a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n methodical_o digest_v into_o several_a meditation_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o the_o preface_n the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v possess_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o supreme_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n love_n and_o joy_n affiance_n and_o trust._n the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o finite_a faculty_n but_o their_o discovery_n be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o gradual_a accomplishment_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o early_a morning_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n afford_v some_o glimmer_a notice_n and_o scatter_a glance_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n like_o the_o ascend_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o dispel_v the_o mist_n in_o the_o air_n give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a discovery_n the_o light_n of_o glory_n like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a lustre_n reveal_v they_o in_o the_o most_o resplendent_a manner_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o variety_n and_o union_n of_o its_o part_n in_o their_o order_n and_o efficacy_n the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a maker_n appear_v or_o rather_o shine_v his_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n be_v visible_o sign_v and_o engrave_v on_o his_o work_n but_o since_o the_o revolt_n and_o ruin_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n be_v strange_o darken_v and_o disorder_v in_o its_o operation_n of_o this_o there_o be_v sad_a evidence_n in_o the_o numberless_a error_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v god_n the_o heathen_a notion_n of_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o infinite_o blaspheme_v his_o nature_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v one_o fundamental_a error_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n the_o divine_a perfection_n carry_v their_o evidence_n in_o a_o circle_n one_o attribute_n illustrate_v and_o strong_o infer_v another_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o fancy_v every_o attribute_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a deity_n these_o portentous_a mistake_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o visibility_n in_o the_o object_n but_o of_o sight_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n so_o weaken_v and_o vitiate_a in_o our_o lapse_v state_n it_o please_v therefore_o the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o his_o admirable_a mercy_n to_o afford_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n the_o same_o heavenly_a inspiration_n from_o whence_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n proceed_v be_v requisite_a to_o renew_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v such_o character_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o none_o but_o a_o perverse_a mind_n can_v suspect_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o glass_n his_o most_o divine_a perfection_n be_v reveal_v wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o the_o moral_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a revelation_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o compassionate_a counsel_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o productive_a of_o a_o inward_a revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o regulate_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o save_a efficacy_n the_o wise_a man_n with_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o miraculous_a star_n have_v internal_a illumination_n that_o discover_v the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n be_v temper_v to_o our_o frail_a faculty_n if_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n be_v display_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o astonishment_n but_o in_o the_o future_a state_n where_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritualise_v we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v in_o heaven_n god_n shine_v by_o direct_a beam_n the_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a vision_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o heaven_n here_o by_o the_o attentive_a and_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o noble_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n have_v oblige_v the_o wise_a and_o inquire_a christian_n by_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n the_o clearness_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a in_o manage_v a_o subject_a so_o deep_a and_o difficult_a and_o as_o in_o the_o bless_a god_n there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o glorious_a and_o amiable_a excellency_n as_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o will_n so_o in_o our_o author_n unfolding_n they_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o beauty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o may_v enlighten_v and_o engage_v all_o under_o stand_a reader_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o entire_a choice_n of_o god_n for_o their_o everlasting_a portion_n we_o have_v here_o a_o imitable_a and_o instructive_a example_n to_o great_a man_n the_o dignity_n of_o who_o station_n in_o the_o world_n too_o common_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o a_o more_o sedulous_a intention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v final_a reference_n to_o another_o world_n this_o performance_n of_o the_o noble_a author_n show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o impracticable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o praiseworthy_a amid_o the_o great_a secular_a employment_n to_o find_v vacancy_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n to_o look_v with_o a_o very_a inquisitive_a eye_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v