in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o however_o man_n may_v bear_v up_o themselves_o now_o upon_o their_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n certain_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o great_a person_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o overturn_v kingdom_n and_o lay_v waste_a country_n and_o oppress_v and_o ruin_v million_o of_o mankind_n for_o the_o gratify_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o ambition_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o even_o these_o as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o other_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n rev._n 6.15_o and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o den_n and_o in_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o mountain_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n will_v treat_v the_o great_a and_o the_o mean_a person_n alike_o rev._n 20.12_o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n all_o judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o those_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o impeach_v it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o satisfy_v one_o question_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v how_o far_o justice_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o lay_v down_o these_o proposition_n first_o i_o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o every_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o perfection_n second_o the_o actual_a constant_a exercise_n of_o those_o divine_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v without_o himself_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o god_n be_v essential_o powerful_a and_o good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v always_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n because_o these_o be_v perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o something_o without_o himself_o three_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n wherever_o he_o see_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o world_n or_o reasonable_a creature_n in_o it_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o god_n make_v such_o creature_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o reward_v goodness_n and_o to_o punish_v sin_n four_o as_o for_o those_o reward_n which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v and_o the_o punishment_n which_o it_o threaten_v there_o be_v some_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o reward_v and_o punish_v justice_n of_o god_n 1._o as_o for_o that_o abundant_a reward_n god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v to_o good_a man_n the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n in_o his_o justice_n for_o it_o be_v justice_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v though_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a and_o abundant_a a_o reward_n be_v mere_a goodness_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o punish_a justice_n of_o god_n about_o which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a question_n whether_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n or_o not_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v inflict_v those_o judgement_n which_o he_o threaten_v because_o he_o have_v threaten_v they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o person_n to_o perform_v their_o threaten_n that_o there_o be_v to_o perform_v their_o promise_n because_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n become_v a_o debtor_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o make_v the_o promise_n but_o when_o he_o threaten_v he_o be_v the_o creditor_n and_o we_o be_v debtor_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o as_o a_o creditor_n he_o may_v remit_v the_o punishment_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o love_a goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o concern_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n to_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o discountenance_v sin_n under_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o to_o punish_v sin_n at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o move_v by_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o punish_a justice_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n than_o he_o must_v punish_v the_o sinner_n immediate_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v offend_v and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n because_o whatever_o act_v natural_o act_v necessary_o and_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v such_o a_o justice_n essential_a to_o god_n as_o act_n necessary_o but_o such_o a_o justice_n which_o as_o to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o its_o act_n be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n likewise_o of_o his_o goodness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v take_v partly_o from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o first_o as_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n object_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n i._o the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n ii_o the_o translation_n of_o punishment_n punish_v one_o man_n sin_n upon_o another_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o objection_n the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n in_o this_o life_n thing_n happen_v promiscuous_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a if_o the_o wicked_a suffer_v and_o be_v afflict_v so_o be_v the_o righteous_a if_o the_o righteous_a sometime_o flourish_n so_o do_v the_o wicked_a and_o be_v not_o this_o unjust_a that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unequal_a as_o to_o their_o desert_n shall_v be_v equal_o deal_v withal_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inequality_n it_o be_v usual_o the_o wrong_a way_n the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n prosper_v more_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o righteous_a be_v frequent_o more_o afflict_v this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o old_a against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o answer_v nay_o it_o do_v often_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n job_n 12.6_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o robber_n prosper_v and_o they_o that_o provoke_v god_n be_v secure_a into_o who_o hand_n god_n bring_v abundant_o and_o chap._n 21.7_o 8_o 9_o he_o expostulate_v the_o same_o matter_n again_o and_o david_n say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o he_o psal_n 73.2_o 3._o and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 12.1_o and_o hab._n 1.13_o this_o objection_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o very_o brief_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justice_n to_o show_v itself_o immediate_o
