distance_n by_o our_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n we_o shall_v best_o awe_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o his_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o our_o finite_a apprehension_n worldly_n greatness_n will_v cause_v wonder_n the_o thought_n of_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v those_o excellency_n which_o be_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v imagine_v isa_n 6._o you_o have_v there_o god_n represent_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o seraphim_n about_o he_o which_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o as_o have_v each_o six_o wing_n and_o with_o twain_o they_o cover_v their_o face_n creature_n of_o the_o bright_a understanding_n and_o the_o most_o exalt_a purity_n and_o holiness_n cover_v their_o face_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n glory_n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o venerate_a god_n than_o look_v upon_o he_o ii_o this_o call_v for_o humility_n and_o modesty_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a perfection_n shall_v make_v the_o haughtiness_n of_o man_n to_o stoop_v and_o bring_v down_o his_o proud_a look_n and_o god_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n excellency_n shall_v abase_v we_o and_o make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n it_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o petty_a excellency_n that_o we_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o to_z vanish_z and_z disappear_z those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o god_n shall_v hide_v pride_n from_o man_n it_o shall_v hide_v those_o little_a part_n and_o gift_n which_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o glory_n in_o as_o the_o sun_n hide_v the_o star_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admire_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v with_o a_o humble_a thankfulness_n wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v regard_v such_o inconsiderable_a nothing_o as_o we_o be_v psal_n 8.1_o 3_o 4._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v set_v thy_o glory_n above_o the_o heaven_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v ordain_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n will_v think_v so_o mean_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v be_v astonish_v that_o god_n shall_v mind_v he_o or_o visit_v he_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a strain_n of_o humility_n in_o david_n by_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o considerable_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n to_o god_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a humility_n eccles_n 5.2_o 3._o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n we_o shall_v say_v to_o god_n job_n 37.19_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o for_o we_o can_v order_v our_o speech_n by_o reason_n of_o darkness_n and_o when_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a modesty_n we_o shall_v not_o rash_o pronounce_v or_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v god_n simonides_n be_v ask_v what_o god_n be_v desire_v one_o day_n time_n to_o consider_v than_o he_o desire_v two_o and_o then_o four_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o god_n the_o less_o peremptory_a shall_v we_o be_v in_o define_v he_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a will_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v all_o the_o way_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o infinite_a power_n and_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n way_n and_o providence_n he_o that_o right_o value_v his_o own_o short_a understanding_n and_o the_o unlimited_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v this_o god_n can_v do_v this_o he_o can_v know_v such_o way_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o know_v god_n and_o himself_o will_v be_v modest_a in_o these_o case_n he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abstain_v from_o all_o peremptory_a pronounce_v in_o these_o matter_n he_o consider_v that_o one_o man_n many_o time_n differ_v so_o much_o from_o another_o in_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n of_o work_v that_o he_o can_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o another_o believe_v impossible_a but_o we_o have_v pitiful_a thought_n of_o god_n if_o we_o think_v the_o differerce_a between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o vast_a distance_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o our_o ignorance_n the_o divine_a power_n and_o our_o weakness_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o man_n iii_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n perfection_n call_v for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n how_o shall_v we_o fear_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n psal_n 90.11_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n even_o according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n fear_n be_v the_o most_o infinite_a of_o all_o our_o passion_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o most_o endless_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n god_n wrath_n be_v great_a than_o our_o fear_n according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n how_o shall_v we_o love_v he_o when_o we_o be_v astonish_v with_o admiration_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o say_v how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n and_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o beauty_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o how_o great_a shall_v our_o love_n be_v to_o he_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n shall_v we_o return_v to_o he_o this_o call_v for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o what_o confidence_n shall_v we_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v to_o conclude_v this_o require_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o service_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n who_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o such_o thing_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sermon_n xv._o vii_o vol._n vii_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n have_v consider_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o also_o that_o which_o result_v from_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n compare_v with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o and_o pure_o relative_n as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o &c_n &c_n the_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o former_a be_v brief_o this_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v speak_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v we_o ascribe_v this_o work_n whole_o to_o god_n the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o not_o to_o our_o own_o counsel_n v._o 34._o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n and_o the_o bestow_n this_o grace_n to_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o not_o to_o any_o desert_n of_o we_o v._o 35._o or_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o yea_o and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o this_o work_n of_o redemption_n but_o also_o of_o creation_n god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a and_o first_o cause_n from_o whence_o every_o thing_n proceed_v and_o the_o last_o end_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v for_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o he_o the_o efficient_a cause_n produce_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o or_o through_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a conserve_n cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o he_o as_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o all_o
