this_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o every_o time_n you_o sin_n you_o be_v within_o his_o reach_n let_v then_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n deter_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o quicken_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n the_o eye_n and_o presence_n of_o a_o superior_a will_v lay_v a_o great_a restraint_n upon_o man_n the_o eye_n of_o our_o prince_n or_o our_o master_n or_o our_o father_n will_v make_v we_o afraid_a or_o ashamed_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v foolish_a or_o unseemly_a and_o will_v we_o do_v that_o under_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n which_o we_o shall_v blush_v to_o do_v before_o a_o grave_n or_o wise_a person_n yea_o before_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n do_v but_o man_n live_v under_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n be_v present_a to_o they_o that_o a_o holy_a and_o all-seeing_a eye_n behold_v they_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v vile_a and_o wicked_a to_o profane_v and_o pollute_v god_n glorious_a name_n by_o a_o trifle_a use_n of_o it_o in_o customary_a swear_n and_o curse_v whenever_o you_o sin_n you_o affront_v god_n to_o his_o face_n and_o provoke_v the_o omnipotent_a justice_n which_o be_v at_o the_o door_n and_o ready_a to_o break_v in_o upon_o you_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v especial_o deter_v we_o from_o secret_a sin_n this_o be_v the_o use_n the_o psalmist_n here_o make_v of_o it_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n search_v we_o and_o know_v we_o that_o he_o know_v our_o down-sitting_a and_o our_o uprising_n and_o understand_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o that_o he_o compass_v our_o path_n and_o our_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o our_o way_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o our_o tongue_n but_o he_o know_v it_o altogether_o that_o he_o have_v beset_v we_o behind_o and_o before_o that_o the_o darkness_n hide_v not_o from_o he_o but_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n and_o the_o darkness_n and_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o i_o say_v if_o we_o believe_v this_o how_o shall_v we_o live_v in_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n which_o be_v always_o above_o we_o and_o before_o we_o and_o about_o we_o and_o within_o we_o and_o be_v as_o inseparable_a from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v from_o ourselves_o who_o eye_n be_v upon_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o our_o life_n to_o the_o end_n of_o our_o day_n do_v man_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v always_o with_o they_o that_o his_o eye_n pierce_v the_o darkness_n and_o see_v through_o all_o those_o cloud_n with_o which_o they_o hide_v and_o muffle_v themselves_o and_o pry_v into_o the_o most_o secret_a recess_n of_o their_o heart_n how_o will_v this_o check_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o devise_v mischief_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o in_o their_o bed_n chamber_n the_o holy_a presence_n and_o the_o pure_a eye_n of_o god_n will_v be_v to_o we_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o than_o to_o have_v our_o father_n or_o our_o master_n or_o our_o prince_n or_o he_o who_o we_o most_o revere_a to_o stand_v by_o we_o do_v but_o man_n representare_fw-la sibi_fw-la deum_fw-la make_v god_n present_a to_o they_o by_o live_v under_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o his_o presence_n they_o will_v as_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v be_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o day_n magna_fw-la spes_fw-la peccatorum_fw-la tollitur_fw-la si_fw-la peccaturis_fw-la testis_fw-la adsistat_fw-la aliquem_fw-la habeat_fw-la animus_n quem_fw-la vereatur_fw-la cujus_fw-la authoritate_fw-la etiam_fw-la secretum_fw-la suum_fw-la sanctius_fw-la facit_fw-la the_o main_a hope_n of_o sinner_n be_v to_o remain_v undiscovered_a let_v but_o some_o body_n be_v privy_a to_o their_o design_n and_o they_o be_v utter_o disappoint_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n to_o have_v a_o awe_n of_o some_o be_v who_o authority_n may_v render_v even_o its_o privacy_n more_o solemn_a this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o wicked_a man_n psa_n 86.14_o that_o they_o have_v not_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n one_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o wickedness_n and_o violence_n and_o looseness_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v near_o they_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o as_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n shall_v deter_v we_o from_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v quicken_v and_o animate_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v ordinary_o a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o acquit_v themselves_o handsome_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o man_n upon_o they_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o applause_n and_o approbation_n they_o value_v god_n alone_o be_v amplum_fw-la theatrum_fw-la he_o be_v a_o great_a theatre_n than_o the_o world_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o to_o we_o that_o he_o stand_v by_o we_o than_o if_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n be_v fix_v upon_o we_o sen._n advise_v it_o as_o a_o excellent_a mean_n to_o promote_v virtue_n to_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o set_v before_o our_o eye_n some_o eminent_o virtuous_a person_n as_o cato_n or_o laelius_n ut_fw-la sic_fw-la tanquam_fw-la illo_fw-la spectante_fw-la vivamus_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la tanquam_fw-la illo_fw-la vidente_fw-la faciamus_fw-la that_o we_o may_v live_v just_a as_o if_o he_o be_v lock_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v all_o thing_n just_a as_o if_o he_o behold_v we_o how_o much_o great_a incitement_n will_v it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o think_v that_o god_n look_v upon_o we_o and_o see_v we_o and_o real_o stand_v by_o we_o than_o faint_o to_o imagine_v the_o presence_n of_o laelius_n or_o cato_n this_o shall_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o all_o the_o duty_n we_o perform_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v they_o that_o we_o do_v it_o to_o he_o who_o stand_v by_o we_o and_o be_v familiar_o acquaint_v with_o we_o and_o be_v more_o intimate_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o this_o cic._n in_o l._n 2._o the_o leg_n look_n upon_o as_o a_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n sit_fw-la igitur_fw-la hoc_fw-la persuasum_fw-la civibus_fw-la &_o qualis_fw-la cuique_fw-la sit_fw-la quid_fw-la