god_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o may_v be_v think_v and_o most_o worthy_a of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v clothe_v with_o all_o perfection_n beauty_n and_o amiableness_n not_o to_o render_v he_o monstrous_a like_o arm_a power_n without_o benignity_n nor_o contemptible_a as_o a_o ignorant_a or_o defective_a deity_n but_o especial_o to_o think_v of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o notice_n he_o have_v give_v of_o himself_o in_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o not_o to_o imagine_v that_o either_o his_o essence_n or_o many_o time_n his_o operation_n can_v stoop_v to_o my_o little_a understanding_n and_o if_o i_o be_v fit_a to_o give_v advice_n to_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o no_o man_n presume_v to_o demolish_v the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o out_o of_o the_o ruin_n thereof_o to_o erect_v unto_o himself_o some_o groundless_a fancy_n which_o like_o a_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n have_v nothing_o solid_a to_o support_v it_o as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o be_v just_a to_o his_o creature_n without_o be_v imperfect_a in_o himself_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n stand_v dismay_v at_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o fatal_a period_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o foreknow_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n but_o either_o divine_a justice_n must_v be_v arraign_v or_o man_n degrade_v to_o a_o machine_n for_o as_o he_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v righteous_a and_o by_o perseverance_n therein_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v happy_a so_o he_o that_o wilful_o persi_v in_o evil_a do_v be_v wicked_a and_o without_o repentance_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v miserable_a but_o as_o the_o former_a of_o these_o will_v look_v upon_o divine_a prescience_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o happiness_n so_o neither_o can_v the_o latter_a blame_n it_o as_o any_o occasion_n of_o his_o misery_n let_v no_o man_n think_v to_o arrest_v judgement_n by_o absurd_o charge_v his_o own_o prevarication_n upon_o divine_a perfection_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v urge_v that_o because_o god_n be_v perfect_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n he_o be_v therefore_o oblige_v to_o be_v wicked_a in_o all_o his_o action_n who_o will_v not_o blush_v at_o the_o impudence_n and_o absurdity_n of_o such_o a_o plea_n prescience_n be_v a_o perfection_n which_o god_n can_v want_v and_o preserve_v his_o divinity_n but_o to_o make_v it_o a_o cause_n of_o man_n misery_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o imperfection_n it_o be_v no_o less_o essential_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o omnipresence_n and_o those_o that_o will_v dare_v to_o retort_n their_o wickedness_n upon_o god_n may_v make_v this_o attribute_n as_o criminal_a as_o the_o other_o for_o if_o man_n will_v not_o trust_v god_n with_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o evil_a action_n lest_o that_o shall_v infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v the_o next_o thing_n and_o with_o equal_a reason_n will_v be_v to_o seclude_v divine_a presence_n from_o the_o inspection_n of_o wickedness_n lest_o god_n shall_v that_o way_n become_v accessary_a thereunto_o if_o a_o naked_a foreknowledge_n of_o evil_a be_v any_o cause_n of_o it_o why_o not_o actual_a presence_n at_o the_o evil_n commit_v but_o the_o scripture_n do_v better_a inform_v we_o concern_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o of_o man_n happiness_n and_o infelicity_n than_o the_o shallow_a reason_n of_o some_o person_n who_o yet_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a above_o other_o there_o we_o be_v teach_v that_o man_n happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n jesus_n free_o offer_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o willing_o accept_v by_o they_o that_o the_o soul_n not_o by_o any_o blind_a fatality_n but_o by_o rational_a inducement_n and_o the_o use_n of_o proper_a mean_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o direct_v the_o way_n to_o salvation_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o such_o a_o voluntary_a obedience_n thereunto_o as_o may_v render_v the_o person_n acceptable_a with_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n 1.7_o saviour_n eph._n 1.7_o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o our_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o then_o the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o misery_n do_v consist_v not_o in_o divine_a prescience_n but_o in_o the_o prevalency_n of_o corruption_n and_o temptation_n arise_v partly_o from_o a_o original_a taint_n and_o partly_o from_o a_o wilful_a pursuit_n of_o irregular_a appetite_n after_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o affection_n be_v besot_v and_o the_o heart_n harden_v against_o reason_n without_o and_o motion_n within_o there_o be_v at_o last_o a_o inveterate_a and_o habitual_a malignity_n bring_v upon_o the_o soul_n *_o but_o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v jam._n 1.13_o 14._o these_o be_v such_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o a_o diligent_a observer_n may_v easy_o see_v and_o feel_v their_o efficacy_n but_o how_o a_o naked_a prescience_n shall_v operate_v what_o other_o do_v i_o know_v not_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v but_o this_o i_o conclude_v for_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n both_o with_o respect_n unto_o the_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o their_o reward_n or_o consequent_n his_o judgement_n will_v one_o day_n appear_v to_o be_v according_a to_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n namely_o †_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v vnrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n but_o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n rom._n 2.7_o 8._o finis_fw-la
