we_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o worship_n as_o not_o to_o worship_v he_o be_v contempt_n so_o to_o worship_n otherwise_o then_o he_o have_v appoint_v be_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n yea_o it_o be_v a_o bold_a usurpation_n of_o the_o creature_n upon_o the_o creator_n the_o apostle_n call_v it_o will_v worship_v 2._o col._n because_o it_o be_v found_v in_o man_n will_n and_o not_o god_n and_o what_o though_o the_o worship_n god_n have_v institute_v have_v a_o outside_n meanness_n and_o no_o external_a splendour_n in_o it_o to_o affect_v the_o sense_n yet_o we_o be_v to_o perform_v it_o out_o of_o mere_a obedience_n and_o obedience_n have_v a_o comeliness_n and_o beauty_n in_o it_o though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o matter_n and_o in_o such_o matter_n wherein_o we_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n for_o they_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o in_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n and_o naaman_n his_o wash_v seven_o time_n in_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o these_o especial_o be_v man_n obedience_n try_v all_o moral_a duty_n carry_v such_o equity_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o that_o right_a reason_n do_v persuade_v obedience_n to_o they_o but_o these_o that_o be_v duty_n only_o by_o institution_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v though_o mere_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o creator_n will_n and_o that_o god_n may_v have_v this_o obedience_n from_o adam_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a he_o forbid_v he_o to_o eat_v of_o one_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n and_o why_o one_o and_o not_o two_o why_o that_o and_o not_o another_o only_o depend_v upon_o god_n sovereign_a will_n and_o such_o institution_n we_o have_v still_o in_o god_n write_a word_n to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o give_v obedience_n as_o they_o bear_v the_o stamp_n of_o god_n authority_n though_o we_o shall_v see_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o three_o inference_n infer_v iv_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o man_n safe_a and_o happy_a consistence_n be_v in_o god_n he_o be_v man_n creator_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v as_o we_o see_v every_o thing_n in_o nature_n have_v its_o best_a existence_n in_o the_o principle_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o the_o original_a out_o of_o which_o it_o spring_v as_o a_o branch_n have_v its_o best_a existence_n in_o the_o tree_n rivers_n in_o the_o sea_n fire_n in_o its_o element_n earthly_a matter_n in_o the_o earth_n so_o have_v man_n in_o god_n here_o be_v his_o most_o proper_a dwell_n and_o rest_a place_n as_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n have_v its_o home_n and_o centre_n but_o god_n himself_o be_v these_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o hither_o ought_v his_o motion_n tend_v as_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n be_v tend_v thither_o where_o it_o have_v its_o best_a abode_n sin_n have_v separate_v man_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o be_v and_o cut_v of_o his_o communion_n with_o his_o creator_n and_o now_o no_o wonder_n though_o he_o find_v no_o rest_a place_n be_v out_o of_o his_o centre_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v wither_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o its_o life_n though_o it_o be_v true_a man_n natural_a be_v be_v still_o uphold_v by_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n yet_o as_o to_o his_o moral_a wellbeing_a sin_n have_v make_v a_o intercision_n betwixt_o god_n and_o he_o but_o let_v he_o not_o continue_v thus_o but_o as_o the_o child_n that_o be_v carry_v from_o home_n cry_v to_o return_v back_o again_o and_o take_v from_o the_o arm_n of_o its_o parent_n reach_v to_o come_v to_o they_o again_o so_o let_v man_n do_v let_v he_o be_v cry_v after_o god_n to_o return_v to_o he_o as_o his_o true_a home_n and_o the_o great_a parent_n of_o his_o be_v go_v to_o he_o and_o tell_v he_o thou_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o he_o thy_o creator_n if_o thou_o can_v not_o yet_o call_v he_o father_n pray_v he_o to_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o as_o thou_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o receive_v thou_o and_o pardon_v thou_o and_o to_o deliver_v thou_o from_o that_o sin_n which_o be_v none_o of_o god_n work_n yet_o have_v mar_v his_o work_n in_o thou_o and_o lead_v the_o creature_n from_o his_o creator_n though_o itself_o be_v none_o of_o his_o creature_n and_o we_o that_o live_v under_o the_o gospel_n have_v both_o direction_n and_o encouragement_n herein_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v back_o to_o god_n again_o which_o be_v jesus_n christ_n when_o as_o those_o that_o live_v without_o it_o feel_v after_o he_o only_o as_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n 17._o act._n want_v a_o guide_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o he_o it_o also_o do_v give_v great_a encouragement_n to_o man_n by_o declare_v god_n infinite_a