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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n call_v death_n sin_n 2,635 5 5.2185 4 true
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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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if_o they_o continue_v sinless_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trial_n but_o though_o innocent_a adam_n be_v capable_a of_o merit_n by_o improve_n the_o holiness_n god_n give_v he_o yet_o so_o great_a a_o reward_n as_o god_n promise_v he_o upon_o his_o persistance_n be_v not_o a_o reward_n of_o mere_a debt_n but_o of_o grace_n so_o that_o only_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v of_o mere_a grace_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o merit_n in_o the_o elect._n therefore_o as_o faith_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v only_o the_o manner_n free_o choose_v of_o god_n so_o persistance_n in_o obedience_n be_v the_o manner_n free_o choose_v of_o god_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o then_o the_o clear_a way_n of_o take_v up_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v do_v so_o full_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o justice_n that_o thereupon_o god_n may_v have_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o individual_a man_n and_o he_o do_v exclude_v none_o from_o mercy_n but_o malicious_a and_o obstinate_a sinner_n that_o reject_v the_o motion_n of_o conversion_n and_o the_o offer_v of_o grace_n but_o do_v even_o include_v some_o of_o these_o and_o that_o he_o advance_v the_o elect_a to_o celestial_a glory_n upon_o christ_n entire_a fulfil_n of_o his_o law_n be_v also_o as_o the_o manner_n free_o choose_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o adam_n performance_n be_v for_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o so_o not_o only_a christ_n passive_a obedience_n be_v impute_v to_o believer_n but_o his_o active_a obedience_n as_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o the_o exceed_a superabundant_a grace_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v not_o only_o in_o accept_v the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n by_o a_o mediator_n but_o in_o give_v to_o the_o elect_a glory_n free_o as_o a_o reward_n by_o grace_n and_o not_o of_o debt_n whereby_o the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o hand_n in_o the_o forementioned_a controversy_n do_v evanish_v if_o christ_n suffering_n have_v be_v proper_o a_o payment_n of_o the_o debt_n of_o sin_n it_o can_v have_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o reprobate_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n nor_o can_v god_n complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v suffer_v as_o to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o sin_n he_o can_v not_o have_v pay_v the_o debt_n of_o those_o that_o be_v to_o perish_v or_o else_o god_n have_v exact_v that_o debt_n of_o they_o which_o christ_n have_v pay_v nor_o shall_v christ_n have_v suffer_v more_o than_o what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o pay_v the_o debt_n of_o the_o elect_a only_o whereas_o all_o agree_v that_o his_o suffering_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v conceive_v as_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n aversion_n from_o sin_n he_o not_o only_o save_v the_o elect_n but_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o reprobate_n and_o damn_a and_o make_v they_o inexcusable_a so_o that_o their_o own_o conscience_n will_v condemn_v they_o and_o be_v their_o perpetual_a tormentor_n that_o they_o have_v throw_v themselves_o into_o hell_n when_o they_o may_v have_v escape_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v their_o own_o deserve_a fault_n this_o way_n do_v far_o more_o illustrate_a to_o my_o soul_n the_o infinite_o amiable_a representation_n of_o god_n both_o in_o his_o grace_n and_o his_o justice_n than_o any_o other_o way_n that_o i_o can_v apprehend_v in_o which_o i_o be_o exceed_o confirm_v by_o that_o excellent_a parallel_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o adam_n hold_v so_o clear_o forth_o to_o the_o roman_n by_o the_o bless_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n say_v death_n reign_v from_o adam_n to_o moses_n even_o in_o they_o that_o have_v not_o sin_v after_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n who_o be_v the_o figure_n or_o type_n of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o come_v that_o be_v of_o christ._n where_o the_o similitude_n of_o adam_n transgression_n distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o be_v that_o by_o it_o the_o whole_a benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v lose_v not_o only_o to_o himself_o but_o to_o all_o his_o posterity_n for_o if_o through_o the_o offence_n of_o one_o man_n many_o be_v dead_a much_o more_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gift_n by_o grace_n which_o be_v by_o one_o man_n jesus_n christ_n bath_n abound_v unto_o many_o if_o then_o adam_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n certain_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o