clear_o and_o certain_o foresee_v all_o future_a event_n even_o those_o which_o be_v most_o contingent_a such_o as_o be_v the_o arbitrary_a action_n of_o free_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n this_o i_o know_v have_v be_v deny_v but_o without_o reason_n since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o god_n shall_v not_o foreknow_v future_a event_n but_o to_o clear_v and_o express_a scripture_n and_o that_o in_o such_o instance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o deny_v god_n foreknowledge_n in_o general_n of_o the_o future_a action_n of_o free_a and_o voluntary_a agent_n i_o mean_v that_o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v god_n determinate_a foreknowledge_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a action_n as_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n who_o be_v say_v according_a to_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n to_o have_v be_v by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v 4._o 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use_n of_o their_o liberty_n but_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o be_v long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n and_o do_v not_o cut_v they_o off_o upon_o the_o first_o provocation_n but_o give_v they_o a_o space_n and_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n and_o use_v all_o proper_a mean_n and_o argument_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o afford_v his_o grace_n to_o excite_v good_a resolution_n in_o they_o and_o to_o second_o and_o assist_v they_o and_o they_o refuse_v and_o resist_v all_o this_o their_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o impenitency_n be_v as_o culpable_a and_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n as_o much_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v as_o if_o god_n do_v not_o foresee_v the_o abuse_n of_o it_o because_o his_o foresight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o will_v do_v lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o they_o to_o do_v what_o they_o do_v if_o a_o prince_n have_v the_o privilege_n of_o foreknowledge_n as_o god_n have_v and_o do_v certain_o foresee_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o his_o subject_n will_v certain_o incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o his_o law_n and_o that_o other_o will_v abuse_v his_o goodness_n and_o clemency_n to_o they_o yet_o if_o he_o will_v govern_v they_o like_o free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o ought_v to_o make_v the_o same_o wise_a law_n to_o restrain_v their_o exorbitancy_n and_o to_o use_v the_o same_o clemency_n in_o all_o case_n that_o do_v fair_o admit_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o foresee_v what_o they_o will_v do_v nor_o how_o they_o will_v abuse_v his_o clemency_n for_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o fit_a to_o make_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a law_n and_o to_o govern_v with_o equity_n and_o clemency_n though_o it_o be_v certain_o foresee_v that_o they_o that_o be_v govern_v will_v act_v very_o foolish_o and_o unreasonable_o in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o liberty_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n in_o god_n to_o give_v man_n the_o mean_n and_o 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willing_o to_o offend_v that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o long-suffering_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n but_o what_o use_n do_v man_n common_o make_v of_o it_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o reason_n themselves_o into_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o impunity_n now_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o because_o punishment_n do_v not_o come_v therefore_o to_o hasten_v it_o and_o to_o draw_v it_o down_o upon_o ourselves_o because_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o overtake_v we_o therefore_o to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v it_o because_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o possibility_n of_o escape_v it_o therefore_o to_o take_v a_o certain_a course_n to_o make_v it_o unavoidable_a because_o there_o be_v yet_o hope_v concern_v we_o therefore_o to_o make_v our_o case_n desperate_a and_o past_a remedy_n see_v how_o unreasonable_o man_n bring_v ruin_n
from_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o feed_v himself_o with_o any_o imaginary_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n such_o as_o vainglorious_a person_n have_v from_o the_o flutter_a applause_n of_o their_o creature_n and_o beneficiaries_n god_n be_v real_o above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v great_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o benefit_n of_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n and_o ignorant_a admiration_n of_o he_o and_o be_v he_o not_o as_o wonderful_o good_a as_o he_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o sully_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n by_o take_v it_o into_o our_o mouth_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o our_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o benefit_n for_o any_o real_a happiness_n and_o glory_n that_o come_v to_o he_o by_o it_o he_o can_v well_o enough_o be_v without_o it_o and_o dispense_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o entertain_v one_o think_v of_o he_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o goodness_n may_v despise_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_o more_o reason_n than_o wise_a man_n do_v the_o applause_n of_o fool_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n make_v all_o creature_n for_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o need_n of_o they_o prov._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n now_o if_o by_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o but_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v not_o move_v he_o thereto_o but_o he_o have_v some_o design_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o 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flow_v from_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o water_n do_v from_o a_o spring_n and_o as_o light_a stream_n from_o the_o sun_n if_o so_o this_o indeed_o will_v have_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o not_o of_o the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o thaâ—_n we_o be_v but_o not_o a_o true_a ground_n oâ—_n thankfulness_n from_o we_o to_o god_n aâ—_n we_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a that_o thâ—_n sunshine_n but_o we_o do_v not_o give_v it_o any_o thanks_o for_o shine_v because_o it_o shineâ—_n without_o any_o intention_n or_o design_n tâ—_n do_v we_o good_a it_o do_v not_o know_v thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o its_o light_n nor_o diâ—_n intend_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o acknowledge_v its_o goodness_n to_o we_o but_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v not_o act_v as_o natural_a and_o material_a cause_n do_v which_o act_n necessary_o and_o ignorant_o whereas_o he_o act_v know_o and_o voluntary_o with_o particular_a intention_n and_o design_n know_v that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o constraint_n upon_o he_o but_o this_o that_o his_o goodness_n incline_v his_o will_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o