from_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o feed_v himself_o with_o any_o imaginary_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n such_o as_o vainglorious_a person_n have_v from_o the_o flutter_a applause_n of_o their_o creature_n and_o beneficiaries_n god_n be_v real_o above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v great_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o benefit_n of_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n and_o ignorant_a admiration_n of_o he_o and_o be_v he_o not_o as_o wonderful_o good_a as_o he_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o sully_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n by_o take_v it_o into_o our_o mouth_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o our_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o benefit_n for_o any_o real_a happiness_n and_o glory_n that_o come_v to_o he_o by_o it_o he_o can_v well_o enough_o be_v without_o it_o and_o dispense_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o entertain_v one_o think_v of_o he_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o goodness_n may_v despise_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_o more_o reason_n than_o wise_a man_n do_v the_o applause_n of_o fool_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n make_v all_o creature_n for_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o need_n of_o they_o prov._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n now_o if_o by_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o but_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v not_o move_v he_o thereto_o but_o he_o have_v some_o design_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n which_o may_v be_v render_v with_o much_o better_a sense_n and_o near_o to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o god_n have_v ordain_v every_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o he_o wicked_a have_v he_o ordain_v for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v fit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o punishment_n to_o sin_n the_o evil_a day_n to_o the_o evil_a doer_n 2._o nor_o can_v necessity_n and_o constraint_n have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n when_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n yet_o make_v nothing_o in_o be_v but_o god_n himself_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o compel_v he_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n and_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n neither_o be_v the_o creature_n necessary_a effect_n and_o emanation_n from_o the_o be_v of_o god_n flow_v from_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o water_n do_v from_o a_o spring_n and_o as_o light_a stream_n from_o the_o sun_n if_o so_o this_o indeed_o will_v have_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o not_o of_o the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o thaâ—_n we_o be_v but_o not_o a_o true_a ground_n oâ—_n thankfulness_n from_o we_o to_o god_n aâ—_n we_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a that_o thâ—_n sunshine_n but_o we_o do_v not_o give_v it_o any_o thanks_o for_o shine_v because_o it_o shineâ—_n without_o any_o intention_n or_o design_n tâ—_n do_v we_o good_a it_o do_v not_o know_v thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o its_o light_n nor_o diâ—_n intend_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o acknowledge_v its_o goodness_n to_o we_o but_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v not_o act_v as_o natural_a and_o material_a cause_n do_v which_o act_n necessary_o and_o ignorant_o whereas_o he_o act_v know_o and_o voluntary_o with_o particular_a intention_n and_o design_n know_v that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o constraint_n upon_o he_o but_o this_o that_o his_o goodness_n incline_v his_o will_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o to_o do_v good_a so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n not_o but_o that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o when_o he_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o will_n and_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o necessity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n and_o praise_n of_o it_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n mistake_v this_o do_v blasphemous_o advance_v their_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n above_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o reason_n thus_o a_o wiseman_n be_v good_a out_o of_o choice_n when_o he_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o god_n out_o of_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v thing_n aright_o they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a for_o a_o power_n to_o be_v evil_a be_v impotency_n and_o weakness_n the_o high_a character_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o which_o velleius_n paterculus_n give_v of_o cato_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o apply_v to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o undue_a commendation_n but_o yet_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o the_o expression_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v spontaneous_a and_o free_a design_v and_o direct_v by_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o second_o particular_a be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o creature_n very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n and_o four_o to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o two_o first_o and_o in_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o i_o propose_v the_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o more_o especial_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o in_o his_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o his_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o speak_v large_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o make_v all_o these_o creature_n so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o his_o goodness_n excite_a and_o set_v a_o work_n his_o power_n to_o make_v
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_a to_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o history_n as_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o final_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n of_o they_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o i_o shall_v several_o consider_v and_o with_o all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o the_o first_o objection_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v more_o general_a be_v this_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o denial_n that_o evil_a abound_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o evil_a say_v st._n john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v in_o wickedness_n so_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o article_n and_o opposition_n st._n john_n seem_v to_o intend_v the_o devil_n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a to_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o under_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o render_v it_o it_o signify_v that_o evil_a of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n now_o can_v evil_a come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n out_o of_o the_o same_o mouth_n proceed_v blessing_n and_o curse_v do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o place_n sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a this_o can_v be_v as_o st._n james_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n but_o all_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n must_v either_o be_v direct_o procure_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o permit_v to_o happen_v and_o next_o to_o the_o cause_v and_o procure_v of_o evil_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o hinder_v it_o answer_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o of_o good_a