keep_v nothing_o close_o from_o god_n for_o he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o intimate_v to_o our_o thought_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o principle_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o man_n do_v natural_o reason_n themselves_o into_o it_o 2._o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o man_n be_v likewise_o a_o secret_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o a_o man_n natural_a action_n and_o such_o as_o happen_v upon_o surprise_n and_o without_o deliberation_n be_v a_o better_a argument_n of_o the_o intimate_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v more_o true_o discover_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o what_o notion_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o than_o our_o contrive_a and_o deliberate_a discourse_n if_o i_o see_v a_o man_n upon_o the_o sudden_a sight_n of_o a_o serpent_n recoil_v and_o start_v back_o though_o he_o tell_v i_o never_o so_o often_o that_o he_o be_v not_o afraid_a yet_o i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a because_o i_o see_v in_o his_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o fear_n and_o danger_n so_o if_o man_n find_v that_o upon_o the_o design_v of_o a_o secret_a wickedness_n which_o never_o go_v further_a than_o their_o own_o heart_n their_o conscience_n do_v sting_n and_o lash_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o feel_v inward_a fright_v and_o horror_n whatever_o they_o may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o invisible_a eye_n that_o see_v they_o and_o disallow_n their_o wicked_a design_n if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o heathen_a poet_n say_v that_o scelus_fw-la intra_fw-la se_fw-la tacitum_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitat_fw-la ullum_fw-la facti_fw-la crimen_fw-la habet_fw-la he_o that_o meditate_v any_o secret_a wickedness_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o the_o man_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o something_o beside_o himself_o and_o be_v jealous_a that_o there_o be_v one_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o what_o he_o think_v 2._o that_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o god_n this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n who_o can_v know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a title_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o knower_n of_o the_o heart_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n man_n may_v make_v a_o probable_a conjecture_n at_o the_o thought_n and_o design_n of_o other_o from_o their_o word_n and_o action_n but_o god_n only_o know_v they_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o purpose_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o they_o can_v see_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o another_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o privilege_a place_n and_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o the_o limit_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o action_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o superficial_a and_o glide_v upon_o the_o outside_n and_o surface_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n pierce_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o every_o thing_n now_o the_o dark_a place_n the_o most_o inward_a retirement_n the_o private_a closet_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o this_o god_n only_o be_v privy_a to_o deus_fw-la author_n omnium_fw-la &_o speculator_n omnium_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la nihil_fw-la secretum_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la tenebris_fw-la interest_n interest_n &_o cogitationibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la quasi_fw-la alteris_fw-la tenebris_fw-la say_v min._n foelix_n god_n make_v all_o thing_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v secret_a from_o he_o he_o be_v present_a in_o darkness_n and_o he_o be_v present_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o and_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o devil_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o job_n heart_n better_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v of_o his_o integrity_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v but_o sound_o try_v by_o affliction_n he_o will_v renounce_v god_n and_o curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n but_o the_o event_n prove_v how_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a this_o suggestion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o passage_n of_o some_o divine_n concern_v the_o devil_n immediate_a access_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o his_o power_n to_o cast_v in_o wicked_a thought_n into_o they_o which_o seem_v by_o consequence_n to_o grant_v he_o some_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v imprint_v thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n he_o may_v see_v those_o that_o be_v imprint_v there_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a sagacious_a spirit_n and_o can_v make_v very_o shrewd_a conjecture_n at_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o probable_a work_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o a_o general_a knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o from_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o our_o action_n in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o from_o our_o prayer_n and_o confession_n to_o god_n if_o he_o permit_v he_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v so_o near_o good_a man_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o heart_n all_o this_o be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o such_o as_o man_n may_v make_v of_o one_o another_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n but_o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o cast_v in_o blasphemous_a and_o despair_a thought_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o this_o i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o case_n which_o may_v not_o more_o probable_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o wickedness_n and_o infidelity_n of_o man_n heart_n or_o into_o the_o darkness_n and_o melancholy_n of_o our_o temper_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v and_o suggest_v strange_a thought_n to_o man_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v no_o rise_v from_o ourselves_o not_o consider_v what_o a_o odd_a and_o strange_a influence_n the_o disorder_n of_o our_o bodily_a humour_n may_v have_v upon_o our_o mind_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a fever_n and_o several_a other_o disease_n and_o melancholy_a though_o the_o work_n of_o it_o be_v more_o still_a and_o quiet_a be_v as_o true_o a_o disease_n as_o any_o other_o so_o that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o ascribe_v as_o much_o of_o these_o to_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n as_o may_v be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o immediate_a power_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 2._o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o by_o any_o mean_n it_o can_v be_v grant_v without_o prejudice_n to_o this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o give_v he_o of_o be_v the_o only_a knower_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v have_v so_o immediate_a a_o access_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o to_o put_v wicked_a thought_n into_o they_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o chron._n 21.1_o that_o satan_n provoke_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n and_o luke_n 22.3_o that_o the_o devil_n enter_v into_o judas_n and_o act_n 5.3_o that_o satan_n have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o eph._n 2.2_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o spirit_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i_o say_v i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o expression_n do_v amount_v to_o such_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o put_v wicked_a thought_n into_o man_n mind_n but_o they_o only_o signify_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o some_o sin_n than_o other_o and_o that_o a_o heart_n wicked_o bend_v and_o incline_v give_v he_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o tempt_v man_n more_o powerful_o by_o present_v the_o occasion_n of_o
