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 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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
suck_v wicked_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture-phrase_n as_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a motion_n to_o god_n spirit_n so_o all_o evil_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o because_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o they_o and_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o promote_v they_o 3._o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v as_o many_o have_v do_v a_o immediate_a power_n to_o the_o devil_n over_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o work_n of_o they_o though_o not_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n mind_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o grant_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o key_n to_o that_o closet_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a nice_a distinction_n which_o be_v here_o make_v between_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o image_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o if_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v but_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o shall_v unaware_o entrench_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o these_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n between_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n i_o think_v it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n in_o that_o latitude_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n heart_n for_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o roundly_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v total_o exempt_a from_o the_o immediate_a cognizance_n of_o any_o other_o spirit_n but_o god_n alone_a and_o that_o neither_o angel_n nor_o devil_n have_v any_o further_a knowledge_n of_o they_o than_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o infer_v in_o a_o way_n of_o probable_a conjecture_n from_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o habit_n and_o design_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o particular_a god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n this_o god_n propose_v as_o the_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o true_a god_n from_o idol_n isaiah_n 41.21_o etc._n etc._n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o king_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v let_v they_o bring_v some_o argument_n that_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o foretell_v future_a evant_n v_o 22._o let_v they_o show_v the_o former_a thing_n what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v they_o and_o know_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o or_o declare_v we_o thing_n for_o to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v go_n god_n put_v it_o upon_o this_o issue_n if_o they_o can_v foretell_v future_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v god_n if_o not_o they_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o work_n of_o naught_o and_o he_o be_v a_o abomination_n that_o choose_v they_o v_o 24._o by_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o understand_v such_o effect_n as_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o necessary_a cause_n but_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o so_o may_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o to_o know_v future_a event_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n know_v future_a event_n 2._o that_o he_o only_o know_v they_o 1._o god_n know_v future_a event_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v the_o best_a part_n of_o wisdom_n and_o unless_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o god_n how_o can_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n the_o heathen_n except_o only_o the_o epicurean_o general_o grant_v this_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o wise_a counsel_n which_o we_o frequent_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v anxious_a for_o the_o future_a but_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n leave_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v they_o and_o dispose_v they_o permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la juv._n and_o afterward_o say_v he_o we_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n for_o wife_n and_o child_n at_o illis_fw-la notum_fw-la qui_fw-la pveri_fw-la qualisque_fw-la futura_fw-la sit_fw-la uxor_fw-la and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o opinion_n appear_v yet_o more_o clear_o from_o those_o apprehension_n which_o they_o have_v of_o divination_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n deos_fw-la posse_fw-la nobis_fw-la signa_fw-la futurarum_fw-la reum_fw-la ostendere_fw-la de_fw-la legibus_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr divin_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o divination_n for_o it_o be_v a_o old_a opinion_n jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eaque_fw-la pop._n rom._n &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la and_o afterward_o that_o this_o divination_n be_v not_o sine_fw-la instinctu_fw-la afflatúque_fw-la divino_fw-la i_o know_v they_o do_v various_o explain_v this_o according_a to_o their_o several_a opinion_n about_o fate_n and_o contingency_n and_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n one_o sect_n of_o they_o the_o stoic_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fatal_a chain_n of_o cause_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o thing_n do_v necessary_o follow_v one_o another_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o make_v foreknowledge_n easy_a and_o explicable_a and_o though_o in_o their_o dispute_n they_o seem_v to_o grant_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o event_n and_o contingency_n yet_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v event_n though_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o so_o be_v fore-known_a to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o cite_v one_o testimony_n of_o seneca_n speak_v of_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o most_o contingent_a thing_n the_o disposition_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v he_o add_v nota_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la illis_fw-la operis_fw-la svi_fw-la series_n omniúmque_fw-la illis_fw-la