readiness_n to_o receive_v his_o return_a creature_n it_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n come_v from_o heaven_n to_o declare_v this_o readiness_n and_o so_o he_o do_v it_o all_o along_o when_o here_o upon_o earth_n especial_o in_o the_o three_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n the_o lose_a drachma_n and_o the_o lose_a son_n 15._o luk._n but_o his_o suffer_a death_n to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o return_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o god_n do_v above_o all_o abundant_o declare_v it_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 1_o pet._n 3._o 18._o christ_n have_v once_o suffer_v for_o sin_n the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a that_o he_o may_v bring_v we_o to_o god_n infer_v v._o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n man_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o glory_n in_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v derive_v his_o be_v his_o self_n from_o god_n have_v thou_o beauty_n strength_n part_n and_o endowment_n of_o mind_n but_o why_o shall_v thou_o glory_n be_v thou_o not_o god_n creature_n have_v thou_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o thou_o have_v receive_v it_o be_v of_o he_o that_o thou_o be_v what_o thou_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n except_o thy_o sin_n and_o will_v thou_o glory_n in_o that_o in_o that_o which_o be_v thy_o shame_n in_o that_o will_v thou_o glory_n which_o have_v strip_v man_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v he_o form_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o clay_n raise_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n clothe_v thou_o with_o skin_n and_o flesh_n breathe_v into_o thou_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n yea_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o abyss_n of_o nothing_o into_o be_v as_o david_n speak_v of_o his_o substance_n and_o member_n form_v by_o god_n when_o once_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o 139._o psal_n 16._o and_o will_v thou_o glory_n in_o thyself_o especial_o will_v thou_o glory_n in_o thyself_o against_o god_n and_o say_v who_o be_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v strength_n wit_n wisdom_n of_o my_o own_o and_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o or_o what_o need_v i_o depend_v upon_o he_o thus_o man_n come_v to_o disow_v his_o creator_n and_o set_v up_o himself_o as_o god_n and_o above_o he_o that_o make_v he_o and_o as_o if_o he_o have_v his_o be_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n say_v with_o the_o prince_n of_o tyrus_n i_o be_o when_o as_o god_n name_n alone_o be_v i_o be_o as_o god_n tell_v moses_n exod._n 3._o 14._o and_o as_o the_o greek_a word_n ei_o be_v write_v upon_o the_o gate_n of_o apollo_n temple_n which_o signify_v thou_o be_v which_o intimate_v what_o notion_n the_o very_a heathen_a have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v be_v itself_o and_o of_o himself_o so_o that_o all_o other_o being_n must_v be_v of_o he_o but_o man_n forget_v this_o and_o think_v he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o lay_v aside_o all_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o exalt_v himself_o into_o his_o room_n and_o as_o man_n be_v once_o nothing_o negative_o till_o god_n give_v he_o be_v and_o make_v he_o something_o so_o he_o will_v soon_o return_v to_o nothing_o again_o privative_o if_o he_o be_v not_o continual_o preserve_v by_o a_o influx_n of_o be_v from_o the_o first_o be_v so_o that_o as_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n speak_v if_o god_n shall_v say_v to_o he_o or_o to_o any_o angel_n in_o heaven_n accipe_fw-la quod_fw-la tuum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o abi_fw-la take_v that_o which_o be_v thy_o one_o and_o be_v go_v they_o must_v depart_v into_o their_o first_o nothing_o what_o have_v man_n then_o leave_v he_o to_o glory_n in_o infer_v vi_o last_o the_o saint_n may_v hence_o draw_v several_a argument_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n by_o and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n therein_o especial_o in_o these_o case_n 1._o to_o make_v provision_n for_o they_o have_v he_o give_v i_o be_v and_o will_v he_o not_o take_v care_n of_o that_o be_v he_o have_v give_v i_o have_v he_o give_v
lion_n seek_v their_o prey_n of_o god_n and_o the_o raven_n cry_v to_o be_v feed_v and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v they_o but_o the_o saint_n cry_v be_v vox_fw-la spiritus_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n wherein_o they_o make_v a_o spiritual_a and_o special_a improvement_n of_o their_o common_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o creator_n in_o all_o the_o case_n formention_v and_o though_o it_o be_v but_o common_a blessing_n they_o sometime_o beg_v and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v supernatural_a infer_v vii_o last_o we_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o destructive_a and_o provoke_a nature_n of_o sin_n it_o provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o creature_n that_o be_v make_v by_o he_o yea_o