he_o sin_v and_o lose_v his_o posterity_n but_o in_o this_o that_o as_o if_o he_o have_v continue_v obedient_a to_o god_n he_o have_v bring_v himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n to_o glory_n and_o as_o his_o bring_v they_o to_o glory_n be_v not_o by_o merit_n but_o by_o fulfil_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n so_o christ_n bring_v the_o elect_a to_o glory_n be_v by_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n as_o his_o part_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o same_o apostle_n to_o the_o corinthian_o make_v the_o type_n and_o parallel_n yet_o more_o clear_a for_o since_o by_o man_n come_v death_n by_o man_n come_v also_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o it_o be_v write_v the_o first_o man_n adam_n be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n the_o last_o man_n adam_n be_v make_v a_o quicken_a spirit_n but_o see_v the_o second_o adam_n not_o only_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n by_o obedience_n but_o have_v expiate_v sin_n by_o his_o suffer_v therefore_o it_o be_v say_v for_o this_o cause_n he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n they_o which_o be_v call_v may_v receive_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a inheritance_n here_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n must_v be_v mean_v of_o the_o accumulate_v sin_n in_o the_o fall_n which_o be_v redeem_v repair_v and_o restore_v by_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n and_o purge_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o elect._n and_o again_o it_o be_v say_v not_o as_o the_o offence_n so_o also_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n not_o as_o it_o be_v by_o one_o that_o sin_v so_o be_v the_o gift_n for_o the_o judgement_n be_v by_o one_o to_o condemnation_n but_o the_o free_a gift_n be_v of_o many_o offence_n to_o justification_n where_o the_o gift_n to_o adam_n be_v say_v to_o be_v to_o condemnation_n not_o by_o the_o intent_n but_o by_o the_o event_n through_o his_o fail_n whereas_o the_o second_o adam_n can_v not_o fail_v in_o perform_v his_o undertake_n by_o this_o explication_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n i_o find_v my_o mind_n clear_v and_o ease_v of_o these_o perplex_v difficulty_n about_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n in_o the_o salvation_n and_o reprobation_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n and_o about_o the_o term_n and_o tenor_n both_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o most_o accurate_a in_o all_o church_n and_o all_o way_n have_v be_v perplex_v in_o think_v how_o god_n will_v decree_v to_o reject_v damn_v and_o eternal_o torment_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n for_o that_o which_o be_v never_o in_o their_o power_n to_o perform_v much_o more_o without_o any_o cause_n on_o the_o creature_n part_n but_o only_o by_o his_o mere_a sovereignty_n or_o that_o they_o be_v never_o in_o a_o possibility_n to_o have_v escape_v eternal_a misery_n or_o that_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n have_v not_o so_o far_o exceed_v the_o first_o adam_n that_o as_o the_o first_o adam_n may_v have_v preserve_v all_o his_o posterity_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v save_v if_o he_o have_v not_o fall_v so_o the_o second_o adam_n shall_v not_o at_o least_o have_v put_v all_o mank_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v save_v and_o escape_v eternal_a misery_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o positive_a that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n to_o believe_v by_o a_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v holy_a or_o how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o veracity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o expostulate_v with_o man_n to_o repent_v believe_v and_o be_v holy_a though_o it_o be_v neither_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o elect_a or_o reprobate_a to_o perform_v the_o same_o whereupon_o some_o find_v no_o outgate_n but_o by_o recur_v to_o that_o freedom_n that_o once_o be_v in_o adam_n and_o that_o a_o creditor_n may_v press_v his_o debtor_n to_o pay_v his_o debt_n
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
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
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
and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n moral_a command_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o positive_a command_n which_o he_o have_v change_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o moral_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o command_n the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v only_o moral_o good_a by_o and_o during_o the_o command_n as_o the_o command_n to_o forbear_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o institute_v circumcision_n and_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n and_o many_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n therefore_o in_o the_o moral_a command_n there_o must_v be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n command_v