rerum_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la iturarum_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o aperto_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la ex_fw-la abdito_fw-la subit_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la repentina_fw-la putamus_fw-la illis_fw-la provisa_fw-la veniunt_fw-la &_o familiaria_fw-la and_o how_o peremptory_a soever_o this_o sect_n be_v in_o their_o dispute_n about_o fate_n yet_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o general_o in_o their_o moral_a discourse_n they_o seem_v plain_o to_o i_o to_o exempt_v the_o will_n of_o man_n from_o this_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o those_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v fate_n do_v general_o grant_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o contingent_a thing_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o they_o do_v rather_o make_v god_n foreknowledge_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o voluntary_a than_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n that_o be_v that_o god_n when_o he_o please_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o can_v foreknow_a all_o future_a event_n but_o their_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o neither_o his_o foreknowledge_n but_o tully_n seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o very_a perfect_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n quis_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la omne_fw-la providentem_fw-la cogitantem_fw-la animadvertentem_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinere_fw-la putantem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotij_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la but_o i_o can_v say_v he_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o grant_v to_o he_o this_o perfection_n of_o know_v all_o future_a thing_n if_o he_o please_v to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o have_v they_o not_o in_o this_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o weariness_n to_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o be_v always_o in_o act_n to_o know_v the_o least_o thing_n how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v 2._o from_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o testimony_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 1._o testimony_n isa_n 48.3_o etc._n etc._n act_v 15.18_o know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o everlasting_a which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o compare_v with_o the_o forecited_a
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
possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o separate_v and_o remove_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o we_o must_v not_o obscure_a or_o blemish_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o blot_v of_o imperfection_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v of_o this_o to_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n we_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n very_o careful_a to_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n gen._n 18.25_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 world_n do_v right_a deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v far_o be_v it_o from_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n holiness_n be_v so_o frequent_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o signify_v the_o purity_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o god_n be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o himself_o as_o may_v remove_v sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o because_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o imperfection_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o countenance_n sin_n the_o scripture_n acquit_v god_n of_o it_o psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o go_v from_o one_o word_n or_o to_o change_v one_o mind_n this_o likewise_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v or_o repent_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o want_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o thing_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n without_o one_o self_n for_o their_o happiness_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v set_v far_o from_o he_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o be_v it_o a_o gain_n to_o he_o that_o thou_o make_v thy_o way_n perfect_a job_n 35.6_o 7._o if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o tempt_v or_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n he_o can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n say_v st._n james_n chap._n 1.17_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n mutable_a this_o be_v deny_v of_o god_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o and_o removing_z all_o shadow_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o best_a i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o for_o a_o foundation_n and_o rectify_v all_o our_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o reason_v about_o he_o by_o these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v right_o apprehension_n and_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o will_v make_v it_o easy_o credible_a to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o for_o his_o goodness_n will_v dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o communicate_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n render_v he_o able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o difficulty_n and_o without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n or_o happiness_n as_o epicurus_n will_v seem_v vain_o to_o fear_v who_o in_o truth_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o pretend_v only_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lay_v so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o he_o vain_a man_n as_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o difficult_a to_o our_o weakness_n and_o folly_n may_v not_o be_v infinite_o easy_a to_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n particular_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v as_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v render_v they_o to_o many_o when_o we_o consider_v infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n we_o may_v easy_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n by_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o they_o there_o be_v something_o