of_o this_o design_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o fit_a mean_n to_o end_n and_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o end_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o find_v out_o suitable_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o end_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o redemption_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n and_o what_o fit_n and_o proper_a and_o suitable_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n which_o be_v very_o sad_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o man_n who_o be_v make_v holy_a and_o upright_a by_o god_n have_v by_o his_o voluntary_a transgression_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n fall_v from_o he_o do_v present_o sink_v into_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a and_o curse_a condition_n of_o which_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n man_n be_v become_v a_o sinner_n be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o his_o justice_n here_o be_v his_o misery_n 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o man_n can_v not_o recover_v himself_o and_o raise_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o own_o ruin_n no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o our_o help_n be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v our_o ruin_n nor_o delight_n in_o our_o destruction_n but_o suppose_v his_o mercy_n never_o so_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o will_v not_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n check_v those_o forward_a inclination_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n have_v not_o he_o declare_v his_o infinite_a hatred_n of_o it_o have_v not_o he_o threaten_v it_o with_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o say_v that_o the_o sinner_n shall_v die_v that_o he_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a shall_v he_o now_o without_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o offend_a justice_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n remit_v his_o punishment_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o favour_n will_v this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n will_v this_o become_v the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o order_n who_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o discountenance_v sin_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o conflict_n of_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n pity_v our_o misery_n and_o will_v recover_v we_o will_v open_v paradise_n to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o flame_a sword_n that_o keep_v we_o out_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o god_n that_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o if_o he_o take_v vengeance_n of_o we_o we_o be_v eternal_o ruin_v if_o he_o spare_v we_o how_o shall_v mercy_n and_o justice_n meet_v together_o how_o shall_v god_n at_o once_o express_v his_o love_n to_o the_o sinner_n and_o his_o hatred_n to_o sin_n here_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o case_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v what_o mean_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n use_v for_o our_o recovery_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v this_o expedient_a to_o accommodate_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v undertake_v this_o work_n and_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o repair_v the_o ruine_a nature_n of_o man._n he_o shall_v bring_v god_n and_o man_n together_o make_v up_o this_o gulf_n and_o renew_v the_o commerce_n and_o correspondence_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o be_v break_v off_o by_o sin_n the_o work_n that_o god_n design_n be_v the_o redemption_n of_o man_n that_o be_v his_o recovery_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o engage_v in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o so_o as_o to_o purchase_v our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o so_o as_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o open_v of_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o person_n his_o dearness_n to_o his_o father_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o undertake_v this_o work_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o two_o head_n his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o these_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n i._o the_o humiliation_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n his_o incarnation_n his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n 1._o his_o incarnation_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o several_a expression_n his_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o john_n 1.14_o his_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 1.3_o his_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4.4_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o his_o take_a part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n heb._n 2.14_o his_o take_n on_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2.16_o 17._o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o john_n 2.2_o all_o which_o signify_v his_o take_n upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v real_o a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n take_v our_o nature_n that_o be_v assume_v a_o real_a soul_n and_o body_n into_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o this_o person_n who_o be_v real_o both_o god_n and_o man_n be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o general_n this_o make_v he_o a_o fit_a mediator_n a_o equal_a and_o middle_a person_n to_o interpose_v in_o this_o difference_n and_o take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o man._n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n he_o be_v concern_v for_o both_o party_n and_o interest_v both_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o both_o and_o to_o procure_v the_o one_o by_o such_o way_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o other_o more_o particular_o his_o incarnation_n do_v fit_v he_o for_o those_o two_o office_n which_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o his_o humiliation_n of_o prophet_n and_o priest_n 1._o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n to_o teach_v we_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n by_o his_o doctrine_n his_o be_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n this_o make_v he_o more_o familiar_a to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n raise_v up_o from_o among_o his_o brethren_n as_o moses_n speak_v and_o he_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o shall_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v he_o and_o live_v god_n condescend_v to_o we_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o and_o then_o his_o be_v god_n do_v add_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v he_o can_v confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v by_o miracle_n of_o his_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v present_o 2._o for_o the_o office_n of_o priest_n he_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v our_o priest_n because_o he_o be_v take_v from_o among_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v fit_a to_o suffer_v as_o be_v man_n have_v a_o body_n prepare_v as_o it_o be_v heb._n 10.5_o and_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v by_o his_o suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o man_n as_o be_v god_n which_o put_v a_o infinite_a dignity_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o offence_n do_v
