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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n evil_a good_a reason_n 2,746 5 5.3703 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61251 A vindication of the divine perfections illustrating the glory of God in them, by reason and revelation: methodically digested into several meditations. By a person of honour. Stair, James Dalrymple, Viscount of, 1619-1695. 1695 (1695) Wing S5181; ESTC R221836 207,616 368

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without_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n deserve_v damnation_n it_o do_v no_o way_n follow_v that_o he_o do_v save_v and_o glorify_v the_o elect_a upon_o foresight_n of_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n in_o they_o god_n independence_n can_v exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o object_n of_o his_o decree_n as_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v in_o his_o decree_n he_o can_v decree_v to_o give_v mercy_n but_o to_o a_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n miserable_a he_o can_v decree_v to_o relieve_v a_o creature_n unless_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o distress_a he_o have_v clear_o declare_v and_o consequent_o decree_v that_o he_o will_v never_o pardon_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o foresee_v who_o will_v commit_v that_o sin_n for_o he_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o will_v never_o decree_v any_o thing_n relate_v to_o a_o case_n that_o be_v never_o to_o exist_v he_o can_v not_o decree_v to_o elect_v any_o creature_n but_o upon_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n that_o he_o be_v to_o create_v that_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o be_v never_o to_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o he_o in_o that_o golden_a chain_n who_o he_o do_v foreknow_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n and_o who_o he_o do_v predestinate_a they_o he_o also_o call_v and_o who_o he_o call_v they_o he_o also_o justify_v and_o who_o he_o justify_v they_o he_o also_o glorify_v the_o first_o link_n be_v foreknowledge_n of_o the_o object_n to_o be_v predestinate_v which_o with_o congruity_n to_o the_o divine_a natural_a perfection_n be_v predestinable_a prior_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o predestination_n yet_o in_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o independence_n of_o god_n encroach_v on_o can_v a_o miserable_a or_o distress_a creature_n be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o pretend_v that_o its_o misery_n or_o distress_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n mercy_n or_o relief_n but_o only_o the_o object_n or_o occasion_n thereof_o the_o true_a cause_n be_v god_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o god_n decree_n to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o his_o rational_a creature_n that_o he_o foresee_v will_v hate_v he_o or_o be_v obstinate_a in_o sin_n be_v his_o own_o justice_n and_o purity_n 2_o it_o be_v say_v in_o god_n we_o live_v we_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o therefore_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o body_n must_v be_v his_o motion_n act_v by_o he_o which_o inference_n be_v no_o better_a than_o this_o in_o he_o we_o have_v our_o be_v therefore_o our_o be_v be_v his_o be_v but_o the_o true_a meaning_n be_v clear_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v frequent_o say_v of_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v in_o he_o and_o yet_o be_v the_o creature_n import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o be_v by_o virtue_n and_o power_n derive_v from_o christ_n and_o so_o we_o move_v in_o god_n that_o be_v by_o virtue_n and_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o 3_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o in_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n god_n be_v not_o actor_n he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n but_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o and_o universal_a cause_n must_v still_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o total_a cause_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o universal_a predetermination_n 4thly_a the_o main_a reason_n against_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n which_o it_o do_v not_o for_o whosoever_o permit_v evil_a that_o he_o can_v hinder_v be_v accessary_a thereto_o and_o guilty_a thereof_o and_o so_o god_n judge_v his_o creature_n which_o will_v not_o conclude_v against_o god_n because_o creature_n be_v not_o only_o subject_a to_o the_o moral_a and_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o god_n but_o to_o his_o positive_a law_n neither_o be_v creature_n universal_o oblige_v to_o hinder_v all_o evil_a act_n that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hinder_v for_o god_n have_v set_v up_o civil_a authority_n thereby_o oblige_v subject_n to_o suffer_v the_o legal_a execution_n thereof_o though_o unjust_a albeit_o they_o have_v sufficient_a strength_n to_o hinder_v the_o same_o this_o reason_n have_v be_v the_o chief_a inducement_n of_o the_o error_n of_o those_o who_o to_o maintain_v the_o purity_n of_o god_n encroach_v