the_o author_n pleasure_n to_o be_v know_v will_v let_v it_o be_v see_v the_o statesman_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o inconsistency_n to_o a_o great_a and_o comprebensive_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v they_o with_o distinction_n and_o without_o confound_v they_o or_o make_v the_o two_o sphere_n intersect_v one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o in_o so_o large_a a_o theological_a work_n here_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o political_a matter_n except_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v contiguous_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o or_o if_o this_o work_v concern_v policy_n and_o government_n by_o man_n it_o be_v without_o our_o compass_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o we_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o do_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o pleasure_n of_o engross_a it_o or_o of_o peruse_v it_o alone_o till_o we_o have_v impart_v it_o and_o make_v it_o possible_a to_o other_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o therein_o w._n bates_z j._n howe._n the_o content_n meditation_n i._o introductory_n 1_o ii_o upon_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 19_o iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n 28_o iu._n upon_o god_n omniscience_n 36_o v._o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n 67_o vi_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 78_o vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n 89_o viii_o upon_o god_n freedom_n 140_o ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o 118_o x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n 126_o page_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n 141_o xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 150_o xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 168_o fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 179_o xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 200_o xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 213_o xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 224_o xviii_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o dispensation_n thereof_o towards_o his_o rational_a creature_n especial_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 257_o meditation_n i._o introductory_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n be_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a object_n it_o be_v also_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n of_o man_n happiness_n for_o by_o delight_v in_o god_n he_o do_v enjoy_v he_o delight_n can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lovely_a object_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o
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
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
have_v promise_v he_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o to_o performance_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n promise_n be_v attribute_v ofttimes_o to_o his_o faithfulness_n or_o to_o his_o bounty_n but_o to_o speak_v accurate_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o his_o justice_n for_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v where_o both_o faithfulness_n and_o a_o promise_n be_v join_v so_o god_n may_v promise_v that_o which_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v without_o a_o promise_n as_o he_o do_v also_o to_o confirm_v man_n not_o only_o promise_v but_o sometime_o swear_v to_o perform_v commutative_a justice_n be_v not_o competent_a to_o god_n for_o who_o have_v give_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v repay_v yet_o such_o be_v his_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o man_n that_o he_o have_v frequent_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o covenant_n the_o most_o excellent_a of_o which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v call_v commutative_a as_o if_o god_n part_n and_o man_n part_n be_v the_o mutual_a cause_n every_o convert_a man_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o consent_n to_o god_n offer_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o free_a grant_n require_v acceptance_n when_o by_o way_n of_o offer_n in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o absolute_a gift_n which_o be_v effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v but_o man_n acceptance_n or_o consent_n be_v also_o by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o premiative_a and_o punitive_a justice_n both_o be_v exact_o proportion_v to_o the_o occasion_n to_o which_o god_n holiness_n direct_v itself_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deserve_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n no_o other_o way_n than_o as_o a_o occasion_n come_v in_o among_o cause_n when_o a_o merciful_a man_n see_v a_o miserable_a lie_n have_v compassion_n and_o help_v he_o can_v this_o miser_n boast_v that_o his_o misery_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o mercy_n no_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o man_n mercifulness_n be_v the_o cause_n so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n justice_n though_o mankind_n be_v like_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n devour_v each_o other_o it_o can_v not_o reach_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o congruity_n of_o his_o glorious_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o evil._n all_o christian_n agree_v that_o god_n punitive_a justice_n be_v adjust_v to_o desert_n or_o merit_n but_o some_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o claim_v eternal_a happiness_n by_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v just_a if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o not_o by_o his_o promise_n nor_o for_o christ_n merit_n alone_o as_o only_o take_v away_o punishment_n but_o they_o think_v the_o reward_n be_v from_o their_o own_o merit_n