be_v utter_o impossible_a now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o declare_v his_o name_n that_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v govern_v all_o our_o reason_n about_o god_n as_o concern_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n and_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v thing_n more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a by_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n holy_a man_n do_v constant_o appeal_v to_o these_o unquestionable_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a say_v abraham_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a we_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o god_n certain_o know_v who_o be_v wicked_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a and_o he_o know_v how_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o save_v the_o righteous_a but_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a thus_o moses_n satisfy_v himself_o and_o other_o concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 32.3_o 4._o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n this_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.2_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whatsoever_o excuse_v man_n may_v pretend_v for_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n second_o let_v we_o always_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o mere_a justice_n and_o severity_n but_o as_o all_o these_o together_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o may_v make_v they_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o the_o great_a mistake_n in_o religion_n be_v certain_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n from_o separate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v they_o single_o and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a notion_n of_o one_o as_o to_o exclude_v another_o whereas_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n agree_v together_o and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o contradict_v any_o other_o perfection_n among_o man_n indeed_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v usual_o shut_v out_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o power_n and_o moderation_n love_n and_o discretion_n do_v not_o often_o meet_v together_o that_o a_o great_a memory_n and_o a_o small_a judgement_n a_o good_a wit_n and_o a_o ill_a nature_n be_v many_o time_n find_v in_o conjunction_n but_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v eminent_o meet_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o one_o excellency_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o god_n sovereignty_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n have_v speak_v those_o hard_a thing_n about_o predestination_n for_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n set_v he_o above_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o pore_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o despair_n for_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a but_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o retreat_n for_o the_o return_a sinner_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v check_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n by_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o it_o be_v not_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n final_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o forgive_v obstinate_a offender_n but_o want_v of_o prudence_n and_o good_a government_n three_o among_o different_a opinion_n concern_v god_n as_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n choose_v those_o which_o be_v far_a from_o extremity_n because_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n usual_o lie_v between_o the_o extreme_n and_o here_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o that_o controversy_n which_o have_v much_o disquiet_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o which_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o god_n peremptory_o decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n the_o other_o that_o god_n decree_v nothing_o concern_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o man_n find_v under_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o power_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o now_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n must_v be_v that_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n have_v best_o take_v up_o in_o the_o middle_a opinion_n that_o god_n decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o particular_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o speak_v absolute_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n but_o yet_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o for_o beside_o that_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v this_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o moderate_a towards_o the_o dissenter_n on_o both_o side_n than_o either_o of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o middle_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o either_o extreme_a as_o the_o extreme_n be_v from_o one_o another_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o stand_v fair_a for_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o where_o the_o truth_n lie_v he_o may_v more_o silent_o pass_v over_o to_o it_o without_o any_o great_a imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o can_v but_o be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o who_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o four_o and_o last_o entertain_v no_o opinion_n concern_v god_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o subtle_a argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v it_o truth_n be_v most_o easy_o see_v and_o discern_v in_o those_o reason_n and_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o practice_n because_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o be_v soon_o discover_v whereas_o we_o can_v so_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o speculative_a man_n devise_v in_o their_o study_n without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o they_o serve_v any_o real_a purpose_n of_o life_n or_o not_o man_n indeed_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o form_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n and_o use_v because_o more_o pain_n and_o wit_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o plausible_a but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n despise_v they_o than_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n true_o better_a this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n but_o most_o considerable_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n because_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consideration_n we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o admit_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o a_o high_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n as_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o say_v it_o this_o general_a reason_n may_v persuade_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a reason_n but_o we_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o evident_o contradict_v and_o weaken_v the_o practice_n of_o
sin_n and_o provocation_n we_o be_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o holiness_n who_o hate_v sin_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n which_o will_v punish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o provocation_n 3._o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o give_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n by_o ascribe_v those_o title_n or_o that_o worship_n to_o any_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o the_o lord_n be_o a_o jealous_a god_n god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n isa_n 42.8_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n because_o thereby_o they_o debase_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o do_v show_v they_o have_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o rom._n 1.21_o 23._o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n hereby_o they_o deny_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o material_a or_o sensible_a image_n second_o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n by_o these_o we_o mean_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a right_n and_o title_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v to_o and_o over_o all_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o