Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	call_v	natural_a	nature_n	1,762	5	5.4373	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62636	Several discourses upon the attributes of God viz. Concerning the perfection of God. Concerning our imitation of the divine perfections. The happiness of God. The unchangeableness of God. The knowledge of God. The wisdom, glory, and soveraignty of God. The wisdom of God, in the creation of the world. The wisdom of God, in his providence. The wisdom of God, in the redemption of mankind. The justice of God, in the distribution of rewards and punishments. The truth of God. The holiness of God. To which is annexed a spital sermon, of doing good. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the sixth volume; published from the originals, by Raph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.	1699 (1699)	Wing T1264; ESTC R219315	169,861	473

which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n viz._n these_o four_o the_o justice_n the_o truth_n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o namely_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 17_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n god_n by_o a_o great_a and_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o his_o goodness_n reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o intention_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n upon_o this_o abraham_n v._n 23._o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o righteous_a person_n that_o be_v there_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o plead_v with_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n with_o which_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v in_o consistent_a to_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v avoid_v in_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v thou_o also_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a peradventure_o there_o be_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n will_v thou_o also_o destroy_v and_o not_o spare_v the_o place_n for_o the_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o be_v therein_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a this_o negative_a interrogation_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o vehement_a affirmation_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a that_o be_v undoubted_o he_o will_n this_o we_o may_v take_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v do_v righteous_o so_o that_o the_o argument_n that_o lie_v under_o our_o consideration_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o first_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o regard_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v here_o put_v by_o abraham_n in_o the_o text._n second_o in_o thesi_fw-la we_o will_v consider_v it_o in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o regard_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v here_o put_v by_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o real_a difficulty_n in_o it_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v clear_v for_o abraham_n reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a do_v plain_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unrighteous_a with_o god_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o to_o involve_v they_o equal_o in_o the_o same_o common_a destruction_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v sure_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v never_o do_v so_o unrighteous_a a_o thing_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o involve_v good_a man_n in_o general_a calamity_n and_o to_o make_v no_o visible_a difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a now_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o appearance_n of_o providence_n with_o this_o reason_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o text._n and_o for_o the_o do_v of_o this_o i_o see_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o abraham_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_z man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o many_o time_n happen_v promiscuous_o and_o involve_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o same_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o god_n in_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n do_v permit_v the_o cause_n which_o produce_v these_o judgement_n to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o they_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o make_v any_o distinction_n for_o the_o calamity_n which_o ordinary_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o cause_n either_o those_o which_o we_o call_v natural_a or_o those_o which_o be_v voluntary_a natural_a cause_n such_o as_o wind_n and_o thunder_n and_o storm_n and_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o like_a these_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o choice_n can_v make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad._n and_o the_o voluntary_a cause_n of_o calamity_n as_o man_n be_v they_o many_o time_n will_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a nay_o many_o time_n they_o be_v malicious_o bend_v against_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o malice_n fall_v heavy_a upon_o they_o now_o we_o say_v that_o thing_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a providence_n when_o natural_a cause_n be_v permit_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o voluntary_a cause_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o course_n of_o ordinary_a providence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o such_o a_o distinction_n shall_v be_v make_v it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o do_v justice_n require_v it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a suppose_v natural_a cause_n leave_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o voluntary_a cause_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n nor_o do_v justice_n require_v it_o for_o every_o man_n be_v so_o much_o a_o sinner_n that_o no_o evil_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v of_o such_o judgement_n as_o befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o which_o if_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v involve_v alike_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v otherwise_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o it_o but_o abraham_n here_o speak_v of_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a judgement_n which_o be_v immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o cry_a sin_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v this_o judgement_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v upon_o sodom_n and_o which_o abraham_n have_v relation_n to_o in_o this_o discourse_n of_o he_o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o a_o difference_n shall_v be_v make_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n