agate_n quid_fw-la in_o se_fw-la admittat_fw-la quâ_fw-la ment_fw-la quâ_fw-la pielate_fw-la religiones_fw-la colat_fw-la deos_fw-la intueri_fw-la &_o piorum_fw-la impiorumque_fw-la rationem_fw-la habere_fw-la let_v man_n be_v thorough_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o the_o god_n observe_v both_o the_o disposition_n and_o the_o action_n of_o every_o particular_a man_n what_o he_o consent_v to_o what_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o particular_o with_o what_o meaning_n with_o what_o degree_n of_o inward_a devotion_n he_o perform_v his_o religious_a worship_n and_o that_o they_o distinguish_v between_o the_o pious_a and_o the_o impious_a 2._o to_o encourage_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o when_o we_o be_v in_o strait_n and_o difficulty_n and_o danger_n god_n be_v with_o we_o when_o trouble_n be_v near_o to_o we_o god_n be_v not_o far_o from_o we_o where_o ever_o we_o be_v how_o remote_a soever_o from_o friend_n and_o companion_n we_o can_v be_v banish_v from_o god_n presence_n if_o we_o dwell_v beyond_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n there_o his_o hand_n lead_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n hold_v we_o psa_fw-la 16.8_o i_o have_v set_v the_o lord_n always_o before_o i_o because_o he_o be_v at_o my_o right_a hand_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v move_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n be_v the_o great_a stay_n and_o support_v of_o our_o faith_n psa_n 46.1_o 2._o god_n be_v our_o refuge_n and_o strength_n a_o very_a present_a help_n in_o trouble_n therefore_o will_v not_o we_o fear_v though_o the_o earth_n be_v remove_v and_o though_o the_o mountain_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n in_o the_o great_a commotion_n and_o the_o most_o imminent_a and_o threaten_a danger_n this_o shall_v charm_v and_o allay_v our_o fear_n that_o god_n be_v a_o present_a help_n this_o be_v the_o support_n of_o moses_n his_o faith_n in_o his_o suffering_n as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o heb._n 11.27_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a to_o conclude_v all_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v under_o any_o pressure_n or_o trouble_v we_o shall_v rebuke_v our_o own_o fear_n and_o challenge_v our_o anxious_a thought_n with_o david_n psa_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o so_o disquiet_v within_o i_o trust_v still_o in_o god_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v with_o thou_o and_o that_o omnipotent_a goodness_n stand_v by_o thou_o who_o can_v and_o will_v support_v thou_o and_o relieve_v thou_o and_o deliver_v thou_o when_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n sermon_n xiii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
mankind_n in_o that_o he_o make_v but_o a_o few_o terrible_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o take_v warning_n by_o they_o he_o be_v patient_a to_o particular_a person_n in_o that_o notwithstanding_o our_o daily_a provocation_n he_o prevent_v we_o daily_o with_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o goodness_n prolong_v our_o life_n and_o vouchsafe_v so_o many_o favour_n to_o we_o that_o by_o this_o great_a goodness_n we_o may_v be_v lead_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v more_o illustrious_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n which_o be_v so_o many_o evidence_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o spare_v and_o forbear_v we_o at_o all_o it_o be_v patience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o surprise_v we_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o let_v fly_v at_o we_o with_o a_o thunderbolt_n so_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v offend_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n do_v not_o fall_v upon_o the_o intemperate_a person_n as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o israelite_n whilst_o the_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mouth_n that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o strike_v dead_a or_o mad_a whilst_o he_o be_v tell_v a_o lie_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o profane_a and_o false_a swearer_n do_v not_o expire_v with_o his_o oath_n and_o perjury_n 2._o that_o god_n spare_v we_o when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n so_o easy_o to_o ruin_v we_o when_o he_o can_v with_o one_o word_n command_v we_o out_o of_o be_v and_o by_o cut_v asunder_o one_o little_a thread_n let_v we_o drop_v into_o hell_n if_o god_n be_v dispose_v to_o severity_n he_o can_v deal_v with_o we_o after_o another_o manner_n and_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n ease_n himself_o of_o his_o adversary_n and_o be_v avenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n 3._o that_o god_n exercise_v this_o patience_n to_o sinner_n flagrante_fw-la bello_fw-la while_o they_o be_v up_o in_o arm_n against_o he_o and_o commit_v hostility_n upon_o he_o he_o bear_v with_o we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v challenge_v his_o justice_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o provoke_v his_o power_n to_o destroy_v we_o 4._o that_o he_o be_v so_o very_o slow_a and_o unwilling_a to_o punish_v and_o to_o inflict_v his_o judgement_n upon_o we_o as_o for_o eternal_a punishment_n god_n defer_v they_o a_o long_a while_n and_o by_o all_o proper_a way_n and_o mean_n endeavour_n to_o prevent_v they_o and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o as_o for_o those_o temporal_a judgement_n which_o god_n inflict_v upon_o sinner_n he_o carry_v himself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v plain_o see_v all_o the_o sign_n of_o unwillingness_n that_o can_v be_v he_o try_v to_o prevent_v they_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o set_v about_o this_o work_n and_o when_o he_o do_v it_o be_v with_o much_o reluctance_n and_o then_o he_o be_v easy_o persuade_v and_o prevail_v withal_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o when_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o not_o rigorous_o and_o to_o extremity_n and_o he_o be_v soon_o take_v off_o after_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o all_o which_o be_v great_a instance_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o wonderful_a patience_n to_o sinner_n 1._o god_n unwillingness_n to_o punish_v appear_v in_o that_o he_o labour_v to_o prevent_v punishment_n and_o that_o he_o may_v effectual_o do_v this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v sin_n the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o god_n judgement_n to_o this_o end_n he_o have_v threaten_v it_o with_o severe_a punishment_n that_o the_o dread_n of_o they_o may_v make_v we_o afraid_a to_o offend_v and_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o