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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n evil_a evil_n sin_n 4,011 5 5.5536 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58795 The Christian life. Part II wherein the fundamental principles of Christian duty are assigned, explained, and proved : volume I / by John Scott ...; Christian life. Part 2 Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1685 (1685) Wing S2050; ESTC R20527 226,080 542

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of_o horror_n in_o the_o conscience_n anguish_n in_o the_o mind_n discord_n in_o the_o affection_n disease_n in_o the_o body_n and_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n in_o humane_a society_n since_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n have_v thus_o inseparable_o couple_v good_a effect_n to_o good_a action_n and_o evil_a one_o to_o evil_a it_o have_v hereby_o very_o plain_o and_o sensible_o declare_v to_o we_o what_o it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o what_o not_o for_o see_v it_o have_v so_o constitute_v thing_n as_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n such_o proportion_n of_o happiness_n do_v necessary_o result_v to_o we_o from_o such_o action_n and_o such_o proportion_n of_o misery_n from_o their_o contrary_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o its_o design_n be_v hereby_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o one_o and_o affright_v we_o from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o 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that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o judgement_n must_v be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faculty_n which_o make_v it_o that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n must_v be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n must_v be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o who_o create_v i_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o judge_v this_o good_a and_o that_o evil_a must_v either_o have_v the_o same_o judgement_n himself_o or_o create_v in_o i_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o that_o judgement_n which_o he_o have_v create_v in_o i_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o create_v in_o all_o other_o being_n that_n be_v capable_a of_o judge_v otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n
propose_v by_o god_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o cor._n 7.1_o so_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o future_a punishment_n be_v level_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v all_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o christ_n be_v manifest_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3.8_o it_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v to_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n 7.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v come_v to_o judgement_n to_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n and_o to_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n mat._n 24.42_o compare_v with_o 2_o pet._n 3._o verse_n 11._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o so_o many_o topic_n of_o divine_a persuasion_n whereby_o god_n address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o every_o other_o affection_n in_o we_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o morality_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o article_n in_o all_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n or_o that_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o dry_a and_o empty_a notion_n that_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o since_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v to_o bind_v and_o fasten_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o what_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v hereunto_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o what_o his_o argument_n do_v chief_o persuade_v we_o to_o that_o his_o command_n do_v chief_o oblige_v we_o to_o ii_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n we_o find_v the_o jewish_a religion_n exceed_o abound_v with_o positive_a precept_n for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o sacred_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n of_o which_o the_o bark_n and_o outside_o of_o that_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n in_o particular_a thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n psal._n 51.16_o that_o be_v thou_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o internal_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o desire_v they_o mere_o as_o they_o be_v institute_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v institute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o magical_a unclean_a and_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o eastern_a heathen_a as_o particular_o that_o prohibition_n of_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n leu._n 19.19_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o magical_a rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v as_o a_o charm_n for_o fructification_n so_o also_o that_o command_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o ground_n like_o water_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o dust_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o gather_v the_o blood_n into_o a_o trench_n or_o vessel_n and_o then_o sit_v round_o it_o in_o a_o circle_n whilst_o they_o imagine_v their_o god_n to_o be_v lick_v it_o up_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n the_o prohibition_n of_o seethe_v a_o kid_n in_o his_o mother_n milk_n exod._n 23.19_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a who_o at_o the_o ingather_n of_o their_o fruit_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o kid_n and_o see_v it_o in_o the_o milk_n of_o its_o dam_n and_o then_o in_o a_o magical_a procession_n to_o sprinkle_v all_o their_o tree_n and_o field_n and_o garden_n with_o it_o thereby_o to_o render_v they_o more_o fruitful_a the_o follow_a year_n beside_o all_o which_o you_o may_v find_v a_o world_n