other_o have_v so_o much_o abhor_v this_o that_o they_o have_v run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a hold_v that_o all_o reward_n be_v absolute_o free_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o justice_n so_o that_o god_n shall_v only_o have_v punitive_a and_o not_o premiative_a justice_n as_o man_n condition_n now_o stand_v after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o fall_v he_o have_v by_o his_o merit_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o heavenly_a estate_n not_o by_o god_n promise_n or_o by_o his_o bounty_n but_o by_o his_o premiative_a justice_n but_o that_o now_o man_n have_v fall_v nothing_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o the_o premiative_a justice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a authority_n of_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o hand_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o i_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o either_o of_o these_o extreme_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v with_o so_o strong_a a_o asseveration_n declare_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a to_o who_o he_o faith_n also_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v trouble_v peace_n with_o we_o and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v their_o labour_n of_o love_n yet_o these_o righteous_a be_v not_o innocent_n i_o be_o not_o move_v with_o that_o argument_n that_o all_o sinful_a man_n even_o when_o regenerate_v do_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n though_o for_o christ_n sake_n it_o be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v do_v can_v deserve_v good_a from_o god_n they_o forfeit_v that_o by_o their_o deserve_a death_n for_o one_o may_v as_o well_o withhold_v from_o a_o enemy_n that_o which_o be_v due_a as_o take_v from_o he_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o his_o merit_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n procure_v a_o full_a pardon_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_v through_o repentance_n and_o faith_n both_o the_o similitude_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o fail_v for_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o have_v make_v reconciliation_n whereby_o the_o justify_v become_v not_o only_a servant_n but_o son_n heir_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o glory_n i_o be_o far_o from_o fancy_v that_o any_o mere_a creature_n do_v or_o can_v deserve_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n no_o not_o adam_n though_o he_o have_v continue_v innocent_a nor_o the_o most_o glorious_a seraphim_n the_o angel_n be_v create_v in_o the_o state_n of_o celestial_a glory_n which_o be_v by_o god_n free_a bounty_n they_o can_v pretend_v no_o merit_n for_o deserve_v that_o glory_n that_o they_o have_v at_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o their_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o their_o consirmation_n and_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n grant_v by_o god_n of_o reward_v justice_n but_o of_o free_a bounty_n it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o advancement_n from_o a_o fallible_a to_o a_o infallible_a state_n which_o the_o best_a of_o their_o service_n can_v not_o deserve_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o dominion_n and_o government_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o labile_fw-la estate_n and_o even_o in_o that_o estate_n god_n do_v reward_v the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a capacity_n by_o add_v far_a degree_n to_o they_o of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o joy_n in_o he_o which_o crown_v their_o happiness_n but_o his_o promise_n or_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o purpose_n that_o if_o during_o their_o trial_n they_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o fallible_a estate_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v i_o do_v not_o doubt_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o his_o free_a bounty_n and_o even_o in_o that_o confirm_a estate_n their_o perfection_n can_v never_o be_v so_o great_a but_o they_o can_v be_v increase_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v still_o place_n for_o god_n premiative_a justice_n if_o then_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o celestial_a glory_n without_o merit_n by_o mere_a bounty_n and_o yet_o god_n by_o his_o premiative_a justice_n be_v still_o add_v to_o their_o perfection_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o evil_a angel_n and_o that_o these_o that_o stand_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o elect_a angel_n whence_o all_o i_o have_v say_v will_v follow_v can_v man_n though_o innocent_a pretend_v by_o merit_n and_o justice_n to_o arrogate_v more_o to_o himself_o than_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v create_v innocent_a able_a to_o have_v so_o continue_v but_o in_o all_o perfection_n far_o inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o his_o fallible_a estate_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o god_n reward_v justice_n as_o be_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o like_a estate_n before_o confirmation_n but_o can_v he_o have_v deserve_v confirmation_n and_o exaltation_n from_o a_o animal_n to_o a_o angelical_a from_o a_o earthly_a to_o a_o heavenly_a state_n at_o man_n creation_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o immortality_n not_o by_o his_o nature_n for_o his_o body_n be_v fragile_a and_o may_v by_o second_o cause_n have_v be_v render_v unserviceable_a to_o his_o soul_n but_o only_o by_o god_n providence_n he_o behove_v to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n roast_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v need_v not_o his_o care_n and_o trouble_v though_o they_o have_v be_v as_o perfect_a as_o christ_n in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o