do_v not_o yet_o give_v we_o over_o but_o give_v we_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n and_o invite_v we_o earnest_o to_o turn_v to_o he_o and_o thereby_o to_o prevent_v his_o judgement_n he_o expostulate_v with_o sinner_n and_o reason_n the_o case_n with_o they_o as_o if_o he_o be_v more_o concern_v not_o to_o punish_v than_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v punish_v and_o thus_o by_o his_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o repentance_n he_o show_v how_o little_o he_o desire_v our_o ruin_n 2._o he_o be_v long_o before_o he_o go_v about_o this_o work_n judgement_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v his_o strange_a work_n as_o if_o he_o be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o hardly_o know_v how_o to_o go_v about_o it_o on_o the_o sudden_a he_o be_v represent_v as_o not_o prepare_v for_o such_o a_o work_n deut._n 32.41_o if_o i_o whet_v my_o glitter_a sword_n as_o if_o the_o instrument_n of_o punishment_n be_v not_o ready_a for_o we_o nay_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n and_o to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o his_o slowness_n to_o wrath_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o keep_v out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v tempt_v to_o destroy_v we_o exod._n 33.2_o 3._o where_o he_o tell_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v send_v a_o angel_n before_o they_o but_o i_o will_v not_o go_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o lest_o i_o consume_v thou_o in_o the_o way_n at_o work_n of_o mercy_n he_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o forward_o when_o daniel_n pray_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o captivity_n the_o angel_n tell_v he_o that_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o supplication_n the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o to_o bring_v he_o a_o promise_n of_o their_o deliverance_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n many_o time_n prevent_v our_o prayer_n and_o outruns_a our_o wish_n and_o desire_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o affliction_n he_o take_v time_n to_o do_v it_o he_o pass_v by_o many_o provocation_n and_o wait_v long_o in_o expectation_n that_o by_o our_o repentance_n we_o will_v prevent_v his_o judgement_n he_o hearken_v and_o hear_v say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n but_o they_o speak_v not_o aright_o no_o man_n repent_v he_o of_o his_o wickedness_n say_v what_o have_v i_o do_v he_o be_v represent_v as_o wait_v and_o listen_v to_o hear_v if_o any_o penitent_a word_n will_v drop_v from_o they_o he_o give_v the_o sinner_n time_n to_o repent_v and_o reflect_v upon_o his_o action_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o space_n to_o reason_n himself_o into_o repentance_n for_o this_o reason_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n do_v often_o follow_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n otherwise_o he_o can_v easy_o make_v they_o mend_v their_o pace_n and_o consume_v we_o in_o a_o moment_n 3._o when_o he_o go_v about_o this_o work_n he_o do_v it_o with_o much_o reluctance_n amos_n 11.8_o 9_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o israel_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o and_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o make_v many_o essay_n and_o offer_n before_o he_o come_v to_o it_o psal_n 106.26_o many_o a_o time_n lift_v he_o up_o his_o hand_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o destroy_v they_o he_o make_v as_o if_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o let_v fall_v his_o hand_n again_o as_o if_o he_o can_v not_o find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v so_o severe_a god_n withold_v his_o judgement_n till_o he_o be_v weary_a of_o hold_v in_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v jer._n 6.11_o till_o he_o can_v forbear_v no_o long_o jer._n 44.22_o so_o that_o the_o lord_n can_v no_o long_o bear_v because_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n and_o because_o of_o the_o abomination_n which_o you_o have_v commit_v 4._o god_n be_v easy_o prevail_v upon_o not_o to_o punish_v when_o he_o seem_v resolve_v upon_o it_o to_o destroy_v the_o murmur_a israelite_n yet_o how_o often_o at_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n do_v he_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o very_o low_a term_n to_o spare_v a_o very_a wicked_a people_n appear_v by_o the_o instance_n of_o sodom_n where_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o ten_o righteous_a person_n he_o will_v not_o have_v destroy_v they_o for_o the_o ten_o be_v sake_n yea_o when_o his_o truth_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v pawn_v at_o least_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o prophet_n yet_o even_o then_o repentance_n take_v he_o off_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o nineveh_n nay_o how_o glad_a be_v he_o to_o be_v thus_o prevent_v with_o what_o joy_n do_v he_o tell_v the_o prophet_n the_o news_n of_o ahab_n humiliation_n see_v thou_o how_o ahab_n humble_v himself_o because_o he_o humble_v himself_o i_o will_v not_o bring_v the_o evil_n in_o his_o day_n 5._o when_o he_o punish_v he_o do_v it_o very_o seldom_o rigorous_o and_o to_o extremity_n not_o so_o much_o as_o we_o deserve_v psal_n 103.10_o he_o have_v not_o deal_v with_o we_o after_o our_o
thing_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n first_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v the_o term_n second_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n three_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n i._o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n signify_v 1._o negative_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o any_o other_o or_o do_v depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o eternal_o of_o himself_o 2._o positive_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o himself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o create_a being_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v or_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n of_o saint_n john_n joh._n 1.3_o which_o i_o know_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v so_o that_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v by_o he_o ii_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n refer_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o design_n and_o aim_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v be_v the_o illustration_n of_o god_n glory_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o perfection_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v brief_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n attempt_v it_o these_o two_o way_n i._o by_o natural_a