and_o celebrate_a passage_n of_o epictetus_n ch._n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n know_v that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v this_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o just_o and_o according_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o god_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o psalm_n 9.10_o i_o e._n they_o who_o have_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o by_o observe_v as_o i_o have_v do_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v form_v in_o their_o mind_n right_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n concern_v thou_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o place_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o thou_o which_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o much_o influence_n our_o mind_n to_o love_n and_o adore_v he_o to_o praise_v he_o and_o submit_v to_o he_o as_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o st._n paul_n ascribe_v all_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n i._n e._n to_o their_o wicked_a aversion_n to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.28_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n three_o to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n concern_v he_o sect_n i._o in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a in_o general_n whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o render_v man_n true_o religious_a must_v be_v derive_v from_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a service_n must_v itself_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o without_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regulate_v our_o religion_n by_o it_o now_o to_o the_o right_a conduct_n and_o due_a regulation_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o be_v requisite_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v right_o inform_v what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n second_o that_o we_o proceed_v upon_o a_o true_a principle_n in_o serve_v he_o three_o that_o we_o direct_v our_o service_n to_o a_o right_a end_n four_a that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o irreparable_a flaw_n in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a not_o only_o infirm_a but_o defective_a in_o its_o very_a constitution_n and_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v indispensable_o necessary_a first_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v we_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n second_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o true_a principle_n upon_o which_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o three_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a end_n for_o whieh_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o four_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o proper_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o i._o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v we_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a nothing_o can_v be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o original_n from_o whence_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o religion_n be_v transcribe_v unless_o therefore_o we_o know_v what_o his_o perfection_n be_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v know_v what_o service_n be_v agreeable_a to_o '_o they_o if_o you_o will_v serve_v a_o prince_n grateful_o and_o acceptable_o you_o must_v inform_v yourself_o beforehand_o what_o his_o nature_n and_o disposition_n be_v that_o so_o you_o may_v accommodate_v yourself_o thereunto_o and_o compose_v your_o action_n and_o behaviour_n according_o that_o you_o may_v furnish_v he_o with_o fresh_a pleasure_n if_o he_o be_v soft_a and_o voluptuous_a or_o blow_v he_o up_o with_o flattery_n if_o he_o be_v proud_a and_o vainglorious_a that_o if_o he_o be_v covetous_a and_o tyrannical_a you_o may_v sponge_n and_o oppress_v his_o people_n and_o drain_v their_o wealth_n into_o his_o coffer_n if_o just_a and_o beneficent_a you_o may_v assist_v and_o forward_o he_o in_o right_v the_o injury_n correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o alleviate_a the_o burden_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o thus_o if_o you_o will_v serve_v the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o you_o must_v study_v his_o nature_n and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v yourselves_o which_o way_n his_o infinite_a perfection_n do_v incline_v he_o that_o so_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o comport_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o to_o render_v he_o such_o service_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n but_o only_o that_o of_o his_o nature_n by_o which_o you_o can_v certain_o conclude_v what_o will_v please_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v tell_v you_o by_o express_a revelation_n what_o service_n he_o expect_v and_o what_o will_v please_v he_o yet_o without_o recur_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o nature_n you_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a either_o that_o what_o he_o tell_v you_o be_v true_a or_o that_o what_o he_o tell_v you_o be_v please_v to_o he_o then_o be_v still_o please_v to_o he_o now_o for_o how_o can_v you_o be_v secure_a either_o that_o he_o tell_v you_o true_o what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o he_o but_o only_o from_o the_o truth_n and_o veracity_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o that_o the_o service_n which_o be_v please_v to_o he_o then_o be_v please_v to_o he_o now_o but_o from_o the_o stability_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o our_o inquiry_n after_o what_o be_v please_v to_o god_n we_o can_v depend_v upon_o his_o word_n without_o consult_v his_o nature_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o security_n but_o also_o the_o test_n of_o his_o word_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o can_v be_v god_n word_n which_o contradict_v his_o nature_n and_o what_o plausible_a pretence_n soever_o any_o doctrine_n may_v make_v to_o divine_a revelation_n if_o it_o teach_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v apparent_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o ought_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o conclude_v it_o a_o imposture_n it_o be_v much_o more_o possible_a that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o doctrine_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o all_o our_o inquiry_n what_o be_v please_v to_o god_n our_o last_o appeal_n must_v be_v to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v what_o be_v please_v and_o displease_v to_o he_o whilst_o therefore_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n nature_n or_o possess_v with_o wrong_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o it_o we_o must_v necessary_o wander_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o neither_o know_v what_o to_o do_v nor_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o for_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v what_o will_v please_v or_o displease_v a_o dark_a and_o unknown_a nature_n who_o bent_n and_o inclination_n we_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o but_o if_o we_o be_v under_o false_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n they_o must_v necessary_o mislead_v we_o in_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o false_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o please_v he_o thus_o if_o we_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v a_o froward_a and_o testy_a be_v that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v please_v and_o displease_v with_o trifle_n in_o conformity_n to_o our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o shall_v offer_v he_o a_o trifle_a service_n a_o service_n make_v up_o of_o pageantry_n and_o compliment_n of_o pompous_a show_n and_o ceremonious_a respect_n and_o empty_a formality_n for_o such_o a_o trifle_a worship_n be_v in_o itself_o most_o proper_a for_o such_o a_o humorous_a divinity_n so_o if_o we_o apprehend_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o imperious_a and_o tyrannical_a nature_n that_o govern_v himself_o
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o