arbitrary_a nor_o just_a without_o be_v ignorant_a beside_o how_o can_v god_n be_v say_v to_o search_v the_o heart_n 8.27_o heart_n rom._n 8.27_o and_o 11.20_o and_o jer._n 11.20_o try_v the_o reins_o or_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o do_v it_o unless_o he_o know_v the_o bent_n and_o tendency_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o what_o they_o will_v do_v before_o they_o act_v it_o and_o how_o can_v he_o suit_v his_o providence_n to_o his_o bless_a 8.28_o bless_a rom._n 8.28_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n if_o he_o know_v not_o the_o exigency_n that_o shall_v befall_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o there_o be_v no_o voluntary_a agent_n in_o the_o world_n what_o need_v any_o providence_n at_o all_o general_a law_n may_v serve_v the_o turn_n it_o be_v but_o put_v the_o several_a part_n and_o wheel_n of_o the_o creation_n together_o and_o set_v they_o a_o move_n like_o a_o pendulum_n and_o they_o will_v drive_v on_o one_o another_o and_o so_o epicurus_n his_o doctrine_n come_v in_o play_n that_o god_n regard_v not_o particular_a thing_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n whilst_o we_o invade_v the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o labour_n to_o set_v they_o at_o odds_o one_o with_o another_o but_o now_o if_o we_o lie_v aside_o all_o perverseness_n and_o prepossession_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n will_v be_v a_o most_o pleasant_a object_n of_o our_o consideration_n god_n do_v not_o impose_v a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o he_o know_v some_o man_n will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o sin_n out_o of_o choice_n he_o do_v not_o punish_v or_o reward_v in_o man_n what_o he_o act_v himself_o or_o what_o he_o cause_v they_o to_o act_v without_o the_o intervention_n of_o their_o will_n but_o if_o some_o will_v be_v virtuous_a and_o other_o vicious_a when_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o god_n be_v just_a in_o punish_v and_o reward_v though_o not_o ignorant_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n who_o will_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o at_o his_o hand_n in_o a_o word_n god_n do_v know_v that_o man_n be_v a_o free-agent_n because_o he_o make_v he_o so_o and_o do_v daily_o preserve_v he_o in_o that_o capacity_n he_o also_o know_v that_o some_o man_n will_v abuse_v their_o freedom_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o invitation_n and_o inducement_n to_o the_o contrary_a unless_o he_o interpose_v his_o sovereign_a power_n as_o sometime_o i_o conceive_v he_o do_v to_o move_v they_o irresistable_o unto_o good_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v the_o argument_n will_v lie_v thus_o god_n be_v perfect_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o harmonious_a in_o all_o his_o act_n and_o providence_n throughout_o the_o world_n but_o the_o denial_n of_o divine_a prescience_n do_v infringe_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o freewill_n do_v obstruct_v his_o justice_n therefore_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o man_n be_v free-agency_a be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o future_a event_n but_o both_o of_o they_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a the_o three_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v the_o non-causality_a of_o divine_a prescience_n at_o the_o time_n indeed_o when_o this_o discourse_n happen_v i_o be_v laugh_v at_o by_o one_o of_o the_o gentleman_n for_o use_v that_o as_o a_o argument_n which_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v for_o a_o truth_n but_o i_o do_v not_o look_v upon_o laughter_n as_o a_o sufficient_a confutation_n and_o ofttimes_o those_o who_o carry_v thing_n at_o high_a be_v further_a out_o of_o the_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o lay_v down_o this_o proposition_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o prove_v it_o namely_o that_o god_n foresight_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o choose_v have_v not_o any_o causality_n in_o it_o to_o determine_v my_o choice_n nor_o to_o infringe_v at_o all_o my_o liberty_n of_o choose_v if_o i_o can_v make_v this_o evident_a it_o will_v be_v very_o material_a for_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o seem_v to_o bias_n and_o mislead_v man_n mind_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o apprehension_n that_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n must_v needs_o cause_v the_o same_o and_o that_o thence_o all_o