which_o god_n himself_o execute_v it_o be_v not_o a_o event_n of_o common_a providence_n which_o always_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o a_o act_n of_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n now_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o judge_n to_o make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a so_o as_o to_o punish_v the_o one_o and_o spare_v the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o all_o proper_a act_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o one_o be_v a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o the_o other_o the_o general_n judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o when_o god_n go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n in_o punish_v it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o common_a providence_n be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o break_v and_o interrupt_v the_o establish_a order_n of_o thing_n upon_o every_o little_a occasion_n but_o when_o he_o do_v go_v beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o punish_v the_o reason_n cease_v which_o hinder_v he_o before_o from_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o expect_v that_o in_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o miraculous_a judgement_n a_o miraculous_a difference_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o make_v this_o difference_n the_o end_n of_o these_o miraculous_a judgement_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v remarkable_o to_o punish_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o man_n and_o by_o that_o example_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a sin_n but_o if_o these_o judgement_n shall_v fall_v

they_o do_v but_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o behave_v themselves_o there_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n and_o at_o certain_a season_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o real_a goodness_n by_o a_o inward_a conformity_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o mortify_v their_o lust_n and_o subdue_a their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n by_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o kindness_n by_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a righteous_a and_o just_a patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v so_o and_o by_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o provocation_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o by_o purify_n themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v as_o covetous_a and_o earthly_a mind_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o covetousness_n will_v strain_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o justice_n and_o hardly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n in_o their_o whole_a life_n but_o what_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o mere_a importunity_n or_o some_o such_o urgent_a necessity_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o reputation_n that_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v it_o when_o their_o passion_n be_v as_o fierce_a and_o ungoverned_a their_o heart_n as_o full_a of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n their_o tongue_n of_o slander_n and_o evil_n speak_v their_o humour_n as_o proud_a and_o surly_a and_o censorious_a as_o they_o can_v be_v who_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o seem_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o make_v a_o external_a appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v good_a churchman_n and_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o think_v they_o have_v discharge_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n admirable_o well_o and_o be_v very_o good_a child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n separate_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n the_o conformity_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o so_o god_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o disdain_v to_o be_v praise_v by_o man_n of_o unhallowed_a lip_n and_o life_n and_o that_o unless_o with_o the_o praise_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o we_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o speak_v of_o this_o formal_a and_o external_a religion_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n be_v not_o this_o the_o fast_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o break_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n nor_o will_v bare_v receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n recommend_v we_o to_o god_n but_o perform_v the_o obligation_n which_o thereby_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o obstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n otherwise_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o profane_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v religion_n which_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o word_n and_o action_n who_o read_v those_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n when_o religion_n produce_v these_o real_a effect_n than_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n do_v true_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o our_o deed_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o shall_v chief_o mind_v that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o amiable_a and_o excellent_a quality_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n these_o because_o they_o be_v the_o primary_n perfection_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a duty_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n because_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o all_o positive_a institution_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o be_v to_o stoop_v and_o vail_v to_o they_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n especial_o those_o of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o strong_o bind_v upon_o we_o that_o nothing_o in_o any_o reveal_v religion_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o or_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o these_o great_a and_o indispensable_a law_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v straighten_a our_o obligation_n to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o hate_v man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n &_o by_o kill_v one_o another_o to_o do_v he_o good_a service_n who_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n undermine_v government_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o alter_v the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n or_o to_o set_v man_n loose_a from_o allegiance_n to_o they_o or_o to_o make_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n bloody_a war_n and_o barbarous_a massacre_n lawful_a for_o the_o propagate_a of_o his_o faith_n he_o have_v as_o any_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v no_o prince_n nor_o excommunicate_v and_o discharge_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o do_v his_o vicar_n do_v these_o thing_n and_o