that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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that_o upon_o examination_n have_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v if_o both_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o solve_v a_o thousand_o phainomena_n in_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a atheist_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v to_o advance_v atheism_n to_o a_o grand_a perhaps_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v how_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o a_o god_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o be_v none_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v their_o most_o ingenious_a endeavour_n be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o witty_a man_n may_v be_v mistake_v for_o what_o a_o hopeless_a kind_n of_o task_n be_v it_o to_o show_v how_o that_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o blind_a chance_n or_o necessity_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o wise_a design_n and_o 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utter_o useless_a and_o in_o vain_a which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v blasphemous_a ii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v for_o whatsoever_o may_v not_o have_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v must_v be_v derive_v from_o something_o which_o can_v but_o be_v if_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v not_o from_o itself_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v necessary_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v final_o be_v resolve_v into_o some_o other_o cause_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o and_o so_o can_v but_o always_o have_v be_v and_o always_o be_v now_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o from_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v evident_a because_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o itself_o must_v necessary_o have_v all_o the_o be_v and_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v that_o be_v 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of_o a_o god_n or_o no_o yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o without_o a_o contradiction_n because_o every_o cause_n must_v be_v before_o its_o effect_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o itself_o that_o be_v to_o be_v when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v together_o which_o be_v impossible_a when_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o our_o meaning_n can_v be_v no_o other_o that_o this_o that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o immense_a plenitude_n of_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o neither_o need_v nor_o require_v any_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o and_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o be_v any_o way_n restrain_v or_o limit_v by_o itself_o for_o that_o which_o limit_n being_n be_v only_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o their_o cause_n which_o either_o will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o bestow_v any_o further_o be_v or_o perfection_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o only_a such_o thing_n as_o be_v cause_v be_v limit_v because_o they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v only_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o bring_v into_o be_v as_o their_o cause_n be_v willing_a or_o able_a to_o bring_v they_o that_o therefore_o which_o exist_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o cause_n of_o be_v must_v exist_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o limit_n of_o be_v because_o it_o be_v neither_o limit_v by_o itself_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o to_o limit_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v immense_a and_o boundless_a god_n therefore_o be_v this_o self-existing_a be_v must_v necessary_o be_v of_o a_o unlimited_a essence_n a_o essence_n which_o no_o possible_a space_n can_v either_o circumscribe_v or_o define_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v diffuse_v all_o through_o circumfuse_v all_o about_o and_o present_a with_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a he_o shall_v sit_v still_o among_o they_o and_o exercise_v no_o providence_n over_o they_o for_o since_o he_o be_v a_o live_n be_v he_o must_v be_v vital_o present_a wheresoever_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v vital_o and_o yet_o unactive_o present_a among_o a_o world_n of_o being_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o wide_a university_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o have_v no_o more_o influence_n upon_o it_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o dead_a and_o
those_o different_a commodity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o it_o fare_v best_a with_o the_o worst_a and_o worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o through_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o maxim_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o man_n always_o pity_v the_o miserable_a and_o envy_v the_o prosperous_a and_o that_o these_o passion_n do_v natural_o bribe_v their_o judgement_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o the_o one_o and_o better_a of_o the_o other_o than_o either_o deserve_v for_o those_o who_o we_o pity_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o love_n and_o those_o who_o we_o love_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v well_o of_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o we_o envy_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o hate_v and_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o then_o because_o god_n do_v not_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n that_o our_o blind_a pity_n or_o envy_n pass_v on_o they_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o close_a hypocrite_n that_o under_o a_o mighty_a show_n and_o ostentation_n of_o piety_n do_v secret_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sundry_a wasteful_a and_o ruinous_a vice_n which_o many_o time_n reduce_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o these_o we_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o good_a it_o fare_v ill_o with_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v abundance_n of_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o reserve_v modest_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n whieh_n make_v but_o very_o little_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v and_o prosper_v and_o these_o we_o as_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o bad_a that_o fare_n well_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o object_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n such_o maxim_n as_o be_v only_o found_v on_o our_o own_o fallacious_a observation_n but_o can_v we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o pity_n and_o envy_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o good_a man_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o bad_a even_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o more_o bad_a man_n prosper_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a than_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n i_o doubt_v the_o prosperous_a good_a will_v far_o exceed_v the_o prosperous_a bad_a though_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o thirty_o of_o the_o one_o to_o forty_o of_o the_o other_o and_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n there_o be_v more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a advance_v to_o worldly_a greatness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o doubtful_a consider_v how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v ill_o of_o great_a man_n and_o to_o reckon_v more_o of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bad_a than_o we_o ought_v through_o envy_n and_o misunderstand_a the_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o great_a but_o in_o a_o moderate_a fortune_n and_o that_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v no_o where_o so_o free_o and_o entire_o enjoy_v as_o in_o the_o middle_a region_n between_o poverty_n and_o riches_n for_o as_o poverty_n be_v attend_v with_o famine_n and_o cold_a and_o anguish_n so_o greatness_n be_v attend_v with_o hurry_n and_o tumult_n empale_v with_o care_n and_o imprison_v with_o pomp_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n so_o that_o the_o true_o unfortunate_a be_v the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o great_a while_o the_o middle_a state_n without_o partake_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o either_o include_v all_o that_o be_v true_o desirable_a in_o both_o extreme_n all_o that_o poverty_n want_v and_o all_o that_o greatness_n enjoy_v and_o in_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v there_o be_v proportionable_o far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n so_o very_o rare_a that_o david_n in_o all_o his_o life_n time_n can_v