will_v it_o produce_v what_o untoward_a combination_n of_o effect_n will_v there_o be_v if_o infinite_a power_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o act_v without_o the_o conduct_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o we_o take_v away_o his_o providence_n for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counsel_n no_o forecast_n of_o event_n no_o provision_n for_o the_o future_a no_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o goodness_n for_o he_o be_v not_o good_a that_o do_v good_a out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o blind_a necessity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o veracity_n nor_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n in_o god_n for_o all_o these_o suppose_v knowledge_n he_o that_o speak_v truth_n must_v know_v it_o he_o that_o be_v just_o must_v understand_v right_a from_o wrong_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n must_v know_v who_o be_v miserable_a and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v relieve_v and_o not_o to_o labour_v in_o a_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o casie_a take_v away_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o you_o render_v he_o incapable_a of_o any_o honour_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o honour_n we_o do_v he_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o give_v he_o any_o and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o be_v the_o deduction_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o heathen_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n tully_n tell_v we_o that_o thales_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v deos_fw-la omne_fw-la cernere_fw-la and_o we_o know_v the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la testibus_fw-la interpositis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o own_n of_o his_o omniscience_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la deum_fw-la omne_fw-la pervidentem_fw-la &_o cogitantem_fw-la &_o animadvertentem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotii_fw-la plenum_fw-la 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thing_n the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n as_o future_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o the_o contingent_a act_n of_o free_a creature_n each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v for_o in_o prove_v that_o god_n know_v all_o these_o his_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v prove_v with_o advantage_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v secret_a and_o hide_a as_o man_n secret_a action_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o else_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o depend_v upon_o no_o certain_a cause_n as_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o as_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o 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action_n and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o light_n which_o come_v with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o heathen_n in_o it_o i_o will_v but_o produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o principle_n as_o that_o which_o make_v man_n regular_a and_o orderly_a and_o fit_a for_o society_n sit_v igitur_fw-la hoc_fw-la persuasum_fw-la civibus_fw-la qualis_fw-la cuique_fw-la sit_fw-la quid_fw-la agate_n quid_fw-la in_o se_fw-la admittat_fw-la deos_fw-la intueri_fw-la socrates_n as_o xenophon_n tell_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o epictetus_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v persuade_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o man_n be_v see_v of_o god_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n this_o psal_n 139.1_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 5.21_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o ponder_v all_o his_o go_n jer._n 32.19_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o give_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n 2._o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n one_o that_o take_v exact_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v job_n say_v he_o see_v all_o our_o step_n and_o solomon_n that_o he_o ponder_v all_o our_o go_n the_o word_n be_v he_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o balance_n so_o 1_o sam._n 2_o 3._o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n by_o he_o action_n be_v weigh_v job_n 31.4_o do_v he_o not_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v the_o difficulty_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n of_o god_n knowledge_n he_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o whatever_o may_v commend_v a_o action_n or_o blemish_v it_o whatever_o may_v aggravate_v a_o sin_n or_o excuse_v it_o isa_n 26.7_o thou_o most_o upright_o do_v weigh_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a there_o be_v not_o a_o good_a word_n that_o we_o speak_v but_o god_n hear_v it_o mal._n 3.16_o and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n be_v write_v before_o he_o and_o all_o we_o do_v be_v note_v in_o his_o book_n psa_n 56.8_o 3._o he_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o bad_a when_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n in_o secret_a when_o we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n our_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a mat._n 6._o nor_o can_v we_o retire_v ourselves_o to_o any_o place_n where_o we_o can_v sin_v so_o as_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v we_o where_o we_o can_v hide_v our_o sin_n from_o his_o sight_n or_o ourselves_o from_o his_o wrath_n hear_v how_o sensible_o a_o heathen_a speak_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o ep._n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 90.8_o thou_o have_v set_v our_o iniquity_n before_o thou_o and_o our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n those_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o the_o dark_a be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o psal_n 139.11_o 12._o jer._n 16.17_o 23_o 24._o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o ii_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n which_o imply_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_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 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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
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
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
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
