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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
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
be_v nothing_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o nothing_o still_o i._n e._n limit_v and_o defective_a be_v only_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o its_o own_o primitive_a nothingness_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n a_o hundred_o pound_n that_o he_o be_v worth_a so_o much_o money_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o i_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o more_o be_v owe_v only_o to_o his_o own_o poverty_n and_o just_o so_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o god_n who_o produce_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o defect_n of_o be_v be_v only_o owe_v to_o that_o nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o he_o produce_v i_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n but_o not_o our_o defect_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o former_a now_o the_o defect_n of_o create_a perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v and_o abstract_n from_o god_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n second_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o thing_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o whole_o exclude_v something_o much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a thus_o matter_n for_o instance_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o thing_n because_o it_o exclude_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o exclude_v nothing_o better_a but_o yet_o be_v deficient_a in_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o exclude_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o excellent_a but_o yet_o as_o reside_v in_o create_a being_n want_n a_o great_a many_o possible_a degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o both_o these_o defect_n be_v natural_a be_v uncause_v and_o so_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o he_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o these_o twofold_a defect_n in_o create_a perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v conceive_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n and_o eminence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o causality_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v injurious_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o their_o perfection_n of_o which_o he_o be_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v god_n right_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o he_o we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o matter_n and_o material_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n as_o exclude_v such_o substance_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o degree_n in_o those_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o raise_v and_o exalt_v they_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n and_o eminence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eminency_n which_o consist_v in_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o short_a and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_v from_o all_o defect_n and_o limitation_n these_o three_o way_n therefore_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o will_n yet_o far_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a rule_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o form_v a_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o first_o if_o we_o will_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v attribute_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o second_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o the_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n three_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a four_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n five_o though_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n to_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n six_o in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v always_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o i._o to_o the_o form_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v derive_v must_v necessary_o include_v all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o free_a cause_n may_v give_v less_o to_o their_o effect_n than_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v give_v more_o though_o they_o may_v withhold_v from_o their_o effect_n any_o perfection_n or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v they_o can_v derive_v to_o they_o any_o which_o they_o have_v not_o whatsoever_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o that_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o be_v be_v derive_v otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o in_o his_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o can_v give_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o all_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o create_a being_n must_v necessary_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o must_v all_o those_o too_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o for_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o no_o perfection_n can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n can_v produce_v that_o perfection_n in_o another_o which_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n must_v be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a since_o therefore_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n and_o since_o no_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o be_v actual_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n ii_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n for_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o shortsighted_a to_o penetrate_v immediate_o into_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v they_o but_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a fountain_n of_o all_o cause_n can_v be_v know_v by_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o his_o effect_n
and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a or_o uneasy_a to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v because_o of_o imperfection_n that_o labour_n and_o trouble_n do_v attend_v any_o being_n in_o their_o operation_n can_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v perfect_o it_o will_v be_v no_o labour_n at_o all_o to_o they_o god_n therefore_o have_v a_o infinite_a power_n to_o effect_v what_o he_o please_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o most_o perfect_o and_o consequent_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o labour_n and_o since_o all_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o they_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_o subject_a to_o his_o power_n and_o where_o there_o be_v perfect_a subjection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o resistance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o resistance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o labour_n and_o then_o as_o for_o duration_n which_o be_v the_o other_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v attend_v with_o dependence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o life_n but_o depend_v upon_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v or_o prolong_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o life_n of_o all_o being_n be_v maintain_v and_o supply_v by_o his_o all-enlivening_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o one_o moment_n they_o present_o expire_v