upon_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n hold_v that_o the_o will_n of_o a_o free_a creature_n be_v essential_o undeterminable_a by_o any_o other_o than_o by_o itself_o and_o therefore_o god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o persuade_v and_o bring_v motive_n into_o the_o mind_n and_o so_o be_v blameless_a have_v do_v all_o he_o can_v do_v to_o hinder_v sin_n for_o certain_o god_n can_v have_v be_v so_o powerful_a a_o persuader_n as_o to_o make_v prophet_n and_o preacher_n go_v to_o all_o nation_n which_o he_o have_v not_o do_v and_o this_o ground_n encroach_v on_o god_n omnipotence_n that_o he_o can_v effectual_o over-rule_v his_o free_a creature_n and_o encroach_v on_o his_o wisdom_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o creature_n create_v such_o which_o he_o can_v not_o govern_v but_o behove_v only_o to_o supplicate_v and_o persuade_v the_o 5_o reason_n assign_v for_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v bring_v from_o the_o accurate_a argue_v of_o that_o case_n by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n in_o the_o 9th_o of_o the_o roman_n where_o it_o be_v say_v of_o esau_n and_o jacob_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v neither_o have_v do_v any_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o the_o purpose_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v not_o of_o work_n but_o of_o he_o that_o call_v jacob_n have_v i_o love_v but_o esau_n have_v i_o hate_v against_o which_o he_o bring_v this_o objection_n be_v there_o vnrighteousness_n with_o god_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v with_o a_o strong_a denial_n god_n forbid_v for_o be_v say_v to_o moses_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o thence_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o run_v or_o of_o he_o that_o will_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n whence_o he_o do_v conclude_v therefore_o have_v he_o mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v against_o which_o conclusion_n he_o bring_v a_o new_a objection_n thus_o thou_o will_v say_v then_o unto_o i_o why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v thus_o nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n shall_v the_o thing_n form_v say_v to_o he_o that_o form_v it_o why_o have_v thou_o make_v i_o thus_o have_v not_o the_o potter_n power_n over_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n thence_o the_o author_n of_o universal_a predetermination_n or_o excitation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o worst_a act_n think_v they_o have_v unanswerable_a ground_n to_o infer_v that_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o permitter_n but_o the_o actor_n of_o harden_v as_o well_o as_o of_o mercy_n yea_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o consideration_n of_o what_o the_o creature_n be_v to_o act_v in_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n than_o in_o election_n and_o glorification_n but_o that_o of_o the_o same_o lump_n or_o mass_n of_o mankind_n he_o do_v as_o indifferent_o make_v the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n that_o be_v the_o reprobate_n as_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n that_o be_v the_o elect._n but_o the_o context_n sufficient_o clear_v the_o mistake_v of_o these_o inference_n for_o it_o infer_v nothing_o as_o to_o reprobation_n that_o the_o child_n be_v not_o yet_o bear_v have_v do_v nothing_o of_o good_a or_o evil_a the_o inference_n be_v only_o that_o election_n may_v not_o be_v of_o foresee_a work_n but_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n love_v jacob_n and_o hate_v esau_n though_o they_o have_v yet_o do_v nothing_o it_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o as_o there_o be_v no_o foresee_a merit_n or_o cause_n of_o love_n of_o the_o elect_n for_n that_o god_n hate_v the_o damn_a without_o a_o meritorious_a cause_n deserve_v his_o hatred_n there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n election_n and_o love_n which_o be_v act_n of_o bounty_n to_o infer_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o hatred_n and_o reprobation_n which_o be_v act_n of_o justice_n for_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n be_v absolute_o free_a but_o so_o be_v not_o justice_n but_o the_o main_a mistake_n be_v that_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o reprobate_n and_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n the_o elect_a as_o if_o god_fw-we as_o indifferent_o reprobate_n and_o elect_v as_o the_o potter_n do_v of_o the_o same_o lump_n make_v one_o vessel_n to_o honour_n and_o another_o to_o dishonour_v