not_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o psal._n 37.25_o for_o miserable_a poverty_n be_v usual_o the_o consequence_n either_o of_o idleness_n or_o luxury_n or_o faction_n or_o knavery_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a goodness_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o condition_n on_o this_o side_n pinch_v necessity_n be_v ordinary_o even_o in_o this_o life_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o most_o gay_a and_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o outward_a glory_n and_o greatness_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o the_o gaudy_a cover_n of_o a_o tragical_a inside_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v torture_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n with_o boundless_a hope_n insatiable_a desire_n and_o horrible_a reflection_n that_o dash_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n while_o the_o good_a man_n under_o his_o mean_a and_o simple_a outside_o carry_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a soul_n a_o content_a mind_n a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o a_o calm_a conscience_n which_o mighty_o sweeten_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v his_o homely_a morsel_n outrelish_v the_o most_o study_a luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o but_o judge_n impartial_o of_o man_n and_o but_o true_o state_n what_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a to_o the_o bad_a and_o balance_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o other_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o good_a ordinary_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o the_o bad_a for_o in_o true_a computation_n necessity_n and_o greatness_n be_v the_o only_a unfortunate_a state_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a but_o between_o these_o two_o all_o condition_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o happy_a mean_a there_o be_v far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a and_o then_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o render_v their_o outward_a condition_n happy_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o ordinary_o and_o general_o they_o must_v be_v the_o more_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a second_o so_o far_o as_o this_o maxim_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o secondary_a cause_n 2._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o '_o they_o 3._o because_o this_o life_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o not_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 4._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 5._o this_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 6._o because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i._o the_o happen_v of_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o in_o this_o life_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o mingle_v together_o rhat_o in_o case_n of_o common_a calamity_n what_o happen_v to_o the_o one_o must_v happen_v to_o the_o other_o without_o a_o miraculous_a interposal_n of_o providence_n thus_o while_o god_n leave_v second_o cause_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o war_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v incorporate_v together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n and_o so_o long_o as_o free_a agent_n be_v leave_v to_o
flourish_v it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o ever_o psalm_n 92.7_o if_o then_o in_o the_o consequent_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v bless_v in_o their_o affliction_n and_o bad_a man_n plague_v in_o their_o prosperity_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o general_o be_v these_o unequal_a distribution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v a_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o wherein_o can_v the_o divine_a providence_n better_o express_v its_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n together_o than_o by_o benefit_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o bad_a by_o such_o cross_n and_o improbable_a method_n v._o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v often_o do_v so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o be_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n manage_v with_o that_o exact_a equality_n as_o that_o the_o good_a do_v never_o suffer_v nor_o the_o bad_a escape_n unpunished_a we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n shall_v providence_n never_o reward_v the_o good_a nor_o punish_v the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n but_o confound_v they_o together_o without_o any_o distinction_n it_o may_v tempt_v we_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o just_a retribution_n from_o it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n weigh_v out_o to_o man_n in_o exact_a proportion_n to_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n without_o any_o inequality_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o and_o consequent_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o what_o occasion_n will_v there_o be_v for_o any_o future_a judgement_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v already_o exact_o balance_v and_o adjust_v and_o therefore_o as_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o same_o plain_a instance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o its_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a by_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v no_o less_o requisite_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o equality_n in_o the_o present_a management_n and_o distribution_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v administer_v with_o that_o exact_a regularity_n as_o to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v undecided_a case_n enough_o remain_v for_o a_o future_a tribunal_n to_o adjust_a and_o determine_v so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o present_a management_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v equality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o just_a providence_n so_o there_o be_v also_o inequality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o future_a judgement_n god_n have_v wise_o provide_v in_o his_o present_a administration_n of_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o his_o just_a procedure_n towards_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o yet_o to_o leave_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o unrewarded_a virtue_n and_o prosperous_a wickedness_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o intend_v a_o after_o reckon_a for_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o repeat_v example_n of_o just_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o every_o age_n almost_o god_n set_v before_o we_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o manifold_a evil_n which_o some_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o good_n which_o some_o bad_a man_n enjoy_v without_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v adjust_a these_o inequality_n and_o vindicate_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a virtue_n and_o crush_v triumphant_a wickedness_n into_o everlasting_a confusion_n vi_o and_o last_o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i_o confess_v be_v god_n to_o make_v no_o other_o distribution_n to_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v in_o this_o life_n the_o inequality_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a objection_n against_o his_o providence_n but_o then_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o cloudy_a scene_n of_o thing_n will_v short_o close_v up_o in_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n wherein_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o good_a have_v suffer_v they_o shall_v be_v award_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o for_o the_o good_n which_o the_o bad_a have_v enjoy_v they_o shall_v be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v these_o present_a inequality_n a_o thousand_o time_n great_a than_o they_o be_v for_o suppose_v that_o after_o a_o short_a melancholy_a dream_n good_a man_n be_v to_o live_v happy_o and_o after_o as_o short_a a_o pleasant_a one_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o live_v wretched_o but_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v as_o well_o object_n against_o providence_n this_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o melancholy_a dream_n to_o the_o good_a and_o the_o pleasant_a one_o to_o the_o bad_a notwithstanding_o the_o succeed_a thousand_o year_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o