light_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v be_v for_o a_o be_v to_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o before_o all_o other_o being_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o he_o and_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_n end_n for_o every_o wise_a agent_n act_n with_o design_n and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n now_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o attain_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o now_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v already_o and_o the_o best_a next_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v god_n glory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o which_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v refer_v and_o that_o these_o title_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o discover_v but_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o aristotle_n give_v to_o god_n those_o title_n of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o first_o mover_n and_o his_o master_n plato_n call_v god_n the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o maker_n and_o architect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n porphyry_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o from_o whence_o he_o reason_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n move_v towards_o god_n that_o all_o motion_n centre_n in_o he_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a for_o thing_n to_o refer_v to_o their_o original_a and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o antoninus_n the_o emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v of_o nature_n which_o with_o the_o stoic_n signify_v god_n have_v these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o very_a like_o these_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n ii_o from_o scripture_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 41.4_o who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o call_v the_o generation_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o the_o lord_n the_o first_o and_o with_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v nothing_o form_v of_o god_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o isa_n 44.6_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 48.12_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o first_o i_o also_o be_o the_o last_o my_o hand_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o right_a hand_n have_v spread_v the_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 1.8_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o act_n 17.24_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o v._o 25._o he_o give_v to_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n v._o 28._o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v v._o 29._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v v._o 10._o and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o eph._n 3.9_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.16_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v heb._n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o v._o 3._o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n three_o and_o last_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n use_v first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v all_o creature_n and_o do_v since_o preserve_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o concernment_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o from_o hence_o let_v we_o learn_v 1._o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o our_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o enjoy_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n because_o we_o have_v not_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v free_o and_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n communicate_v being_n to_o we_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o what_o his_o own_o goodness_n lay_v upon_o he_o rev._n 4.11_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v we_o can_v not_o before_o we_o be_v deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o or_o move_v he_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o importune_v he_o by_o entreaty_n to_o make_v we_o but_o he_o free_o give_v we_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_a to_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o history_n as_o the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o the_o final_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n of_o they_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n these_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o i_o shall_v several_o consider_v and_o with_o all_o the_o brevity_n and_o clearness_n i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o the_o first_o objection_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v more_o general_a be_v this_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o then_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o denial_n that_o evil_a abound_v in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o evil_a say_v st._n john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v in_o wickedness_n so_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o article_n and_o opposition_n st._n john_n seem_v to_o intend_v the_o devil_n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v subject_a to_o the_o evil_a one_o and_o under_o his_o power_n and_o dominion_n which_o way_n so_o ever_o we_o render_v it_o it_o signify_v that_o evil_a of_o one_o kind_n or_o other_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n now_o can_v evil_a come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n out_o of_o the_o same_o mouth_n proceed_v blessing_n and_o curse_v do_v a_o fountain_n send_v forth_o at_o the_o same_o place_n sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a this_o can_v be_v as_o st._n james_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n but_o all_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n must_v either_o be_v direct_o procure_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o permit_v to_o happen_v and_o next_o to_o the_o cause_v and_o procure_v of_o evil_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o help_v and_o hinder_v it_o answer_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a doctrine_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a nation_n that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o cause_n or_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o one_o of_o good_a thing_n the_o other_o of_o bad_a which_o among_o the_o persian_n be_v call_v oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n among_o the_o egyptian_n osiris_n and_o typhon_n among_o the_o chaldean_n good_a or_o bad_a planet_n