other_o inferior_a cause_n must_v be_v urge_v on_o by_o such_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n that_o the_o effect_n be_v put_v quite_o without_o the_o verge_n of_o liberum_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la but_o this_o i_o hope_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o great_a extravagancy_n from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n let_v we_o then_o observe_v first_o that_o all_o foresight_n or_o prescience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n do_v suppose_v something_o to_o be_v know_v antecedent_n thereunto_o a_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v but_o he_o must_v know_v something_o that_o be_v in_o be_v before_o he_o know_v it_o and_o even_o the_o object_n of_o divine_a foreknowledge_n have_v a_o virtual_a existence_n in_o god_n antecedent_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n thereunto_o so_o that_o as_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v rather_o intuition_n than_o prescience_n but_o with_o respect_n unto_o we_o and_o to_o the_o not-yet_a actual_a existence_n of_o the_o object_n the_o word_n prescience_n be_v proper_a enough_o as_o be_v note_v before_o knowledge_n then_o have_v its_o dependence_n upon_o the_o thing_n know_v not_o they_o on_o it_o and_o therefore_o strict_o knowledge_n consider_v bare_o as_o such_o be_v a_o effect_n and_o no_o cause_n at_o all_o as_o for_o example_n i_o know_v that_o the_o sun_n warm_v and_o refresh_v but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o be_v first_o who_o influence_n i_o have_v find_v to_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o i_o i_o know_v that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o every_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n because_o first_o i_o have_v see_v a_o triangle_n and_o then_o i_o have_v see_v the_o theorem_fw-la demonstrate_v but_o my_o know_v it_o be_v no_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v so_o i_o deny_v not_o yet_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o thing_n be_v frequent_o the_o cause_n of_o another_o thing_n subsequent_a and_o emergent_a thereupon_o but_o never_o of_o that_o particular_a thing_n know_v for_o instance_n my_o knowledge_n of_o a_o high_a water_n make_v i_o decline_v the_o ford_n and_o go_v about_o by_o the_o bridge_n but_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o high_a water_n i_o know_v that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v crafty_a for_o which_o cause_n i_o take_v care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o overreach_v i_o but_o my_o knowledge_n be_v no_o cause_n of_o his_o craftiness_n 9_o craftiness_n rev._n 2_o 9_o i_o know_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o they_o which_o say_v they_o be_v jew_n and_o be_v not_o say_v he_o that_o hold_v the_o seven_o star_n in_o his_o right_a hand_n but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o blasphemy_n he_o will_v go_v near_o to_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n himself_o object_n but_o here_o it_o will_v be_v object_v that_o these_o instance_n be_v only_o of_o thing_n already_o in_o be_v which_o be_v not_o like_a to_o be_v cause_v by_o a_o knowledge_n subsequent_a thereunto_o but_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v beside_o if_o prescience_n be_v but_o a_o species_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o all_o knowledge_n suppose_v something_o to_o be_v know_v antecedent_n to_o it_o as_o be_v intimate_v above_o it_o seem_v there_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a prescience_n of_o a_o thing_n antecedent_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o foreknowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n past_a but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a contradiction_n this_o objection_n will_v be_v easy_o answer_v by_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prescience_n a_o little_a more_o particular_o and_o first_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o foreknowledge_n of_o certain_a thing_n that_o man_n be_v capabe_n of_o as_o namely_o change_n of_o the_o moon_n eclipse_n of_o both_o the_o great_a luminary_n various_a phase_n conjunction_n and_o consiguration_n of_o planet_n occultation_n of_o fix_a star_n with_o divers_a other_o phaenomena_n all_o these_o by_o calculation_n may_v be_v foresee_v for_o many_o year_n and_o foretell_v even_o to_o a_o few_o minute_n the_o king_n observer_n for_o example_n or_o any_o other_o curious_a astronomer_n know_v of_o these_o appearance_n before_o they_o come_v and_o when_o to_o watch_v they_o at_o the_o observatory_n but_o be_v there_o any_o man_n so_o pleasant_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o astronomer_n skill_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o eclipse_n or_o if_o monsr_n hevelius_n can_v tell_v when_o some_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n will_v disappear_v that_o therefore_o he_o hide_v they_o cunning_o and_o will_v not_o let_v the_o world_n see_v they_o now_o why_o shall_v not_o humane_a prescience_n in_o its_o kind_n and_o degree_n have_v a_o