but_o even_o before_o it_o he_o wait_v upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o give_v time_n to_o repent_v to_o those_o that_o do_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o he_o give_v they_o his_o vicegerent_n to_o rule_v they_o in_o civil_a state_n he_o provide_v necessary_n for_o their_o convenient_a live_n in_o that_o state_n he_o do_v not_o punish_v these_o society_n but_o for_o gross_a common_a and_o national_a sin_n which_o by_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o nature_n they_o may_v forbear_v and_o which_o be_v atrocious_o odious_a by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n to_o all_o but_o these_o the_o gratification_n of_o who_o evil_a affection_n pervert_v they_o to_o think_v they_o pleasant_a so_o that_o none_o of_o his_o creature_n ever_o have_v or_o ever_o shall_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v of_o his_o dispensation_n but_o he_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o complain_v against_o every_o lose_a sinner_n that_o they_o have_v harden_v their_o own_o heart_n from_o his_o fear_n can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n than_o that_o after_o so_o just_a and_o reasonable_a a_o covenant_n he_o enter_v into_o with_o they_o at_o first_o and_o which_o they_o so_o soon_o so_o unnecessary_o and_o so_o ungrateful_o violate_v that_o he_o do_v immediate_o publish_v to_o they_o the_o new_a covenant_n of_o grace_n to_o make_v all_o capable_a of_o happiness_n through_o the_o incarnation_n suffer_v and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o son_n and_o even_o pull_v some_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n when_o they_o be_v rage_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o resolute_o cleave_v to_o their_o abomination_n and_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o will_v have_v none_o of_o he_o in_o this_o way_n the_o error_n and_o mistake_v of_o man_n about_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o cure_v as_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o first_o and_o be_v yet_o the_o most_o general_a error_n why_o do_v god_n suffer_v sin_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n may_v he_o not_o have_v make_v all_o his_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v infallible_a that_o have_v be_v more_o goodness_n than_o what_o appear_v in_o either_o covenant_n this_o be_v the_o devil_n temptation_n murmur_v that_o god_n have_v make_v they_o fallible_a and_o under_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o diligent_a attention_n and_o guard_n giving_z they_o trouble_v satan_n do_v deceive_v man_n represent_v god_n as_o envious_a hinder_v the_o happiness_n he_o may_v attain_v by_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit._n but_o let_v it_o be_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v free_a to_o give_v what_o measure_n of_o goodness_n he_o please_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v communicate_v so_o much_o perfection_n to_o creature_n that_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o more_o for_o then_o his_o goodness_n shall_v be_v exhaust_v christ_n say_v to_o the_o labourer_n of_o the_o vineyard_n who_o murmur_v that_o he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o to_o he_o that_o serve_v but_o one_o hour_n as_o to_o they_o that_o have_v endure_v the_o heat_n of_o the_o day_n be_v it_o not_o free_a for_o i_o to_o dispose_v of_o my_o own_o as_o i_o please_v if_o god_n have_v create_v his_o rational_a creature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o shun_v sin_n and_o misery_n by_o irresistible_a temptation_n or_o by_o a_o operative_a decree_n they_o may_v have_v complain_v but_o when_o they_o may_v be_v happy_a and_o will_v not_o what_o impudence_n be_v it_o to_o complain_v but_o likewise_o as_o god_n be_v bountiful_a so_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v not_o divest_v himself_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o manage_v man_n by_o instinct_n as_o he_o do_v the_o brute_n therefore_o his_o wisdom_n do_v require_v that_o his_o rational_a creature_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o they_o and_o not_o by_o fatal_a necessity_n 2._o the_o voluptuous_a think_v why_o do_v god_n give_v we_o pleasure_n in_o such_o object_n which_o result_v from_o they_o so_o powerful_o that_o we_o be_v not_o master_n of_o they_o eve_n insinuate_v this_o that_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v pleasant_a good_a to_o eat_v and_o fit_a to_o make_v the_o eater_n wise_a thence_o also_o wicked_a man_n do_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o these_o pleasure_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o strong_a a_o propension_n can_v be_v evil_a at_o least_o the_o cause_n of_o eternal_a misery_n but_o they_o consider_v not_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o give_v these_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n life_n and_o health_n may_v be_v continue_v when_o smell_n be_v lose_v and_o even_o when_o taste_n be_v lose_v as_o barzillai_n say_v to_o david_n if_o god_n provide_v no_o remedy_n there_o may_v be_v pretence_n of_o complaint_n but_o though_o pleasure_n or_o grief_n be_v not_o direct_o in_o man_n power_n yet_o god_n have_v endue_v he_o with_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v manage_v they_o by_o apply_v other_o object_n to_o his_o sense_n or_o thought_n which_o will_v keep_v they_o from_o excess_n if_o eve_n upon_o the_o sight_n or_o smell_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o it_o and_o the_o desire_n to_o it_o have_v remember_v god_n and_o the_o pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o clear_a thought_n of_o he_o she_o have_v never_o proceed_v to_o eat_v beside_o that_o it_o be_v rational_a and_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v require_v