thing_n the_o other_o of_o bad_a which_o among_o the_o persian_n be_v call_v oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n among_o the_o egyptian_n osiris_n and_o typhon_n among_o the_o chaldean_n good_a or_o bad_a planet_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o plutarch_n express_o say_v that_o the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o bad_a demon_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sad_a sect_n of_o christian_n set_v up_o two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o good_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suppose_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o equal_a power_n and_o force_n that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o consequent_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o mischievous_a and_o malicious_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a will_v neither_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contrive_v mischief_n nor_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a be_v infinite_o cunning_a and_o infinite_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equality_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v a_o equal_a match_n for_o one_o another_o instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o to_o return_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o 1_o st_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n i_o mean_v natural_a imperfection_n these_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o comparative_o evil_a now_o comparative_a evil_n be_v but_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o some_o creature_n shall_v be_v less_o good_a than_o other_o that_o be_v imperfect_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v this_o variety_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v make_v for_o several_a uses_n and_o purpose_v and_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o one_o another_o provide_v they_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o imperfection_n be_v necessary_o involve_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o that_o it_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o and_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o and_o be_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n finite_a and_o limit_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o for_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v less_o perfect_a than_o other_o this_o also_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v necessary_a upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o display_v itself_o in_o variety_n of_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n for_o though_o compare_v the_o creature_n with_o one_o another_o the_o angelical_a nature_n be_v best_a and_o most_o perfect_a yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o best_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v other_o creature_n beside_o angel_n there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o by_o we_o conclude_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o imperfect_a as_o some_o noxious_a and_o hurtful_a creature_n which_o yet_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o to_o some_o purpose_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o against_o the_o harm_n and_o mischief_n whereof_o we_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v by_o such_o mean_n of_o defence_n and_o such_o antidote_n as_o reason_n and_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o furnish_v we_o withal_o and_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o think_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n as_o rock_n and_o desert_n and_o that_o vast_a wilderness_n of_o the_o sea_n if_o we_o consider_v thing_n well_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o several_a very_o considerable_a purpose_n or_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v no_o other_o use_n of_o they_o they_o serve_v at_o least_o to_o help_v our_o dulness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o attentive_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o admire_v the_o perfection_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o worst_a they_o may_v serve_v for_o foil_n to_o set_v off_o the_o wise_a order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o as_o one_o express_v it_o very_o well_o they_o may_v be_v like_o a_o blackmoor_n head_n in_o a_o picture_n which_o give_v the_o great_a beauty_n to_o the_o whole_a piece_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o these_o either_o befall_z brute_n creature_n or_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o consideration_n 1_o st_o for_o those_o which_o befall_v the_o
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o
the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n do_v give_v abundant_a testimony_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n while_o he_o be_v prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 1_o pet._n 3.20_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n a_o general_a deluge_n be_v threaten_v but_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o delay_v his_o judgement_n a_o great_a while_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v secure_a in_o their_o impenitency_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o course_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n no_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.38_o 39_o as_o in_o the_o day_n that_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o sodom_n luke_n 17.28_o and_o likewise_o also_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o lot_n they_o eat_v they_o drink_v they_o buy_v they_o sell_v they_o plant_v they_o build_v and_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v reveal_v so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n be_v to_o many_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a hardness_n and_o impenitency_n so_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v 2_o pet._n 3.3_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n there_o shall_v come_v scoffer_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n grow_v more_o obstinate_a and_o confirm_v in_o their_o wicked_a way_n upon_o account_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o because_o he_o delay_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whence_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o upon_o what_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o reason_n man_n encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o our_o ignorance_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o from_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n from_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n one_o of_o who_o great_a art_n it_o be_v to_o make_v man_n question_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o to_o insinuate_v as_o he_o do_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n either_o that_o he_o have_v not_o denounce_v such_o threaten_n or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o execute_v they_o so_o severe_o all_o these_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o produce_v this_o monstrous_a effect_n but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v from_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n sinner_n argue_v themselves_o into_o this_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n for_o when_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v that_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o god_n long-suffering_a fill_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o wicked_a design_n and_o resolution_n and_o do_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o direct_a efficacy_n harden_v sinner_n in_o their_o course_n but_o that_o wicked_a man_n upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o do_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n