so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o all_o create_a life_n be_v dependent_a and_o precarious_a and_o even_o those_o being_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o have_v no_o other_o tenure_n of_o life_n but_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n who_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n can_v blow_v they_o out_o when_o he_o please_v but_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n life_n be_v altogether_o independent_a for_o he_o subsist_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v do_v so_o from_o all_o eternity_n past_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o himself_o in_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v without_o the_o support_n or_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o behold_n for_o his_o duration_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o be_v but_o derive_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o life_n within_o himself_o whence_o he_o also_o derive_v life_n to_o all_o other_o being_n again_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n viz._n quickness_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o perception_n we_o must_v whole_o abstract_a from_o it_o all_o that_o imperfection_n with_o which_o it_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o they_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sundry_a affection_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o happiness_n such_o as_o fear_v sorrow_n repentance_n desperation_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o argue_v a_o defect_n of_o power_n or_o wisdom_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o evil_n past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o therefore_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n this_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o evil_n or_o pain_n for_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o happiness_n that_o no_o evil_a can_v approach_v he_o to_o vex_v or_o disturb_v he_o or_o make_v any_o painful_a impression_n on_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o shall_v either_o fear_n or_o grieve_v or_o repent_v or_o despair_v all_o these_o affection_n indeed_o be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o he_o but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o a_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n not_o as_o if_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n feel_v these_o passion_n within_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o demean_v himself_o towards_o we_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o if_o the_o affection_n themselves_o have_v any_o place_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o resent_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n commit_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o painful_a impression_n that_o they_o make_v upon_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o neither_o feel_v the_o misery_n he_o pity_v and_o relieve_v nor_o be_v vex_v at_o the_o sin_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v but_o all_o the_o resentment_n he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o suffering_n and_o sin_n be_v perfect_o calm_a to_o himself_o and_o devoid_a of_o all_o passion_n and_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a his_o will_n be_v perfect_o reasonable_a must_v be_v different_o affect_v towards_o different_a object_n and_o contrary_o affect_v towards_o contrary_a object_n because_o they_o propose_v to_o it_o different_a and_o contrary_a reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o complacency_n towards_o good_a object_n so_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o abhorrence_n towards_o bad_a but_o this_o abhorrence_n arise_v not_o either_o from_o any_o sense_n of_o hurt_n they_o do_v he_o or_o fear_v of_o hurt_n they_o can_v do_v he_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o impassable_a but_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n be_v whole_o found_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o feeling_n he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o detest_v must_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o imperfection_n either_o of_o our_o nature_n or_o our_o happiness_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n we_o must_v also_o abstract_a from_o they_o all_o those_o imperfection_n with_o which_o they_o be_v at_o tend_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n knowledge_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v attend_v with_o reason_v and_o discourse_v that_o be_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o argue_v consequent_n from_o principle_n and_o effect_n from_o cause_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o confine_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v improve_v without_o labour_n and_o study_v for_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o infer_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n because_o in_o this_o way_n our_o knowledge_n must_v be_v successive_a and_o we_o must_v know_v one_o thing_n before_o we_o can_v know_v another_o we_o must_v know_v the_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o consequent_n and_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n else_o how_o can_v we_o deduce_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o deducing_a or_o infer_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n and_o labour_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o this_o imperfection_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a or_o unconfined_a by_o the_o utmost_a extension_n and_o duration_n of_o thing_n do_v at_o one_o intuition_n or_o simple_a view_n behold_v all_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v yea_o whensoever_o wheresoever_o or_o howsoever_o possible_a and_o behold_v as_o he_o do_v all_o consequent_n in_o their_o principle_n all_o effect_n in_o their_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o know_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o but_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o in_o his_o infinite_a mind_n without_o any_o succession_n or_o improvement_n so_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v always_o infinite_a and_o what_o be_v infinite_a admit_v not_o either_o of_o more_o or_o less_o and_o then_o for_o that_o other_o perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o consist_v in_o rectitude_n of_o will_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v acquire_v even_o as_o that_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v measure_v and_o regulate_v for_o rectitude_n of_o will_n consist_v in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v must_v needs_o be_v acquire_v in_o the_o creature_n because_o that_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o by_o which_o it_o choose_v and_o refuse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o will_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n
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