that_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v peculiar_a workmanship_n upon_o god_n love_v every_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o much_o more_o man_n among_o his_o creature_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o any_o man_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v because_o sin_n have_v get_v into_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o first_o arm_v he_o against_o god_n his_o creator_n and_o thereby_o his_o justice_n come_v to_o be_v arm_v against_o man_n his_o creature_n and_o he_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o liberty_n and_o impunity_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v god_n creature_n as_o many_o ignorant_a people_n have_v no_o high_a hope_n than_o upon_o this_o bottom_n he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o damn_v they_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o provide_v mean_n for_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o if_o man_n refuse_v thus_o to_o walk_v and_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n let_v he_o not_o censure_v his_o maker_n as_o cruel_a to_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o god_n destroy_a man_n as_o man_n dedestroy_v himself_n as_o if_o jeremy_n the_o prophet_n be_v in_o the_o miry_a dungeon_n and_o have_v rope_n and_o old_a rag_n let_v down_o to_o he_o to_o pull_v he_o out_o shall_v yet_o have_v refuse_v to_o put_v they_o under_o his_o arm_n but_o will_v stay_v and_o perish_v there_o jeremy_n have_v thereby_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o death_n or_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a king_n delight_v not_o to_o have_v his_o subject_n put_v to_o death_n but_o by_o wilful_a break_v the_o law_n they_o bring_v it_o upon_o themselves_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n say_v god_n destroy_v his_o creature_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o that_o he_o make_v some_o man_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n he_o decree_v they_o out_o of_o his_o own_o pleasure_n to_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o therefore_o here_o though_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o shall_v vindicate_v my_o text_n from_o a_o corrupt_a interpretation_n which_o though_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n may_v bear_v yet_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v etc._n etc._n even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n as_o if_o to_o make_v man_n inexcusable_a be_v god_n end_n in_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o consequence_n of_o it_o through_o man_n default_n `_o some_o indeed_o have_v think_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n may_v take_v away_o from_o his_o creature_n that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v it_o as_o life_n and_o be_v he_o may_v annihilate_v what_o he_o have_v create_v but_o to_o make_v his_o creature_n eternal_o miserable_a which_o be_v worse_o than_o a_o not-being_n mere_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n this_o can_v consist_v with_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n a_o man_n have_v that_o dominion_n over_o a_o beast_n that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o it_o if_o he_o please_v but_o to_o put_v his_o beast_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o perpetual_a torment_n be_v perfect_a cruelty_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v find_v in_o god_n i_o will_v ascribe_v righteousness_n to_o my_o maker_n say_v elihu_n job_n 36._o 3._o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o perfection_n to_o that_o god_n that_o make_v we_o all_o as_o it_o become_v creature_n to_o their_o creator_n god_n may_v have_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o man_n or_o not_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v this_o to_o he_o to_o give_v he_o be_v much_o less_o to_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n and_o put_v he_o under_o a_o law_n now_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o dispose_v of_o man_n not_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o according_a to_o that_o law_n under_o which_o he_o stand_v and_o if_o man_n not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o ability_n as_o out_o of_o sloth_n or_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o this_o law_n and_o the_o term_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n they_o be_v thereby_o self-destroyer_n as_o god_n charge_v it_o upon_o israel_n of_o old_a o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o and_o as_o one_o well_o speak_v deus_fw-la non_fw-la prius_fw-la est_fw-la ultor_fw-la quam_fw-la homo_fw-la peccator_fw-la god_n be_v not_o a_o revenger_n till_o man_n be_v first_o a_o sinner_n god_n be_v often_o say_v to_o show_v mercy_n for_o his_o names-sake_n but_o be_v never_o say_v to_o plague_n or_o punish_v mere_o for_o his_o names-sake_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v man_n complain_v as_o salvian_n expostulate_v with_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n why_o do_v we_o complain_v that_o our_o punishment_n be_v bitter_a