his_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o 2_o lie_n that_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n 1_o sy_n god_n perfect_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o where_o by_o heart_n and_o reins_o which_o be_v the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o lie_v least_o open_a to_o discovery_n be_v signify_v the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n these_o god_n be_v say_v to_o search_v and_o try_v not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n to_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o penetrate_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o dive_v into_o their_o thought_n but_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o when_o man_n will_v know_v a_o thing_n exact_o they_o search_v into_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o examine_v every_o thing_n narrow_o so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o thorough_o as_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o strict_a search_n and_o most_o diligent_a examination_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n he_o be_v say_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n prov._n 16.2_o all_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v clean_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n weigh_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o have_v as_o perfect_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_a motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o man_n have_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o weigh_v in_o a_o balance_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n now_o that_o god_n have_v this_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o for_o thou_o even_o thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n how_o close_o and_o reserve_v soever_o man_n may_v be_v what_o disguise_n soever_o they_o may_v use_v to_o hide_v their_o purpose_n from_o man_n yet_o god_n see_v they_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o dark_a and_o secret_a be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n psal_n 44.21_o he_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n prov._n 15.11_o hell_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o he_o how_o much_o more_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whatever_o pretence_n man_n may_v make_v god_n see_v through_o they_o and_o discover_v the_o very_a intention_n of_o their_o heart_n psal_n 7.9_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o heb._n 4.13_o it_o be_v say_v there_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n nay_o he_o know_v our_o thought_n at_o a_o distance_n what_o they_o will_v be_v before_o they_o actual_o be_v psal_n 139.2_o thou_o know_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o privy_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v if_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v they_o but_o no_o man_n know_v what_o he_o shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n but_o this_o god_n know_v for_o he_o know_v we_o more_o intimate_o and_o thorough_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o so_o plain_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n implant_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v with_o we_o as_o be_v part_n of_o that_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o it_o 1_o st_z the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n mind_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n be_v endow_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o among_o his_o other_o perfection_n that_o he_o excel_v in_o knowledge_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o object_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o object_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o low_a world_n nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o have_v natural_o this_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o immense_a be_v every_o where_o present_a that_o he_o intimate_o penetrate_v all_o place_n and_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o spirit_n and_o see_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o discern_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secrecy_n and_o retirement_n from_o a_o eye_n that_o be_v every_o where_o and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o pierce_v into_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v only_o the_o advantage_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v firm_o possess_v with_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o collect_v from_o the_o frequent_a say_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a that_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o this_o sense_n tully_n speak_v cultus_fw-la autem_fw-la deorum_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la idemque_fw-la castissimus_fw-la atque_fw-la sanctissimus_fw-la plenissimusque_fw-la pietatis_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la semper_fw-la purâ_fw-la integrâ_fw-la atque_fw-la incorruptâ_fw-la ment_fw-la &_o voce_fw-la veneremur_fw-la the_o best_a and_o holy_a worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v to_o worship_v they_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o upright_a and_o sincere_a mind_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o know_v say_v of_o the_o poet_n compositum_fw-la jus_o fasque_fw-la animi_fw-la sanctosque_fw-la recessus_fw-la mentis_fw-la &_o incoctum_fw-la gentroso_fw-la pectus_fw-la honesto_fw-la haec_fw-la cedo_fw-la ut_fw-la admoveam_fw-la templis_fw-la &_o far_o litabo_fw-la do_v but_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o mind_n inward_o resolve_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a and_o the_o plain_a sacrifice_n will_v please_v he_o now_o from_o hence_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o a_o honest_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o their_o god_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o this_o way_n to_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n but_o we_o need_v not_o argue_v this_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v many_o express_a passage_n in_o their_o write_n which_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n thales_n one_o of_o their_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v ask_v if_o a_o unjust_a man_n can_v conceal_v himself_o from_o god_n he_o answer_v he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o hide_v from_o he_o the_o very_a thought_n and_o design_n of_o it_o socrates_n as_o xenophon_n tell_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o inculcate_v this_o principle_n upon_o his_o scholar_n that_o the_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n what_o we_o say_v and_o what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o think_v in_o silence_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n arrian_n in_o his_o dissertation_n upon_o epictetus_n lay_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o hide_v from_o he_o not_o only_o what_o we_o do_v but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o what_o we_o think_v and_o design_n so_o likewise_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n of_o law_n let_v every_o man_n be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o the_o god_n see_v what_o every_o man_n be_v and_o with_o what_o mind_n and_o devotion_n they_o serve_v they_o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o testimony_n more_o and_o that_o be_v of_o seneca_n in_o his_o epistle_n nihil_fw-la deo_fw-la clausum_fw-la est_fw-la interest_n animus_fw-la nostris_fw-la &_o cogitationibus_fw-la mediis_fw-la intervenit_fw-la we_o can_v