concern_v these_o that_o be_v unimaginable_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o something_o may_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o because_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o power_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o either_o the_o world_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o or_o that_o matter_n be_v eternal_o of_o itself_o which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o to_o imagine_v as_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o from_o nothing_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v how_o god_n can_v certain_o know_v future_a event_n which_o depend_v upon_o voluntary_a and_o uncertain_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a knowledge_n but_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v know_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n can_v imagine_v how_o a_o great_a mathematician_n can_v demonstrate_v his_o proposition_n only_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o no_o power_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o able_a perhaps_o to_o reconcile_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o universal_a goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n because_o we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n at_o one_o view_n and_o see_v every_o part_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o will_v appear_v very_o wise_a if_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o thing_n and_o see_v the_o entire_a design_n together_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v to_o who_o as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o all_o his_o way_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n be_v notion_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v these_o the_o whole_a bible_n will_v be_v insignificant_a to_o we_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v any_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v these_o and_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o can_v know_v what_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n in_o god_n be_v for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o whether_o god_n be_v good_a or_o not_o nor_o can_v we_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o make_v himself_o like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o idea_n of_o that_o to_o which_o he_o aim_v to_o be_v like_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a and_o settle_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o unintelligible_a be_v and_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o he_o will_v
saviour_n be_v thou_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o praise_v and_o 2_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o so_o likewise_o rom._n 1.25_o the_o creator_n bless_v for_o evermore_o which_o likewise_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n rom._n 9.5_o of_o who_o christ_n come_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o that_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o celebrate_v but_o in_o all_o these_o text_n the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o though_o we_o translate_v bless_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a notion_n from_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n which_o be_v give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o text_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bless_a or_o the_o happy_a god_n and_o this_o title_n be_v not_o any_o where_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o know_v of_o give_v to_o god_n but_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o chap._n 6._o v._n 15._o where_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o also_o be_v god_n be_v call_v the_o bless_a and_o the_o only_a potentate_n and_o whether_o this_o title_n of_o the_o bless_a or_o the_o happy_a god_n be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n give_v to_o god_n the_o father_n or_o to_o his_o eternal_a son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o so_o much_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o inquire_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o bless_a god_n this_o however_o be_v certain_a that_o blessedness_n or_o happiness_n be_v a_o title_n belong_v to_o god_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o foundation_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o this_o title_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 iii_o 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_n they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v then_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n i._o i_o will_v consider_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o blessedness_n or_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o it_o now_o the_o notion_n of_o happiness_n take_v at_o its_o high_a pitch_n as_o we_o must_v necessary_o do_v when_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o fix_a and_o immovable_a state_n of_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n result_v from_o the_o secure_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o desirable_a that_o be_v of_o all_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o that_o these_o follow_a ingredient_n must_v go_v to_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n 1._o perfect_a knowledge_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v happiness_n and_o to_o know_v when_o one_o be_v real_o possess_v of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o be_v so_o only_o in_o imagination_n or_o a_o dream_n without_o any_o real_a foundation_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o may_v be_v please_v with_o his_o condition_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v true_o happy_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o have_v all_o other_o necessary_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n and_o only_o want_v this_o that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o so_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o this_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o many_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o material_n and_o circumstance_n of_o a_o worldly_a happiness_n about_o they_o yet_o by_o the_o unskilful_a management_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o from_o a_o lightness_n and_o injudiciousness_n of_o mind_n not_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o