creature_n and_o make_v by_o he_o and_o this_o right_n result_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v make_v from_o whence_o there_o do_v accrue_v to_o god_n a_o sovereign_n right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n over_o they_o that_o be_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o superior_a nor_o be_v subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o any_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v summum_fw-la imperium_fw-la because_o there_o be_v no_o power_n above_o it_o to_o check_v or_o control_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o this_o and_o it_o be_v absolute_a because_o all_o the_o creature_n have_v what_o they_o have_v from_o god_n and_o all_o depend_v upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o they_o owe_v all_o possible_a duty_n and_o perpetual_a subjection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o be_v because_o it_o be_v sole_o by_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o continue_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o right_o or_o title_n any_o one_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v to_o all_o thing_n in_o deo_fw-la omnes_fw-la tituli_fw-la omne_fw-la jura_fw-la concurrunt_fw-la so_o that_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n signify_v a_o full_a right_n and_o title_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o they_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o any_o way_n he_o please_v that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o essential_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o the_o prevent_n of_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n i_o will_v show_v i._n wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v and_o ii_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v i._o wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v 1._o not_o in_o a_o right_a to_o gratify_v and_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o extreme_a misery_n of_o innocent_a and_o undeserving_a creature_n i_o say_v not_o in_o a_o right_a for_o the_o right_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v found_v in_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o obligation_n they_o have_v to_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o there_o be_v none_o who_o because_o he_o have_v do_v a_o benefit_n can_v have_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o a_o right_a to_o do_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v do_v amount_n to_o and_o i_o think_v it_o next_o to_o madness_n to_o doubt_v whether_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v not_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o simple_a be_v be_v a_o good_n i_o know_v they_o call_v it_o physical_a goodness_n but_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o better_a for_o be_v call_v by_o a_o hard_a name_n for_o what_o can_v there_o be_v that_o be_v good_a or_o desirable_a in_o be_v when_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a misery_n and_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o just_a god_n will_v never_o challenge_v more_o than_o a_o equitable_a right_n god_n do_v not_o claim_v any_o such_o sovereignty_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o crush_v and_o oppress_v innocent_a creature_n without_o a_o cause_n and_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a without_o a_o provocation_n and_o because_o it_o seem_v some_o have_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o entertain_v such_o groundless_a jealousy_n and_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n he_o have_v give_v we_o his_o oath_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v and_o live_v so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o innocent_a creature_n that_o in_o case_n of_o sin_n and_o provocation_n he_o will_v be_v much_o rather_o please_v if_o sinner_n will_v by_o repentance_n avoid_v and_o escape_v his_o justice_n than_o that_o they_o shall_v fall_v under_o it_o the_o good_a god_n can_v be_v glorify_v or_o please_v in_o do_v evil_a to_o any_o where_o justice_n do_v not_o require_v it_o nothing_o be_v further_a from_o infinite_a goodness_n than_o to_o rejoice_v in_o evil._n we_o account_v he_o a_o tyrant_n and_o a_o monster_n of_o man_n and_o of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n that_o can_v do_v so_o and_o we_o can_v do_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o the_o good_a god_n than_o to_o paint_v he_o out_o after_o such_o a_o horrid_a and_o deform_a manner_n 2._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o impose_v law_n upon_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o be_v understand_v or_o observe_v by_o they_o for_o this_o will_v not_o only_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v oblige_v by_o any_o power_n to_o impossibility_n 3._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o liberty_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o evil_a or_o by_o any_o inevitable_a decree_n to_o necessitate_v they_o to_o sin_n or_o effectual_o to_o procure_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o to_o punish_v they_o for_o they_o for_o as_o this_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v guilty_a or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o what_o it_o can_v help_v and_o man_n can_v easy_o have_v a_o black_a thought_n of_o god_n than_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n carry_v on_o a_o secret_a design_n to_o circumvent_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n into_o destruction_n and_o underhand_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o a_o plot_n against_o heaven_n that_o by_o this_o unworthy_a practice_n he_o may_v raise_v a_o revenue_n of_o glory_n to_o his_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o generous_a and_o good_a man_n but_o will_v spit_v in_o that_o man_n face_n that_o shall_v charge_v he_o with_o such_o a_o design_n and_o if_o they_o who_o be_v but_o very_a drop_n of_o goodness_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n the_o infinite_a ocean_n of_o goodness_n will_v take_v it_o for_o such_o a_o reproach_n shall_v we_o attribute_v that_o to_o the_o best_a be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o will_v detest_v and_o abominate_a in_o ourselves_o ii_o wherein_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v 1._o in_o a_o right_a to_o dispose_v of_o and_o deal_v
against_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o thus_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v without_o the_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o as_o his_o incarnation_n do_v qualify_v he_o for_o suffering_n so_o for_o compassion_n and_o fellow-suffering_a with_o we_o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o wherefore_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v 2._o his_o life_n be_v a_o mean_n admirable_o fit_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n i_o may_v go_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o these_o head_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o part_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o public_a ministry_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o preach_v be_v calculate_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o advance_v righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o humility_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n to_o make_v we_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a desire_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o contemn_v and_o renounce_v this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o proper_a engine_n to_o demolsh_a