suck_v wicked_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture-phrase_n as_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a motion_n to_o god_n spirit_n so_o all_o evil_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o because_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o they_o and_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o promote_v they_o 3._o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v as_o many_o have_v do_v a_o immediate_a power_n to_o the_o devil_n over_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o work_n of_o they_o though_o not_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n mind_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o grant_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o key_n to_o that_o closet_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a nice_a distinction_n which_o be_v here_o make_v between_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o image_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o if_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v but_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o shall_v unaware_o entrench_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o these_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n between_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n i_o think_v it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n in_o that_o latitude_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n heart_n for_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o roundly_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v total_o exempt_a from_o the_o immediate_a cognizance_n of_o any_o other_o spirit_n but_o god_n alone_a and_o that_o neither_o angel_n nor_o devil_n have_v any_o further_a knowledge_n of_o they_o than_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o infer_v in_o a_o way_n of_o probable_a conjecture_n from_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o habit_n and_o design_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o particular_a god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n this_o god_n propose_v as_o the_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o true_a god_n from_o idol_n isaiah_n 41.21_o etc._n etc._n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o king_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v let_v they_o bring_v some_o argument_n that_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o foretell_v future_a evant_n v_o 22._o let_v they_o show_v the_o former_a thing_n what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v they_o and_o know_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o or_o declare_v we_o thing_n for_o to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v go_n god_n put_v it_o upon_o this_o issue_n if_o they_o can_v foretell_v future_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v god_n if_o not_o they_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o work_n of_o naught_o and_o he_o be_v a_o abomination_n that_o choose_v they_o v_o 24._o by_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o understand_v such_o effect_n as_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o necessary_a cause_n but_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o so_o may_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o to_o know_v future_a event_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n know_v future_a event_n 2._o that_o he_o only_o know_v they_o 1._o god_n know_v future_a event_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v the_o best_a part_n of_o wisdom_n and_o unless_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o god_n how_o can_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n the_o heathen_n except_o only_o the_o epicurean_o general_o grant_v this_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o wise_a counsel_n which_o we_o frequent_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v anxious_a for_o the_o future_a but_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n leave_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v they_o and_o dispose_v they_o permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la juv._n and_o afterward_o say_v he_o we_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n for_o wife_n and_o child_n at_o illis_fw-la notum_fw-la qui_fw-la pveri_fw-la qualisque_fw-la futura_fw-la sit_fw-la uxor_fw-la and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o opinion_n appear_v yet_o more_o clear_o from_o those_o apprehension_n which_o they_o have_v of_o divination_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n deos_fw-la posse_fw-la nobis_fw-la signa_fw-la futurarum_fw-la reum_fw-la ostendere_fw-la de_fw-la legibus_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr divin_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o divination_n for_o it_o be_v a_o old_a opinion_n jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eaque_fw-la pop._n rom._n &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la and_o afterward_o that_o this_o divination_n be_v not_o sine_fw-la instinctu_fw-la afflatúque_fw-la divino_fw-la i_o know_v they_o do_v various_o explain_v this_o according_a to_o their_o several_a opinion_n about_o fate_n and_o contingency_n and_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n one_o sect_n of_o they_o the_o stoic_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fatal_a chain_n of_o cause_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o thing_n do_v necessary_o follow_v one_o another_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o make_v foreknowledge_n easy_a and_o explicable_a and_o though_o in_o their_o dispute_n they_o seem_v to_o grant_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o event_n and_o contingency_n yet_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v event_n though_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o so_o be_v fore-known_a to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o cite_v one_o testimony_n of_o seneca_n speak_v of_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o most_o contingent_a thing_n the_o disposition_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v he_o add_v nota_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la illis_fw-la operis_fw-la svi_fw-la series_n omniúmque_fw-la illis_fw-la rerum_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la iturarum_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o aperto_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la ex_fw-la abdito_fw-la subit_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la repentina_fw-la putamus_fw-la illis_fw-la provisa_fw-la veniunt_fw-la &_o familiaria_fw-la and_o how_o peremptory_a soever_o this_o sect_n be_v in_o their_o dispute_n about_o fate_n yet_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o general_o in_o their_o moral_a discourse_n they_o seem_v plain_o to_o i_o to_o exempt_v the_o will_n of_o man_n from_o this_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o those_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v fate_n do_v general_o grant_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o contingent_a thing_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o they_o do_v rather_o make_v god_n foreknowledge_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o voluntary_a than_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n that_o be_v that_o god_n when_o he_o please_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o can_v foreknow_a all_o future_a event_n but_o their_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o neither_o his_o foreknowledge_n but_o tully_n seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o very_a perfect_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n quis_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la omne_fw-la providentem_fw-la cogitantem_fw-la animadvertentem_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinere_fw-la putantem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotij_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la but_o i_o can_v say_v he_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o grant_v to_o he_o this_o perfection_n of_o know_v all_o future_a thing_n if_o he_o please_v to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o have_v they_o not_o in_o this_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o weariness_n to_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o be_v always_o in_o act_n to_o know_v the_o least_o thing_n how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v 2._o from_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o testimony_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 1._o testimony_n isa_n 48.3_o etc._n etc._n act_v 15.18_o know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o everlasting_a which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o compare_v with_o the_o forecited_a