they_o make_v a_o hard_a shift_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o as_o good_a circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v almost_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v very_o discontent_v and_o miserable_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o god_n perfect_o know_v both_o what_o make_v happiness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o 2._o to_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v likewise_o require_v a_o full_a power_n to_o do_v whatever_o conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o likewise_o to_o check_v and_o control_v whatever_o will_v be_v a_o hindrance_n and_o disturbance_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o be_v be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o all-sufficient_a and_o have_v not_o within_o its_o power_n and_o reach_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o happy_a condition_n and_o necessary_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v that_o happiness_n against_o all_o attempt_n and_o accident_n whatsoever_o 3._o there_o be_v wisdom_n also_o require_v to_o direct_v this_o power_n and_o manage_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v effectual_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o mere_a power_n abstract_o consider_v for_o one_o may_v have_v all_o the_o material_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n to_o put_v they_o so_o together_o as_o to_o frame_v a_o happy_a condition_n out_o of_o they_o and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o proper_a method_n and_o mean_n of_o compass_v and_o secure_v his_o own_o happiness_n 4._o another_o most_o considerable_a and_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n be_v goodness_n without_o which_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o felicity_n or_o happiness_n now_o goodness_n be_v a_o generous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o communicate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o by_o make_v other_o partaker_n of_o its_o happiness_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o as_o wisdom_n shall_v direct_v for_o he_o be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o he_o may_v be_v who_o have_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o make_v other_o so_o and_o of_o see_v they_o put_v into_o a_o happy_a condition_n by_o his_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o high_a pleasure_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v pride_n but_o i_o may_v true_o say_v glory_n of_o a_o good_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o by_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o a_o immense_a and_o all-sufficient_a be_v do_v not_o lessen_v himself_o or_o put_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o power_n but_o do_v rather_o enlarge_v and_o magnify_v himself_o and_o do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v give_v great_a ease_n and_o delight_n to_o a_o full_a and_o fruitful_a be_v without_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o power_n or_o happiness_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o other_o being_n can_v make_v nothing_o so_o independent_a upon_o itself_o as_o not_o still_o to_o maintain_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o to_o have_v it_o always_o under_o his_o power_n and_o government_n and_o no_o be_v can_v rebel_v against_o his_o maker_n without_o extreme_a hazard_n to_o himself_o 5._o perfect_a happiness_n do_v imply_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o so_o perfect_a a_o be_v upon_o all_o proper_a and_o sit_v occasion_n that_o be_v that_o so_o perfect_a a_o be_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o unbecoming_a his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o perfect_a be_v and_o for_o such_o a_o be_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o in_o any_o case_n will_v be_v to_o create_v disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n to_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n and_o never_o fail_v that_o nothing_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o displeasure_n which_o in_o moral_a agent_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v gild_n for_o gild_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v which_o arise_v in_o one_o mind_n from_o the_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v something_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfective_a principle_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v something_o that_o do_v not_o become_v he_o and_o which_o be_v what_o he_o be_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v which_o we_o can_v imagine_v ever_o to_o befall_v so_o perfect_a and_o immutable_a a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v 6._o perfect_a happiness_n imply_v in_o it_o the_o settle_a and_o secure_a possession_n of_o all_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n for_o if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v or_o be_v diminish_v so_o much_o will_v be_v take_v
admit_v such_o a_o knowledge_n in_o god_n as_o seem_v contradictious_a and_o impossible_a to_o our_o reason_n why_o may_v we_o not_o allow_v and_o frame_v such_o notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v imitable_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o perfection_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o disentangle_a it_o from_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v imitable_a he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o which_o we_o will_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o likeness_n of_o these_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o perfection_n be_v chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n jer._n 9.24_o by_o these_o god_n reveal_v himself_o and_o declare_v his_o name_n and_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o even_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o psal_n 86.15_o deut._n 32.3_o 4_o 5._o when_o god_n will_v give_v a_o description_n of_o himself_o to_o moses_n he_o promise_v to_o cause_v his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n of_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o any_o notion_n of_o god_n justice_n or_o goodness_n that_o seem_v contradictious_a or_o impossible_a the_o three_o objection_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v from_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n 1._o it_o will_v prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o will_v do_v than_o we_o can_v but_o do_v what_o he_o infallible_o foresee_v we_o will_v do_v for_o otherwise_o his_o knowledge_n will_v be_v fallible_a answer_v god's-fore-knowledge_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o the_o event_n in_o every_o event_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o effect_n in_o itself_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v consider_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v future_a with_o relation_n to_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v contingent_a god_n see_v it_o as_o both_o and_o so_o as_o that_o which_o till_o it_o be_v may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o see_v the_o man_n do_v it_o free_o and_o so_o before_o it_o be_v do_v it_o have_v no_o necessity_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o foresight_n as_o when_o it_o be_v it_o have_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v as_o origen_n excellent_o explain_v it_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v fore-known_a but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v future_a and_o shall_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v fore-known_a for_o it_o do_v not_o because_o it_o be_v know_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o because_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o it_o be_v fore-known_a and_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v no_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o event_n which_o because_o it_o be_v know_v must_v infallible_o be_v than_o my_o see_v a_o man_n run_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o run_n which_o because_o i_o do_v see_v be_v infallible_o so_o 2_o lie_n if_o god_n infallible_o fore-knows_a what_o man_n will_v do_v how_o can_v he_o be_v serious_a in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n in_o his_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o his_o grieve_v for_o the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n answer_n all_o these_o be_v found_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o action_n god_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o expect_v it_o because_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v do_v it_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o impenitency_n because_o we_o may_v do_v otherwise_o and_o will_v not_o exhortation_n be_v not_o vain_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o proper_a to_o their_o end_n though_o through_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n they_o may_v be_v render_v vain_a to_o we_o and_o without_o effect_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v upon_o serious_a and_o you_o ask_v how_o god_n can_v exhort_v man_n serious_o to_o that_o which_o he_o fore-sees_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v those_o who_o he_o fore-knows_a will_v be_v final_o impenitent_a i_o answer_v if_o his_o exhortation_n be_v not_o serious_a he_o can_v not_o foresee_v the_o final_a impenitency_n of_o men._n to_o foresee_v man_n final_a impenitency_n be_v to_o foresee_v their_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n warning_n and_o exhortation_n and_o rejection_n of_o his_o grace_n now_o man_n wilful_a contempt_n of_o his_o warning_n and_o exhortation_n can_v be_v foresee_v unless_o god_n foresee_v that_o his_o exhortation_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v answer_v the_o objection_n against_o god_n foreknowing_a future_a event_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o god_n only_o know_v future_a event_n isa_n 44.6_o 7._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o redeemer_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o as_o i_o shall_v call_v and_o shall_v declare_v it_o and_o set_v it_o in_o order_n for_o i_o since_o i_o appoint_v the_o ancient_a people_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v and_o shall_v come_v let_v they_o show_v unto_o they_o isa_n 46.9_o 10._o remember_v the_o former_a thing_n of_o old_a for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o declare_v the_o end_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o from_o ancient_a time_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v say_v my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o finite_a understanding_n especial_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v beyond_o our_o finite_a understanding_n to_o explain_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o any_o understanding_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v do_v not_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n foretell_v several_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v satisfy_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n i_o have_v no_o time_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o business_n of_o heathen_a oracle_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v there_o be_v much_o imposture_n in_o they_o but_o grant_v they_o be_v real_o deliver_v and_o give_v out_o by_o a_o spirit_n yet_o the_o darkness_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o affect_a and_o contrive_v ambiguity_n be_v such_o as_o show_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o those_o matter_n and_o those_o few_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n say_v to_o be_v accomplish_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n either_o wherein_o prudent_a conjecture_n may_v go_v far_o and_o i_o grant_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o sagacious_a spirit_n or_o else_o in_o dis-junctive_a case_n as_o when_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v it_o must_v either_o be_v so_o or_o so_o in_o which_o a_o bold_a guess_v may_v often_o hit_v right_a but_o guess_v at_o future_a thing_n be_v far_o from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o only_o can_v clear_o be_v 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righteous_a to_o be_v move_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n many_o time_n preserve_v good_a man_n from_o those_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o other_o and_o by_o a_o peculiar_a and_o remarkable_a interposition_n rescue_v they_o out_o of_o those_o calamity_n which_o it_o suffer_v other_o to_o fall_v into_o and_o god_n many_o time_n bless_v good_a man_n with_o remarkable_a prosperity_n and_o success_n in_o their_o affair_n to_o which_o purpose_n there_o be_v innumerable_a declaration_n and_o promise_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o