attention_n and_o diligence_n and_o shall_v not_o consist_v in_o such_o trifle_n as_o be_v whole_o indifferent_a without_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n appetite_n or_o aversion_n i_o conceive_v they_o stretch_v too_o far_o that_o make_v the_o first_o motion_n of_o pleasure_n or_o appetite_n thereof_o to_o be_v sin_n covetousness_n be_v the_o voluntary_a continue_v of_o these_o against_o the_o command_n our_o saviour_n have_v a_o aversion_n from_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o suffer_v and_o wish_v it_o can_v have_v be_v delay_v which_o be_v but_o the_o effort_n of_o innocent_a nature_n which_o he_o do_v not_o voluntary_o continue_v for_o immediate_o he_o say_v to_o the_o father_n not_o i_o but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v the_o heathen_n and_o many_o christian_n in_o their_o ignorance_n reckon_v nothing_o to_o be_v sin_n but_o where_o the_o evil_a inclination_n take_v effect_n and_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n he_o know_v not_o that_o covetousness_n be_v sin_n which_o will_v not_o infer_v that_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o the_o affection_n be_v sin_n until_o the_o will_v concur_v to_o continue_v or_o proceed_v in_o these_o affection_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n for_o it_o be_v say_v when_o lust_n be_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n where_o lust_n must_v signify_v the_o natural_a affection_n of_o pleasure_n which_o be_v not_o sin_n but_o the_o rise_n of_o it_o the_o aversion_n from_o persecution_n or_o martyrdom_n not_o yield_v to_o be_v not_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o holiness_n willing_o to_o undergo_v it_o notwithstanding_o that_o natural_a aversion_n so_o the_o first_o motion_n or_o desire_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o avoid_v by_o divert_v the_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o it_o have_v not_o produce_v the_o doleful_a effect_n that_o follow_v these_o first_o motion_n make_v many_o man_n doubt_v of_o their_o regeneration_n though_o they_o do_v not_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o in_o their_o most_o secret_a thought_n yet_o sin_n be_v more_o in_o the_o will_v when_o it_o do_v continue_v these_o than_o in_o the_o outward_a act_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o concupiscence_n than_o a_o part_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n have_v be_v much_o perplex_v by_o apprehend_v sin_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n oblige_v the_o sinner_n to_o punishment_n especial_o from_o that_o that_o sin_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o elsewhere_o which_o be_v translate_v forgive_v we_o our_o debt_n as_o we_o forgive_v our_o debtor_n but_o the_o greek_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o only_o signify_v debeo_fw-la but_o also_o obnoxius_fw-la sum_fw-la i_o be_o liable_a and_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v not_o only_a debitum_fw-la but_o noxa_fw-la that_o be_v injury_n or_o wrong_n and_o can_v otherways_o be_v proper_o understand_v in_o that_o place_n for_o god_n have_v not_o require_v we_o to_o discharge_v the_o debt_n owe_v to_o we_o by_o our_o debtor_n but_o the_o resentment_n of_o wrong_n do_v to_o we_o by_o they_o the_o punishment_n or_o penal_a part_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o so_o can_v be_v forgive_v by_o
call_v intrinsical_o evil_a god_n may_v excite_v these_o act_n where_o the_o intention_n or_o direction_n only_o be_v evil_a god_n intention_n be_v quite_o different_a so_o he_o may_v excite_v the_o give_n of_o alm_n intend_v thereby_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a but_o the_o direct_n of_o the_o alm_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n be_v a_o distinct_a separate_z act._n there_o be_v no_o ground_n infer_v that_o god_n excite_v to_o that_o end_n much_o less_o that_o he_o excite_v to_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a which_o no_o intention_n can_v make_v good_a and_o where_o there_o be_v not_o different_a part_n or_o different_a act_n therefore_o god_n do_v not_o foreknow_v act_n intrinsical_o evil_a or_o the_o evil_a intention_n of_o act_n that_o otherwise_o may_v be_v good_a or_o indifferent_a in_o his_o decree_n to_o excite_v they_o but_o only_o in_o his_o permissive_a decree_n not_o to_o hinder_v the_o free_a creature_n in_o act_v they_o wherein_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o many_o pregnant_a reason_n first_o god_n foresee_v such_o act_n in_o his_o purpose_n to_o excite_v the_o creature_n to_o they_o and_o his_o be_v a_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n of_o they_o appear_v to_o i_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o immaculate_a purity_n but_o thereby_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n i_o know_v many_o good_a man_n perceive_v not_o this_o consequence_n and_o be_v far_o from_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o be_v force_v to_o harsh_a concession_n to_o shun_v it_o as_o that_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o act_n but_o not_o of_o the_o vitiosity_n of_o the_o act_n which_o be_v only_o privative_a and_o require_v no_o cause_n nor_o