and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o unsophisticated_a we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n beware_v not_o to_o let_v our_o lust_n intermingle_v with_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o or_o to_o bribe_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a maxim_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o it_o make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o believe_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n that_o be_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o while_o we_o suffer_v our_o sinful_a interest_n to_o dictate_v to_o we_o our_o opinion_n of_o god_n we_o make_v falsehood_n our_o oracle_n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n iv._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehensin_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n be_v the_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o man_n judge_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o another_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o every_o free_a agent_n be_v as_o it_o do_v that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o its_o action_n be_v a_o infallible_a index_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o its_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o the_o action_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o and_o apart_o from_o one_o another_o because_o they_o have_v all_o one_o general_a drift_n and_o tendency_n and_o so_o be_v mutual_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o and_o close_o link_v together_o even_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o last_o in_o one_o continue_a chain_n and_o series_n so_o that_o of_o all_o those_o innumerable_a action_n whereof_o his_o general_a providence_n consist_v there_o be_v no_o one_o loose_a or_o independent_a link_n but_o every_o one_o be_v connect_v unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o every_o one_o throughout_o that_o mighty_a chain_n wherefore_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o god_n action_n and_o of_o the_o mutual_a respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o make_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o particular_n for_o though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a action_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n consider_v separately_z from_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a and_o malevolent_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v apart_o by_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o action_n and_o that_o that_o which_o by_o itself_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a may_v by_o be_v contemper_v with_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n become_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o the_o heaven_n there_o be_v sundry_a star_n of_o a_o very_a malignant_a aspect_n apart_o by_o themselves_o which_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o star_n of_o a_o different_a temper_n do_v many_o time_n derive_v a_o most_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o man_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n of_o any_o single_a act_n or_o scene_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a drama_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v take_v true_a measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o any_o particular_a event_n that_o befall_v they_o for_o for_o all_o they_o know_v those_o very_a event_n which_o single_o consider_v be_v most_o noxious_a to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v most_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v intermingle_v and_o contemper_v with_o other_o providence_n so_o that_o while_o they_o measure_v god_n by_o single_a event_n they_o will_v many_o time_n deduce_v sour_a and_o rigid_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o those_o very_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n thus_o for_o instance_n shall_v joseph_n have_v frame_v his_o judgement_n of_o god_n nature_n by_o his_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o pit_n sell_v into_o egypt_n and_o there_o cast_v into_o prison_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n what_o can_v he_o have_v think_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a envious_a and_o malicious_a be_v that_o take_v delight_n in_o afflict_a innocence_n and_o sport_v himself_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o yet_o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o these_o sad_a providence_n and_o how_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o but_o so_o many_o step_n to_o his_o advancement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o have_v he_o think_v thus_o he_o have_v think_v very_o injurious_o those_o very_a providence_n from_o which_o he_o must_v have_v infer_v god_n malice_n to_o he_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o follow_v most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o common_o do_v we_o see_v man_n pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n nature_n from_o such_o particular_a providence_n they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o deplorable_a accident_n such_o as_o famine_n butchery_n plague_n and_o devastation_n in_o which_o themselves_o be_v many_o time_n involve_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o inflict_v or_o suffer_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o very_a froward_a cruel_a and_o implacable_a nature_n whereas_o do_v they_o but_o see_v these_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o lie_v interweave_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v doubtless_o see_v infinite_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a sometime_o again_o they_o behold_v wickedness_n prosper_v in_o this_o world_n and_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n depress_v and_o trample_v on_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v either_o that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o have_v they_o a_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a train_n and_o series_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o even_o in_o these_o cross_a distribution_n he_o do_v most_o equal_o and_o most_o effectual_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a by_o render_v the_o one_o prosperity_n his_o bane_n and_o the_o other_o adversity_n his_o restorative_n sometime_o again_o they_o be_v deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o have_v a_o long_a while_n seek_v with_o most_o importunate_a cry_n and_o supplication_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o prevail_v with_o by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n whereas_o can_v they_o but_o see_v through_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o good_n they_o pray_v for_o be_v many_o time_n pregnant_a with_o evil_n and_o the_o evil_n they_o deprecate_v with_o good_n which_o be_v much_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v deaf_a to_o their_o entreaty_n because_o he_o can_v not_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o ask_v without_o do_v they_o some_o great_a unkindness_n and_o that_o therefore_o these_o denial_n be_v so_o far_o from_o argue_v he_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v signal_n instance_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n which_o many_o time_n import_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o seem_v and_o appear_v but_o have_v form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o nature_n out_o of_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v all_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o common_a notion_n of_o he_o yet_o because_o we_o see_v not_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v they_o good_a because_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a god_n v._o another_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o from_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o single_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o