and_o grievous_a vnusquisque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la punit_fw-la every_o man_n do_v punish_v himself_o though_o he_o be_v also_o punish_v of_o god_n god_n do_v it_o judicial_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n but_o man_n do_v it_o meritorious_o as_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n not_o but_o that_o god_n as_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_n may_v give_v more_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o gift_n to_o one_o than_o another_o for_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o where_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o none_o neither_o can_v we_o conclude_v because_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o himself_o therefore_o his_o salvation_n be_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o one_o man_n can_v effect_v of_o himself_o as_o adam_n do_v but_o the_o other_o he_o can_v attain_v without_o god_n as_o the_o sheep_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o go_v astray_o of_o itself_o but_o come_v not_o home_n till_o the_o owner_n find_v it_o out_o and_o bring_v it_o back_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n 15._o luk._n 4_o 5._o man_n be_v able_a to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o original_a righteousness_n but_o it_o be_v only_a god_n can_v restore_v it_o as_o natural_a privation_n in_o the_o body_n be_v easy_o make_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n a_o man_n may_v easy_o destroy_v his_o own_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n to_o restore_v this_o habit_n of_o sight_n according_a to_o the_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n a_o privatione_fw-la ad_fw-la habitum_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la regressus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o return_n in_o nature_n from_o a_o privation_n to_o the_o habit_n again_o and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o spiritual_a privation_n upon_o the_o soul_n man_n have_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v they_o upon_o himself_o but_o he_o can_v of_o himself_o return_v to_o those_o divine_a habit_n that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o so_o that_o in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v god_n will_v have_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n magnify_v as_o be_v save_v by_o himself_o so_o in_o those_o that_o perish_v he_o will_v have_v his_o justice_n magnify_v as_o be_v destroy_v by_o themselves_o man_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o will_n but_o against_o god_n will_n i_o mean_v his_o antecedent_n will_v and_o as_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o else_o man_n perish_v by_o god_n consequent_a will_n have_v reject_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v conclude_v in_o the_o conclusive_a word_n of_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n in_o his_o late_a elaborate_v discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n esq_n edward_n polhil_n esq_n it_o its_o eternal_a decree_n and_o holy_a execution_n god_n will_n of_o man_n conversion_n as_o ordinative_a of_o mean_n be_v accomplish_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o serious_a exhibition_n of_o the_o mean_n
wherein_o he_o will_v be_v glorify_v for_o ever_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v sinner_n shall_v be_v convert_v the_o church_n shall_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o those_o enemy_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o salvation_n whether_o the_o world_n satan_n sin_n death_n or_o grave_a shall_v be_v at_o last_o sure_o overcome_v chap._n viii_o the_o deficiency_n of_o natural_a theology_n compare_v with_o the_o scripture_n evidence_v in_o sundry_a particular_n the_o work_n of_o redemption_n not_o know_v by_o it_o it_o reveal_v not_o the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o god_n by_o christ_n it_o give_v not_o a_o perfect_a account_n of_o sin_n it_o show_v not_o the_o way_n of_o reconciliation_n nor_o of_o satisfaction_n in_o man_n chief_a good_a nor_o of_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n conformity_n to_o god_n not_o attain_v by_o it_o nor_o the_o true_a tranquillity_n under_o humane_a calamity_n one_o inference_n from_o the_o whole_a thus_o have_v consider_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o great_a efficient_a of_o it_o and_o also_o show_v what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n result_v thence_o i_o next_o proceed_v to_o show_v wherein_o this_o knowledge_n be_v deficient_a and_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 1._o in_o general_n the_o mystery_n of_o man_n redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v not_o make_v know_v by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n all_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o my_o text_n be_v know_v concern_v god_n by_o it_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o mystery_n hide_v in_o god_n for_o so_o many_o age_n if_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n have_v declare_v it_o to_o man_n adam_n may_v see_v god_n