of_o heart_n for_o 13.8_o for_o rev._n 13.8_o the_o lamb_n be_v slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o actual_o yet_o so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a prescience_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v he_o be_v slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o god_n know_v not_o of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o foreknow_v unto_o god_n that_o the_o lamb_n will_v he_o actual_o slay_v before_o they_o that_o slay_v he_o have_v do_v good_a or_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o god_n do_v enforce_v whatever_o he_o foreknow_v than_o they_o who_o crucify_v our_o saviour_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v it_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v seduce_v by_o antichrist_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n and_o so_o be_v damn_v have_v be_v about_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n under_o a_o satal_a decree_n of_o damnation_n and_o even_o adam_n who_o all_o man_n grant_v to_o have_v have_v freewill_n must_v have_v be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o fall_v unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o when_o god_n foreordain_v his_o dear_a son_n for_o a_o 1.20_o a_o 1_o pet._n 1.20_o sacrifice_n he_o do_v not_o know_v to_o what_o end_n but_o the_o lamb_n slay_v do_v suppose_v sin_n to_o be_v atone_v and_o that_o imply_v sinner_n now_o there_o can_v not_o be_v sinner_n but_o some_o body_n must_v sin_v first_o and_o that_o be_v the_o first_o man_n adam_n must_v by_o this_o argument_n have_v sin_v not_o out_o of_o choice_n but_o unavoidable_a necessity_n which_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a and_o impious_a absurdity_n thus_o we_o have_v at_o hand_n three_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o do_v mighty_o expose_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o objection_n the_o sin_n of_o adam_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v certain_o foreknow_v unto_o god_n and_o yet_o none_o deny_v that_o adam_n have_v power_n to_o have_v stand_v innocent_a the_o second_o be_v so_o particular_o foretell_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o that_o the_o very_a person_n be_v point_v out_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a actor_n in_o it_o yet_o have_v they_o know_v they_o will_v not_o have_v cruoify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n the_o three_o likewise_o be_v large_o and_o punctual_o prophesy_v yet_o have_v 23.36_o have_v mat._n 23.36_o jerusalem_n know_v in_o her_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o her_o peace_n christ_n say_v 19.42_o say_v luke_n 19.42_o he_o will_v have_v gather_v her_o child_n together_o as_o the_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n but_o she_o will_v not_o so_o that_o in_o these_o great_a event_n we_o may_v easy_o discern_v a_o reserve_a condition_n and_o a_o evident_a possibility_n of_o have_v be_v otherwise_o though_o they_o be_v all_o know_v unto_o god_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o case_n of_o right_a judgement_n and_o information_n possible_a enough_o to_o have_v be_v attain_v adam_n have_v not_o sin_v christ_n have_v not_o suffer_v jerusalem_n have_v not_o be_v ruin_v they_o be_v all_o indeed_o foresee_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o those_o cause_n be_v sure_a to_o produce_v their_o proper_a effect_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v permit_v that_o be_v god_n foresee_v that_o man_n leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o their_o lust_n will_v make_v a_o false_a estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o act_v according_o but_o yet_o such_o foresight_n have_v no_o causality_n upon_o such_o action_n as_o have_v be_v say_v nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o enforcement_n from_o god_n upon_o such_o event_n whereby_o the_o liberty_n of_o free_a agent_n be_v in_o the_o least_o diminish_v if_o the_o scripture_n be_v admit_v for_o truth_n but_o here_o i_o will_v not_o be_v misunderstand_v as_o if_o i_o think_v god_n to_o be_v a_o unactive_a beholder_n of_o all_o those_o transaction_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n sure_o he_o be_v too_o much_o a_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o nude_v spectator_n of_o any_o one_o action_n and_o certain_a event_n i_o grant_v to_o have_v be_v as_o well_o predetermine_v as_o prophesy_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v instance_n present_o when_o god_n purpose_v to_o have_v any_o thing_n bring_v about_o he_o can_v easy_o set_v agent_n at_o work_n and_o remove_v impediment_n he_o can_v turn_v man_n heart_n like_o river_n of_o water_n yet_o never_o so_o as_o to_o put_v any_o preternatural_a force_n upon_o the_o will_v to_o do_v evil_a for_o the_o course_n of_o divine_a providence_n though_o invisible_a to_o we_o i_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o lay_v and_o thing_n dependent_a by_o god_n disposal_n in_o such_o a_o series_n and_o concatenation_n that_o various_a cause_n and_o contingent_n shall_v concur_v to_o operate_v upon_o man_n faculty_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o act_v their_o part_n unknown_a ofttimes_o unto_o themselves_o in_o order_n to_o effect_v the_o almighty_n purpose_n upon_o which_o account_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o even_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o event_n that_o be_v under_o a_o peremptory_a decree_n most_o of_o the_o actor_n