to_o do_v good_a so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n not_o but_o that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o when_o he_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o will_n and_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o necessity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n and_o praise_n of_o it_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n mistake_v this_o do_v blasphemous_o advance_v their_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n above_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o reason_n thus_o a_o wiseman_n be_v good_a out_o of_o choice_n when_o he_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o god_n out_o of_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v thing_n aright_o they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a for_o a_o power_n to_o be_v evil_a be_v impotency_n and_o weakness_n the_o high_a character_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o which_o velleius_n paterculus_n give_v of_o cato_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o apply_v to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o undue_a commendation_n but_o yet_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o the_o expression_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v spontaneous_a and_o free_a design_v and_o direct_v by_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o second_o particular_a be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o creature_n very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n and_o four_o to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o two_o first_o and_o in_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o i_o propose_v the_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o more_o especial_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o in_o his_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o his_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o speak_v large_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o make_v all_o these_o creature_n so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o his_o goodness_n excite_a and_o set_v a_o work_n his_o power_n to_o make_v
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
letter_n without_o admit_v any_o trope_n or_o figure_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v or_o else_o show_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o other_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o i_o think_v never_o can_v do_v but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o argue_v if_o we_o grant_v in_o one_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v contradiction_n to_o we_o may_v be_v possible_a why_o not_o in_o all_o case_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n of_o distinguish_v between_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o and_o if_o we_o grant_v all_o contradiction_n possible_a then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o exempt_v these_o from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o grant_v that_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n aught_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o i_o to_o be_v possible_a unless_o i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o example_n suppose_v it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o two_o body_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v not_o nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o then_o have_v a_o revelation_n for_o this_o and_o no_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o consequent_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o though_o in_o case_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v no_o contradiction_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o great_a necessity_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o reason_n and_o affront_v the_o faculty_n of_o understade_v which_o god_n have_v endow_v i_o withal_o by_o entertain_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n which_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o without_o necessity_n 2._o but_o if_o this_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o because_o i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n if_o that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o when_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v a_o thing_n i_o may_v be_v bind_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o all_o thing_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o assurance_n and_o of_o all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n will_v be_v take_v away_o the_o ii_o objection_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o make_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o now_o say_v the_o objector_n this_o seem_v as_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o ans_fw-fr to_o we_o indeed_o who_o converse_v with_o material_a thing_n and_o never_o see_v any_o thing_n make_v but_o out_o of_o pre-existent_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v create_v that_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o but_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v strange_a be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o and_o hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o spirit_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n but_o matter_n and_o yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v spirit_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v but_o out_o of_o matter_n and_o yet_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n pre-existent_a can_v be_v make_v of_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o those_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o every_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o must_v assent_v to_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v creation_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o free_a from_o contradiction_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o creation_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o something_o into_o be_v which_o before_o have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o for_o the_o phrase_n of_o make_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o out_o of_o no_o pre-existent_a matter_n do_v mislead_v our_o understanding_n into_o odd_a conceit_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o something_o or_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v what_o be_v material_a 2._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v for_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n be_v however_o they_o come_v to_o be_v 3._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o whether_o matter_n or_o that_o be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n 4._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v always_o for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o 5._o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o thing_n that_o once_o be_v not_o may_v sometime_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v by_o another_o than_o how_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v always_o of_o itself_o for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v something_o before_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v make_v though_o not_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o