as_o a_o creator_n but_o not_o as_o a_o redeemer_n in_o these_o work_n of_o nature_n he_o may_v see_v a_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n shine_v forth_o herein_o but_o that_o second_o and_o better_a edition_n of_o these_o attribute_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n he_o can_v not_o see_v for_o though_o god_n make_v the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n as_o i_o show_v before_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o make_v it_o as_o a_o redeemer_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v nothing_o direct_o write_v concern_v christ_n upon_o it_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n paradise_n the_o make_n of_o eve_n out_o of_o adam_n side_n and_o then_o join_v they_o together_o in_o marriage_n yea_o the_o make_v adam_n himself_o and_o the_o dominion_n god_n give_v he_o over_o the_o creature_n and_o constitute_v he_o a_o common_a person_n be_v applicable_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n and_o be_v figurative_o so_o apply_v but_o yet_o it_o can_v well_o be_v imagine_v that_o adam_n can_v read_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n herein_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o world_n redemption_n until_o man_n sin_n and_o fall_v therefore_o after_o the_o fall_n god_n reveal_v it_o to_o adam_n and_o the_o first_o intimation_n of_o it_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n break_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v have_v declare_v so_o much_o as_o this_o and_o the_o far_a discovery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n be_v by_o inspiration_n or_o vision_n or_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n etc._n etc._n god_n need_v not_o have_v send_v forth_o prophet_n and_o christ_n apostle_n to_o have_v preach_v this_o mystery_n to_o the_o world_n if_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n can_v have_v declare_v it_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v say_v psal_n 19_o 1._o of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o firmament_n the_o course_n of_o night_n and_o day_n that_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n their_o line_n be_v go_v forth_o into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o word_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o word_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o apostle_n ministry_n rom._n 10._o but_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o such_o preacher_n as_o the_o apostle_n for_o they_o tell_v the_o world_n of_o a_o knowledge_n which_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o nature_n be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v hide_v in_o god_n and_o in_o former_a age_n not_o make_v know_v to_o man_n no_o nor_o to_o angel_n neither_o that_o can_v read_v what_o be_v write_v in_o nature_n better_o than_o man._n and_o athens_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o it_o when_o the_o apostle_n paul_n come_v thither_o as_o you_o read_v act_n 17._o there_o be_v the_o seminary_n of_o humane_a literature_n there_o he_o meet_v with_o learned_a epicurean_o and_o stoic_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o find_v nothing_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n there_o well_o then_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o a_o way_n of_o holy_a derision_n or_o of_o triumph_n rather_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o where_o be_v socrates_n and_o plato_n where_o be_v xenophon_n and_o aristotle_n where_o be_v seneca_n and_o cato_n where_o be_v demosthenes_n and_o cicero_n how_o be_v all_o their_o wisdom_n baffle_v and_o nonplus_v by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v wherein_o the_o way_n to_o man_n be_v true_a felicity_n which_o they_o so_o anxious_o seek_v after_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v by_o a_o crucify_a christ_n 2._o but_o more_o particular_o if_o you_o speak_v of_o maâ—â—s_n come_v to_o god_n though_o natural_a light_n may_v dictate_v this_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n yet_o come_v to_o god_n by_o the_o mediator_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o this_o light_n here_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o scripture-revelation_n that_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n and_o no_o man_n come_v to_o the_o father_n but_o by_o he_o john_n 14._o and_o there_o be_v one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n 2._o 5._o as_o a_o ladder_n stand_v up_o betwixt_o heaven_n and_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v present_v to_o jacob._n and_o the_o name_n immanuel_n be_v not_o find_v write_v any_o where_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n who_o be_v the_o way_n whereby_o god_n be_v with_o man_n and_o they_o with_o he_o for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o the_o gentile_n address_v themselves_o to_o their_o chief_a god_n by_o their_o daemon_n or_o inferior_a deity_n by_o their_o hero_n man_n of_o renown_n who_o at_o their_o death_n they_o deify_v and_o adopt_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n many_o of_o who_o they_o