the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v contribute_v his_o life_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o it_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o share_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o show_v we_o how_o little_a the_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v value_v will_v himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o it_o mat._n 8.20_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n the_o mean_a circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v very_o eminent_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o design_n for_o have_v he_o not_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a accommodation_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n nay_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o considerable_a he_o be_v real_o great_a for_o his_o meanness_n the_o very_a heathen_n do_v account_v this_o true_a greatness_n as_o we_o find_v in_o aristotle_n not_o to_o admire_v the_o pleasure_n and_o greatness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o meanness_n may_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o he_o those_o evidence_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v render_v he_o considerable_a and_o gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o doctrine_n than_o his_o meanness_n can_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o it_o beside_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o he_o be_v of_o a_o very_a sweet_a and_o conversable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o do_v gain_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o do_v apply_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o humane_a way_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v do_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n beyond_o all_o exception_n as_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v blind_v with_o prejudice_n and_o though_o they_o do_v see_v yet_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_v the_o business_n of_o his_o miracle_n as_o to_o make_v they_o humane_a way_n of_o win_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v beneficial_a he_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o malady_n by_o this_o miraculous_a power_n and_o so_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o entertainment_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v benefit_n this_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o he_o intend_v they_o good_a because_o he_o do_v they_o good_a they_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o heal_v their_o body_n will_v not_o harm_v their_o soul_n this_o for_o his_o life_n iii_o his_o death_n which_o be_v the_o low_a step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o suffering_n now_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v eminent_o contribute_v to_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o pacify_v conscience_n by_o make_v plenary_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o do_v eminent_o contribute_v to_o the_o kill_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o rom._n 6.6_o know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n rom._n 8.3_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v by_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n convince_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o do_v condemn_v it_o because_o the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n do_v so_o severe_o punish_v it_o in_o his_o own_o son_n when_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o crucify_v sin_n that_o it_o crucify_v our_o saviour_n that_o so_o innocent_a and_o holy_a a_o person_n shall_v suffer_v so_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a a_o death_n for_o our_o sin_n shall_v set_v we_o for_o ever_o against_o it_o and_o make_v we_o hate_v it_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n the_o circumstance_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v with_o admirable_a wisdom_n fit_v for_o the_o conquer_a of_o sin_n and_o satan_n sin_n come_v by_o the_o woman_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o by_o suffering_n conquer_v it_o sin_n begin_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o there_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o suffering_n for_o sin_n sin_n come_v by_o the_o tree_n and_o christ_n bear_v the_o curse_n of_o it_o in_o hang_v upon_o the_o tree_n and_o crucify_v it_o by_o his_o cross_n and_o as_o he_o conquer_v sin_n so_o he_o overcome_v satan_n by_o his_o own_o arts._n the_o devil_n find_v christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o judge_v he_o mortal_a and_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o procure_v his_o death_n and_o get_v he_o into_o his_o grave_n christ_n permit_v he_o to_o bring_v about_o his_o design_n he_o let_v he_o enter_v into_o judas_n he_o let_v the_o jew_n crucify_v and_o put_v he_o into_o his_o grave_n and_o roll_v a_o great_a stone_n upon_o it_o but_o here_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n appear_v in_o ruine_v the_o devil_n by_o his_o own_o design_n and_o snare_a he_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n heb._n 2.14_o by_o death_n he_o destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n i_o know_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n make_v the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o dispensation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o have_v determine_v otherwise_o in_o general_n though_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o commonwealth_n say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n and_o man_n he_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v be_v poor_a and_o disgrace_v and_o be_v account_v a_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n he_o must_v be_v whip_v and_o torment_v and_o crucify_v as_o a_o malefactor_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o arrian_n in_o his_o epict._n describe_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n who_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n the_o messenger_n the_o preacher_n and_o
minister_n of_o god_n say_v he_o must_v be_v without_o house_n and_o harbour_n and_o worldly_a accommodation_n must_v be_v arm_v with_o such_o patience_n for_o the_o great_a suffering_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n and_o devoid_a of_o sense_n he_o must_v be_v a_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a heathen_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o improper_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o serve_v a_o further_a end_n which_o they_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n second_o his_o exaltation_n the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o sit_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o perfect_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o design_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v rom._n 1.4_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o great_a miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o exaltation_n they_o do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n the_o expectation_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n act_n 17.30_o 31._o and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o design_n of_o admirable_a wisdom_n the_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o uunreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impenitency_n first_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n luke_n 7.30_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o a_o design_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o can_v disbelieve_v it_o be_v desperate_a person_n devote_v to_o