among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o plutarch_n express_o say_v that_o the_o good_a principle_n be_v call_v god_n and_o the_o bad_a demon_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o conformity_n to_o which_o ancient_a tradition_n the_o manichee_n a_o sad_a sect_n of_o christian_n set_v up_o two_o principle_n the_o one_o infinite_o good_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o good_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suppose_v two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o equal_a power_n and_o force_n that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o infinite_a evil_n be_v a_o contradiction_n will_v be_v very_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o what_o be_v infinite_o evil_a must_v be_v infinite_o imperfect_a and_o consequent_o infinite_o weak_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n though_o never_o so_o mischievous_a and_o malicious_a yet_o be_v infinite_o weak_a and_o ignorant_a and_o foolish_a will_v neither_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o contrive_v mischief_n nor_o to_o execute_v it_o but_o admit_v that_o a_o be_v infinite_o mischievous_a be_v infinite_o cunning_a and_o infinite_o powerful_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o evil_a because_o the_o opposite_a principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v also_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a they_o will_v tie_v up_o one_o another_o hand_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o eternal_a opposition_n and_o equality_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n they_o will_v keep_v one_o another_o at_o a_o perpetual_a bay_n and_o be_v a_o equal_a match_n for_o one_o another_o instead_o of_o be_v two_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v two_o idol_n able_a to_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o to_o return_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o 1_o st_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o imperfection_n i_o mean_v natural_a imperfection_n these_o be_v not_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o comparative_o evil_a now_o comparative_a evil_n be_v but_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o some_o creature_n shall_v be_v less_o good_a than_o other_o that_o be_v imperfect_a in_o comparison_n of_o they_o nay_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v this_o variety_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v of_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v make_v for_o several_a uses_n and_o purpose_v and_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o one_o another_o provide_v they_o all_o contribute_v to_o the_o harmony_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o whole_a some_o imperfection_n be_v necessary_o involve_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o that_o it_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o another_o and_o necessary_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o be_v behold_v to_o it_o and_o be_v likewise_o of_o necessity_n finite_a and_o limit_v in_o its_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o as_o for_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v less_o perfect_a than_o other_o this_o also_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v necessary_a upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o display_v itself_o in_o variety_n of_o creature_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o rank_n for_o though_o compare_v the_o creature_n with_o one_o another_o the_o angelical_a nature_n be_v best_a and_o most_o perfect_a yet_o it_o be_v absolute_o best_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v other_o creature_n beside_o angel_n there_o be_v many_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o by_o we_o conclude_v to_o be_v evil_a and_o imperfect_a as_o some_o noxious_a and_o hurtful_a creature_n which_o yet_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o to_o some_o purpose_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o against_o the_o harm_n and_o mischief_n whereof_o we_o be_v sufficient_o arm_v by_o such_o mean_n of_o defence_n and_o such_o antidote_n as_o reason_n and_o experience_n be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o furnish_v we_o withal_o and_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o think_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n as_o rock_n and_o desert_n and_o that_o vast_a wilderness_n of_o the_o sea_n if_o we_o consider_v thing_n well_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o several_a very_o considerable_a purpose_n or_o if_o we_o can_v discern_v no_o other_o use_n of_o they_o they_o serve_v at_o least_o to_o help_v our_o dulness_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o attentive_o to_o consider_v and_o to_o admire_v the_o perfection_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o rest_n at_o the_o worst_a they_o may_v serve_v for_o foil_n to_o set_v off_o the_o wise_a order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o thing_n and_o as_o one_o express_v it_o very_o well_o they_o may_v be_v like_o a_o blackmoor_n head_n in_o a_o picture_n which_o give_v the_o great_a beauty_n to_o the_o whole_a piece_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v and_o these_o either_o befall_z brute_n creature_n or_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o consideration_n 1_o st_o for_o those_o which_o befall_v the_o
adversity_n as_o his_o only_a support_n and_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n that_o these_o man_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o have_v not_o be_v able_a whole_o to_o extinguish_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o his_o goodness_n when_o after_o all_o their_o insolent_a defiance_n of_o he_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o therefore_o our_o heart_n ought_v to_o rise_v with_o indignation_n against_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v away_o the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n and_o to_o rob_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v apt_a to_o afford_v to_o mankind_n ii_o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n of_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v this_o great_a goodness_n by_o vain_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n this_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n make_v that_o a_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v fond_a and_o indulgent_a to_o our_o fault_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o he_o be_v good_a he_o can_v but_o hate_v evil_a so_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o fight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n to_o those_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v