style_v secundi_fw-la ordinis_fw-la deos_fw-la god_n of_o the_o second_o order_n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n yea_o they_o have_v many_o order_n of_o they_o distinguish_v either_o by_o the_o place_n of_o abode_n they_o assign_v to_o they_o or_o the_o office_n perform_v by_o they_o now_o as_o these_o inferior_a deity_n do_v themselves_o address_v to_o the_o supreme_a so_o by_o they_o as_o mediator_n do_v the_o pagan_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o to_o both_o of_o which_o the_o apostle_n seem_v to_o â—llude_v in_o 1_o cor._n 8._o 5._o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v god_n many_o and_o lord_n many_o and_o in_o opposition_n to_o which_o he_o add_v 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 one_o lord_n jesus_n through_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n but_o this_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o god_n have_v write_v nothing_o of_o this_o in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v instruct_v they_o in_o the_o necessity_n or_o at_o least_o the_o expediency_n of_o go_v to_o god_n by_o some_o mediator_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o invent_v such_o to_o themselves_o yet_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v the_o person_n by_o who_o to_o go_v to_o god_n they_o know_v nothing_o of_o 3._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n reconciliation_n to_o god_n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n declare_v to_o man_n it_o be_v his_o great_a happiness_n to_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v that_o sin_n pardon_v to_o he_o which_o his_o natural_a conscience_n do_v condemn_v he_o for_o yet_o how_o to_o obtain_v this_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n be_v only_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_n make_v use_v of_o sacrifice_n of_o several_a sort_n as_o
bullock_n lamb_n sheep_n goat_n swine_n and_o in_o some_o case_n man_n and_o child_n as_o their_o own_o poet_n virgil_n and_o plautus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o plutarch_n and_o other_o of_o their_o moral_a writer_n affirm_v and_o these_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o appease_v their_o god_n when_o any_o calamity_n fall_v upon_o they_o illius_fw-la arras_n saepe_fw-la tener_n nostris_fw-la ab_fw-la ovilibus_fw-la imbuet_fw-la agnus_n haedum_fw-la neptuno_n taurum_fw-la tibi_fw-la pulcher_fw-la apollo_n virgil._n and_o of_o their_o humane_a sacrifice_n see_v lact._n lib._n 1._o p._n 81_o 82_o 83._o and_o dr._n owen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 307._o they_o offer_v placatory_a sacrifice_n to_o such_o god_n of_o who_o they_o fear_v harm_n and_o propitiatory_a to_o such_o of_o who_o they_o expect_v good_a as_o dr._n jackson_n observe_v but_o these_o they_o use_v not_o with_o any_o respect_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o the_o expiatory_a or_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o give_v they_o their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o what_o they_o design_v as_o the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o they_o borrow_v either_o from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o noah_n convey_v in_o the_o notice_n of_o it_o down_o to_o his_o posterity_n or_o from_o some_o acquaintance_n they_o may_v have_v with_o the_o jewish_a law_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n howsoever_o improve_v by_o they_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v sacrifice_n call_v gratulatory_a offer_v by_o way_n of_o thanksgiving_n that_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a gratitude_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o their_o use_n by_o give_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o whole_a from_o god_n yet_o who_o can_v imagine_v it_o concern_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n that_o ever_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o think_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o a_o bruit_n creature_n as_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o lamb_n or_o a_o goat_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n or_o be_v a_o meet_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a deity_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o indeed_o be_v please_v to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o god_n institution_n and_o not_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o course_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v thereby_o daily_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n do_v declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o be_v someway_n reconcile_v else_o man_n sin_n will_v either_o have_v dissolve_v or_o at_o least_o interrupt_v this_o beneficial_a course_n of_o nature_n yet_o this_o can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a propitiatory_a nor_o to_o the_o way_n of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o by_o these_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v thankful_a but_o by_o these_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v favour_n with_o god_n be_v not_o under_o