that_o bring_v they_o about_o be_v as_o much_o free_a agent_n as_o be_v the_o husband_n man_n in_o his_o choice_n of_o a_o fit_a season_n to_o plough_v his_o ground_n but_o however_o the_o thing_n i_o main_o insist_v upon_o be_v these_o that_o since_o man_n derive_v that_o strength_n from_o god_n by_o which_o they_o blaspheme_n his_o name_n and_o violate_v his_o law_n god_n must_v be_v the_o primary_n cause_v of_o those_o action_n but_o not_o of_o the_o will_v wherewith_o they_o be_v do_v that_o he_o do_v not_o enforce_v the_o volition_n unto_o evil_a and_o yet_o he_o fore-knows_a they_o and_o that_o in_o divers_a instance_n it_o do_v appear_v that_o those_o event_n and_o action_n have_v be_v foreknow_v unto_o god_n of_o which_o the_o immediate_a instrument_n have_v be_v free_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n as_o have_v already_o be_v make_v evident_a there_o be_v yet_o another_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n to_o be_v consider_v namely_o that_o future_a contingent_n be_v not_o knowable_a i_o confess_v they_o be_v inscrutable_a to_o we_o to_o who_o they_o be_v contingent_a but_o to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n for_o he_o that_o make_v any_o thing_n contingent_a unto_o god_n leave_v he_o obnoxious_a to_o surprise_n and_o disappointment_n and_o consequent_o under_o great_a difficulty_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o point_n let_v we_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o groundwork_n what_o i_o hope_n be_v not_o deny_v by_o any_o that_o i_o be_o concern_v with_o namely_o that_o god_n almighty_n know_v most_o perfect_o all_o thing_n present_a and_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o this_o will_v not_o both_o infer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o take_v away_o all_o contingency_n with_o respect_n unto_o god_n and_o by_o the_o way_n let_v we_o observe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o mankind_n which_o though_o very_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a even_o in_o thing_n now_o existent_a and_o before_o our_o eye_n yet_o extend_v in_o some_o degree_n to_o thing_n both_o past_a and_o future_a the_o historian_n be_v acquaint_v with_o many_o revolution_n of_o former_a age_n and_o from_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n may_v foresee_v some_o that_o be_v to_o come_v the_o physician_n that_o understand_v in_o any_o competent_a measure_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o medicine_n know_v from_o whence_o it_o derive_v its_o original_a what_o be_v its_o constitutent_n principle_n and_o how_o it_o will_v operate_v the_o mechanist_n that_o understand_v a_o engine_n know_v how_o it_o be_v make_v the_o part_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o what_o feat_n it_o will_v perform_v the_o philosopher_n that_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o agency_n of_o body_n with_o the_o various_a affection_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n can_v tell_v before_o hand_n the_o success_n of_o divers_a experiment_n and_o undertake_n which_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a to_o other_o people_n and_o the_o astronomer_n can_v tell_v the_o future_a appearance_n of_o heaven_n as_o be_v note_v before_o now_o if_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o result_v from_o man_n imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o few_o thing_n we_o must_v sure_o conclude_v something_o further_o from_o god_n most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v hereunto_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o all_o creature_n the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a machine_n or_o engine_n which_o god_n make_v at_o first_o and_o still_o uphold_v its_o be_v and_o motion_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o atom_n can_v stir_v but_o by_o virtue_n derive_v from_o he_o shall_v we_o then_o
charge_v concern_v thou_o 91.8_o thou_o psalm_n 91.8_o now_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o security_n against_o danger_n and_o sundry_a evil_n mention_v in_o the_o 91st_o psalm_n at_o ver_fw-la 8._o be_v omit_v in_o the_o devil_n quotation_n so_o the_o ground_n of_o god_n foresight_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o event_n foresee_v be_v omit_v in_o the_o objection_n namely_o a_o prudent_a care_n to_o preserve_v life_n and_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v never_o like_a to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_v the_o devil_n so_o any_o sober_a man_n that_o live_v to_o a_o full_a age_n be_v not_o like_a to_o attempt_v desperate_a way_n to_o destroy_v himself_o the_o answer_n too_o give_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v proper_a in_o this_o case_n 4.7_o case_n mat._n 4.7_o thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n for_o if_o he_o foresee_v the_o end_n he_o foresee_v also_o the_o mean_n conduce_v thereunto_o which_o mean_v god_n have_v gracious_o put_v into_o thy_o own_o hand_n why_o shall_v thou_o tempt_v he_o to_o save_v thy_o life_n by_o miracle_n when_o thou_o may_v preserve_v it_o by_o thy_o own_o discretion_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o devil_n argument_n and_o that_o of_o the_o objection_n run_v exact_o parallel_v second_o the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o