do_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o bear_v far_o less_o proportion_n to_o that_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o than_o the_o sorrow_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o moment_n dream_n do_v to_o a_o thousand_o year_n real_a calamity_n or_o blessedness_n for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o be_v all_o but_o one_o continue_a plot_n like_o that_o of_o a_o well-contrived_a comedy_n which_o at_o first_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o intricate_a so_o that_o by_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a there_o be_v no_o guess_v at_o the_o conclusion_n for_o all_o through_o the_o intermediate_v act_n virtue_n and_o honour_n fight_v their_o way_n through_o difficulty_n and_o disappointment_n and_o sometime_o the_o hero_n act_v a_o sad_a and_o sometime_o the_o villain_n a_o prosperous_a part_n at_o which_o the_o unskilful_a spectator_n grieve_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o damn_v the_o poet_n for_o distribute_v such_o unequal_a fate_n but_o then_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o act_n all_o the_o cross_a accident_n clear_v up_o and_o issue_n in_o a_o fair_a conclusion_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o the_o hero_z be_v crown_v and_o the_o villain_n hiss_v off_o the_o stage_n let_v we_o therefore_o have_v but_o the_o patience_n to_o stay_v till_o providence_n have_v finish_v its_o whole_a plot_n and_o close_v up_o all_o its_o mighty_a scene_n in_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o these_o inequality_n set_v right_a and_o the_o fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n determine_v by_o a_o most_o just_a award_n but_o for_o we_o to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n now_o who_o be_v yet_o get_v no_o far_o it_o may_v be_v than_o to_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o great_a drama_n and_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o its_o procedure_n for_o cross_v the_o good_a and_o prosper_v the_o bad_a be_v rude_o to_o overturn_v the_o stage_n before_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o five_o act_n and_o to_o hiss_v off_o the_o almighty_a poet_n for_o not_o complete_n his_o design_n before_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v more_o at_o large_a this_o objection_n against_o providence_n because_o it_o have_v be_v more_o insist_v on_o than_o any_o other_o and_o have_v more_o general_o stumble_v man_n belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n v._o and_o last_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o just_a and_o good_a providence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o wretched_a state_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n abandon_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a providence_n that_o overrule_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o infidel_n world_n include_v shall_v be_v leave_v so_o utter_o destitute_a as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o infidel_n world_n be_v not_o perhaps_o leave_v so_o utter_o destitute_a as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v for_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o
be_v nothing_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o nothing_o still_o i._n e._n limit_v and_o defective_a be_v only_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o its_o own_o primitive_a nothingness_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n a_o hundred_o pound_n that_o he_o be_v worth_a so_o much_o money_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o i_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o more_o be_v owe_v only_o to_o his_o own_o poverty_n and_o just_o so_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o god_n who_o produce_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o defect_n of_o be_v be_v only_o owe_v to_o that_o nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o he_o produce_v i_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n but_o not_o our_o defect_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o former_a now_o the_o defect_n of_o create_a perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v and_o abstract_n from_o god_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n second_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o thing_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o whole_o exclude_v something_o much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a thus_o matter_n for_o instance_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o thing_n because_o it_o exclude_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o exclude_v nothing_o better_a but_o yet_o be_v deficient_a in_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o exclude_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o excellent_a but_o yet_o as_o reside_v in_o create_a being_n want_n a_o great_a many_o possible_a degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o both_o these_o defect_n be_v natural_a be_v uncause_v and_o so_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o he_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o these_o twofold_a defect_n in_o create_a perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v conceive_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n and_o eminence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o causality_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v injurious_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o their_o perfection_n of_o which_o he_o be_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v god_n right_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o he_o we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o matter_n and_o material_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n as_o exclude_v such_o substance_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o degree_n in_o those_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o raise_v and_o exalt_v they_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n and_o eminence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eminency_n which_o consist_v in_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o short_a and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_v from_o all_o defect_n and_o limitation_n these_o three_o way_n therefore_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o will_n yet_o far_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a rule_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o form_v a_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o first_o if_o we_o will_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v attribute_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o second_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o the_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n three_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a four_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n five_o though_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n to_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n six_o in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v always_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o i._o to_o the_o form_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v derive_v must_v necessary_o include_v all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o free_a cause_n may_v give_v less_o to_o their_o effect_n than_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v give_v more_o though_o they_o may_v withhold_v from_o their_o effect_n any_o perfection_n or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v they_o can_v derive_v to_o they_o any_o which_o they_o have_v not_o whatsoever_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o that_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o be_v be_v derive_v otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o in_o his_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o can_v give_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o all_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o create_a being_n must_v necessary_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o must_v all_o those_o too_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o for_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o no_o perfection_n can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n can_v produce_v that_o perfection_n in_o another_o which_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n must_v be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a since_o therefore_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n and_o since_o no_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o be_v actual_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n ii_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n for_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o shortsighted_a to_o penetrate_v immediate_o into_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v they_o but_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a fountain_n of_o all_o cause_n can_v be_v know_v by_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o his_o effect_n