therefore_o the_o best_a way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v appear_v but_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n who_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o to_o who_o all_o our_o disguise_n be_v transparent_a and_o all_o our_o little_a art_n of_o concealment_n signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o hide_v our_o iniquity_n in_o our_o bosom_n with_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n convince_v the_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n luke_n 16.15_o you_o be_v they_o that_o justify_v yourselves_o before_o man_n but_o god_n know_v your_o heart_n 2._o if_o god_n know_v your_o heart_n then_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v your_o heart_n to_o he_o charge_v yourselves_o with_o inward_a purity_n and_o holiness_n because_o of_o the_o pure_a eye_n which_o behold_v the_o most_o intimate_a and_o secret_a motion_n of_o your_o soul_n therefore_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n how_o long_o shall_v vain_a thought_n lodge_v within_o you_o fear_v and_o shame_n from_o man_n lay_v a_o great_a restraint_n upon_o our_o outward_a action_n but_o how_o licentious_a be_v we_o many_o time_n in_o our_o heart_n what_o a_o strange_a freedom_n do_v we_o take_v within_o our_o own_o breast_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o secret_a atheism_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o wicked_a thought_n and_o imagination_n which_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o man_n he_o will_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o he_o reverence_v man_n more_o than_o god_n that_o he_o either_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n or_o despise_v he_o therefore_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n because_o they_o be_v peculiarly_a under_o god_n inspection_n and_o when_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o your_o thought_n because_o no_o eye_n see_v you_o ask_v yourselves_o do_v not_o he_o that_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n do_v he_o not_o know_v it_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prov._n 24.12_o and_o whatever_o you_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v it_o hearty_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n indeed_o if_o we_o do_v only_a worship_n god_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n a_o external_a worship_n will_v be_v sufficient_a but_o religion_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o see_v our_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o thes_n 2.4_o not_o as_o please_a man_n but_o god_n who_o try_v our_o heart_n david_n use_v this_o argument_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n whatever_o liberty_n we_o may_v take_v to_o ourselves_o now_o and_o how_o careless_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n yet_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o who_o now_o see_v our_o heart_n will_v one_o day_n judge_v we_o according_a to_o they_o jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o try_v the_o reins_o even_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o day_n come_v wherein_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 4.13_o rev._n 2.23_o 3._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o we_o in_o many_o case_n in_o our_o secret_a trouble_n psal_n 142.3_o when_o my_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v within_o i_o than_o thou_o know_v my_o path_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o man_n which_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v yet_o god_n know_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n act_n 1.24_o when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v who_o to_o choose_v for_o a_o apostle_n they_o refer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o they_o pray_v and_o say_v thou_o lord_n which_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o show_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o thou_o have_v choose_v but_o especial_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o suffer_v by_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n when_o the_o world_n charge_v we_o with_o crime_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o falseness_n and_o insincerity_n then_o to_o be_v able_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o our_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n o_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o trye_v the_o righteous_a and_o see_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n unto_o thou_o have_v i_o open_v my_o cause_n ch._n 20.12_o and_o with_o st._n peter_n god_n which_o know_v the_o heart_n bear_v they_o witness_v act_v 15.8_o 4._o this_o render_v all_o the_o deep_a and_o profound_a policy_n of_o wicked_a man_n a_o vain_a thing_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n psal_n 94.11_o they_o be_v vanity_n because_o he_o know_v they_o and_o can_v defeat_v they_o he_o can_v bring_v their_o counsel_n to_o nought_o and_o make_v their_o device_n of_o none_o effect_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o see_v those_o cobweb_n which_o they_o be_v spine_v and_o can_v blow_v they_o away_o with_o a_o breath_n he_o can_v snare_v they_o in_o their_o own_o policy_n and_o turn_v their_o counsel_n into_o foolishness_n thou_o that_o put_v a_o mask_n upon_o a_o wicked_a design_n and_o hide_v the_o malice_n and_o revenge_n of_o thy_o heart_n under_o a_o dissemble_a countenance_n god_n see_v thy_o design_n and_o have_v a_o thousand_o way_n to_o prevent_v it_o when_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n think_v they_o have_v lay_v their_o design_n sure_a with_o all_o imaginable_a caution_n and_o that_o their_o counsel_n can_v miscarry_v be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o humane_a discovery_n or_o prevention_n for_o all_o this_o their_o counsel_n may_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o though_o they_o have_v resolve_v it_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o stand_v he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n laugh_v at_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v they_o in_o derision_n as_o wise_a as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o oversight_n that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v god_n into_o consideration_n by_o who_o they_o be_v surprise_v and_o discover_v he_o that_o see_v their_o design_n can_v blast_v it_o in_o a_o moment_n he_o can_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o thy_o breath_n shall_v go_v forth_o and_o thou_o shall_v return_v to_o thy_o dust_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n thy_o thought_n perish_v psal_n 146.4_o 5._o if_o god_n only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n then_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v another_o heart_n this_o condemn_v the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v man_n heart_n which_o be_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o their_o cognizance_n what_o st._n james_n say_v ch_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o be_v proportionable_o true_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n who_o be_v thou_o then_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n heart_n who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o thou_o to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o thy_o brother_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o heart_n to_o pronounce_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o damn_a wretch_n be_v thou_o a_o man_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o will_v thou_o assume_v to_o thyself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n man_n can_v only_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o god_n see_v the_o heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o palpable_o discover_v the_o un-christian_n spirit_n of_o that_o new_a sect_n which_o be_v of_o late_o rise_v up_o among_o we_o than_o their_o take_n upon_o they_o to_o judge_v man_n heart_n and_o as_o confident_o to_o censure_v every_o man_n they_o meet_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o window_n into_o his_o breast_n but_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o guilty_a of_o this_o those_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o call_v man_n hypocrite_n they_o invade_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n we_o may_v pronounce_v a_o action_n wicked_a if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n or_o a_o man_n wicked_a as_o to_o his_o present_a state_n if_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v wicked_a for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o this_o we_o