reason_n consist_v partly_o in_o join_v a_o truth_n and_o a_o falsity_n together_o and_o make_v the_o one_o to_o infer_v the_o other_o though_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n between_o they_o and_o partly_o in_o leave_v out_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v the_o sense_n complete_a whether_o the_o inference_n be_v true_a or_o false_a for_o instance_n let_v this_o be_v the_o argument_n in_o short_a god_n foresee_v the_o end_n therefore_o it_o will_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o say_v here_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a but_o the_o inference_n without_o something_o else_o suppose_v be_v false_a for_o if_o the_o illative_a particle_n therefore_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o word_n foresee_v there_o be_v no_o good_a consequence_n since_o forelight_n have_v not_o any_o causality_n as_o have_v i_o hope_v be_v prove_v that_o divine_a prescience_n do_v ascertain_v the_o end_n be_v true_a upon_o this_o account_n 45._o account_n necessitas_fw-la consequentiae_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la probandi_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la necessitas_fw-la rei_fw-la ipsius_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la causandi_fw-la baxt._n meth._n part_n 1._o pag._n 45._o that_o it_o behold_v the_o cause_n wherein_o the_o certainty_n do_v consist_v but_o that_o it_o do_v so_o mere_o of_o itself_o without_o supposition_n of_o cause_n and_o proper_a mean_n to_o effect_v that_o end_n be_v false_a god_n by_o his_o foresight_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o the_o event_n but_o he_o foresee_v it_o in_o its_o cause_n of_o which_o humane_a endeavour_n ordinary_o be_v not_o small_a part_n therefore_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o argument_n must_v in_o this_o manner_n be_v complete_v before_o it_o can_v be_v make_v to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n god_n foresee_v the_o cause_n productive_a of_o such_o effect_n therefore_o such_o effect_n will_v follow_v not_o from_o the_o foresight_n but_o from_o the_o cause_n foresee_v three_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n foresee_v some_o strong_a man_n vigorous_a and_o healthful_a shall_v die_v within_o a_o year_n who_o according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v live_v twenty_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v true_a also_o that_o intemperance_n neglect_v of_o mean_n or_o the_o like_a must_v bring_v he_o to_o it_o some_o cause_n there_o must_v be_v but_o naked_a foresight_n be_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o again_o suppose_v god_n foresee_v that_o such_o a_o person_n will_v live_v twenty_o year_n if_o that_o be_v true_a then_o that_o he_o shall_v attempt_v every_o day_n to_o destroy_v himself_o must_v be_v false_a for_o if_o god_n foresee_v the_o one_o he_o foresee_v nor_o the_o other_o because_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a he_o do_v not_o foresee_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a or_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o will_v never_o be_v as_o once_o a_o wise_a critic_n will_v needs_o maintain_v that_o when_o jonah_n be_v send_v to_o preach_v unto_o nineveh_n god_n then_o foresee_v that_o city_n will_v be_v destroy_v in_o forty_o day_n though_o it_o stand_v many_o year_n after_o but_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v that_o cause_n will_v produce_v such_o effect_n as_o be_v improper_a and_o impossible_a not_o that_o repentance_n will_v produce_v destruction_n nor_o that_o poison_n drown_v or_o debauchery_n will_v produce_v length_n of_o day_n and_o virtuous_a prudence_n a_o untimely_a end_n in_o a_o word_n divine_a prescience_n behold_v not_o thing_n in_o parcel_n but_o altogether_o in_o one_o view_n see_v the_o issue_n and_o period_n of_o all_o thing_n not_o without_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o proper_a cause_n conducible_a thereunto_o four_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o remember_v that_o as_o there_o be_v some_o true_a proposition_n which_o by_o leave_v out_o a_o word_n or_o two_o may_v be_v make_v false_a so_o there_o be_v other_o and_z those_z of_o divine_a authority_n which_o without_o something_o understand_v can_v be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v true_a of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v this_o 12.44_o this_o jo._n 7.16_o jo._n 12.44_o my_o doctrine_n be_v not_o i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o i_o believe_v not_o on_o i_o but_o this_o be_v the_o devil_n way_n of_o quote_v scripture_n leave_v out_o the_o context_n that_o shall_v explain_v it_o and_o in_o this_o manner_n too_o frequent_o do_v some_o person_n deal_v with_o those_o write_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o cavil_v at_o of_o the_o other_o sort_n be_v this_o 3.4_o this_o jon._n 3.4_o yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v and_o 6.9_o and_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o the_o divine_a purpose_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o city_n and_o for_o exclude_v 10._o exclude_v v._o 10._o fornicator_n idolater_n thief_n drunkard_n extortioner_n and_o the_o like_a out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v denounce_v absolute_o