most_o perfect_a and_o infallible_a view_n and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o omniscience_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n by_o rectitude_n or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o other_o perfection_n of_o reason_n i_o mean_v a_o conformity_n of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o affection_n and_o action_n to_o all_o that_o right_a reason_n dictate_v and_o prescribe_v for_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o conduct_v the_o will_n and_o and_o to_o give_v bound_n and_o measure_n to_o our_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o in_o follow_v right_a reason_n and_o choose_v and_o refuse_v by_o its_o eternal_a prescription_n consist_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o in_o that_o all_o moral_a perfection_n in_o conceive_v of_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o all_o those_o moral_a perfection_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o entire_a compliance_n of_o his_o will_n with_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o infallible_a reason_n in_o choose_v every_o thing_n which_o right_a reason_n approve_v and_o refuse_v every_o thing_n which_o it_o disallow_v and_o this_o with_o the_o most_o perfect_a freedom_n and_o exactness_n and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o infinite_a goodness_n infinite_a justice_n and_o infinite_a truth_n for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o viz_o infinite_a goodness_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o invariable_a inclination_n of_o his_o will_n to_o do_v good_a to_o and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n by_o which_o he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o envy_n and_o malice_n right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o the_o best_a and_o most_o become_a thing_n he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o propagate_v his_o own_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n by_o do_v good_a to_o and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o that_o envy_n and_o malice_n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o poor_a and_o indigent_a being_n be_v infinite_o unbeseeming_a he_o who_o be_v a_o self-sufficient_a nature_n and_o according_o his_o will_n which_o always_o follow_v his_o reason_n be_v infinite_o propense_a to_o the_o one_o and_o averse_a to_o the_o other_o and_o as_o for_o the_o second_o which_o be_v infinite_a justice_n which_o consist_v in_o deal_v with_o his_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o several_a desert_n by_o which_o he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o all_o partiality_n and_o injustice_n right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o he_o that_o since_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o action_n of_o free_a and_o reasonable_a agent_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o those_o who_o do_v good_a shall_v receive_v good_a from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a judge_n and_o moderator_n and_o those_o who_o do_v evil_a evil_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n and_o that_o to_o reward_v evil_a action_n and_o to_o punish_v good_a one_o or_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v less_o good_a beyond_o those_o that_o be_v more_o or_o punish_v those_o that_o be_v more_o evil_a beneath_o those_o that_o be_v less_o be_v to_o go_v cross_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o by_o these_o dictate_v of_o reason_n his_o will_n be_v invariable_o regulate_v in_o all_o its_o transaction_n with_o his_o creature_n last_o as_o for_o infinite_a truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o perfect_a agreement_n of_o his_o declaration_n with_o his_o intention_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o promise_n whereby_o he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o all_o deceit_n and_o falsehood_n right_a reason_n dictate_v to_o he_o that_o to_o speak_v truth_n be_v the_o only_a natural_a end_n of_o speak_v that_o to_o promise_n be_v to_o give_v a_o right_n and_o to_o intend_v to_o perform_v strict_a justice_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n lie_v pervert_v the_o use_n of_o speech_n and_o betray_v a_o baseness_n and_o meanness_n of_o spirit_n that_o to_o deceive_v be_v to_o injure_v and_o to_o falsify_v promise_n be_v to_o commit_v a_o robbery_n and_o according_o his_o will_n which_o be_v ever_o guide_v by_o his_o reason_n embrace_v truth_n and_o reject_v falsehood_n with_o infinite_a abhorrence_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o various_a perfection_n of_o god_n work_v which_o be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v fair_o argue_v to_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o whatsoever_o perfection_n he_o have_v give_v he_o must_v have_v and_o whatsoever_o perfection_n he_o have_v he_o must_v have_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o must_v be_v within_o his_o power_n and_o if_o it_o be_v within_o his_o power_n to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n otherwise_o he_o must_v choose_v to_o be_v less_o perfect_a when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o be_v more_o and_o by_o thus_o take_v our_o rise_n to_o god_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n we_o discover_v he_o to_o be_v a_o immense_a self-existing_a substance_n that_o be_v omnipotent_a eternal_a infinite_o know_v and_o wise_a just_a and_o good_a faithful_a and_o happy_a but_o to_o render_v our_o discovery_n yet_o more_o complete_a iii_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n we_o abstract_a from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a for_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a in_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o all_o perfection_n so_o that_o whereas_o all_o other_o being_n have_v some_o defect_n or_o other_o intermingle_v with_o their_o perfection_n and_o do_v either_o want_v some_o kind_n of_o perfection_n or_o some_o degree_n of_o those_o kind_n wherewith_o they_o be_v adorn_v god_n have_v all_o kind_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o perfection_n and_o so_o we_o must_v conceive_v of_o he_o if_o we_o will_v do_v he_o right_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o abovenamed_a perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o substance_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o the_o defect_n of_o corporeity_n or_o material_a extension_n which_o compare_v with_o spirituality_n be_v a_o mighty_a defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o substance_n both_o as_o to_o its_o amplitude_n and_o fullness_n of_o essence_n for_o no_o corporeal_a substance_n can_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o another_o corporeal_a substance_n be_v because_o it_o consist_v of_o such_o part_n as_o can_v penetrate_v each_o other_o so_o that_o every_o body_n must_v be_v limit_v in_o presence_n because_o it_o can_v be_v where_o another_o body_n be_v whereas_o a_o spirit_n be_v penetrable_a itself_o can_v penetrate_v or_o pass_v through_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o not_o only_o other_o body_n be_v but_o other_o spirit_n too_o so_o that_o by_o attribute_v body_n or_o matter_n to_o god_n we_o must_v necessary_o confine_v and_o limit_v the_o amplitude_n of_o his_o substance_n which_o if_o it_o be_v bodily_a must_v necessary_o be_v exclude_v from_o all_o those_o place_n where_o other_o bodily_a substance_n be_v and_o consequent_o have_v but_o a_o finite_a and_o limit_a presence_n which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o infinite_a amplitude_n or_o omnipresence_n of_o his_o substance_n and_o then_o bodily_a substance_n be_v all_o compound_v of_o divisible_a part_n and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o be_v divide_v and_o corrupt_v can_v have_v that_o fullness_n of_o be_v in_o they_o which_o spirit_n have_v which_o be_v simple_a and_o uncompounded_a substance_n and_o consequent_o void_a of_o all_o principle_n of_o corruption_n so_o that_o by_o attribute_v body_n or_o matter_n to_o god_n we_o subtract_v from_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o his_o be_v and_o instead_o of_o ascribe_v to_o he_o necessary_a existence_n which_o put_v he_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v degrade_v he_o into_o a_o divisible_a and_o corruptible_a nature_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o substance_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o all_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n and_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o simple_a spirit_n again_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o life_n viz._n power_n or_o activity_n and_o duration_n we_o must_v whole_o abstract_a from_o they_o all_o those_o imperfection_n with_o which_o they_o be_v commix_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n activity_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v attend_v with_o labour_n and_o pain_n the_o not_o abstract_v of_o which_o from_o the_o activity_n of_o god_n make_v epicurus_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o restive_a be_v that_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o action_n for_o fear_n of_o disturb_v his_o own_o happiness_n by_o it_o whereas_o labour_n and_o pain_n be_v the_o imperfection_n of_o activity_n