ruin_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n carry_v so_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o any_o but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o look_v narrow_o into_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o nay_o shall_v discover_v in_o it_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o believe_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o advantage_n now_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o do_v at_o once_o high_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o i._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a and_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n have_v incomparable_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o advance_v piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n among_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o religion_n advance_v these_o the_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a incitement_n and_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n now_o the_o gospel_n represent_v all_o these_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 1._o it_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n especial_o those_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n 1._o his_o justice_n the_o gospel_n represent_v it_o inflexible_a in_o its_o right_n and_o inexorable_a and_o that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n that_o when_o god_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v punish_v sin_n so_o severe_o in_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v the_o surety_n now_o what_o can_v more_o tend_v to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o 2._o his_o mercy_n this_o dispensation_n be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o in_o save_v we_o by_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v he_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n rom._n 5.8_o but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n now_o this_o representation_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o melt_v our_o heart_n into_o love_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o have_v make_v clear_a and_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o have_v open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n wrath_n so_o that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n hell_n be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o engine_n to_o destroy_v sin_n rom._n 1.16_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n 3._o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o former_a render_v the_o gospel_n the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v once_o awaken_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o way_n to_o encourage_v obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v hope_n of_o
reward_n now_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o retreat_n and_o draw_v back_o from_o sin_n the_o gospel_n promise_v pardon_n and_o indemnity_n to_o we_o and_o as_o a_o incitement_n to_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n open_v heaven_n to_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a in_o that_o it_o do_v eminent_o and_o direct_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n ii_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o unbelief_n this_o design_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o desirable_a to_o we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o of_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o we_o by_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o deliver_v from_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o real_a advantage_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o every_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o way_n whereby_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v and_o appease_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v that_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a for_o ever_o now_o the_o gospel_n convey_v these_o benefit_n to_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o exceed_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o averse_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v unbelief_n be_v count_v a_o piece_n of_o wit_n be_v it_o wit_n to_o set_v ourselves_o against_o reason_n and_o to_o oppose_v our_o best_a interest_n it_o be_v wickedness_n and_o prejudice_n and_o inconsiderateness_n which_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n those_o who_o do_v consider_v thing_n welcome_v this_o good_a news_n and_o embrace_v these_o glad_a tiding_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n to_o they_o who_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o reasonable_a evidence_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a say_n but_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n second_o this_o do_v convince_v man_n of_o the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v contrive_v such_o a_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n have_v give_v we_o such_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o discover_v a_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n have_v give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n how_o great_a must_v the_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n be_v for_o consider_v 1._o that_o impenitency_n direct_o set_v itself_o against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o we_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o charge_n that_o with_o folly_n and_o we_o do_v it_o against_o ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o injury_n and_o ruin_n if_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o cherish_v our_o lust_n we_o direct_o oppose_v the_o end_n of_o our_o redemtion_n we_o contradict_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o contemn_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n wisdom_n who_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v sin_n for_o we_o uphold_v that_o which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v 1_o john_n 3.5_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n now_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o we_o know_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n god_n can_v but_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o our_o hand_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o this_o design_n for_o we_o to_o go_v about_o to_o defeat_v he_o in_o it_o this_o be_v at_o once_o to_o be_v unthankful_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o it_o be_v such_o a_o madness_n as_o if_o a_o condemn_a man_n shall_v despise_v a_o pardon_n as_o if_o a_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o his_o fetter_n and_o refuse_v deliverance_n as_o if_o a_o man_n desperate_o sick_a shall_v fight_v with_o his_o physician_n and_o put_v away_o health_n from_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o have_v contrive_v our_o recovery_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o neglect_v a_o great_a salvation_n we_o love_v death_n and_o hate_v our_o own_o soul_n prov._n 8.14_o 15_o 16._o 2._o consider_v we_o can_v expect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o recovery_n than_o have_v be_v already_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o try_v any_o further_a mean_n mat._n 21.37_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v this_o way_n if_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10.26_o 29._o what_o can_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o what_o shall_v take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n what_o shall_v sanctify_v we_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ineffectual_a we_o resist_v our_o last_o