that_o which_o be_v always_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o or_o out_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v make_v and_o why_o can_v a_o thing_n come_v into_o a_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v as_o well_o as_o a_o thing_n be_v always_o when_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v second_o i_o exempt_v those_o thing_n from_o the_o extent_n of_o omnipotence_n which_o imply_v imperfection_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n both_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n for_o these_o also_o destroy_v power_n because_o they_o be_v not_o argument_n of_o power_n but_o of_o impotence_n natural_a imperfection_n as_o to_o die_v to_o be_v sick_a to_o be_v in_o want_n to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v to_o forget_v etc._n etc._n moral_a imperfection_n those_o which_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n and_o vice_n or_o to_o compel_v any_o to_o sin_n which_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n as_o to_o be_v cruel_a which_o contradict_v his_o truth_n as_o to_o lie_v to_o deceive_v to_o break_v his_o promise_n to_o deny_v himself_o tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o jam._n 1.13_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contrary_n to_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o change_v his_o decree_n to_o repent_v contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n as_o for_o ever_o to_o spare_v and_o to_o pardon_v obstinate_a sinner_n eternal_o to_o punish_v innocent_a and_o good_a man_n for_o these_o be_v moral_a imperfection_n and_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o distinction_n between_o god_n absolute_a and_o ordinate_a power_n that_o be_v that_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n of_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o yet_o upon_o supposition_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o promise_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n he_o can_v do_v be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a unless_o man_n mean_v by_o it_o only_o this_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o argue_v a_o imperfection_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v most_o true_a but_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o and_o equal_o impossible_a to_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a title_n which_o the_o
great_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o the_o suppose_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a matter_n or_o body_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o another_o kind_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n so_o that_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n who_o do_v more_o than_o once_o express_o affirm_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o position_n be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o i_o doubt_v he_o do_v see_v it_o and_o be_v content_a with_o the_o consequence_n and_o willing_a the_o world_n shall_v entertain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o by_o suppose_v the_o divine_a essence_n to_o consist_v of_o matter_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v take_v away_o and_o it_o be_v also_o so_o utter_o unimaginable_a how_o mere_a matter_n shall_v understand_v and_o be_v endow_v with_o liberty_n and_o consequent_o with_o goodness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o vehement_o suspect_v the_o man_n who_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v a_o spirit_n either_o to_o have_v a_o gross_a and_o faulty_a understanding_n or_o a_o very_a ill_a will_n against_o god_n and_o a_o evil_a design_n to_o root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o come_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o objection_n 1_o obj._n why_o then_o be_v god_n represent_v to_o we_o so_o often_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o man_n body_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o all_o these_o description_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o make_v to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n 2_o obj._n how_o be_v it_o say_v that_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o the_o image_n of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o likeness_n nor_o resemblance_n ans_fw-fr man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a shape_n and_o feature_n of_o his_o body_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n or_o of_o his_o faculty_n as_o understanding_n and_o will_n or_o which_o the_o text_n seem_v most_o to_o favour_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o the_o two_o former_a respect_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n now_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v peculiar_o of_o man_n gen._n 1.26_o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o own_o image_n after_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o let_v they_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n etc._n etc._n iv_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n or_o corollary_n from_o hence_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v partly_o speculative_a partly_o practical_a first_o speculative_a inference_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a the_o proper_a object_n of_o sight_n be_v colour_n and_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o various_a disposition_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o cause_n several_a reflection_n of_o light_n now_o a_o spirit_n have_v no_o part_n nor_o matter_n and_o therefore_o be_v invisible_a 1_o tim._n 1.17_o unto_o the_o eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n heb._n 11.27_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o see_v he_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a by_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v when_o moses_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n and_o jacob_n to_o have_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n exod._n 2.9_o gen._n 32.30_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o angel_n cover_v with_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o compare_v these_o with_o other_o text_n when_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v familiar_o and_o so_o micaiah_n 1_o king_n 22.19_o be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o all_o israel_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o this_o be_v in_o a_o vision_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n that_o be_v have_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n as_o to_o see_v good_a day_n be_v to_o enjoy_v they_o those_o text_n where_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n and_o live_v exod._n 33.20_o and_o john_n 1.18_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n do_v not_o intimate_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a though_o we_o can_v see_v he_o but_o see_v be_v metaphorical_o use_v for_o know_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o understanding_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o create_v desire_n in_o we_o too_o great_a for_o frail_a mortality_n to_o bear_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v often_o put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v immortal_a this_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o