admit_v such_o a_o knowledge_n in_o god_n as_o seem_v contradictious_a and_o impossible_a to_o our_o reason_n why_o may_v we_o not_o allow_v and_o frame_v such_o notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v imitable_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o perfection_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o disentangle_a it_o from_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v imitable_a he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o which_o we_o will_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o likeness_n of_o these_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o perfection_n be_v chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n jer._n 9.24_o by_o these_o god_n reveal_v himself_o and_o declare_v his_o name_n and_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o even_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o psal_n 86.15_o deut._n 32.3_o 4_o 5._o when_o god_n will_v give_v a_o description_n of_o himself_o to_o moses_n he_o promise_v to_o cause_v his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n of_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o any_o notion_n of_o god_n justice_n or_o goodness_n that_o seem_v contradictious_a or_o impossible_a the_o three_o objection_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v from_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n 1._o it_o will_v prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o will_v do_v than_o we_o can_v but_o do_v what_o he_o infallible_o foresee_v we_o will_v do_v for_o otherwise_o his_o knowledge_n will_v be_v fallible_a answer_v god's-fore-knowledge_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o the_o event_n in_o every_o event_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o effect_n in_o itself_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v consider_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v future_a with_o relation_n to_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v contingent_a god_n see_v it_o as_o both_o and_o so_o as_o that_o which_o till_o it_o be_v may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o see_v the_o man_n do_v it_o free_o and_o so_o before_o it_o be_v do_v it_o have_v no_o necessity_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o foresight_n as_o when_o it_o be_v it_o have_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v as_o origen_n excellent_o explain_v it_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v fore-known_a but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v future_a and_o shall_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v fore-known_a for_o it_o do_v not_o because_o it_o be_v know_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o because_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o it_o be_v fore-known_a and_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v no_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o event_n which_o because_o it_o be_v know_v must_v infallible_o be_v than_o my_o see_v a_o man_n run_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o run_n which_o because_o i_o do_v see_v be_v infallible_o so_o 2_o lie_n if_o god_n infallible_o fore-knows_a what_o man_n will_v do_v how_o can_v he_o be_v serious_a in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n in_o his_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o his_o grieve_v for_o the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n answer_n all_o these_o be_v found_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o action_n god_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o expect_v it_o because_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v do_v it_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o impenitency_n because_o we_o may_v do_v otherwise_o and_o will_v not_o exhortation_n be_v not_o vain_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o proper_a to_o their_o end_n though_o through_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n they_o may_v be_v render_v vain_a to_o we_o and_o without_o effect_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v upon_o serious_a and_o you_o ask_v how_o god_n can_v exhort_v man_n serious_o to_o that_o which_o he_o fore-sees_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v those_o who_o he_o fore-knows_a will_v be_v final_o impenitent_a i_o answer_v if_o his_o exhortation_n be_v not_o serious_a he_o can_v not_o foresee_v the_o final_a impenitency_n of_o men._n to_o foresee_v man_n final_a impenitency_n be_v to_o foresee_v their_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n warning_n and_o exhortation_n and_o rejection_n of_o his_o grace_n now_o man_n wilful_a contempt_n of_o his_o warning_n and_o exhortation_n can_v be_v foresee_v unless_o god_n foresee_v that_o his_o exhortation_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v answer_v the_o objection_n against_o god_n foreknowing_a future_a event_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o god_n only_o know_v future_a event_n isa_n 44.6_o 7._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o redeemer_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o as_o i_o shall_v call_v and_o shall_v declare_v it_o and_o set_v it_o in_o order_n for_o i_o since_o i_o appoint_v the_o ancient_a people_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v and_o shall_v come_v let_v they_o show_v unto_o they_o isa_n 46.9_o 10._o remember_v the_o former_a thing_n of_o old_a for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o declare_v the_o end_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o from_o ancient_a time_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v say_v my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o finite_a understanding_n especial_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v beyond_o our_o finite_a understanding_n to_o explain_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o any_o understanding_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v do_v not_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n foretell_v several_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v satisfy_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n i_o have_v no_o time_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o business_n of_o heathen_a oracle_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v there_o be_v much_o imposture_n in_o they_o but_o grant_v they_o be_v real_o deliver_v and_o give_v out_o by_o a_o spirit_n yet_o the_o darkness_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o affect_a and_o contrive_v ambiguity_n be_v such_o as_o show_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o those_o matter_n and_o those_o few_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n say_v to_o be_v accomplish_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n either_o wherein_o prudent_a conjecture_n may_v go_v far_o and_o i_o grant_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o sagacious_a spirit_n or_o else_o in_o dis-junctive_a case_n as_o when_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v it_o must_v either_o be_v so_o or_o so_o in_o which_o a_o bold_a guess_v may_v often_o hit_v right_a but_o guess_v at_o future_a thing_n be_v far_o from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o only_o can_v clear_o be_v make_v out_o by_o punctual_a and_o particular_a prediction_n of_o thing_n with_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o person_n such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o which_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o the_o utmost_a guess_v can_v do_v nothing_o such_o as_o those_o prediction_n of_o which_o i_o give_v instance_n out_o of_o scripture_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o general_a head_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n of_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o perfection_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o god_n knowledge_n be_v present_a and_o actual_a