off_o from_o perfect_a and_o complete_a happiness_n if_o the_o deity_n be_v subject_a to_o any_o change_n or_o impairment_n of_o his_o condition_n so_o that_o either_o his_o knowledge_n or_o power_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o any_o other_o perfection_n can_v any_o way_n decline_v or_o fall_v off_o there_o will_v be_v a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o happiness_n and_o from_o all_o these_o do_v result_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o last_o place_n infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o happiness_n 1._o infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o condition_n and_o well_o may_v happiness_n be_v content_v with_o itself_o that_o be_v with_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o can_v neither_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v better_o nor_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v worse_o 2._o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v something_o more_o than_o contentment_n for_o one_o may_v be_v content_v with_o a_o affliction_n and_o painful_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o be_v far_o from_o take_v any_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n no_o affliction_n be_v joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o grievous_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 12._o but_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a happiness_n without_o pleasure_n in_o our_o condition_n full_a pleasure_n be_v a_o certain_a mixture_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n hard_o to_o be_v express_v in_o word_n but_o certain_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v according_a to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a work_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o particular_a citation_n of_o heathen_a author_n to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o deity_n beatissimam_fw-la &_o perfectissimam_fw-la naturam_fw-la the_o most_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o happy_a because_o felicity_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o perfection_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n out_o of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o they_o account_v happiness_n so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o take_v to_o find_v out_o what_o property_n be_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o what_o not_o to_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o happiness_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o whatever_o do_v signify_v happiness_n and_o be_v a_o perfection_n consistent_a with_o it_o they_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o a_o suitable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o whatever_o be_v otherwise_o they_o remove_v it_o from_o god_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2._o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o perfect_a felicity_n of_o it_o even_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o so_o bold_o attempt_v to_o strip_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o most_o of_o its_o perfection_n by_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n whereby_o he_o take_v away_o at_o once_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o his_o goodness_n likewise_o and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n or_o at_o least_o make_v all_o these_o useless_a by_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o man_n do_v frequent_o own_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o then_o out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o officious_a kindness_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o as_o he_o pretend_v for_o the_o security_n of_o his_o felicity_n do_v in_o effect_n take_v away_o his_o other_o perfection_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n put_v god_n to_o the_o trouble_v and_o burden_n of_o make_v the_o world_n or_o take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o lest_o this_o shall_v discompose_v the_o deity_n or_o be_v a_o interruption_n or_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n and_o felicity_n for_o thus_o lucretius_n the_o great_a disciple_n of_o epicurus_n describe_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la diuûm_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la natura_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la immortali_fw-la aevo_fw-la summâ_fw-la cum_fw-la pace_fw-la fruatur_fw-la semota_fw-la à_fw-la nostris_fw-la rebus_fw-la sejunctaque_fw-la longè_fw-la nam_fw-la privata_fw-la dolore_fw-la omni_fw-la privata_fw-la periclis_fw-la ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostrî_fw-la nec_fw-la benè_fw-la pro_fw-la meritis_fw-la capitur_fw-la nec_fw-la tangitur_fw-la irâ_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unconcern_v in_o our_o affair_n free_a from_o all_o grief_n and_o danger_n sufficient_a for_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o body_n neither_o please_v with_o our_o good_a action_n nor_o provoke_v by_o our_o fault_n this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a notion_n both_o of_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n to_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v to_o my_o present_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v universal_o own_v and_o that_o blessedness_n be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o whoever_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a as_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o text_n wherein_o this_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o happy_a or_o bless_a be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o by_o consequence_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n wherever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o these_o and_o of_o the_o infinite_a delight_n and_o complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o perfection_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n how_o far_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n because_o that_o result_v from_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o creature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a in_o a_o finite_a and_o limit_a degree_n by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o his_o favour_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v creature_n of_o a_o finite_a power_n and_o limit_v understanding_n and_o a_o mutable_a nature_n we_o do_v necessary_o want_v many_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n of_o a_o perfect_a happiness_n we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o be_v neither_o so_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o so_o by_o our_o own_o power_n for_o neither_o be_v we_o wise_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o direction_n nor_o good_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v by_o communication_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v by_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n these_o do_v immediate_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o we_o and_o his_o friendship_n and_o goodwill_n to_o