they_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n they_o think_v they_o see_v something_o in_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o delay_n of_o punishment_n which_o make_v they_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n notwithstanding_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o those_o false_a conclusion_n be_v which_o wicked_a man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o two_o head_n those_o which_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a but_o yet_o more_o common_a and_o frequent_a i._o those_o conclusion_n which_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a which_o bad_a man_n draw_v to_o the_o harden_v and_o encourage_a of_o themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n which_o we_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n call_v the_o patience_n or_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v these_o three_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o if_o there_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n i_o shall_v speak_v more_o brief_o of_o these_o because_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o the_o world_n of_o such_o irregular_a and_o besotted_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o these_o from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n 1_o st_o from_o hence_o some_o will_v fain_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o some_o be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o reason_v in_o this_o manner_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o be_v this_o god_n do_v not_o take_v a_o speedy_a course_n with_o sinner_n and_o revenge_v himself_o immediate_o upon_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v he_o will_v show_v himself_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o speedy_a vengeance_n thus_o the_o poet_n represent_v the_o atheist_n argue_v nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la inane_fw-la coelum_fw-la affirmat_fw-la selius_n probatque_fw-la quod_fw-la se_fw-la factum_fw-la dum_fw-la negate_fw-la hoc_fw-la videt_fw-la beatum_fw-la selius_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v a_o empty_a place_n and_o prove_v it_o because_o whilst_o he_o deny_v god_n he_o see_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a happy_a and_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o here_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n at_o what_o a_o contradictious_a rate_n these_o man_n reason_n first_o they_o will_v have_v no_o god_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v and_o then_o in_o another_o mood_n they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o justice_n and_o severity_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n as_o if_o no_o other_o notion_n can_v be_v frame_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o of_o a_o â—aâ—h_a fury_n and_o impetuous_a revenge_n and_o a_o impotent_a passion_n which_o when_o it_o be_v offend_v and_o provoke_v can_v contain_v itself_o and_o forbear_v punishment_n for_o a_o moment_n justice_n be_v not_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o do_v necessary_o exclude_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o patience_n it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o if_o god_n foresee_v their_o final_a impenitency_n to_o respite_n their_o punishment_n to_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o convenient_a season_n god_n may_v suffer_v long_o and_o yet_o be_v resolve_v if_o sinner_n persist_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o in_o due_a time_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a ground_n of_o atheism_n that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v at_o all_o 2_o dly_z other_o infer_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n that_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o regard_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n for_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v what_o be_v
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o
thing_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n first_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v the_o term_n second_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n three_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n i._o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n signify_v 1._o negative_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o any_o other_o or_o do_v depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o eternal_o of_o himself_o 2._o positive_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o himself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o create_a being_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v or_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n of_o saint_n john_n joh._n 1.3_o which_o i_o know_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v so_o that_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v by_o he_o ii_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n refer_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o design_n and_o aim_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v be_v the_o illustration_n of_o god_n glory_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o perfection_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v brief_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n attempt_v it_o these_o two_o way_n i._o by_o natural_a light_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v be_v for_o a_o be_v to_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o before_o all_o other_o being_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o he_o and_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_n end_n for_o every_o wise_a agent_n act_n with_o design_n and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n now_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o attain_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o now_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v already_o and_o the_o best_a next_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v god_n glory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o which_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v refer_v and_o that_o these_o title_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o discover_v but_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o aristotle_n give_v to_o god_n those_o title_n of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o first_o mover_n and_o his_o master_n plato_n call_v god_n the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o maker_n and_o architect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n porphyry_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o from_o whence_o he_o reason_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n move_v towards_o god_n that_o all_o motion_n centre_n in_o he_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a for_o thing_n to_o refer_v to_o their_o original_a and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o antoninus_n the_o emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v of_o nature_n which_o with_o the_o stoic_n signify_v god_n have_v these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o very_a like_o these_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n ii_o from_o scripture_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 41.4_o who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o call_v the_o generation_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o the_o lord_n the_o first_o and_o with_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v nothing_o form_v of_o god_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o isa_n 44.6_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 48.12_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o first_o i_o also_o be_o the_o last_o my_o hand_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o right_a hand_n