they_o do_v but_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o behave_v themselves_o there_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n and_o at_o certain_a season_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o real_a goodness_n by_o a_o inward_a conformity_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o mortify_v their_o lust_n and_o subdue_a their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n by_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o kindness_n by_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a righteous_a and_o just_a patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v so_o and_o by_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o provocation_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o by_o purify_n themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v as_o covetous_a and_o earthly_a mind_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o covetousness_n will_v strain_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o justice_n and_o hardly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n in_o their_o whole_a life_n but_o what_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o mere_a importunity_n or_o some_o such_o urgent_a necessity_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o reputation_n that_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v it_o when_o their_o passion_n be_v as_o fierce_a and_o ungoverned_a their_o heart_n as_o full_a of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n their_o tongue_n of_o slander_n and_o evil_n speak_v their_o humour_n as_o proud_a and_o surly_a and_o censorious_a as_o they_o can_v be_v who_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o seem_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o make_v a_o external_a appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v good_a churchman_n and_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o think_v they_o have_v discharge_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n admirable_o well_o and_o be_v very_o good_a child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n separate_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n the_o conformity_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o so_o god_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o disdain_v to_o be_v praise_v by_o man_n of_o unhallowed_a lip_n and_o life_n and_o that_o unless_o with_o the_o praise_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o we_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o speak_v of_o this_o formal_a and_o external_a religion_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n be_v not_o this_o the_o fast_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o break_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n nor_o will_v bare_v receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n recommend_v we_o to_o god_n but_o perform_v the_o obligation_n which_o thereby_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o obstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n otherwise_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o profane_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v religion_n which_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o word_n and_o action_n who_o read_v those_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n when_o religion_n produce_v these_o real_a effect_n than_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n do_v true_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o our_o deed_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o shall_v chief_o mind_v that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o amiable_a and_o excellent_a quality_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n these_o because_o they_o be_v the_o primary_n perfection_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a duty_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n because_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o all_o positive_a institution_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o be_v to_o stoop_v and_o vail_v to_o they_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n especial_o those_o of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o strong_o bind_v upon_o we_o that_o nothing_o in_o any_o reveal_v religion_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o or_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o these_o great_a and_o indispensable_a law_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v straighten_a our_o obligation_n to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o hate_v man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n &_o by_o kill_v one_o another_o to_o do_v he_o good_a service_n who_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n undermine_v government_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o alter_v the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n or_o to_o set_v man_n loose_a from_o allegiance_n to_o they_o or_o to_o make_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n bloody_a war_n and_o barbarous_a massacre_n lawful_a for_o the_o propagate_a of_o his_o faith_n he_o have_v as_o any_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v no_o prince_n nor_o excommunicate_v and_o discharge_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o do_v his_o vicar_n do_v these_o thing_n and_o
god_n do_v strong_o incline_v he_o to_o desire_v our_o happiness_n and_o make_v he_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o firm_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o for_o our_o example_n and_o encouragement_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v infinite_o more_o goodness_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatever_o we_o will_v not_o attribute_v to_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o vindicate_v god_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o envy_n and_o ill-will_a of_o cruelty_n and_o arbitrary_a deal_n with_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v averse_a from_o these_o so_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n interest_n to_o lessen_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o most_o certain_o the_o better_a god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o better_a and_o happy_a it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o may_v learn_v wherein_o our_o happiness_n must_v consist_v namely_o in_o the_o image_n and_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a inward_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n for_o it_o unless_o god_n love_v we_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o miserable_a be_v they_o who_o he_o hate_v for_o god_n to_o say_v of_o any_o man_n that_o his_o soul_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o import_v as_o great_a misery_n and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o curse_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o his_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n for_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n 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_a dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v love_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o person_n that_o be_v unlike_a to_o he_o which_o be_v impossible_a yet_o that_o person_n can_v not_o be_v happy_a because_o he_o will_v want_v that_o inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o happiness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n must_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n