of_o other_o instance_n in_o maimonides_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o eastern_a heathen_n be_v porta_fw-la magna_fw-la ad_fw-la reddendas_fw-la praeceptorum_fw-la causas_fw-la the_o great_a rationale_n of_o the_o mosaic_a precept_n and_o that_o multarum_fw-la legum_fw-la rationes_fw-la &_o causae_fw-la mihi_fw-la innotuerint_fw-la ex_fw-la cognition_n fidei_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o cultus_fw-la zabiorum_n i._n e._n that_o by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a heathen_n he_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o many_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o so_o that_o though_o these_o precept_n be_v not_o moral_a yet_o be_v they_o set_v up_o as_o so_o many_o fence_n by_o god_n to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o straggle_v into_o those_o heathen_a immorality_n again_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o mystery_n be_v to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n thus_o their_o law_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v institute_v to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o their_o future_a messiah_n his_o incarnation_n and_o immaculate_a life_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o also_o their_o festival_n law_n and_o particular_o their_o law_n of_o jubilee_n be_v make_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o their_o pour_v out_o water_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o their_o ritual_a purgation_n from_o uncleanness_n be_v intend_v for_o obscure_a intimation_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n all_o which_o doctrine_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o most_o pregnant_a invitation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_a duty_n for_o god_n find_v they_o not_o only_o a_o perverse_a but_o a_o dull_a and_o sottish_a people_n as_o those_o general_o be_v that_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o slavery_n apprehend_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o instruct_v they_o will_v be_v by_o sign_n and_o material_a representation_n even_o as_o parent_n do_v their_o child_n by_o picture_n and_o according_o in_o isaiah_n 28.10_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a with_o a_o stammer_a tongue_n i._n e._n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o child_n and_o so_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dialect_n and_o this_o way_n of_o instruct_v they_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o egypt_n who_o manner_n they_o be_v infinite_o fond_a of_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o probable_a and_o take_v and_o according_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n consist_v of_o hieroglyphic_n or_o visible_a sign_n by_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n thus_o by_o circumcision_n god_n signify_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o mortify_v their_o unchaste_a desire_n by_o their_o legal_a wash_n he_o intimate_v to_o they_o their_o obligation_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yea_o this_o as_o st._n barnabas_n in_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o that_o difference_n of_o meat_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o pronounce_v swine_n flesh_n unclean_a to_o instruct_v they_o
so_o valuable_a as_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o be_v form_v and_o unite_v into_o regular_a corporation_n if_o not_o how_o apparent_o do_v we_o engage_v against_o our_o own_o interest_n when_o we_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n iii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n our_o best_a and_o secure_a condition_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a accident_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o the_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v nor_o the_o power_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v self-sufficient_a as_o to_o our_o worldly_a happiness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o depend_v for_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uncertainty_n wherein_o we_o be_v continal_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v the_o game_n of_o inconstant_a fortune_n what_o quiet_a or_o security_n can_v we_o enjoy_v within_o ourselves_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o the_o helm_n that_o steady_o overrule_v all_o event_n that_o concern_v we_o and_o steer_v and_o direct_v they_o by_o the_o invariable_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o consider_v how_o poor_a and_o indigent_a our_o nature_n be_v how_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v abroad_o and_o to_o go_v a_o beg_n from_o door_n to_o door_n for_o our_o happiness_n how_o we_o depend_v upon_o chance_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o nothing_o we_o possess_v or_o desire_v or_o hope_v for_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o sad_a futurity_n and_o to_o magnify_v distant_a evil_n in_o our_o own_o aprehension_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n by_o our_o impatience_n and_o despair_n and_o to_o pall_v our_o enjoyment_n by_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o than_o their_o nature_n will_v afford_v consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v which_o way_n can_v we_o turn_v ourselves_o without_o a_o god_n or_o where_o can_v we_o repose_v our_o restless_a thought_n but_o in_o his_o providence_n very_o can_v i_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o present_a circumstance_n as_o the_o most_o forlorn_a and_o abandon_v part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o wish_v that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o luck_n to_o be_v of_o any_o other_o species_n than_o that_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n for_o in_o the_o state_n i_o be_o i_o find_v myself_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n against_o which_o i_o have_v no_o sanctuary_n and_o under_o which_o i_o have_v no_o support_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o have_v such_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o