than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o more_o than_o the_o command_n itself_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o it_o can_v be_v restrain_v unto_o his_o will_n nor_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o do_v exist_v but_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v his_o essential_a natural_a perfection_n by_o command_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v if_o this_o impossibility_n be_v only_o because_o of_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v all_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v decree_v yea_o it_o will_v lead_v to_o that_o blasphemous_a opinion_n that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o have_v or_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o power_n be_v no_o large_a than_o his_o will_n therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n lie_v must_v not_o alone_o be_v because_o he_o have_v will_v or_o decree_v not_o to_o lie_v whatsoever_o depend_v upon_o mere_a will_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o changeable_a 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individual_v of_o they_o which_o some_o have_v rather_o incline_v to_o than_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o wicked_a act_n god_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o actor_n to_o maintain_v a_o metaphysical_a extension_n of_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n some_o have_v think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o obligation_n or_o debt_n to_o his_o creature_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o justice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v call_v distributive_a in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v or_o perform_v to_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o not_o by_o commutative_a justice_n but_o though_o that_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v common_o call_v commutative_a because_o it_o be_v frequent_o exert_v in_o exchange_v of_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v thing_n mere_o by_o name_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o gratuitous_a promise_n be_v not_o by_o distributive_a but_o by_o commutative_a justice_n the_o apostle_n paul_n accurate_o discuss_v that_o great_a question_n whether_o salvation_n be_v by_o grace_n or_o by_o work_n do_v clear_o oppose_v god_n give_v any_o thing_n by_o grace_n to_o his_o give_v on_o the_o account_n of_o work_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n here_o the_o reckoner_n and_o the_o rewarder_n be_v god_n who_o account_v himself_o debtor_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o work_v good_a perfect_o without_o fail_v i_o know_v it_o sound_v yet_o more_o harsh_o to_o some_o pious_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n to_o say_v that_o god_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n suppose_v it_o to_o import_v that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o law_n which_o it_o do_v not_o import_v for_o god_n be_v neither_o under_o nor_o above_o his_o own_o moral_a law_n for_o he_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o narrow_a sense_n that_o law_n be_v sometime_o take_v as_o it_o require_v a_o sanction_n by_o a_o penalty_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n a_o law_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o law_n for_o many_o law_n even_o of_o man_n have_v only_o a_o reward_n annex_v and_o no_o punishment_n and_o other_o have_v neither_o reward_v nor_o punishment_n but_o the_o deed_n otherwise_o do_v be_v only_o annul_v and_o make_v void_a or_o ineffectual_a a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n can_v be_v without_o a_o law_n for_o law_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o person_n oblige_v be_v determine_v and_o rule_v himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o tie_n metaphorical_o whereby_o one_o be_v tie_v to_o walk_v only_o as_o agree_v with_o that_o tie_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n be_v without_o a_o reason_n or_o cause_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o debt_n be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o law_n it_o will_v sound_v harsh_a to_o these_o tender_a soul_n to_o say_v they_o worship_v a_o lawless_a god_n it_o breed_v horror_n to_o think_v how_o like_o these_o mistake_v will_v render_v god_n to_o tyrant_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o their_o subject_n obedience_n but_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n and_o who_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o to_o be_v tie_v by_o no_o obligation_n to_o their_o subject_n i_o know_v it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v think_v a_o bold_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n who_o do_v all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o who_o may_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o and_o who_o give_v account_n of_o none_o of_o his_o matter_n but_o god_n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o holiness_n of_o which_o he_o give_v frequent_o a_o account_n but_o concern_v the_o particular_a