any_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n which_o import_v nothing_o as_o to_o evil_a intention_n or_o act_n intrinsical_o evil_a but_o only_o as_o to_o act_n that_o will_v be_v good_a if_o right_o direct_v and_o be_v well_o illustrate_v by_o ride_v of_o a_o lame_a horse_n where_o the_o rider_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ride_v but_o the_o lameness_n of_o the_o horse_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o halt_a but_o this_o can_v be_v applicable_a to_o a_o indivisible_a act_n whence_o sin_n necessary_o result_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a act_n or_o the_o act_n of_o intention_n be_v total_o evil_a and_o thereby_o there_o can_v be_v one_o part_n attribute_v to_o god_n and_o another_o to_o the_o creature_n if_o god_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a and_o total_a actor_n but_o that_o the_o creature_n have_v a_o different_a act_n the_o forefight_n of_o that_o act_n can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o act_v it_o and_o so_o all_o free_a act_n can_v not_o be_v foresee_v that_o way_n the_o more_o ingenuous_a be_v force_v to_o recur_v to_o this_o evasion_n that_o god_n be_v under_o no_o law_n and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n may_v be_v sin_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o no_o sin_n in_o god_n but_o this_o overturn_v the_o be_v of_o act_n moral_o good_a or_o evil_a in_o congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o he_o so_o will_v they_o because_o they_o be_v absolute_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o not_o alone_o by_o the_o will_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n god_n be_v above_o his_o positive_a law_n but_o he_o be_v neither_o above_n nor_o under_o his_o moral_a law_n but_o be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o else_o god_n can_v make_v virtue_n vice_n and_o vice_n virtue_n for_o whatever_o depend_v upon_o act_n of_o the_o will_n can_v be_v alter_v by_o another_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n so_o god_n have_v alter_v many_o of_o his_o positive_a law_n and_o precept_n because_o they_o be_v only_o good_a in_o that_o they_o be_v will_v and_o command_v second_o god_n have_v express_o declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v many_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o must_v necessary_o import_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v act_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v hinder_v for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a to_o say_v that_o god_n decree_v to_o be_v a_o actor_n with_o the_o creature_n and_o yet_o decree_v to_o hinder_v that_o same_o act_n thus_o god_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v hinder_v abimelech_n to_o touch_v sarah_n who_o he_o have_v take_v on_o design_n to_o make_v she_o his_o concubine_n but_o god_n disable_v he_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o meddle_v with_o she_o nor_o any_o other_o three_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n of_o omission_n wherein_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o resolve_v to_o omit_v but_o by_o carelessness_n and_o inconsideration_n omit_v here_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o if_o god_n hinder_v the_o creature_n to_o consider_v he_o must_v be_v sole_a actor_n in_o these_o sin_n and_o if_o not_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a act_n or_o excitation_n in_o they_o and_o so_o no_o decree_n for_o such_o act_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v foresee_v in_o that_o decree_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v certain_o foresee_v four_o if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o clear_v the_o divine_a purity_n that_o sin_n be_v only_o a_o privation_n require_v no_o efficiency_n but_o deficiency_n that_o can_v not_o but_o also_o vindicate_v the_o creature_n albeit_o a_o total_a actor_n of_o the_o same_o act._n five_o if_o god_n decree_n without_o foresight_n of_o what_o the_o creature_n use_v its_o proper_a power_n will_v act_v than_o he_o behove_v to_o decree_v the_o torment_n of_o his_o creature_n without_o consideration_n of_o their_o future_a sin_n voluntary_o to_o be_v act_v by_o they_o which_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o force_v the_o author_n of_o this_o opinion_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v eternal_o torment_v his_o innocent_a creature_n and_o that_o it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o give_v they_o a_o miserable_a be_v than_o no_o be_v at_o all_o which_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o goodness_n and_o give_v a_o most_o unlovely_a representation_n of_o he_o six_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o efficacy_n of_o prayer_n for_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a avail_n much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v all_o future_a thing_n without_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o people_n prayer_n be_v of_o no_o value_n but_o a_o mere_a formality_n without_o any_o efficacy_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o pray_v to_o a_o unchangeable_a god_n who_o have_v already_o determine_v all_o thing_n without_o consideration_n