thing_n before_o i_o and_o a_o busy_a mind_n within_o i_o that_o will_v be_v continual_o work_v on_o and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v with_o myself_o or_o how_o can_v i_o enjoy_v myself_o without_o a_o god_n to_o rely_v on_o upon_o the_o supposal_n that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o relieve_v myself_o under_o the_o most_o dismal_a apprehension_n i_o can_v fair_o conclude_v and_o safe_o depend_v on_o it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v care_n by_o my_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o my_o friend_n he_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n i_o apprehend_v or_o support_v i_o under_o they_o or_o convert_v they_o to_o my_o good_a either_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v my_o heart_n at_o ease_n and_o instate_v i_o in_o a_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o myself_o but_o now_o by_o give_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o throw_v away_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o leave_v myself_o utter_o destitute_a and_o supportless_a for_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o support_n can_v i_o have_v when_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o security_n either_o that_o the_o evil_n i_o dread_n shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o proportionable_a strength_n to_o bear_v they_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o good_a or_o advantage_n from_o they_o without_o which_o consideration_n every_o evil_a that_o threaten_v or_o befall_v i_o be_v pure_a unmingled_a misery_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o cordial_n in_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n for_o suppose_v i_o shall_v argue_v with_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o every_o ill_a accident_n that_o befall_v i_o be_v fatal_a as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v without_o my_o power_n or_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o i_o to_o grieve_v at_o it_o this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n mollify_a the_o anguish_n of_o my_o mind_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v it_o for_o that_o my_o calamity_n be_v fatal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o remove_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n than_o a_o diminution_n of_o it_o or_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v as_o the_o same_o moralist_n otherwhiles_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v at_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v i_o when_o alas_o my_o grief_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v they_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o contribute_v new_a venom_n to_o their_o sting_n and_o render_v they_o more_o pungent_a and_o dolorous_a what_o a_o faint_a cordial_n will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o oppress_a mind_n to_o consider_v that_o my_o grief_n will_v but_o augment_v my_o load_n it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o a_o deject_a soul_n to_o vent_v its_o grief_n in_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n which_o while_o she_o seek_v to_o smother_v in_o a_o sullen_a silence_n like_o imprison_a wind_n will_v breed_v a_o colic_n in_o her_o bowel_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o i_o must_v deny_v myself_o the_o only_a solace_n of_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o fear_v of_o augment_v my_o misery_n again_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o the_o same_o author_n that_o affliction_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o indifferent_o improvable_a into_o mischief_n or_o benefit_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n who_o can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o render_v the_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a but_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a comfort_n to_o call_v your_o misery_n by_o another_o name_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o temper_v our_o evil_n and_o to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o evil_n to_o we_o by_o what_o soft_a name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v they_o again_o and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o as_o these_o master_n of_o morality_n do_v that_o to_o bear_v affliction_n with_o a_o unconcerned_a mind_n be_v brave_a and_o manly_a and_o generous_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a and_o heroic_a mind_n that_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o misfortune_n i_o ready_o confess_v so_o it_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n have_v good_a reason_n thus_o to_o bear_v his_o affliction_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n for_o than_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o reason_n over_o passion_n and_o a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o a_o well_o fortify_v mind_n but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o all_o these_o glorious_a word_n generous_a brave_n etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a flash_n and_o mere_a rodomontado_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v with_o evil_n without_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v generous_a and_o brave_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o brutal_a stupidity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o support_v ourselves_o under_o any_o calamity_n but_o alas_o such_o real_a grief_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v with_o pretty_a say_n and_o grave_a sentence_n which_o though_o they_o may_v look_v take_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v and_o experience_n they_o force_v we_o to_o pronounce_v as_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n miserable_a comforter_n be_v you_o all_o and_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n so_o that_o be_v we_o leave_v destitute_a of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o those_o bless_a support_v we_o derive_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o