mean_n and_o expedient_n by_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o question_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v yea_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o will_v and_o do_v upon_o a_o anterior_a motive_n not_o from_o the_o creature_n but_o from_o himself_o i_o mean_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v save_v to_o search_v so_o high_a but_o of_o those_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v capacity_n and_o opportunity_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o though_o the_o simple_a ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o offence_n error_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v so_o frequent_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v error_n concern_v the_o representation_n and_o character_n of_o god_n reason_n be_v give_v in_o scripture_n so_o oft_o from_o such_o ground_n and_o not_o from_o mere_a will._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o raise_v and_o increase_v the_o admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o high_a pure_a and_o least_o selfish_a love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o happiness_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o more_o the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o give_v of_o these_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o small_a proportion_n between_o the_o
due_a they_o may_v forbear_v it_o they_o may_v forgive_v it_o that_o justice_n which_o comprehend_v godliness_n and_o morality_n be_v therefore_o call_v universal_a justice_n but_o the_o justice_n here_o propose_v be_v not_o of_o that_o extent_n but_o be_v call_v particular_a or_o special_a justice_n i_o know_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n from_o a_o inbred_a principle_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n show_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a justice_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o conception_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o will_v be_v a_o evident_a inconsistency_n to_o apprehend_v a_o unjust_a god_n i_o may_v fortify_v my_o persuasion_n of_o god_n justice_n because_o he_o have_v give_v i_o a_o natural_a evidence_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v just_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v please_v to_o he_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v in_o himself_o but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o god_n other_o positive_a 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justice_n that_o be_v of_o so_o universal_a use_n to_o man_n his_o early_a rational_a thought_n be_v not_o to_o do_v wrong_n or_o to_o hurt_v any_o innocent_a rational_a creature_n the_o opposite_a of_o which_o he_o account_v right_o and_o justice_n be_v call_v righteousness_n the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a terror_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o account_n of_o evil_a resolution_n or_o evil_a deed_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o creature_n to_o know_v they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o groundless_a childish_a terror_n for_o the_o wise_a that_o man_n grow_v it_o do_v the_o more_o increase_n from_o whence_o there_o be_v a_o inevitable_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n that_o there_o be_v some_o power_n superior_a to_o man_n that_o can_v and_o will_v punish_v wicked_a deed_n and_o purpose_n man_n can_v not_o live_v in_o the_o world_n or_o converse_v with_o man_n if_o 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own_o without_o molestation_n which_o be_v proper_o express_v by_o innocence_n that_o be_v do_v they_o no_o hurt_v neither_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o promise_n when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n or_o even_o in_o restore_v the_o good_n of_o other_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o commutation_n the_o second_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v call_v distributive_a consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n proportion_v to_o deserve_v good_a or_o evil_a here_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v give_v to_o any_o that_o which_o be_v their_o own_o but_o that_o which_o they_o merit_v or_o deserve_v this_o consist_v with_o attributive_a justice_n but_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o it_o he_o that_o injure_v by_o take_v away_o or_o trouble_v a_o man_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o be_v not_o thereby_o free_v by_o restitution_n or_o reparation_n but_o he_o deserve_v also_o punishment_n restitution_n or_o reparation_n be_v the_o only_a interest_n of_o the_o injure_v but_o punishment_n be_v only_o by_o god_n immediate_o or_o by_o his_o warrant_n and_o command_n vengeance_n be_v i_o and_o i_o will_v repay_v say_v the_o lord_n distributive_a justice_n be_v in_o some_o way_n the_o duty_n of_o all_o man_n though_o they_o be_v not_o invest_v with_o any_o judicial_a authority_n as_o father_n of_o family_n or_o ruler_n of_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v a_o debt_n in_o it_o but_o not_o