with_o his_o creature_n in_o any_o way_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o the_o creature_n 2._o in_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o please_v upon_o his_o creature_n whether_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a or_o positive_a of_o trial_n of_o obedience_n provide_v they_o contradict_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o creature_n 3._o in_o a_o right_a to_o inflict_v due_a and_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o case_n of_o provocation_n 4._o in_o a_o right_a to_o afflict_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n so_o the_o evil_a he_o inflict_v be_v short_a of_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v confer_v on_o they_o yea_o and_o far_o in_o a_o right_a when_o he_o please_v to_o annihilate_v the_o creature_n and_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o be_v if_o it_o shall_v so_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o though_o that_o creature_n have_v not_o offend_v he_o because_o what_o he_o give_v be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o may_v without_o injury_n take_v it_o away_o again_o when_o he_o please_v in_o these_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n second_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o this_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n hence_o plato_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o tully_n omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la dominum_fw-la lord_n of_o all_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o attribute_n to_o he_o call_z him_z lord_n of_o all_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o which_o we_o may_v refer_v all_o those_o doxology_n in_o which_o power_n and_o dominion_n and_o authority_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v that_o eminent_a confession_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o great_a king_n who_o when_o his_o understanding_n come_v to_o he_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o high_a dan._n 4.34_o 35._o i_o infer_v first_o negative_o we_o can_v from_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n infer_v a_o right_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n as_o do_v not_o plain_o and_o direct_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o horrid_a and_o dreadful_a blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v out_o of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o just_o and_o good_a god_n be_v not_o always_o regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n second_o positive_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n who_o by_o create_v we_o and_o give_v we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v create_v to_o himself_o a_o right_n in_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o our_o love_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n because_o the_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v he_o give_v we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o love_v he_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o when_o we_o render_v these_o to_o he_o we_o do_v but_o give_v he_o of_o his_o own_o 3._o we_o owe_v to_o he_o all_o imaginable_a subjection_n and_o observance_n and_o obedience_n and_o be_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o 4._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_o disobedience_n we_o be_v without_o murmur_v to_o submit_v to_o what_o he_o shall_v inflict_v upon_o we_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n sermon_n viii_o vi_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n psalm_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o i_o be_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n and_o property_n of_o god_n particular_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o last_o day_n i_o speak_v concern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o general_a but_o there_o be_v three_o eminent_a argument_n and_o famous_a instance_n of_o god_n wisdom_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v for_o a_o more_o large_a and_o particular_a handle_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v speak_v several_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n wisdom_n which_o the_o creation_n do_v furnish_v we_o withal_o in_o this_o visible_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o look_v we_o be_v encounter_v with_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v true_a likewise_o of_o his_o wisdom_n rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v now_o the_o creation_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o admirable_a counsel_n and_o wisdom_n as_o any_o curious_a work_n or_o rare_a engine_n do_v argue_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o artificer_n so_o the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o regularity_n and_o fitness_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n argue_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o make_v they_o a_o work_n so_o beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a such_o a_o stately_a pile_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o curious_a in_o the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o so_o harmonious_a in_o all_o its_o part_n every_o part_n so_o fit_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o part_n for_o the_o service_n of_o another_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o frame_n now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o this_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o call_v the_o world_n or_o the_o creation_n be_v contrive_v after_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o have_v upon_o it_o evident_a impression_n of_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n i_o grant_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exhaust_v all_o the_o various_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n which_o be_v in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n though_o the_o often_o and_o the_o near_o we_o meditate_v upon_o they_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o admire_v in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o study_v this_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discover_v something_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v infinite_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n may_v fall_v under_o our_o sense_n so_o the_o design_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n may_v fall_v under_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o when_o thing_n appear_v to_o our_o best_a reason_n plain_o to_o be_v order_v for_o the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o hundred_o