impenitent_a god_n be_v implacable_a and_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o our_o do_n despair_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o presumption_n be_v a_o great_a despair_v doubt_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o presumption_n abuse_v it_o despair_n disbelieve_v but_o presumption_n pervert_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n from_o what_o it_o be_v intend_v iii_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o our_o mind_n under_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_n great_a be_v the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o many_o devout_a mind_n concern_v god_n love_n to_o they_o and_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n which_o be_v common_o found_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n a_o melancholy_a temper_n or_o mistake_v notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o very_o often_o these_o two_o meet_v together_o and_o hinder_v the_o cure_n and_o removal_n of_o one_o another_o melancholy_n as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o bodily_a temper_n be_v a_o disease_n not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o by_o physic_n and_o time_n but_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v entertain_v concern_v god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o set_v on_o and_o heighten_v by_o melancholy_n as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v may_v be_v rectify_v by_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n many_o good_a man_n have_v have_v very_o hard_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n instill_a into_o they_o from_o doctrine_n too_o common_o teach_v and_o receive_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n decree_v to_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o secret_a purpose_n and_o design_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a and_o consequent_o be_v not_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o invitation_n and_o exhortation_n of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o jealousy_n as_o these_o concern_v god_n make_v man_n doubtful_a whether_o god_n love_v they_o and_o very_o scrupulous_a and_o anxious_a about_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o these_o harsh_a doctrine_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o god_n earnest_o desire_v our_o happiness_n and_o afford_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o bear_v a_o 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come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n that_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v have_v mercy_n that_o if_o the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v as_o for_o outward_a calamity_n and_o affliction_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v either_o prevent_v they_o by_o his_o providence_n or_o support_v we_o under_o they_o or_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o they_o or_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o issue_n all_o their_o affliction_n shall_v prove_v to_o their_o advantage_n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o believe_v his_o goodness_n we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o and_o if_o we_o love_v he_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cordial_n to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o grievous_a persecution_n and_o suffering_n revolution_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v before_o the_o late_a happy_a revolution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o a_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o may_v come_v to_o be_v we_o god_n know_v how_o soon_o but_o though_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n be_v great_a and_o back_v with_o a_o power_n not_o to_o be_v control_v by_o any_o visible_a mean_n and_o therefore_o likely_a to_o continue_v yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o a_o long_a duration_n and_o continuance_n and_o thus_o david_n comfort_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v persecute_v by_o saul_n psal_n 52.1_o why_o boast_v thou_o thyself_o in_o mischief_n o_o mighty_a man_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v continual_o the_o persecution_n which_o saul_n raise_v against_o he_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o last_v a_o long_a time_n but_o he_o comfort_v himself_o with_o this_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o iv_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o several_a duty_n 1._o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o mind_n several_a of_o
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o
the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n do_v give_v abundant_a testimony_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o old_a world_n when_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n while_o he_o be_v prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n 1_o pet._n 3.20_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n which_o be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n a_o general_a deluge_n be_v threaten_v but_o god_n be_v patient_a and_o delay_v his_o judgement_n a_o great_a while_n hereupon_o they_o grow_v secure_a in_o their_o impenitency_n and_o go_v on_o in_o their_o course_n as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n no_o fear_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o matth._n 24.38_o 39_o as_o in_o the_o day_n that_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o and_o so_o it_o be_v with_o sodom_n luke_n 17.28_o and_o likewise_o also_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o lot_n they_o eat_v they_o drink_v they_o buy_v they_o sell_v they_o plant_v they_o build_v and_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o it_o will_v be_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n even_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v reveal_v so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n which_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n be_v to_o many_o a_o occasion_n of_o great_a hardness_n and_o impenitency_n so_o also_o st._n peter_n foretell_v 2_o pet._n 3.3_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n there_o shall_v come_v scoffer_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o we_o see_v in_o daily_a experience_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n grow_v more_o obstinate_a and_o confirm_v in_o their_o wicked_a way_n upon_o account_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o because_o he_o delay_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whence_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o upon_o what_o pretence_n and_o colour_n of_o reason_n man_n encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o