always_o to_o the_o party_n on_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v though_o ofttimes_o it_o be_v so_o a_o reward_n may_v be_v claim_v in_o justice_n by_o the_o person_n merit_v a_o punishment_n may_v also_o be_v claim_v we_o may_v warrantable_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o corrector_n as_o well_o as_o a_o instructor_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v we_o up_o to_o ourselves_o child_n may_v desire_v the_o like_a of_o parent_n servant_n of_o master_n people_n of_o ruler_n though_o the_o particular_a manner_n and_o the_o measure_n be_v frequent_o shun_v by_o self-love_n nor_o be_v man_n to_o demand_v justice_n against_o themselves_o as_o to_o life_n and_o fame_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o preserve_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v against_o they_o that_o which_o god_n have_v leave_v secret_a but_o there_o be_v always_o a_o debt_n to_o god_n in_o distributive_a justice_n for_o man_n be_v not_o so_o oblige_v in_o act_n of_o benignity_n as_o in_o act_n of_o justice_n liberality_n in_o give_v or_o forgive_n that_o which_o be_v not_o due_a to_o the_o party_n be_v not_o so_o oblige_v even_o as_o to_o god_n as_o his_o justice_n the_o three_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v judicial_a that_o be_v only_o to_o be_v perform_v by_o those_o who_o have_v not_o only_a power_n to_o judge_n but_o do_v proceed_v in_o the_o way_n of_o judgement_n whereby_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o distributive_a justice_n strict_o take_v judge_n do_v distribute_v punishment_n according_a to_o merit_n and_o reward_n also_o as_o they_o 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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 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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 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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
the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o aversion_n from_o sin_n for_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n of_o gild_n and_o punishment_n that_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o debt_n as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o prison_n or_o a_o bondage_n neither_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n proper_o a_o payment_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n a_o criminal_a shall_v be_v oblige_v in_o justice_n to_o offer_v himself_o to_o pay_v that_o debt_n which_o yet_o not_o only_o he_o ought_v not_o but_o he_o may_v not_o do_v neither_o do_v a_o judge_n proceed_v to_o punishment_n as_o receive_v a_o debt_n from_o the_o criminal_a but_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n if_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o payment_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v mourn_v for_o sin_n because_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v there_o remain_v no_o more_o debt_n or_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o have_v drive_v many_o into_o that_o pernicious_a error_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v antinomian_o and_o it_o will_v high_o derogate_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v only_o take_v that_o payment_n from_o the_o cautioner_n that_o be_v due_a by_o the_o principal_a debtor_n but_o if_o the_o satisfaction_n be_v by_o manifest_v god_n abhorrence_n of_o sin_n it_o give_v great_a light_n to_o christ_n satisfaction_n intercede_v for_o sinner_n and_o offer_v that_o the_o father_n shall_v manifest_v as_o much_o of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n upon_o he_o as_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v make_v eternal_o miserable_a that_o as_o the_o second_o adam_n he_o may_v make_v they_o all_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o the_o elect_v secure_v in_o it_o the_o judicial_a justice_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o he_o exercise_v as_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o stand_v not_o only_o in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o also_o in_o give_v every_o rational_a creature_n its_o right_n or_o its_o own_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o retain_v the_o right_n they_o have_v without_o molestation_n or_o by_o attain_v these_o which_o they_o possess_v not_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v any_o rational_a creature_n to_o want_v its_o right_n to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o creature_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o sin_n judicial_a justice_n call_v the_o party_n that_o he_o may_v be_v hear_v if_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v and_o that_o the_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v be_v imply_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o moral_o necessary_a which_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n observe_v by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o deputy_n by_o himself_o he_o call_v adam_n and_o eve_n and_o ask_v first_o adam_n have_v thou_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n