_n intention_n by_o this_o 2._o severe_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v only_o to_o take_v occasion_n upon_o their_o repentance_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o in_o his_o preach_v what_o ever_o his_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o utter_v no_o more_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o particular_a message_n than_o be_v in_o their_o commission_n and_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v their_o own_o word_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v further_o understand_v the_o denunciation_n of_o death_n to_o hezekiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o 1._o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o prophet_n reveal_v to_o hezekiah_n as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o for_o to_o say_v as_o molinaeus_n do_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v 6._o these_o word_n of_o his_o own_o head_n before_o he_o full_o understand_v god_n mind_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o incongruous_a but_o god_n may_v at_o first_o discover_v to_o isaiah_n not_o his_o internal_a purpose_n but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o unless_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n interpose_v which_o message_n he_o will_v have_v isaiah_n carry_v to_o hezekiah_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o exciting_a he_o to_o the_o more_o lively_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o he_o in_o prolong_v his_o life_n beyond_o humane_a probability_n and_o the_o course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o what_o repugnancy_n be_v there_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v from_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o message_n the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v good_a to_o man_n shall_v only_o reveal_v what_o will_v certain_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v unless_o himself_o have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o repentance_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v far_o from_o import_v any_o real_a mutation_n in_o the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n a_o rock_n some_o have_v split_v themselves_o upon_o but_o it_o only_o signify_v the_o outward_a change_n of_o the_o scene_n towards_o man_n and_o act_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v seem_v to_o import_v and_o all_o the_o alteration_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v certain_o far_o from_o be_v any_o collusion_n in_o god_n unless_o we_o must_v suppose_v god_n so_o bind_v up_o that_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n of_o use_v his_o own_o method_n for_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n grace_n but_o must_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o word_n declare_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o internal_a purpose_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o awaken_v they_o to_o duty_n and_o deter_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o annex_v threaten_n without_o reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o internal_a purpose_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n at_o all_o which_o threaten_n of_o his_o though_o pronounce_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n do_v not_o speak_v god_n inward_a resolution_n as_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o what_o all_o must_v expect_v if_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a for_o the_o only_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n being_n repentance_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o where_o that_o be_v want_v these_o hypothetical_a commination_n be_v absolute_a prediction_n of_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o any_o commination_n be_v pronounce_v by_o any_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o people_n and_o no_o 13._o alteration_n happen_v at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a there_o the_o not_o come_v of_o they_o to_o pass_v may_v be_v a_o token_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o only_a tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_a prophecy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v want_v and_o so_o the_o commination_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o absolute_a prediction_n now_o in_o those_o commination_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absolute_o express_v but_o conditional_o understand_v we_o find_v something_o interpose_v which_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v be_v the_o very_a condition_n understand_v as_o abimelech_n restore_v of_o sarah_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n after_o it_o be_v denounce_v be_v