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
a_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a nature_n himself_o to_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o snatch_v poor_a infant_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n that_o never_o actual_o offend_v he_o and_o hurl_v they_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o consider_v the_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o horrible_a decree_n though_o otherwise_o a_o rare_a and_o admirable_a person_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o doctrine_n and_o model_v his_o divinity_n by_o his_o temper_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o but_o a_o man_n of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n that_o love_v beyond_o all_o reason_n and_o invincible_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n of_o his_o own_o darling_n can_v ever_o imagine_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v his_o favourite_n without_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v choose_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overlook_v all_o their_o fault_n but_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o his_o own_o eye_n with_o the_o mantle_n of_o another_o righteousness_n that_o so_o how_o ill_o soever_o they_o behave_v themselves_o he_o may_v never_o see_v cause_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o from_o these_o and_o other_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o our_o own_o for_o first_o our_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o make_v we_o magnify_v our_o own_o fault_n into_o perfection_n and_o then_o whatsoever_o we_o reckon_v a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o image_n of_o ourselves_o which_o narcissus-like_o we_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o reflect_v our_o own_o sweet_a likeness_n as_o therefore_o we_o will_v not_o wrong_v god_n in_o our_o own_o thought_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o he_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o but_o what_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o impartial_a reason_n and_o because_o our_o self-love_n be_v apt_a to_o bribe_v our_o own_o reason_n into_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v nothing_o of_o our_o own_o into_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v vote_v a_o perfection_n by_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n for_o while_o man_n be_v vehement_o addict_v to_o any_o sinful_a course_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_o on_o their_o mind_n because_o it_o will_v be_v always_o quarrel_v with_o they_o suggest_v argument_n against_o they_o and_o alarm_v they_o with_o dreadful_a thought_n and_o dire_a abodeing_n of_o a_o vengeance_n to_o come_v for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a conception_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o what_o be_v pregnant_a with_o some_o powerful_a argument_n against_o disobedience_n to_o his_o will_n so_o that_o while_o we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o he_o our_o reason_n can_v true_o conceive_v of_o he_o without_o wage_n war_n against_o our_o lust_n and_o while_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o at_o variance_n with_o himself_o and_o one_o end_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v at_o war_n with_o the_o other_o so_o that_o he_o can_v gratify_v his_o affection_n without_o affront_a his_o reason_n nor_o comply_v with_o his_o reason_n without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o affection_n he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n within_o till_o either_o he_o have_v force_v his_o affection_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o reason_n or_o his_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o affection_n but_o while_o a_o man_n reason_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n before_o it_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o sinful_a affection_n against_o which_o whenever_o he_o cool_o reflect_v it_o must_v necessary_o dictate_v bitter_a invective_n and_o denounce_v horrible_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v obstinate_o resolve_v to_o side_n with_o his_o sinful_a affection_n he_o must_v either_o be_v content_a patient_o to_o endure_v the_o clamour_n and_o fury_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o uneasy_a penance_n in_o the_o world_n or_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v and_o sophisticate_a his_o notion_n of_o god_n with_o such_o opinion_n as_o countenance_v his_o lusts._n and_o this_o consider_v the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o man_n affection_n have_v on_o their_o reason_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v for_o the_o least_o show_n of_o probability_n back_v with_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o a_o opinion_n be_v of_o great_a force_n with_o 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irresistible_o without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o they_o whereas_o those_o who_o he_o will_v not_o save_v he_o have_v utter_o abandon_v to_o a_o dire_a necessity_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v needless_a for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o list_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v perish_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v it_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o sin_v on_o and_o expect_v the_o event_n all_o which_o be_v only_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o wickedness_n to_o reconcile_v man_n conscience_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o compromise_v the_o quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o their_o wicked_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o for_o the_o future_a without_o check_n or_o remorse_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v form_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n
and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o unsophisticated_a we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n beware_v not_o to_o let_v our_o lust_n intermingle_v with_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o or_o to_o bribe_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a maxim_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o it_o make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o believe_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n that_o be_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o while_o we_o suffer_v our_o sinful_a interest_n to_o dictate_v to_o we_o our_o opinion_n of_o god_n 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apart_o by_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o action_n and_o that_o that_o which_o by_o itself_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a may_v by_o be_v contemper_v with_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n become_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o the_o heaven_n there_o be_v sundry_a star_n of_o a_o very_a malignant_a aspect_n apart_o by_o themselves_o which_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o star_n of_o a_o different_a temper_n do_v many_o time_n derive_v a_o most_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o man_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n of_o any_o single_a act_n or_o scene_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a drama_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v take_v true_a measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o any_o particular_a event_n that_o befall_v they_o for_o for_o all_o they_o know_v those_o very_a event_n which_o single_o consider_v be_v most_o noxious_a to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v most_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v intermingle_v and_o contemper_v with_o other_o providence_n so_o that_o while_o they_o measure_v god_n by_o single_a event_n they_o will_v many_o time_n deduce_v sour_a and_o rigid_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o those_o very_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n thus_o for_o instance_n shall_v joseph_n have_v frame_v his_o judgement_n of_o god_n nature_n by_o his_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o pit_n sell_v into_o egypt_n and_o there_o cast_v into_o prison_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n what_o can_v he_o have_v think_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a envious_a and_o malicious_a be_v that_o take_v delight_n in_o afflict_a innocence_n and_o sport_v himself_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o yet_o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o these_o sad_a providence_n and_o how_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o but_o so_o many_o step_n to_o his_o advancement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o have_v he_o think_v thus_o he_o have_v think_v very_o injurious_o those_o very_a providence_n from_o which_o he_o must_v have_v infer_v god_n malice_n to_o he_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o follow_v most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o common_o do_v we_o see_v man_n pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n nature_n from_o such_o particular_a providence_n they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o deplorable_a accident_n such_o as_o famine_n butchery_n plague_n and_o devastation_n in_o which_o themselves_o be_v many_o time_n involve_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o inflict_v or_o suffer_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o very_a froward_a cruel_a and_o implacable_a nature_n whereas_o do_v they_o but_o see_v these_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o lie_v interweave_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v doubtless_o see_v infinite_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a sometime_o again_o they_o behold_v wickedness_n prosper_v in_o this_o world_n and_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n depress_v and_o trample_v on_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v either_o that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o have_v they_o a_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a train_n and_o series_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o even_o in_o these_o cross_a distribution_n he_o do_v most_o equal_o and_o most_o effectual_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a by_o render_v the_o one_o prosperity_n his_o bane_n and_o the_o other_o adversity_n his_o restorative_n sometime_o again_o they_o be_v deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o have_v a_o long_a while_n seek_v with_o most_o importunate_a cry_n and_o supplication_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o prevail_v with_o by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n whereas_o can_v they_o but_o see_v through_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o good_n they_o pray_v for_o be_v many_o time_n pregnant_a with_o evil_n and_o the_o evil_n they_o deprecate_v with_o good_n which_o be_v much_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v deaf_a to_o their_o entreaty_n because_o he_o can_v not_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o ask_v without_o do_v they_o some_o great_a unkindness_n and_o that_o therefore_o these_o denial_n be_v so_o far_o from_o argue_v he_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v signal_n instance_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n which_o many_o time_n import_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o seem_v and_o appear_v but_o have_v form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o nature_n out_o of_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v all_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o common_a notion_n of_o he_o yet_o because_o we_o see_v not_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v they_o good_a because_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a god_n v._o another_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o from_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o single_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o
general_a current_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o himself_o in_o scripture_n be_v true_a because_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n in_o itself_o must_v needs_o be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o yet_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o themselves_o and_o other_o thing_n difficult_a to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o controversy_n they_o refer_v to_o or_o with_o the_o phrase_n and_o language_n of_o the_o age_n they_o be_v write_v in_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o many_o time_n to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n by_o the_o mere_a clink_n and_o sound_v of_o its_o word_n without_o expound_v its_o obscure_a passage_n by_o its_o plain_a one_o and_o its_o particular_a proposition_n by_o its_o general_a current_n and_o to_o find_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n upon_o obscure_a and_o particular_a phrase_n that_o seem_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n and_o then_o to_o expound_v the_o plain_a into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o obscure_a and_o the_o general_a current_n into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o particular_a phrase_n be_v a_o most_o egregious_a prevarication_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a practice_n have_v occasion_v many_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o most_o benevolent_a be_v that_o know_v no_o bound_n of_o goodwill_n but_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n unto_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o receive_v his_o whole_a offspring_n except_v only_o those_o prodigal_n that_o run_v away_o from_o he_o with_o free_a and_o impartial_a embrace_n as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o ready_o contribute_v to_o they_o all_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o bless_a end_n that_o reprobate_n none_o from_o his_o kindness_n and_o favour_n but_o only_o such_o as_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o and_o never_o abandon_v any_o to_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n till_o they_o have_v first_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v all_o his_o art_n of_o save_v they_o such_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o god_n which_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a scope_n of_o scripture_n give_v we_o so_o that_o have_v man_n keep_v themselves_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o expound_v obscure_a text_n by_o plain_a one_o and_o particular_a phrase_n by_o the_o general_a scope_n when_o they_o seem_o clash_v one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v do_v right_a to_o god_n and_o secure_v their_o own_o mind_n against_o sundry_a very_a wrongful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o for_o that_o god_n have_v destine_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o endless_a calamity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o do_n that_o he_o have_v two_o will_n viz._n a_o secret_a and_o a_o reveal_v one_o that_o his_o revealed_z will_n be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o his_o secret_a one_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perish_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o man_n which_o without_o his_o irresistible_a grace_n they_o can_v obey_v and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o withhold_v this_o grace_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o persecute_v all_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o with_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o vengeance_n these_o i_o say_v be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o opinion_n as_o reflect_v very_o dishonourable_o upon_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o few_o particular_a phrase_n and_o obscure_a passage_n in_o scripture_n not_o only_a abundance_n of_o plain_a 