without_o any_o annex_v condition_n and_o yet_o all_o acknowledge_v that_o such_o threaten_n be_v conditional_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o to_o be_v execute_v only_o in_o case_n of_o impenitency_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n that_o god_n foresee_v the_o end_n be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o whole_a truth_n nor_o to_o be_v understand_v exclusive_a of_o the_o mean_n it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o christ_n foresee_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o thence_o infer_v that_o he_o foresee_v it_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o sin_n for_o thus_o he_o complain_v how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v your_o child_n together_o etc._n etc._n and_o you_o will_v not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o they_o will_v not_o if_o the_o people_n choice_n be_v not_o imply_v either_o god_n foresee_v that_o man_n will_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o not_o than_o neither_o be_v he_o omniscient_a nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n true_a if_o he_o do_v than_o such_o foresight_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v away_o man_n liberty_n that_o it_o confirm_v it_o for_o man_n can_v abuse_v their_o liberty_n unless_o they_o have_v it_o nor_o can_v they_o use_v it_o if_o the_o objection_n have_v any_o force_n which_o suppose_v man_n endeavour_n and_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o be_v in_o vain_a thus_o than_o i_o sum_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n 26._o objection_n act_n 17.24_o 25_o 26._o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n make_v all_o thing_n therein_o see_v he_o be_v lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v unto_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n to_o dwell_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o determine_v the_o time_n before_o appoint_v and_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o habitation_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v like_a unto_o stone_n or_o stupid_a earth_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a either_o of_o his_o own_o offspring_n or_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n or_o the_o bounty_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o have_v gracious_o endue_v mankind_n with_o the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o faculty_n of_o choose_v thing_n for_o his_o good_a and_o avoid_v thing_n hurtful_a he_o do_v not_o extinguish_v that_o sight_n nor_o take_v away_o such_o power_n of_o election_n unless_o it_o be_v as_o a_o punishment_n for_o some_o grievous_a and_o long-continued_a provocation_n but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o behold_v at_o once_o in_o his_o omnisciency_n the_o nature_n virtue_n and_o activity_n of_o all_o creature_n with_o the_o cause_n
event_n and_o issue_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o action_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o since_o he_o know_v most_o perfect_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o bend_v of_o his_o affection_n his_o measure_n of_o grace_n and_o prevail_a motive_n he_o must_v of_o necessity_n foreknow_v the_o various_a result_v of_o man_n choice_n and_o liberty_n of_o will_n without_o the_o least_o obstruction_n to_o the_o free_a course_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o he_o foresee_v the_o end_n together_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o the_o effect_v depend_v on_o its_o proper_a cause_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o 55.23_o out_o psal_n 55.23_o half_a their_o day_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v bloody_a and_o deceitful_a he_o foresee_v that_o 10.27_o that_o prov._n 10.27_o the_o year_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v shorten_v but_o then_o he_o shall_v fall_v by_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o to_o conclude_v he_o foresee_v that_o 11.5_o that_o prov._n 11.5_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v prolong_v his_o day_n not_o by_o daily_a attempt_n to_o destroy_v himself_o but_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n obj._n one_o objection_n more_o and_o i_o have_v do_v it_o have_v be_v often_o say_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o the_o event_n foresee_v of_o god_n be_v certain_a and_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o again_o it_o have_v be_v assert_v that_o some_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foresee_v may_v possible_o not_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v how_o can_v these_o two_o notion_n agree_v together_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v certain_a and_o uncertain_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n be_v grant_v to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o a_o thing_n bare_o possible_a which_o may_v either_o be_v or_o not_o be_v imply_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o for_o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v which_o shall_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v actual_o so_o other_o thing_n shall_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o yet_o possible_o may_v not_o be_v thus_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v