be_v find_v in_o we_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a no_o though_o a_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n if_o he_o be_v still_o a_o bad_a man_n coelum_fw-la non_fw-la animum_fw-la mutavit_fw-la he_o have_v only_o change_v the_o climate_n and_o be_v go_v into_o another_o country_n but_o he_o bear_v himself_o still_o about_o he_o and_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o change_v which_o will_v signify_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o to_o his_o happiness_n than_o any_o place_n or_o outward_a circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o bad_a man_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v have_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n within_o he_o and_o be_v miserable_a from_o himself_o he_o have_v a_o fiend_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o as_o any_o person_n depart_v from_o this_o temper_n so_o far_o he_o remove_v himself_o and_o run_v away_o from_o happiness_n and_o as_o sin_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o god_n so_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o he_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o degenerate_a and_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n quite_o contrary_a to_o god_n wicked_a and_o impure_a envious_a and_o malicious_a mischievous_a and_o cruel_a and_o such_o a_o temper_n be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v and_o set_v right_a it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o limb_n that_o be_v out_o of_o joint_a to_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o local_a heaven_n if_o we_o can_v imagine_v such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o and_o see_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o that_o state_n all_o this_o i_o say_v will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n happy_a than_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o diamond_n and_o consort_n of_o the_o most_o delicious_a music_n and_o a_o well-spread_a table_n and_o a_o rich_a and_o costly_a bed_n will_v contribute_v to_o a_o man_n ease_n in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o in_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o the_o stone_n because_o the_o man_n have_v that_o within_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v remove_v he_o can_v possible_o be_v at_o ease_n the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o toss_v from_o its_o centre_n and_o till_o that_o be_v set_v right_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o state_n by_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n the_o maâ—_n will_v be_v perpetual_o restless_a and_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o ease_n or_o peace_n in_o his_o mind_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n how_o can_v there_o be_v happiness_n to_o he_o who_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 57.20_o 21._o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v impurity_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o gild_n upon_o our_o conscience_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o translate_v peace_n signify_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o a_o bad_a man._n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o felicity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o only_a perfect_a idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o but_o our_o conformity_n to_o it_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n on_o purpose_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n who_o hope_v for_o it_o or_o imagine_v they_o can_v attain_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n the_o author_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a can_v make_v we_o so_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o plant_v in_o we_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o by_o endow_v we_o with_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a material_n and_o ingredient_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o felicity_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o by_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v as_o they_o think_v travel_v towards_o it_o but_o general_o they_o mistake_v their_o way_n many_o be_v eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o greedy_o catch_v at_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n as_o if_o
these_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o embrace_v they_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v but_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a and_o substantial_a felicity_n in_o they_o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a mean_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n but_o will_v thou_o be_v happy_a indeed_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o the_o pattern_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o address_v thyself_o to_o he_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o psalmist_n lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o upon_o i_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n and_o that_o shall_v put_v more_o joy_n and_o gladness_n into_o my_o heart_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v when_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v many_o say_v lo_o here_o and_o lo_o there_o that_o happiness_n be_v in_o a_o great_a place_n or_o in_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n or_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o believe_v they_o not_o happiness_n be_v something_o that_o be_v near_a and_o more_o intimate_a to_o we_o than_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v within_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o very_a inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o thy_o mind_n in_o a_o word_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a we_o must_v be_v like_o the_o bless_a god_n we_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o merciful_a and_o good_a and_o just_a as_o he_o be_v and_o then_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o his_o favour_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a then_o we_o shall_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n be_v a_o similitude_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n every_o thing_n natural_o affect_v its_o own_o likeness_n and_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o greedy_o catch_v at_o it_o and_o glad_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o god_n and_o man_n must_v be_v like_o one_o another_o before_o they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o one_o another_o if_o we_o be_v unlike_a to_o god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o change_n either_o in_o god_n or_o we_o to_o bring_v about_o this_o likeness_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v inflexible_a fix_v and_o unchangeable_a therefore_o change_v thyself_o sinner_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n for_o since_o he_o can_v depart_v from_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n thou_o must_v leave_v thy_o sin_n and_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a if_o ever_o thou_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o he_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a now_o to_o this_o happy_a and_o only_a potentate_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n and_o dwell_v in_o that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n everlasting_a amen_n sermon_n iu._n vi_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n james_n i._n 17_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o whole_a period_n run_v thus_o do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o former_a be_v brief_o this_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v before_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o evil_a v_o 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v untemptable_a by_o evil_n neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o assert_n that_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o all_o good_a do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o mistake_v i_o though_o sin_n and_o evil_a be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n