of_o prayer_n i_o know_v no_o evasion_n can_v be_v make_v but_o that_o god_n have_v determine_v not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o the_o manner_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o so_o determine_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v after_o antecedent_n prayer_n but_o then_o prayer_n be_v a_o mere_a antecedent_n formality_n and_o no_o efficacious_a mean_a avail_v much_o but_o if_o god_n do_v determine_v many_o thing_n upon_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o his_o people_n they_o may_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n pray_v as_o if_o he_o be_v undetermined_a when_o they_o pray_v i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o specious_a reason_n accustom_v to_o be_v bring_v for_o god_n be_v the_o immediate_a total_a actor_n in_o all_o the_o act_n of_o his_o creature_n which_o i_o consider_v as_o objection_n one_a it_o be_v object_v if_o god_n decree_v any_o thing_n upon_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o creature_n he_o be_v not_o altogether_o independent_a but_o behove_v to_o depend_v upon_o such_o consideration_n and_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o his_o creature_n this_o reason_n can_v conclude_v nothing_o against_o god_n foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o what_o he_o foresee_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o give_v by_o himself_o above_o their_o natural_a strength_n for_o thereby_o he_o depend_v on_o nothing_o but_o on_o his_o own_o supernatural_a grace_n it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o god_n election_n be_v upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o the_o creature_n faith_n or_o good_a work_n by_o that_o common_a power_n all_o man_n have_v by_o their_o birth_n they_o may_v glory_v in_o themselves_o and_o the_o election_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v of_o free_a grace_n and_o god_n may_v be_v think_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o that_o opinion_n of_o papist_n and_o arminian_n be_v just_o reject_v but_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v pedissequous_a to_o the_o creature_n he_o foresee_v will_v malicious_o or_o obstinate_o and_o final_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n because_o he_o decree_v to_o let_v they_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o in_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o who_o he_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o cross_v and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o decree_n to_o damn_v the_o reprobate_n
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 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will_n than_o pleasure_n the_o perfection_n of_o god_n power_n import_v that_o it_o must_v be_v inexhaustible_a or_o then_o it_o behove_v to_o cease_v and_o fail_v which_o hold_v both_o as_o to_o quantity_n and_o quality_n if_o god_n shall_v create_v a_o body_n so_o great_a that_o he_o can_v add_v nothing_o to_o it_o than_o his_o extensive_a power_n be_v exhaust_v and_o will_v cease_v so_o that_o he_o have_v no_o extensive_a power_n or_o if_o god_n give_v a_o infinite_a strength_n pressure_n or_o motion_n his_o power_n of_o give_v that_o strength_n be_v exhaust_v and_o shall_v cease_v therefore_o god_n can_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v that_o be_v he_o can_v actual_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o absolute_a power_n because_o he_o can_v will_v it_o thereby_o to_o terminate_v his_o own_o perfection_n whereby_o his_o power_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n i_o know_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o schoolman_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o power_n of_o god_n have_v much_o 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and_o expedient_n by_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o question_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v yea_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o will_v and_o do_v upon_o a_o anterior_a motive_n not_o from_o the_o creature_n but_o from_o himself_o i_o mean_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v save_v to_o search_v so_o high_a but_o of_o those_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v capacity_n and_o opportunity_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o though_o the_o simple_a ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o offence_n error_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v so_o frequent_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v error_n concern_v the_o representation_n and_o character_n of_o god_n reason_n be_v give_v in_o scripture_n so_o oft_o from_o such_o ground_n and_o not_o from_o mere_a will._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o raise_v and_o increase_v the_o admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o high_a pure_a and_o least_o selfish_a love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o happiness_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o more_o the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o give_v of_o these_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o small_a proportion_n between_o the_o