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which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o most_o necessary_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o which_o if_o pursue_v will_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o fulsome_a error_n in_o religion_n wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o mind_n from_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o consult_v the_o scripture_n concern_v he_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n of_o it_o and_o not_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o few_o or_o of_o obscure_a text_n which_o more_o or_o plain_a one_o seem_o contradict_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o opinion_n be_v either_o false_a or_o of_o little_a moment_n that_o have_v but_o one_o or_o two_o text_n to_o countenance_v it_o and_o that_o very_o dubious_a which_o have_v none_o but_o obscure_a text_n to_o rely_v on_o but_o when_o there_o be_v more_o and_o much_o plain_a against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o it_o must_v be_v false_a or_o there_o be_v no_o 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kind_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o upon_o dry_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o himself_o no_o sense_n or_o relish_v of_o their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n his_o apprehension_n of_o they_o be_v but_o slight_a and_o obscure_a like_o a_o deaf_a man_n notion_n of_o sound_n or_o a_o blind_a man_n of_o colour_n which_o for_o want_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o distinct_a as_o they_o be_v who_o see_v and_o hear_v whereas_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a have_v as_o it_o be_v travel_v into_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o see_v all_o his_o perfection_n by_o the_o
light_n of_o a_o infallible_a experience_n he_o know_v what_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n as_o by_o a_o quick_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o he_o have_v copy_v and_o transcribe_v into_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o which_o like_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n light_v up_o his_o thought_n to_o that_o fountain_n of_o light_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v derive_v and_o he_o who_o have_v god_n picture_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o can_v see_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n know_v he_o by_o his_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o reason_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v god_n in_o the_o godlike_a temper_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o be_v so_o many_o live_a image_n of_o god_n and_o sensible_a comment_n on_o his_o nature_n which_o render_v the_o man_n notion_n of_o he_o not_o only_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a but_o also_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o 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and_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o our_o nature_n whensoever_o we_o reflect_v on_o it_o his_o perfection_n will_v be_v as_o intimate_v and_o familiar_a to_o we_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o will_v not_o only_o awaken_v our_o thought_n into_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o he_o but_o also_o heighten_v and_o improve_v our_o meditation_n into_o the_o most_o glorious_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v think_v so_o well_o of_o god_n as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o godlike_a nature_n because_o the_o resemblance_n he_o bear_v to_o he_o will_v not_o only_o frequent_o raise_v up_o his_o thought_n to_o god_n but_o also_o shape_v they_o into_o a_o conformity_n with_o his_o nature_n whereas_o whilst_o we_o be_v unlike_a to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o only_o devoid_a of_o all_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o perfection_n which_o the_o purify_a sense_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v give_v we_o and_o consequent_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o for_o want_v of_o that_o evidence_n will_v be_v only_o superficial_a and_o uncertain_a but_o through_o our_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o ungodlike_a disposition_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v such_o notion_n of_o he_o as_o be_v as_o unlike_o he_o as_o ourselves_o for_o either_o out_o of_o fondness_n to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o our_o ill_a disposition_n as_o perfection_n and_o so_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o out_o of_o fondness_n to_o those_o ill_a disposition_n we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o admit_v such_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o will_v license_v and_o indulge_v they_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o purify_v our_o heart_n from_o those_o evil_a disposition_n which_o render_v we_o unlike_o he_o from_o sensuality_n and_o injustice_n from_o pride_n and_o discontent_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o all_o uncharitableness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o bosom_n heretic_n that_o seduce_v and_o pervert_v we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n by_o practise_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o when_o once_o by_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o have_v transcribe_v they_o into_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o feel_v he_o in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o sense_n of_o he_o will_v conduct_v our_o reason_n our_o experience_n of_o he_o will_v correct_v our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o vision_n of_o he_o consummate_v our_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o enlighten_v in_o our_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o the_o sanctity_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n than_o by_o a_o thousand_o volume_n of_o curious_a speculation_n and_o now_o have_v see_v what_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v let_v we_o from_o henceforth_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v labour_v to_o avoid_v they_o and_o consider_v of_o what_o vast_a advantage_n to_o our_o religion_n right_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v let_v we_o diligent_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o abovenamed_a rule_v for_o the_o regulate_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o that_o so_o have_v thorough_o purge_v our_o thought_n of_o all_o erroneous_a opinion_n we_o may_v see_v god_n true_o as_o he_o be_v array_v in_o all_o the_o genuine_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v our_o life_n and_o affection_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o every_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v full_a of_o persuasion_n all_o his_o perfection_n have_v a_o constrain_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o moral_a violence_n conquer_v all_o that_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o seize_v and_o captivate_v their_o will_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o reluctance_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o that_o when_o once_o our_o mind_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v with_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o seek_v abroad_o for_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fountain_n of_o divine_a oratory_n within_o our_o own_o bosom_n from_o whence_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v continual_o water_v with_o the_o most_o fruitful_a inducement_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n insomuch_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v see_v ourselves_o surround_v with_o such_o invincible_a reason_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o admire_v and_o love_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o worship_v he_o as_o will_v animate_v our_o faculty_n wing_n and_o inspire_v our_o droop_a endeavour_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o with_o unspeakable_a cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n through_o all_o the_o weary_a stage_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o the_o burden_n and_o oppression_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o ready_o embrace_v it_o as_o our_o ornament_n and_o crown_n our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n as_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o in_o serve_v of_o god_n we_o serve_v not_o only_o the_o great_a but_o the_o best_a master_n in_o the_o world_n finis_fw-la vide_fw-la lessius_fw-la de_fw-la prov._n