that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n that_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o be_v within_o the_o prospect_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o which_o all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o good_a be_v a_o illustrious_a comment_n and_o paraphrase_n upon_o god_n now_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v all_o reducible_a to_o these_o four_o general_n substance_n or_o essence_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n all_o which_o be_v in_o man_n who_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o complete_a model_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o all_o these_o but_o all_o the_o proper_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n from_o who_o they_o be_v derive_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v substance_n now_o the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o substance_n be_v amplitude_n and_o fullness_n of_o be_v by_o the_o amplitude_n of_o substance_n i_o mean_v its_o greatness_n or_o largeness_n as_o to_o the_o diffusion_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o littleness_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v define_v to_o or_o circumscribe_v within_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a space_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o substance_n i_o mean_v its_o have_v more_o of_o essence_n or_o be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o little_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o so_o fleet_a and_o transitory_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o these_o perfection_n of_o substance_n even_o to_o their_o utmost_a possibility_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a amplitude_n that_o be_v neither_o define_v nor_o circumscribe_v within_o any_o certain_a space_n but_o coexi_v with_o and_o penetrate_v and_o pass_v through_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o immensity_n which_o consist_v in_o be_v unconfined_a by_o any_o bound_n of_o space_n in_o the_o out-spreading_a of_o himself_o to_o all_o place_n that_o we_o can_v see_v or_o imagine_v and_o infinite_o beyond_o they_o and_o then_o in_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o must_v also_o ascribe_v to_o he_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o necessary_a existence_n which_o consist_v in_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v but_o then_o second_o another_o of_o those_o work_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n be_v life_n for_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o only_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o but_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o it_o also_o that_o be_v possible_a now_o the_o perfection_n of_o life_n be_v activity_n and_o duration_n by_o activity_n i_o mean_v a_o vigorous_a power_n and_o ability_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o weakness_n and_o impotence_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n by_o duration_n i_o mean_v a_o long_a continuance_n of_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v short_a and_o momentary_a for_o the_o more_o last_a the_o life_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o it_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o life_n that_o be_v possible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o active_a and_o powerful_a that_o do_v what_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o can_v effect_v whatsoever_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v omnipotence_n to_o he_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o doer_n and_o then_o in_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o must_v also_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a duration_n of_o life_n that_o be_v a_o life_n that_o be_v not_o bound_v either_o by_o a_o beginning_n or_o a_o end_n but_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o coexi_v and_o run_v parallel_n with_o all_o duration_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v eternity_n to_o he_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o boundless_a duration_n of_o life_n without_o any_o term_n of_o beginning_n or_o end_n but_o then_o three_o another_o of_o these_o effect_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v sense_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v carnal_a or_o material_a sense_n only_o which_o consist_v in_o perceive_v the_o stroke_n and_o impression_n of_o material_a object_n on_o our_o sensory_n but_o sense_n in_o the_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o material_a or_o spiritual_a being_n for_o that_o spiritual_a being_n have_v as_o exquisite_a a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o corporal_a of_o corporeal_a one_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v because_o otherwise_o we_o must_v suppose_v they_o insensible_a both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n now_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n be_v quickness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o perception_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o painful_a or_o of_o pleasant_a grateful_a or_o ungrateful_a object_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o beast_n and_o man_n but_o also_o in_o separate_a spirit_n in_o angel_n and_o in_o god_n himself_o for_o though_o none_o of_o these_o have_v any_o corporeal_a sense_n to_o feel_v and_o perceive_v the_o impression_n of_o corporeal_a object_n yet_o that_o both_o angel_n and_o separate_a spirit_n have_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a impression_n by_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v to_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o though_o god_n by_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v exempt_a from_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o sense_n be_v derive_v shall_v himself_o be_v insensible_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pleasant_a and_o good_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v infinite_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v we_o attribute_v to_o he_o infinite_a happiness_n for_o what_o else_o be_v a_o infinite_a sense_n of_o good_a but_o infinite_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a in_o himself_o and_o infinite_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therein_o infinite_o please_v and_o delight_v four_o and_o last_o another_o of_o those_o work_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n be_v reason_n for_o all_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o shine_v in_o humane_a and_o angelical_a mind_n be_v ray_v forth_o and_o derive_v from_o he_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o to_o have_v reason_n in_o himself_o but_o to_o have_v it_o in_o its_o utmost_a possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n consist_v in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o rectitude_n or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o will._n by_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v consider_v and_o understand_v thing_n absolute_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n in_o their_o power_n and_o property_n difference_n and_o circumstance_n by_o wisdom_n i_o understand_v a_o through_o consideration_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o end_n and_o of_o their_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o be_v design_v for_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o short_a a_o knowledge_n infinite_o extensive_a as_o comprehend_v all_o knowable_a object_n and_o infinite_o intensive_a as_o see_v every_o single_a object_n in_o all_o its_o relation_n dependence_n and_o circumstance_n with_o a_o