king_n immortal_a invisible_a 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n this_o also_o flow_v from_o god_n spirituality_n a_o spiritual_a nature_n have_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o perish_v or_o decay_n or_o die_v now_o this_o do_v so_o eminent_o agree_v to_o god_n either_o because_o he_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o possible_o no_o creature_n be_v or_o else_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o immortal_a in_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o by_o any_o other_o because_o he_o have_v a_o original_a and_o independent_a immortality_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v attribute_v it_o to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n second_o practical_a inference_n 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o have_v a_o body_n or_o any_o corporeal_a shape_n or_o member_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a conceit_n of_o the_o anthropomorphites_n of_o old_a and_o of_o some_o socinian_o of_o late_a which_o they_o ground_n upon_o the_o gross_a and_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o many_o figurative_a speech_n in_o scripture_n concern_v god_n as_o where_o it_o speak_v of_o his_o face_n and_o hand_n and_o arm_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n if_o we_o abuse_v this_o condescension_n to_o the_o blemish_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o stoop_v to_o our_o weakness_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o level_v he_o to_o our_o infirmity_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o any_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o liken_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a we_o be_v not_o to_o represent_v he_o by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o that_o be_v of_o any_o bird_n or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o that_o be_v of_o any_o beast_n or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v of_o any_o fish_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o can_v liken_v god_n to_o isa_n 40_o 18._o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v god_n or_o what_o likeness_n will_v you_o compare_v to_o he_o we_o debase_v his_o spiritual_a and_o incorruptible_a nature_n when_o we_o compare_v he_o to_o corruptible_a creature_n rom._n 1.22_o 23._o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n who_o profess_v themselves_o wise_a become_v fool_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o to_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n they_o become_v fool_n this_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o idolatry_n to_o liken_v a_o spirit_n which_o have_v no_o bodily_a shape_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a so_o that_o however_o some_o be_v please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o worship_v god_n by_o or_o towards_o some_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o without_o very_o just_a cause_n challenge_v the_o romish_a
thing_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n first_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v the_o term_n second_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n three_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n i._o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n signify_v 1._o negative_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o any_o other_o or_o do_v depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o eternal_o of_o himself_o 2._o positive_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o himself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o create_a being_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v or_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n of_o saint_n john_n joh._n 1.3_o which_o i_o know_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v so_o that_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v by_o he_o ii_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n refer_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o design_n and_o aim_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v be_v the_o illustration_n of_o god_n glory_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o perfection_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v brief_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n attempt_v it_o these_o two_o way_n i._o by_o natural_a light_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v be_v for_o a_o be_v to_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o before_o all_o other_o being_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o he_o and_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_n end_n for_o every_o wise_a agent_n act_n with_o design_n and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n now_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o attain_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o now_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v already_o and_o the_o best_a next_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v god_n glory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o which_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v refer_v and_o that_o these_o title_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o discover_v but_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o aristotle_n give_v to_o god_n those_o title_n of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o first_o mover_n and_o his_o master_n plato_n call_v god_n the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o maker_n and_o architect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n porphyry_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o from_o whence_o he_o reason_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n move_v towards_o god_n that_o all_o motion_n centre_n in_o he_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a for_o thing_n to_o refer_v to_o their_o original_a and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o antoninus_n the_o emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v of_o nature_n which_o with_o the_o stoic_n signify_v god_n have_v these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o very_a like_o these_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n ii_o from_o scripture_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 41.4_o who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o call_v the_o generation_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o the_o lord_n the_o first_o and_o with_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v nothing_o form_v of_o god_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o isa_n 44.6_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 48.12_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o first_o i_o also_o be_o the_o last_o my_o hand_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o right_a hand_n have_v spread_v the_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 1.8_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o act_n 17.24_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o v._o 25._o he_o give_v to_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n v._o 28._o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v v._o 29._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v v._o 10._o and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o eph._n 