whereof_o i_o command_v thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o hear_v his_o weak_a plea_n and_o the_o man_n say_v the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v then_o he_o call_v the_o woman_n and_o say_v to_o she_o what_o be_v this_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o he_o hear_v also_o her_o plea_n who_o say_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o and_o i_o do_v eat_v in_o these_o accusation_n there_o be_v both_o the_o law_n adduce_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o fact_n violate_v it_o and_o the_o proof_n by_o their_o own_o judicial_a confession_n both_o their_o plea_n be_v reject_v and_o just_a judgement_n pronounce_v against_o they_o but_o immediate_o a_o mediator_n be_v intimate_v and_o thereby_o hope_v of_o mercy_n when_o cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n before_o god_n pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o he_o call_v he_o say_v what_o have_v thou_o do_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v unto_o i_o from_o the_o ground_n there_o be_v the_o proof_n the_o blood_n be_v yet_o fresh_a upon_o the_o ground_n cain_n make_v no_o defence_n therefore_o god_n pronounce_v this_o sentence_n thou_o be_v accurse_v a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n shall_v thou_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n yet_o even_o to_o cain_n there_o be_v something_o of_o favour_n admix_v for_o god_n spare_v the_o temporal_a judgement_n by_o death_n by_o his_o sole_a prerogative_n and_o therefore_o he_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o cain_n to_o prohibit_v all_o to_o execute_v the_o just_a sentence_n of_o death_n against_o he_o the_o justice_n whereof_o cain_n acknowledge_v say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o which_o can_v not_o import_v a_o unwarrantable_a revenge_n as_o if_o all_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a to_o multiply_v slaughter_n without_o warrant_n god_n judicial_a justice_n by_o his_o deputy_n be_v chief_o by_o man_n own_o conscience_n which_o both_o accuse_v they_o prove_v against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o all_o their_o fault_n until_o it_o be_v seduce_v or_o sear_v and_o then_o often_o god_n delay_v his_o judgement_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v appear_v before_o he_o after_o death_n but_o sometime_o he_o execute_v his_o judgement_n by_o man_n without_o warrant_n sometime_o by_o other_o accident_n and_o frequent_o by_o judge_n derive_v authority_n from_o he_o who_o therefore_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n he_o have_v give_v they_o condemn_v no_o man_n till_o they_o have_v call_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o himself_o and_o give_v he_o time_n and_o freedom_n to_o offer_v all_o his_o defence_n and_o adduce_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o fact_n charge_v against_o he_o meditation_n xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n my_o thought_n in_o my_o last_o meditation_n upon_o the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n thence_o arise_v lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o presuppose_v misery_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o goodness_n presuppose_v misery_n therefore_o i_o can_v not_o distinct_o consider_v it_o till_o i_o consider_v the_o misery_n arise_v from_o god_n justice_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o presuppose_v not_o misery_n be_v more_o proper_o call_v his_o bounty_n or_o benignity_n in_o benevolence_n or_o beneficence_n if_o adam_n have_v not_o fall_v god_n advance_v he_o from_o a_o animal_n to_o a_o angelical_a estate_n have_v be_v a_o act_n of_o free_a beneficence_n and_o bounty_n but_o no_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o then_o adam_n have_v never_o be_v miserable_a yet_o mercy_n do_v not_o always_o consider_v misery_n as_o pre-existent_a or_o as_o see_v present_a or_o past_a but_o as_o foresee_v which_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o call_v prevent_v mercy_n in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v healing_n or_o cure_v mercy_n as_o physician_n use_v prevent_v medicine_n when_o they_o foresee_v the_o latent_fw-la cause_n of_o the_o disease_n that_o will_v come_v if_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o remove_v as_o well_o as_o heal_a medicine_n to_o remove_v the_o disease_n incumbent_a the_o prevent_a medicine_n be_v more_o useful_a though_o less_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o so_o be_v god_n prevent_a mercy_n god_n foresee_v adam_n fall_n and_o the_o ensue_a misery_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n and_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o decree_v to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o in_o it_o to_o suffer_v death_n and_o expiate_v his_o justice_n and_o to_o satisfy_v his_o abhorrency_n of_o sin_n this_o decree_n be_v prevent_v mercy_n not_o design_v to_o prevent_v the_o existence_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o prevent_v the_o incurableness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v