have_v spread_v the_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 1.8_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o act_n 17.24_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o v._o 25._o he_o give_v to_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n v._o 28._o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v v._o 29._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v v._o 10._o and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o eph._n 3.9_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.16_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v heb._n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o v._o 3._o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n three_o and_o last_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n use_v first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v all_o creature_n and_o do_v since_o preserve_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o concernment_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o from_o hence_o let_v we_o learn_v 1._o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o our_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o enjoy_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n because_o we_o have_v not_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v free_o and_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n communicate_v being_n to_o we_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o what_o his_o own_o goodness_n lay_v upon_o he_o rev._n 4.11_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v we_o can_v not_o before_o we_o be_v deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o or_o move_v he_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o importune_v he_o by_o entreaty_n to_o make_v we_o but_o he_o free_o give_v we_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_o
and_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o he_o and_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o call_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o the_o future_a hope_n for_o when_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o he_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o wilful_a mascarriage_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o design_v we_o for_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o we_o but_o he_o have_v also_o purchase_v these_o blessing_n for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n price_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o have_v save_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v just_o astonish_v we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v awaken_v ourselves_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n call_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o work_n psal_n 103.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n who_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v he_o that_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o crow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_a hindness_n that_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o and_o must_v confer_v and_o bestow_v this_o upon_o we_o therefore_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o shall_v bless_v his_o holy_a name_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v order_v all_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o our_o concernment_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n to_o all_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v upon_o we_o as_o be_v dispose_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a agent_n and_o to_o look_v no_o high_o than_o second_a cause_n not_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v direct_o subordinate_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o free_a creature_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n wise_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o beside_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o methinks_v this_o be_v one_o particular_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n that_o the_o constant_a phrase_n of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n be_v to_o attribute_v all_o event_n except_v sin_n only_o to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o read_v it_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o frequent_a and_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o what_o in_o other_o writer_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o and_o that_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o enemy_n bring_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o argue_v themselves_o into_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n in_o every_o condition_n so_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 3.18_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o job_n he_o do_v not_o so_o consider_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n who_o have_v carry_v away_o his_o ox_n and_o his_o camel_n and_o slay_v his_o servant_n nor_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o house_n and_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n but_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n the_o great_a governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o these_o event_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n psal_n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n but_o look_n to_o a_o high_a hand_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n give_v i_o to_o drink_v shall_v not_o i_o drink_v it_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v from_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o eye_n the_o first_o cause_n the_o good_a and_o wise_a governor_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o cross_n and_o unwelcome_a accident_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o one_o fling_v water_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o pass_v in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o he_o be_v wet_a by_o rain_n from_o heaven_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o evil_n as_o come_v only_o from_o man_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o under_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o will_v still_o all_o the_o murmur_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o seditious_a multitude_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o venerable_a person_n will_v hush_v the_o noise_n and_o quell_v the_o tumult_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o represent_v god_n as_o present_v to_o all_o action_n and_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n this_o will_v still_o and_o appease_v our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o riot_n and_o mutiny_n against_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n use_v the_o second_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o let_v we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v most_o reasonable_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o herein_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n do_v excel_v all_o other_o book_n that_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o mind_v we_o of_o this_o end_n and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o our_o ultimate_a aim_n and_o design_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n mat._n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o school_n be_v love_v god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o power_n that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o he_o we_o do_v all_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o question_n or_o two_o which_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o first_o whether_o a_o actual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v every_o action_n that_o we_o do_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v most_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v all_o