remedy_n and_o make_v void_a the_o best_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n if_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n 3._o if_o we_o frustrate_v this_o design_n of_o god_n wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n our_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o more_o dreadful_a and_o certain_a impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v increase_v our_o misery_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o come_v we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o now_o have_v but_o now_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o preface_n any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o our_o impenitency_n what_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n when_o that_o shall_v condemn_v we_o who_o reject_v his_o wisdom_n which_o will_v have_v save_v we_o we_o will_v all_o be_v save_v but_o we_o will_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v not_o find_v out_o any_o other_o way_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n but_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o thou_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n take_v thy_o course_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o thou_o will_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o dreadful_a word_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n pronounce_v against_o those_o that_o despise_v she_o and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o her_o voice_n prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v they_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o happiness_n they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o condition_n which_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n sermon_n x._o vi_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n gen._n xviii_o 25_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a in_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o
promiscuous_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a it_o will_v not_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o sin_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o they_o fall_v likewise_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o example_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n upon_o all_o these_o account_v you_o see_v that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_v as_o to_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o in_o these_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v immediate_o and_o miraculous_o inflict_v by_o god_n he_o have_v always_o make_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o deluge_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n be_v so_o universal_a because_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v because_o in_o this_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n he_o alone_o be_v righteous_a thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n so_o likewise_o in_o that_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n when_o god_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v they_o up_o none_o perish_v but_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n the_o rest_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o wicked_a men._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n reason_n concern_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v very_o firm_a and_o conclude_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o discourse_n upon_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v yet_o want_v we_o have_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o vast_a and_o admirable_a frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o we_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v receive_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v the_o one_o and_o to_o discountenance_v the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n of_o his_o like_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o one_o and_o of_o his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o other_o which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o however_o the_o heathen_a reason_v about_o this_o matter_n whatever_o premise_n they_o lay_v they_o firm_o believe_v the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v just_o plato_n lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a unjust_a but_o as_o righteous_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o can_v resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o this_o quality_n and_o disposition_n so_o likewise_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o receive_v a_o injury_n nor_o of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unjust_a antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v doubtful_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n or_o remain_v afterward_o if_o it_o be_v just_a say_v he_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o just_a you_o may_v certain_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o be_v so_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o all_o moral_a precept_n that_o god_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o qui_fw-la secus_fw-la faxit_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la vindex_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o any_o man_n do_v contrary_a to_o they_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v it_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a awe_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o will_v overtake_v offender_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o will_v more_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o those_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n either_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o general_a or_o such_o as_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o which_o declare_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o that_o either_o by_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o he_o or_o by_o remove_v the_o contrary_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o 1._o those_o which_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o many_o psal_n 129.4_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a dan._n 9.7_o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o this_o good_a man_n have_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n ezra_n 9.15_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o this_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o own_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o extremity_n ex._n 9.27_o then_o pharaoh_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a this_o have_v be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o jer._n 12.1_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v the_o prophet_n notwithstanding_o he_o see_v the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n yet_o before_o he_o will_v so_o much_o as_o reason_n about_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n to_o this_o head_n likewise_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n as_o god_n dwell_v place_n and_o his_o throne_n of_o his_o delight_n in_o justice_n and_o of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o which_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o recite_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o text_n which_o remove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o there_o be_v to_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n nor_o accept_v of_o person_n nor_o take_v of_o gift_n job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n which_o be_v a_o vehement_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n job_n 34.10_o 11_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n for_o the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v he_o render_v unto_o he_o and_o cause_v every_o man_n to_o find_v according_a to_o his_o way_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v second_o there_o be_v other_o text_n which_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v not_o constant_o appear_v in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o time_n