exist_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n which_o will_v befall_v the_o sinner_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o height_n and_o eternal_a continuance_n of_o it_o whereby_o infant_n and_o idiot_n never_o commit_v sin_n and_o those_o who_o be_v save_v do_v never_o commit_v sin_n after_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n god_n do_v also_o cure_v sin_n after_o its_o existence_n not_o only_o absolute_o in_o glory_n but_o in_o part_n in_o mortality_n remove_v the_o rage_n and_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o mercy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o natural_a innate_a principle_n in_o man_n common_a to_o all_o man_n who_o so_o far_o arrive_v to_o discretion_n as_o that_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n which_o work_v like_o a_o instinct_n upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o object_n without_o reason_v and_o with_o such_o propension_n that_o though_o oftentimes_o they_o will_v they_o can_v forbear_v those_o who_o
manner_n which_o god_n have_v free_o choose_v whereby_o to_o communicate_v grace_n and_o glory_n to_o the_o elect._n i_o like_v it_o not_o to_o be_v call_v proper_o a_o instrument_n which_o be_v a_o inferior_a cause_n have_v some_o influence_n with_o the_o principal_a agent_n whereas_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o grace_n and_o glory_n neither_o yet_o to_o be_v proper_o a_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n be_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n see_v a_o condition_n must_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o who_o make_v it_o a_o condition_n the_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o hand_n be_v certain_o metaphorical_a without_o doubt_n causa_fw-la conditio_fw-la &_o modus_fw-la be_v different_a there_o be_v least_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v only_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o save_v which_o be_v not_o a_o necessary_a manner_n for_o god_n may_v have_v exert_v all_o his_o dispensation_n with_o creature_n without_o give_v they_o the_o honour_n to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o therefore_o he_o free_o choose_v the_o way_n of_o a_o covenant_n and_o so_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o to_o magnify_v his_o free_a grace_n and_o to_o exclude_v all_o glory_v of_o man_n in_o himself_o he_o have_v choose_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o there_o can_v not_o be_v less_o of_o man_n in_o a_o covenant_n if_o god_n have_v proceed_v only_o by_o mercy_n to_o save_v man_n there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o a_o covenant_n and_o man_n have_v not_o be_v so_o much_o deal_v with_o as_o a_o rational_a creature_n proceed_v by_o reason_n deliberation_n and_o choice_n as_o by_o a_o covenant_n hence_o way_n be_v make_v to_o the_o last_o point_n propose_v what_o may_v be_v think_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n choose_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n rather_o than_o any_o other_o act_n of_o man_n to_o be_v man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o there_o need_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o free_a arbitrary_a choice_n of_o god_n yet_o though_o the_o matter_n have_v be_v indifferent_a his_o wisdom_n appear_v much_o in_o this_o choice_n and_o his_o goodness_n also_o that_o he_o will_v honour_v man_n to_o contract_v with_o he_o and_o to_o take_v his_o consent_n to_o that_o and_o yet_o to_o give_v he_o no_o cause_n and_o even_o no_o pretext_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o if_o any_o person_n do_v obtain_v great_a thing_n from_o another_o free_o which_o he_o know_v he_o expect_v from_o he_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o one_o to_o give_v and_o the_o other_o to_o get_v can_v he_o without_o the_o high_a ingratitude_n and_o impudence_n attribute_v the_o gift_n to_o his_o own_o hope_n and_o not_o whole_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o giver_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a perfection_n exert_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n the_o object_n of_o mercy_n be_v misery_n the_o object_n of_o faithfulness_n be_v a_o rational_a hope_n or_o trust_v which_o be_v far_o large_a than_o mercy_n and_o be_v extend_v to_o innocent_a creature_n who_o be_v never_o miserable_a this_o way_n of_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n give_v a_o easy_a outgate_n to_o that_o bitter_a contest_v in_o the_o protestant_a church_n of_o france_n and_o elsewhere_o whether_o only_o the_o active_a or_o also_o the_o passive_a obedience_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o controversy_n be_v state_v the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n be_v hardly_o solvable_a for_o it_o be_v state_v thus_o whether_o christ_n in_o his_o suffering_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o man_n or_o if_o he_o do_v also_o stand_v in_o his_o place_n in_o his_o act_n of_o holiness_n the_o former_a be_v grant_v by_o both_o the_o latter_a affirm_v by_o the_o one_o and_o deny_v by_o the_o other_o the_o main_a reason_n for_o the_o