our_o ignorance_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o from_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n from_o the_o temptation_n and_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n one_o of_o who_o great_a art_n it_o be_v to_o make_v man_n question_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o to_o insinuate_v as_o he_o do_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n either_o that_o he_o have_v not_o denounce_v such_o threaten_n or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o execute_v they_o so_o severe_o all_o these_o cause_n do_v concur_v to_o the_o produce_v this_o monstrous_a effect_n but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o inquire_v into_o be_v from_o what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n ground_v upon_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n sinner_n argue_v themselves_o into_o this_o confidence_n and_o presumption_n for_o when_o the_o wise_a man_n say_v that_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o god_n long-suffering_a fill_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n with_o wicked_a design_n and_o resolution_n and_o do_v by_o a_o proper_a and_o direct_a efficacy_n harden_v sinner_n in_o their_o course_n but_o that_o wicked_a man_n upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o do_v take_v occasion_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n they_o draw_v false_a conclusion_n from_o it_o to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o as_o if_o it_o be_v real_o a_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n they_o think_v they_o see_v something_o in_o the_o forbearance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o delay_n of_o punishment_n which_o make_v they_o hope_v for_o impunity_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n notwithstanding_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v what_o those_o false_a conclusion_n be_v which_o wicked_a man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o to_o discover_v the_o sophistry_n and_o fallacy_n of_o they_o and_o i_o shall_v rank_v they_o under_o two_o head_n those_o which_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o 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we_o psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v and_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n now_o the_o argument_n that_o these_o man_n frame_v to_o themselves_o be_v this_o god_n do_v not_o take_v a_o speedy_a course_n with_o sinner_n and_o revenge_v himself_o immediate_o upon_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v he_o will_v show_v himself_o and_o not_o bear_v the_o affront_n of_o sinner_n when_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o vindicate_v himself_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o speedy_a vengeance_n thus_o the_o poet_n represent_v the_o atheist_n argue_v nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la inane_fw-la coelum_fw-la affirmat_fw-la selius_n probatque_fw-la quod_fw-la se_fw-la factum_fw-la dum_fw-la negate_fw-la hoc_fw-la videt_fw-la beatum_fw-la selius_n affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o heaven_n be_v a_o empty_a place_n and_o prove_v it_o because_o whilst_o he_o deny_v god_n he_o see_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a happy_a and_o prosperous_a condition_n and_o here_o it_o be_v worthy_a our_o notice_n at_o what_o a_o contradictious_a rate_n these_o man_n reason_n first_o they_o will_v have_v no_o god_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v just_a and_o punish_v they_o as_o they_o deserve_v and_o then_o in_o another_o mood_n they_o will_v have_v he_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o justice_n and_o severity_n lest_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n as_o if_o no_o other_o notion_n can_v be_v frame_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o of_o a_o â—aâ—h_a fury_n and_o impetuous_a revenge_n and_o a_o impotent_a passion_n which_o when_o it_o be_v offend_v and_o provoke_v can_v contain_v itself_o and_o forbear_v punishment_n for_o a_o moment_n justice_n be_v not_o such_o a_o perfection_n as_o do_v necessary_o exclude_v wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o patience_n it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o bear_v with_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n or_o if_o god_n foresee_v their_o final_a impenitency_n to_o respite_n their_o punishment_n to_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o convenient_a season_n god_n may_v suffer_v long_o and_o yet_o be_v resolve_v if_o sinner_n persist_v in_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o they_o in_o due_a time_n it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a ground_n of_o atheism_n that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o much_o better_a than_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v at_o all_o 2_o dly_z other_o infer_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n that_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o regard_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n for_o though_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v acknowledge_v yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o regard_v what_o be_v
heathen_n give_v to_o their_o supreme_a deity_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la next_o to_o his_o goodness_n they_o place_v his_o greatness_n which_o do_v chief_o appear_v in_o his_o power_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o attribute_v a_o great_a power_n to_o he_o but_o a_o omnipotence_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la deus_fw-la efficere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la say_v tully_n de_fw-fr diu._n now_o their_o natural_a reason_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o this_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n by_o these_o three_o argument_n 1._o from_o those_o two_o great_a instance_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o power_n creation_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o heathen_n do_v general_o acknowledge_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o power_n determine_v by_o goodness_n and_o regulate_v by_o wisdom_n hence_o they_o give_v those_o title_n to_o god_n of_o opifex_fw-la rerum_fw-la and_o rector_n mundi_fw-la i_o say_v general_o i_o except_o aristotle_n who_o suppose_v the_o world_n not_o to_o have_v be_v make_v but_o to_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o epicurus_n with_o his_o follower_n who_o ascribe_v the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o happy_a casualty_n and_o fortunate_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o general_o the_o wise_a do_v look_v upon_o the_o vast_a frame_n of_o