yet_o all_o good_a be_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o commit_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o of_o the_o good_a that_o we_o do_v that_o be_v from_o god_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o imperfection_n be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o whole_o from_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o from_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n we_o be_v neither_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v it_o both_o the_o inclination_n and_o the_o power_n be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n and_o can_v never_o be_v otherwise_o and_o can_v never_o change_v nor_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o for_o with_o he_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n all_o that_o goodness_n and_o all_o those_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a angel_n or_o saint_n in_o the_o best_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n or_o happiness_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v from_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o that_o perfect_a good_a and_o glorious_a be_v who_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o universal_a benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o liberal_o dispense_v his_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o influence_n upon_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o sun_n change_v its_o habitude_n and_o position_n in_o reference_n to_o we_o and_o vary_v its_o shadow_n it_o rise_v and_o set_v come_v near_a to_o we_o and_o go_v far_a from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o this_o intellectual_a and_o immaterial_a sun_n the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v all_o astronomical_a word_n the_o first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o various_a habitude_n and_o position_n wherein_o the_o sun_n appear_v to_o we_o every_o day_n at_o its_o rise_n in_o the_o meridian_n and_o when_o it_o set_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o word_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o daily_a but_o to_o the_o yearly_a course_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v near_o to_o we_o or_o far_o from_o we_o as_o he_o approach_v near_a towards_o the_o northern_a or_o southern_a tropic_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o cast_v several_a shadow_n to_o people_n in_o several_a country_n and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cast_v of_o shadow_n be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o variation_n of_o the_o shadow_n according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o light_n which_o never_o rise_v or_o set_v which_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o shadow_n nor_o darkness_n have_v no_o change_n nor_o variation_n but_o be_v always_o the_o same_o free_a and_o liberal_a dispenser_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v which_o word_n signify_v the_o immutable_a perfection_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o immutability_n or_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n essential_a to_o god_n to_o be_v immutable_o what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_a three_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o objection_n which_o lie_v against_o it_o from_o the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n repent_v himself_o and_o four_o apply_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o
continual_o change_v and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o we_o be_v some_o of_o we_o be_v young_a and_o now_o be_v old_a once_o perhaps_o flourish_v in_o great_a prosperity_n but_o now_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a be_v once_o strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o now_o sickly_a and_o weak_a it_o shall_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o these_o change_n that_o god_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o support_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n fail_v we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n youth_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o friend_n may_v forsake_v we_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o be_v old_a nor_o forsake_v we_o when_o our_o strength_n fail_v when_o our_o strength_n fail_v and_o our_o heart_n fail_v then_o be_v he_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o our_o great_a change_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o comfort_n the_o lord_n live_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n immutability_n shall_v keep_v we_o fix_v and_o unmoved_a in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o accident_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o surprise_v at_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o constant_a to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v sermon_n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o will_v and_o manner_n and_o power_n of_o act_v knowledge_n consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o wisdom_n consider_v the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n only_o imply_v his_o bare_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o his_o wisdom_n imply_v the_o skill_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n these_o word_n signify_v god_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o himself_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n second_o show_v the_o perfection_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n three_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o first_o because_o unless_o this_o be_v establish_v all_o divine_a revelation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unless_o natural_a reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o inquire_v after_o divine_a revelation_n for_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n credible_a two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o revealer_n ability_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o unless_o our_o reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o first_o condition_n be_v evident_o want_v viz._n ability_n and_o consequent_o the_o second_o integrity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v goodness_n and_o veracity_n without_o knowledge_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o such_o argument_n as_o our_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o we_o i_o have_v former_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o deny_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v attribute_v many_o other_o imperfection_n to_o god_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o these_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o god_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o knowledge_n excel_v ignorance_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n now_o whatever_o be_v perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 2._o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n the_o creator_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o our_o very_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v in_o god_n if_o he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n if_o he_o communicate_v this_o perfection_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o himself_o be_v much_o more_o possess_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o use_v this_o argument_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o as_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n do_v suggest_v to_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o men._n psal_n 94.8_o 9_o 10._o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v 3._o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n nothing_o will_v more_o eclipse_v the_o divine_a nature_n than_o to_o take_v away_o this_o perfection_n from_o it_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o universal_a obscurity_n upon_o god_n other_o perfection_n this_o will_v be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o morning_n into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o remove_v this_o perfection_n from_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v how_o to_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n to_o fit_a or_o suit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o we_o weaken_v his_o power_n what_o a_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n will_v power_n be_v without_o knowledge_n what_o irregular_a thing_n