affirmative_a be_v that_o suffering_n can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o satisfy_v the_o gild_n of_o sin_n and_o so_o can_v only_o bring_v man_n to_o be_v free_a of_o misery_n and_o torment_n in_o which_o case_n adam_n be_v before_o the_o fall_n but_o can_v not_o raise_v man_n from_o that_o animal_n state_n be_v so_o much_o common_a with_o brute_n to_o a_o angelical_a state_n in_o heaven_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o christ._n therefore_o it_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o merit_n of_o christ_n not_o by_o his_o suffering_n but_o by_o his_o holiness_n as_o adam_n will_v have_v merit_v heaven_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n by_o his_o good_a work_n as_o of_o debt_n not_o of_o grace_n for_o to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n so_o that_o christ_n pay_v the_o debt_n of_o the_o elect_n and_o so_o advance_v they_o unto_o glory_n and_o on_o the_o other_o part_n the_o chief_a reason_n be_v that_o christ_n by_o his_o human_a nature_n be_v a_o creature_n be_v under_o a_o indispensable_a obligation_n to_o the_o creator_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o soul_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o his_o strength_n beyond_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o by_o which_o he_o do_v deserve_v all_o that_o glory_n that_o no_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v a_o supererrogation_n in_o christ_n active_a obedience_n merit_v the_o heavenly_a glory_n which_o merit_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a for_o the_o elect_n but_o for_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n although_o it_o be_v free_a for_o the_o son_n to_o become_v man_n his_o become_a man_n be_v a_o part_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o press_v if_o in_o that_o way_n the_o active_a obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o christ_n be_v impute_v to_o the_o elect_n they_o be_v thereby_o entire_o holy_a and_o their_o own_o holiness_n be_v but_o work_v of_o supererrogation_n at_o least_o be_v not_o work_n due_a by_o justice_n but_o work_v of_o gratitude_n and_o the_o fail_n in_o they_o can_v never_o require_v repentance_n which_o will_v agree_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o none_o but_o of_o the_o antinomian_o nor_o do_v it_o magnify_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n if_o he_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o elect_a in_o advance_v they_o to_o glory_n but_o that_o which_o in_o recompense_n at_o least_o in_o premiative_a justice_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v there_o be_v small_a ground_n in_o a_o creditor_n to_o glory_n that_o he_o have_v exact_v all_o he_o can_v have_v require_v though_o not_o from_o his_o debtor_n but_o from_o a_o interpose_a person_n i_o have_v already_o clear_v my_o thought_n that_o though_o christ_n satisfaction_n may_v by_o resemblance_n be_v call_v the_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n yet_o proper_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o do_v god_n crave_v satisfaction_n as_o a_o creditor_n or_o be_v sin_n expiate_v by_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o compense_v the_o displeasure_n he_o have_v in_o their_o sin_n see_v he_o declare_v the_o contrary_a with_o so_o solemn_a a_o asseveration_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o require_v in_o conformity_n to_o his_o holiness_n be_v the_o vindication_n of_o his_o purity_n and_o of_o his_o infinite_a aversion_n from_o sin_n as_o by_o his_o justice_n he_o proportion_v the_o suffer_v requisite_a for_o the_o vindication_n to_o the_o sin_n deserve_v therefore_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o adam_n fall_n and_o thereby_o not_o only_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o exaltation_n of_o himself_o and_o posterity_n to_o celestial_a glory_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o sinful_a state_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v expiate_v the_o son_n do_v free_o interpose_v to_o restore_v mankind_n to_o what_o they_o have_v lose_v by_o adam_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n by_o suffering_n of_o as_o much_o value_n as_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v in_o eternal_a misery_n and_o by_o christ_n perform_v what_o adam_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v by_o a_o full_a implement_n of_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o for_o that_o end_n assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n i_o have_v also_o clear_v my_o mind_n that_o though_o adam_n have_v stand_v he_o can_v not_o have_v merit_v that_o exaltation_n which_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o have_v have_v by_o the_o first_o covenant_n for_o he_o may_v have_v continue_v innocent_a and_o sinless_a without_o great_a advances_n in_o holiness_n can_v it_o then_o with_o any_o reason_n be_v think_v that_o his_o so_o continue_v do_v in_o any_o way_n of_o justice_n and_o merit_n purchase_v glory_n for_o himself_o and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o like_a to_o all_o his_o posterity_n