partake_v of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o degree_n as_o the_o divine_a nature_n possess_v it_o god_n be_v eternal_o holy_a the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n the_o creature_n be_v derivative_o and_o by_o participation_n holy_a god_n be_v eminent_o and_o transcendent_o so_o the_o creature_n in_o a_o finite_a degree_n god_n be_v immutable_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o no_o creature_n be_v out_o of_o a_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 4.18_o that_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o charge_v with_o folly_n and_o chap._n 15.15_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o his_o sight_n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o holiness_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o property_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n there_o be_v include_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n a_o eternal_a repugnance_n to_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a and_o evil_n in_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o mutable_a and_o inconstant_a and_o arbitrary_a principle_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a eternal_a and_o indispensable_a therefore_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v so_o safe_o who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n precise_o and_o abstract_o consider_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v therefore_o good_a or_o evil_n because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v not_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o accidental_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a for_o if_o these_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o essential_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v that_o he_o can_v be_v unrighteous_a if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n have_v now_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v just_o and_o good_a and_o faithful_a and_o now_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o change_v not_o this_o be_v to_o grant_v the_o thing_n for_o this_o suppose_v the_o veracity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n to_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o why_o not_o justice_n and_o goodness_n as_o well_o i_o say_v it_o suppose_v veracity_n and_o immutability_n to_o be_v essential_a perfection_n and_o not_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o if_o he_o can_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v but_o that_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o to_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o i_o will_v only_o use_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o no_o be_v can_n will_v its_o own_o nature_n and_o essential_a perfection_n that_o be_v choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v and_o before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v to_o deliberate_v about_o its_o own_o nature_n therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v then_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n do_v not_o depend_v up-the_a will_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n such_o notion_n antecedent_o to_o any_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o this_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v necessary_o good_a and_o just_o and_o true_a and_o a_o liberty_n or_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v impotency_n and_o imperfection_n for_o liberty_n no_o where_o speak_v perfection_n but_o be_v the_o thing_n and_o action_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v indifferent_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o immutable_a and_o fix_v and_o necessary_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o swerve_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v his_o holiness_n 2._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o show_v we_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o every_o privation_n by_o the_o habit_n for_o they_o bear_v a_o exact_a proportion_n one_o to_o another_o light_a and_o darkness_n be_v oppose_v as_o habit_n and_o privation_n if_o light_n be_v pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a than_o darkness_n be_v dismal_a and_o horrid_a and_o so_o holiness_n and_o sin_n be_v oppose_v if_o holiness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o any_o nature_n than_o sin_n be_v the_o grand_a imperfection_n and_o the_o low_a debasement_n of_o any_o be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o that_o and_o at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n this_o shall_v rectify_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n we_o admire_v and_o esteem_v riches_n and_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o we_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v poverty_n and_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n yea_o grace_n and_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o these_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reverence_n and_o and_o value_v the_o great_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o mighty_a of_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a man_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o respect_n that_o aught_o to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n but_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bestow_v our_o respect_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n what_o st._n james_n say_v of_o respect_n of_o person_n i_o may_v apply_v in_o this_o case_n jam._n 2.4_o be_v you_o not_o then_o partial_a in_o yourselves_o and_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n we_o be_v extreme_o partial_a we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n and_o reason_n ill_o concern_v thing_n when_o we_o admire_v gild_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n exalt_v to_o high_a place_n i_o mean_v ungodly_a rich_a man_n and_o ungodly_a great_a man_n for_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v proper_o ungodly_a unlike_a to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o contemn_v poor_a and_o mean_v and_o afflict_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v but_o our_o eye_n open_a and_o our_o judgement_n clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a we_o shall_v see_v a_o beauty_n and_o resplendency_n in_o goodness_n even_o when_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n when_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o rag_n and_o sit_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o will_v shine_v through_o all_o these_o mist_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o native_a light_n and_o beauty_n in_o it_o throw_v the_o darkness_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v wickedness_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a thing_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o gallantry_n and_o bravery_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a righteous_a man_n as_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o profane_a gallant_a as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v a_o man_n that_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n we_o shall_v esteem_v any_o one_o more_o