god_n displeasure_n for_o their_o sin_n see_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n partake_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o the_o beast_n as_o well_o as_o men._n it_o be_v true_a something_o may_v hence_o be_v gather_v of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n but_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bestow_v this_o pardon_v mercy_n they_o can_v not_o know_v by_o any_o natural_a light_n and_o what_o respect_n god_n may_v have_v to_o some_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o best_a improve_v that_o light_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o general_a mercy_n without_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n which_o they_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o attain_v i_o shall_v rather_o leave_v it_o among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n counsel_n than_o make_v determination_n therein_o but_o we_o that_o have_v the_o scripture_n know_v that_o all_o man_n reconciliation_n be_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n too_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n than_o any_o that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o nature_n some_o grosser_n sin_n may_v be_v know_v by_o it_o but_o the_o secret_a obliquity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v not_o detect_v but_o by_o a_o straight_a rule_n than_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o profess_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n except_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o david_n say_v be_v exceed_v broad_a can_v only_o discover_v sin_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o it_o and_o which_o make_v the_o apostle_n say_v by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v first_o brief_o publish_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o afterward_o explain_v and_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n by_o moses_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n that_o they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o sin_n look_v towards_o the_o messiah_n for_o salvation_n who_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v which_o need_v not_o have_v be_v can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v that_o great_a question_n unde_fw-la malum_fw-la discourse_v of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o due_a merit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o punishment_n it_o lead_v to_o as_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v more_o strict_o evangelical_n as_o unbelief_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o discover_v the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o do_v sin_n against_o it_o for_o this_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o spirit_n who_o he_o promise_v to_o send_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o he_o for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v sin_n 4._o if_o we_o speak_v also_o of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o possess_v the_o chief_a good_a here_o also_o scripture-light_n excel_v that_o of_o nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o exercise_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n than_o this_o to_o find_v out_o and_o enjoy_v this_o good_a and_o nothing_o be_v they_o more_o divide_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v this_o chief_a good_a of_o man._n but_o here_o the_o scripture_n again_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o nature_n light_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v but_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n make_v in_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o man_n to_o become_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o there_o we_o find_v this_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la this_o chief_a good_a the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a yea_o all_o man_n be_v as_o merchant_n seek_v this_o godly_a pearl_n but_o they_o find_v it_o not_o until_o they_o be_v by_o scripture-light_n lead_v to_o it_o and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o it_o can_v be_v get_v for_o gold_n neither_o shall_v silver_n be_v weigh_v for_o the_o price_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o find_v in_o silver_n or_o gold_n destruction_n and_o death_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v the_o same_o thereof_o with_o our_o ear_n those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a or_o hell_n may_v have_v hear_v of_o it_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o good_a there_o can_v be_v find_v this_o chief_a good_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v the_o live_n of_o it_o show_v it_o to_o they_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o possess_n of_o it_o 5._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v dictate_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o scripture-revelation_n be_v requisite_a to_o guide_v we_o unto_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v there_o be_v natural_a worship_n found_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o