god_n do_v strong_o incline_v he_o to_o desire_v our_o happiness_n and_o make_v he_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o firm_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o for_o our_o example_n and_o encouragement_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v infinite_o more_o goodness_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatever_o we_o will_v not_o attribute_v to_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o vindicate_v god_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o envy_n and_o ill-will_a of_o cruelty_n and_o arbitrary_a deal_n with_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v averse_a from_o these_o so_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n interest_n to_o lessen_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o most_o certain_o the_o better_a god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o better_a and_o happy_a it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o may_v learn_v wherein_o our_o happiness_n must_v consist_v namely_o in_o the_o image_n and_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a inward_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n for_o it_o unless_o god_n love_v we_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o miserable_a be_v they_o who_o he_o hate_v for_o god_n to_o say_v of_o any_o man_n that_o his_o soul_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o import_v as_o great_a misery_n and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o curse_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o his_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n for_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_a dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v love_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o person_n that_o be_v unlike_a to_o he_o which_o be_v impossible_a yet_o that_o person_n can_v not_o be_v happy_a because_o he_o will_v want_v that_o inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o happiness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n must_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n be_v find_v in_o we_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a no_o though_o a_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n if_o he_o be_v still_o a_o bad_a man_n coelum_fw-la non_fw-la animum_fw-la mutavit_fw-la he_o have_v only_o change_v the_o climate_n and_o be_v go_v into_o another_o country_n but_o he_o bear_v himself_o still_o about_o he_o and_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o change_v which_o will_v signify_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o to_o his_o happiness_n than_o any_o place_n or_o outward_a circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o bad_a man_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v have_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n within_o he_o and_o be_v miserable_a from_o himself_o he_o have_v a_o fiend_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o as_o any_o person_n depart_v from_o this_o temper_n so_o far_o he_o remove_v himself_o and_o run_v away_o from_o happiness_n and_o as_o sin_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o god_n so_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o he_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o degenerate_a and_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n quite_o contrary_a to_o god_n wicked_a and_o impure_a envious_a and_o malicious_a mischievous_a and_o cruel_a and_o such_o a_o temper_n be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v and_o set_v right_a it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o limb_n that_o be_v out_o of_o joint_a to_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o local_a heaven_n if_o we_o can_v imagine_v such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o and_o see_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o that_o state_n all_o this_o i_o say_v will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n happy_a than_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o diamond_n and_o consort_n of_o the_o most_o delicious_a music_n and_o a_o well-spread_a table_n and_o a_o rich_a and_o costly_a bed_n will_v contribute_v to_o a_o man_n ease_n in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o in_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o the_o stone_n because_o the_o man_n have_v that_o within_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v remove_v he_o can_v possible_o be_v at_o ease_n the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o toss_v from_o its_o centre_n and_o till_o that_o be_v set_v right_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o state_n by_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n the_o ma●_n will_v be_v perpetual_o restless_a and_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o ease_n or_o peace_n in_o his_o mind_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n how_o can_v there_o be_v happiness_n to_o he_o who_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 57.20_o 21._o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v impurity_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o gild_n upon_o our_o conscience_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o translate_v peace_n signify_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o a_o bad_a man._n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o felicity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o only_a perfect_a idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o but_o our_o conformity_n to_o it_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n on_o purpose_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n who_o hope_v for_o it_o or_o imagine_v they_o can_v attain_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n the_o author_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a can_v make_v we_o so_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o plant_v in_o we_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o by_o endow_v we_o with_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a material_n and_o ingredient_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o felicity_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o by_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v as_o they_o think_v travel_v towards_o it_o but_o general_o they_o mistake_v their_o way_n many_o be_v eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o greedy_o catch_v at_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n as_o if_o