go_v to_o rome_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o i_o shall_v never_o come_v there_o and_o if_o it_o actual_o so_o fall_v out_o yet_o that_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o possibility_n of_o go_v thither_o for_o learned_a man_n say_v mucao_n say_v white_a de_fw-fr mucao_n multa_fw-la futura_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la crunt_fw-la &_o multa_fw-la posse_fw-la fieri_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la fient_fw-la on_o the_o other_o hand_n something_o will_v actual_o that_o be_v certain_o be_v do_v this_o day_n which_o possible_o may_v be_v defer_v till_o to_o morrow_n illud_fw-la enim_fw-la possibile_fw-la est_fw-la quo_fw-la posito_fw-la nullum_fw-la sequitur_fw-la inconveniens_fw-la but_o all_o this_o perhaps_o will_v better_o appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o particular_n 1._o a_o event_n may_v be_v certain_a with_o respect_n unto_o god_n which_o be_v not_o so_o to_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v uncertain_a to_o he_o that_o be_v omniscient_a but_o to_o we_o that_o know_v but_o in_o part_n almost_o every_o thing_n future_a be_v obscure_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o uncertainty_n 2._o a_o event_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o itself_o on_o supposition_n of_o certain_a cause_n and_o yet_o suppose_v other_o cause_n it_o will_v fall_v out_o quite_o otherwise_o so_o that_o 3._o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a event_n be_v absolute_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n hypothetical_n in_o respect_n of_o itself_o but_o unknown_a or_o uncertain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o that_o be_v to_o say_v it_o can_v never_o so_o fall_v out_o but_o that_o he_o who_o know_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o cause_n lead_v to_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n foreknow_v it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n not_o the_o foreknowledge_n which_o make_v it_o to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v suppose_v the_o effect_n certain_o follow_v which_o certainty_n extend_v not_o to_o we_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o cause_n let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o this_o will_v appear_v by_o instance_n suppose_v the_o french_a king_n before_o he_o die_v turn_v protestant_a whether_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o or_o not_o god_n know_v for_o as_o solomon_n say_v 21.1_o say_v prov._n 21.1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o conviction_n or_o interest_n oblige_v he_o to_o become_v a_o protestant_n the_o effect_n will_v certain_o follow_v but_o this_o be_v hypothetical_n that_o be_v upon_o supposition_n of_o prevail_a cause_n and_o motive_n it_o must_v follow_v but_o to_o we_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o prince_n intention_n neither_o know_v how_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o work_v upon_o he_o hereafter_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v certain_o foreknow_v unto_o god_n and_o together_o with_o a_o great_a pestilence_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n in_o a_o very_a remarkable_a and_o particular_a manner_n and_o afterward_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v deliver_v zedekiah_n king_n of_o judah_n and_o his_o servant_n and_o the_o people_n and_o such_o as_o be_v leave_v in_o this_o city_n from_o the_o pestilence_n from_o the_o sword_n and_o from_o the_o famine_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n king_n of_o babylon_n and_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o add_v further_a that_o their_o city_n shall_v be_v give_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o he_o shall_v burn_v it_o with_o fire_n yet_o the_o same_o prophet_n be_v send_v to_o call_v they_o to_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v even_o this_o very_a captivity_n and_o tell_v they_o 7_o they_o jer._n 7.5_o 6_o 7_o if_o you_o thorough_o amend_v 10._o amend_v jer._n 21.6_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n if_o you_o thorough_o execute_v judgement_n between_o a_o man_n and_o his_o neighbour_n if_o you_o oppress_v not_o the_o stranger_n the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n and_o shed_v not_o innocent_a blood_n in_o this_o place_n neither_o walk_n after_o other_o god_n to_o your_o hurt_n then_o will_v i_o cause_v you_o to_o dwell_v in_o this_o place_n in_o the_o land_n that_o i_o give_v to_o your_o father_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o we_o see_v here_o a_o reserve_a condition_n and_o fair_a possibility_n of_o prevent_v that_o eminent_a captivity_n so_o much_o note_v in_o scripture_n and_o so_o much_o prophesy_v god_n grant_v that_o we_o by_o the_o same_o method_n may_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v another_o captivity_n which_o have_v they_o say_v ben_z prophesy_v too_o and_o which_o severe_o threaten_v england_n at_o this_o day_n i_o conclude_v with_o adam_n transgression_n beforementioned_a which_o be_v most_o certain_o foreknow_v unto_o god_n forasmuch_o as_o 1.10_o as_o 1_o pet._n 1.10_o redemption_n by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o 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