3.9_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.16_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v heb._n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o v._o 3._o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n three_o and_o last_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n use_v first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v all_o creature_n and_o do_v since_o preserve_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o concernment_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o from_o hence_o let_v we_o learn_v 1._o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o our_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o enjoy_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n because_o we_o have_v not_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v free_o and_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n communicate_v being_n to_o we_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o what_o his_o own_o goodness_n lay_v upon_o he_o rev._n 4.11_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v we_o can_v not_o before_o we_o be_v deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o or_o move_v he_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o importune_v he_o by_o entreaty_n to_o make_v we_o but_o he_o free_o give_v we_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_o
and_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o he_o and_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o call_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o the_o future_a hope_n for_o when_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o he_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o wilful_a mascarriage_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o design_v we_o for_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o we_o but_o he_o have_v also_o purchase_v these_o blessing_n for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n price_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o have_v save_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v just_o astonish_v we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v awaken_v ourselves_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n call_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o work_n psal_n 103.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n who_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v he_o that_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o crow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_a hindness_n that_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o and_o must_v confer_v and_o bestow_v this_o upon_o we_o therefore_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o shall_v bless_v his_o holy_a name_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v order_v all_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o our_o concernment_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n to_o all_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v upon_o we_o as_o be_v dispose_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a agent_n and_o to_o look_v no_o high_o than_o second_a cause_n not_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v direct_o subordinate_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o free_a creature_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n wise_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o beside_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o methinks_v this_o be_v one_o particular_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n that_o the_o constant_a phrase_n of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n be_v to_o attribute_v all_o event_n except_v sin_n only_o to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o read_v it_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o frequent_a and_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o what_o in_o other_o writer_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o and_o that_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o enemy_n bring_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o argue_v themselves_o into_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n in_o every_o condition_n so_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 3.18_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o job_n he_o do_v not_o so_o consider_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n who_o have_v carry_v away_o his_o ox_n and_o his_o camel_n and_o slay_v his_o servant_n nor_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o house_n and_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n but_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n the_o great_a governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o these_o event_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n psal_n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n but_o look_n to_o a_o high_a hand_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n give_v i_o to_o drink_v shall_v not_o i_o drink_v it_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v from_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o eye_n the_o first_o cause_n the_o good_a and_o wise_a governor_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o cross_n and_o unwelcome_a accident_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o one_o fling_v water_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o pass_v in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o he_o be_v wet_a by_o rain_n from_o heaven_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o evil_n as_o come_v only_o from_o man_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o under_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o will_v still_o all_o the_o murmur_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o seditious_a multitude_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o venerable_a person_n will_v hush_v the_o noise_n and_o quell_v the_o tumult_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o represent_v god_n as_o present_v to_o all_o action_n and_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n this_o will_v still_o and_o appease_v our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o riot_n and_o mutiny_n against_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n use_v the_o second_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o let_v we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v most_o reasonable_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o herein_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n do_v excel_v all_o other_o book_n that_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o mind_v we_o of_o this_o end_n and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o our_o ultimate_a aim_n and_o design_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n mat._n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o school_n be_v love_v god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o power_n that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o he_o we_o do_v all_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o question_n or_o two_o which_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o first_o whether_o a_o actual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v every_o action_n that_o we_o do_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v most_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v all_o