recital_n of_o they_o notwithstanding_o which_o it_o can_v the_o deny_v that_o good_a man_n fall_v into_o many_o evil_n and_o be_v harrass_v with_o great_a affliction_n in_o this_o world_n but_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n usual_o order_v it_o so_o that_o they_o be_v arm_v with_o great_a patience_n to_o bear_v they_o and_o find_v great_a comfort_n and_o support_v under_o they_o and_o make_v better_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o they_o than_o other_o so_o that_o one_o way_n or_o other_o they_o turn_v to_o their_o advantage_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8.28_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n all_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n which_o happen_v to_o good_a man_n conspire_v one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o their_o happiness_n many_o time_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o make_v a_o great_a addition_n to_o it_o in_o the_o other_o so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n whilst_o we_o look_v not_o etc._n etc._n and_o can_v we_o say_v god_n providence_n neglect_v we_o when_o he_o reward_v our_o temporal_a suffering_n with_o eternal_a glory_n when_o through_o many_o hardship_n and_o 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particular_o that_o he_o be_v peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o take_v a_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o they_o let_v we_o now_o see_v of_o what_o force_n this_o consideration_n be_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o text_n to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o god_n that_o be_v after_o all_o prudent_a care_n and_o diligence_n have_v be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n not_o to_o be_v anxious_a and_o solicitous_a about_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n but_o to_o leave_v that_o to_o god_n now_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n care_v for_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o if_o god_n care_v for_o we_o our_o concernment_n be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a hand_n 2._o because_o all_o our_o anxiety_n and_o solicitude_n will_v do_v we_o no_o good_a 1._o because_o if_o god_n care_v for_o we_o our_o concernment_n be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o safe_a hand_n and_o where_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o have_v they_o infinite_o safe_a than_o under_o any_o care_n and_o conduct_v of_o our_o own_o and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o free_v we_o from_o all_o disquiet_v thought_n for_o if_o god_n undertake_v the_o care_n of_o we_o then_o be_v we_o sure_a that_o nothing_o shall_v happen_v to_o we_o but_o by_o the_o disposal_n or_o permission_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n indeed_o which_o to_o we_o seem_v chance_n and_o accident_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n they_o be_v providence_n and_o design_n they_o may_v appear_v to_o happen_v by_o chance_n or_o may_v proceed_v from_o the_o ill-will_n and_o malicious_a intent_n of_o second_o cause_n but_o they_o be_v all_o wise_o design_v and_o as_o they_o be_v appoint_v or_o permit_v by_o god_n they_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o deep_a counsel_n and_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o can_v we_o wish_v that_o we_o and_o our_o concernment_n shall_v be_v in_o better_a or_o safe_a hand_n than_o of_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o conjunction_n with_o infinite_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o may_v rest_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o care_n of_o we_o and_o if_o we_o do_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a regard_n to_o those_o that_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v take_v a_o peculiar_a care_n of_o their_o concernment_n and_o that_o he_o can_v and_o will_v dispose_v they_o better_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v manage_v they_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o affair_n be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n put_v the_o case_n we_o have_v the_o entire_a order_n and_o disposal_n of_o ourselves_o what_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n we_o will_v sure_o according_a to_o our_o best_a wisdom_n and_o judgement_n do_v the_o best_a we_o can_v for_o ourselves_o and_o when_o upon_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o manifold_a ignorance_n and_o weakness_n we_o have_v find_v our_o weighty_a affair_n and_o design_n frequent_o to_o miscarry_v for_o want_v of_o foresight_n or_o power_n or_o skill_n to_o obviate_v and_o prevent_v the_o infinite_a hazard_n and_o disappointment_n which_o humane_a affair_n be_v liable_a to_o we_o shall_v then_o look_v about_o we_o and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o person_n much_o wise_a and_o more_o powerful_a than_o ourselves_o who_o we_o believe_v do_v hearty_o love_v we_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o we_o we_o will_v out_o of_o kindness_n to_o ourselves_o ask_v his_o counsel_n in_o our_o affair_n and_o crave_v his_o assistance_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prevail_v with_o he_o to_o undertake_v the_o care_n of_o our_o concernment_n we_o will_v commit_v they_o all_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o government_n in_o confidence_n of_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodwill_n to_o we_o now_o god_n be_v such_o a_o one_o he_o love_v we_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o desire_v our_o happiness_n as_o much_o and_o know_v infinite_o better_o than_o we_o do_v what_o mean_n be_v most_o conduce_v to_o it_o and_o will_v most_o effectual_o secure_v it_o and_o every_o man_n that_o believe_v thus_o of_o god_n as_o every_o man_n must_v do_v that_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o essential_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o the_o deity_n i_o say_v every_o man_n that_o believe_v thus_o of_o god_n the_o first_o thing_n he_o will_v do_v if_o he_o know_v not_o already_o that_o god_n have_v voluntary_o and_o of_o his_o own_o accord_n undertake_v the_o care_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o affair_n will_v be_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o god_n and_o to_o beseech_v he_o with_o all_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n that_o he_o will_v 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