same_o three_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i._o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n call_v for_o our_o veneration_n every_o excellency_n command_v reverence_n and_o raise_v our_o admiration_n and_o none_o more_o than_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o value_v ourselves_o or_o other_o more_o by_o than_o this_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o man_n the_o most_o glorious_a understanding_n that_o ever_o any_o one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o as_o a_o glow-worm_n to_o the_o sun_n if_o we_o admire_v these_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o shine_v so_o imperfect_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o we_o reverence_v a_o little_a knowledge_n compass_v about_o with_o ignorance_n how_o shall_v we_o admire_v the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o blemish_n or_o imperfection_n in_o it_o 2._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v humility_n and_o that_o on_o this_o double_a account_n as_o we_o have_v all_o our_o knowledge_n from_o he_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a understanding_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o we_o know_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o do_v know_v our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v slight_a and_o superficial_a attend_v with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o error_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o bright_a understanding_n of_o man_n have_v many_o flaw_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o more_o humble_a we_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v a_o empty_a knowledge_n and_o false_o so_o call_v that_o puff_v up_o as_o the_o empty_a ear_n of_o corn_n be_v pert_a and_o raise_v up_o themselves_o but_o those_o which_o be_v big_a and_o full_a droop_v and_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n so_o it_o be_v only_a ignorance_n that_o be_v proud_a and_o lift_v man_n up_o but_o true_a knowledge_n make_v man_n humble_a 3._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n he_o know_v our_o want_n and_o weakness_n and_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v for_o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n he_o know_v the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o can_v when_o he_o please_v put_v a_o hook_n in_o their_o nose_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o their_o lip_n as_o he_o do_v to_o senacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.28_o 1._o from_o god_n know_v our_o secret_a action_n i_o infer_v 1._o if_o god_n see_v our_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o discover_v and_o confute_v the_o secret_a atheism_n of_o many_o he_o that_o commit_v the_o most_o secret_a sin_n deny_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n thus_o david_n describe_v the_o atheism_n of_o some_o in_o his_o day_n he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v god_n be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n as_o deny_v that_o it_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o this_o even_a in_o the_o best_a man_n which_o do_v at_o sometime_o discover_v themselves_o psal_n 73.10_o 11._o therefore_o his_o people_n return_v hither_o and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o say_v how_o do_v god_n know_v be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n come_v to_o this_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o afflict_a state_n and_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o come_v to_o this_o to_o question_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o atheism_n reign_v in_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n for_o do_v man_n real_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a that_o his_o eye_n perceive_v the_o darkness_n and_o lay_v open_a and_o naked_a all_o thing_n before_o it_o how_o dare_v they_o lie_v and_o steal_v and_o swear_v false_o vain_a man_n why_o do_v thou_o seek_v darkness_n and_o retirement_n how_o be_v thou_o alone_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o how_o can_v thou_o retire_v from_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o shut_v he_o out_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v light_a what_o security_n be_v darkness_n to_o thou_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o best_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v thy_o sovereign_n thy_o judge_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o master_n and_o thy_o best_a friend_n for_o we_o use_v to_o reverence_v person_n under_o these_o notion_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v vile_a and_o unseemly_a before_o they_o if_o he_o who_o be_v all_o this_o look_v upon_o thou_o why_o be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a why_o do_v not_o thy_o blood_n rise_v in_o thy_o face_n why_o shall_v not_o shame_n and_o fear_v work_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n see_v we_o as_o if_o man_n do_v behold_v we_o for_o this_o that_o god_n see_v thou_o be_v a_o great_a surprise_n and_o discovery_n and_o threaten_v thou_o with_o more_o danger_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n stand_v by_o thou_o 2._o live_v as_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a and_o exact_a notice_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o will_v have_v a_o double_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o will_v encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o sin_n sic_fw-la vivamus_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o conspectu_fw-la vivamus_fw-la sen._n it_o be_v well_o if_o man_n will_v live_v as_o if_o any_o body_n see_v they_o but_o to_o live_v as_o if_o some_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a person_n be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o and_o do_v observe_v we_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a curb_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o commit_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n and_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o such_o worth_a and_o reverence_n quorum_fw-la interventu_fw-la perditi_fw-la quoque_fw-la homines_fw-la vitia_fw-la supprimerent_fw-la epicurus_n have_v this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v advise_v other_o so_o to_o act_v as_o if_o he_o stand_v by_o fac_fw-la omne_fw-la tanquam_fw-la spectet_fw-la epicurus_n but_o seneca_n instance_v much_o better_a in_o cato_n or_o scipio_n or_o laelius_n ut_fw-la sic_fw-la tanquam_fw-la illo_fw-la spectante_fw-la vivamus_fw-la and_o shall_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v a_o eternal_a restraint_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v david_n course_n to_o keep_v himself_o from_o sin_n psal_n 39.1_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n for_o all_o my_o way_n be_v before_o thou_o psal_n 119.168_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o advise_v by_o seneca_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o live_v when_o we_o be_v among_o man_n as_o believe_v god_n see_v we_o and_o when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o he_o see_v we_o let_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o before_o he_o as_o if_o man_n do_v stare_v upon_o we_o iii_o god_n knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n teach_v we_o 1._o the_o folly_n of_o hypocrisy_n how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o outward_o which_o inward_o and_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v not_o to_o put_v on_o a_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o paint_v ourselves_o beautiful_o without_o when_o inward_o we_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o uncleanness_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o if_o we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a wise_a way_n for_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o discovery_n even_o from_o they_o