nature_n this_o stately_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v of_o it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 2._o because_o all_o other_o perfection_n without_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a and_o ineffectual_a or_o else_o can_v not_o be_v at_o all_o without_o this_o goodness_n will_v be_v a_o empty_a piece_n of_o good_a meaning_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v any_o demonstration_n of_o itself_o knowledge_n will_v be_v a_o idle_a speculation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o contrive_v thing_n without_o power_n to_o effect_v they_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a thing_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justice_n if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v without_o a_o power_n to_o reward_v and_o punish_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faithfulness_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o power_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v no_o providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o govern_v and_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o trust_n no_o reason_n for_o fear_n all_o argument_n from_o hope_n and_o fear_n will_v be_v take_v away_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o good_a nor_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o a_o impotent_a be_v that_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n will_v be_v take_v away_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o law_n there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o right_a to_o command_v but_o power_n to_o back_o those_o command_n the_o grand_a security_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o all_o government_n and_o authority_n be_v power_n james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v none_o can_v be_v a_o lawgiver_n but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o power_n to_o reward_v and_o punish_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o miserable_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v man_n will_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n nor_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o strait_n nec_fw-la in_o hunc_fw-la furorem_fw-la omnes_fw-la mortales_fw-la consensissent_fw-la alloquendi_fw-la surda_fw-la numina_fw-la &_o inefficaces_fw-la deos_fw-la sen._n there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o welfare_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o malicious_a spirit_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o their_o happiness_n ii_o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n in_o produce_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o take_v notice_n of_o those_o which_o in_o general_n ascribe_v power_n and_o may_v and_o strength_n to_o god_n psal_n 24.8_o the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a so_o gird_v with_o power_n the_o mighty_a god_n thou_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o place_n which_o call_v upon_o all_o creature_n to_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n 2._o those_o which_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n job_n 9.4_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o strength_n excellent_a in_o power_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n 3._o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v such_o a_o power_n as_o transcend_v any_o human_a or_o create_a power_n such_o as_o those_o which_o express_v all_o the_o power_n which_o man_n have_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n john_n 19.11_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o and_o those_o which_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o god_n above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n luke_o 18.27_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v eph._n 3.20_o 2_o chron._n 20.6_o job_n 9.4_o according_a to_o his_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o dan._n 4.35_o those_o which_o declare_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o nothing_o difficult_a there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o thou_o jer._n 32.17_o 2_o chron._n 14.11_o 1_o sam._n 14.6_o 4._o those_o which_o ascribe_v all_o power_n to_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o almighty_a alsufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o rev._n 4.8_o 11.15.3.16.7.19.26_o job_n 42.2_o thou_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n matth._n 19.6_o mark_n 10.27_o luke_n 1.37_o i_o have_v dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v upon_o this_o argument_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v all_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n use_v first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n may_v cause_v terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n all_o this_o power_n which_o i_o have_v describe_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o i_o can_v describe_v it_o be_v engage_v against_o sinner_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o all_o that_o forsake_v he_o ezra_n 8.22_o and_o who_o know_v what_o those_o word_n signify_v psal_n 99.11_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n as_o be_v thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n more_o infinite_a than_o our_o fear_n it_o trouble_v we_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o utmost_a that_o may_v happen_v but_o when_o we_o have_v extend_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o utmost_a the_o power_n of_o god_n wrath_n reach_v further_a whenever_o we_o sin_v we_o challenge_v the_o almighty_a and_o dare_v infinite_a power_n to_o do_v its_o worst_a to_o we_o job_n 15.25_o speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a man_n he_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o god_n and_o strengthen_v himself_o against_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v thou_o fear_v if_o not_o he_o who_o can_v make_v thou_o extreme_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o will_v you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o because_o he_o do_v nothing_o against_o thou_o for_o the_o present_a think_v thou_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o nah._n 1.3_o he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n second_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n shall_v check_v the_o pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n of_o men._n what_o have_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v where_o then_o be_v cause_n of_o boast_v who_o may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n shall_v remember_v whence_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o render_v back_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o the_o fountain_n