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 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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
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 deum_fw-la de_fw-la nat._n deor._n l._n 1._o 2._o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o will_v not_o heap_v up_o all_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o job_n 36.4_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n be_v with_o thou_o 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o represent_v god_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n as_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n which_o signify_v his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o communicate_v to_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n dan._n 2.21_o and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a 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 advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o of_o these_o viz._n that_o god_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o in_o handle_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n take_v knowledge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n job_n 34.21_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n he_o mark_v all_o his_o step_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v 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 there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o job_n 34_o 22._o 1._o that_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o 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
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
possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o separate_v and_o remove_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o we_o must_v not_o obscure_a or_o blemish_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o blot_v of_o imperfection_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v of_o this_o to_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n we_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n very_o careful_a to_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n gen._n 18.25_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a 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 deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_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 far_o be_v it_o from_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n holiness_n be_v so_o frequent_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o signify_v the_o purity_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o god_n be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o himself_o as_o may_v remove_v sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o because_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o imperfection_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o countenance_n sin_n the_o scripture_n acquit_v god_n of_o it_o psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o go_v from_o one_o word_n or_o to_o change_v one_o mind_n this_o likewise_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v or_o repent_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o want_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o thing_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n without_o one_o self_n for_o their_o happiness_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v set_v far_o from_o he_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o be_v it_o a_o gain_n to_o he_o that_o thou_o make_v thy_o way_n perfect_a job_n 35.6_o 7._o if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o tempt_v or_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n he_o can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n say_v st._n james_n chap._n 1.17_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n mutable_a this_o be_v deny_v of_o god_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o and_o removing_z all_o shadow_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o best_a i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o for_o a_o foundation_n and_o rectify_v all_o our_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o reason_v about_o he_o by_o these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v right_o apprehension_n and_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o will_v make_v it_o easy_o credible_a to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o for_o his_o goodness_n will_v dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o communicate_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n render_v he_o able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o difficulty_n and_o without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n or_o happiness_n as_o epicurus_n will_v seem_v vain_o to_o fear_v who_o in_o truth_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o pretend_v only_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lay_v so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o he_o vain_a man_n as_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o difficult_a to_o our_o weakness_n and_o folly_n may_v not_o be_v infinite_o easy_a to_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n particular_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v as_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v render_v they_o to_o many_o when_o we_o consider_v infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n we_o may_v easy_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n by_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o they_o there_o be_v something_o concern_v these_o that_o be_v unimaginable_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o something_o may_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o because_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o power_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o either_o the_o world_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o or_o that_o matter_n be_v eternal_o of_o itself_o which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o to_o imagine_v as_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o from_o nothing_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v how_o god_n can_v certain_o know_v future_a event_n which_o depend_v upon_o voluntary_a and_o uncertain_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a knowledge_n but_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v know_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n can_v imagine_v how_o a_o great_a mathematician_n can_v demonstrate_v his_o proposition_n only_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o no_o power_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o able_a perhaps_o to_o reconcile_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o universal_a goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n because_o we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n at_o one_o view_n and_o see_v every_o part_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o will_v appear_v very_o wise_a if_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o thing_n and_o see_v the_o entire_a design_n together_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v to_o who_o as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o all_o his_o way_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n be_v notion_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v these_o the_o whole_a bible_n will_v be_v insignificant_a to_o we_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v any_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v these_o and_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o can_v know_v what_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n in_o god_n be_v for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o whether_o god_n be_v good_a or_o not_o nor_o can_v we_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o make_v himself_o like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o idea_n of_o that_o to_o which_o he_o aim_v to_o be_v like_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a and_o settle_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o unintelligible_a be_v and_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o he_o will_v
evident_o inconsistent_a with_o some_o other_o and_o great_a perfection_n some_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v perfection_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n as_o that_o what_o have_v once_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o power_n be_v make_v not_o to_o have_v be_v or_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o by_o its_o nature_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o one_o place_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o another_o these_o thing_n in_o reason_n be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v under_o any_o power_n how_o unlimited_a soever_o for_o if_o we_o once_o ascribe_v contradiction_n to_o god_n we_o destroy_v his_o be_v because_o then_o to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v power_n and_o no_o power_n will_v be_v all_o one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o perfection_n which_o do_v argue_v and_o suppose_v imperfection_n in_o they_o as_o motion_n the_o quickness_n and_o swiftness_n thereof_o in_o creature_n be_v a_o perfection_n but_o than_o it_o suppose_v a_o finite_a and_o limit_a nature_n for_o a_o boundless_a and_o immense_a be_v that_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o once_o have_v no_o need_n to_o move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o therefore_o though_o motion_n be_v a_o perfection_n in_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n because_o it_o suppose_v a_o great_a imperfection_n and_o there_o be_v also_o some_o imaginable_a degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o because_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o other_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o instance_n such_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v imagine_v as_o will_v quite_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o justice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o a_o strictness_n and_o a_o rigour_n of_o justice_n as_o will_v leave_v no_o room_n at_o all_o for_o patience_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o such_o degree_n be_v not_o real_o to_o be_v esteem_v perfection_n for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o evident_o clash_v with_o any_o other_o necessary_a and_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v so_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v accord_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o good_a and_o gracious_a as_o to_o encourage_v sin_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o reverence_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o goodness_n but_o easiness_n and_o weakness_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v perpetual_o injure_v and_o affront_v it_o be_v not_o patience_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v everlasting_o trample_v upon_o so_o likewise_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a as_o to_o smite_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o instant_n that_o he_o offend_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o refrain_v from_o punishment_n and_o to_o give_v time_n for_o repentance_n but_o whatever_o perfection_n be_v conceivable_a or_o possible_a and_o argue_v no_o imperfection_n nor_o be_v repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o necessary_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o easy_a conception_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v this_o natural_a light_n do_v first_o suggest_v and_o offer_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o will_n without_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o greek_n call_v god_n very_o often_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o best_a of_o being_n and_o the_o latin_a optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a beatissima_fw-la &_o perfectissima_fw-la natura_fw-la constans_fw-la &_o perfecta_fw-la ratio_fw-la the_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a nature_n immutible_a and_o absolute_a reason_n and_o many_o other_o such_o expression_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a thought_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n but_o this_o necessary_o involve_v or_o infer_v his_o goodness_n as_o seneca_n excellent_o reason_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la dein_fw-ge reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o be_v next_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o along_o in_o plato_n &_o tully_n and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o every_o where_o attribute_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o do_v steer_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n by_o this_o principle_n that_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascrbied_a to_o he_o and_o whenever_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o god_n they_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v they_o give_v it_o he_o as_o his_o due_n if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v every_o where_o find_v perfection_n ascribe_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n and_o law_n of_o god_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o or_o proceed_v from_o he_o job_n 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n and_o again_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n ps_n 18.30_o as_o for_o god_n his_o way_n be_v perfect_a ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v particular_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o draught_n of_o they_o whatever_o perfection_n can_v be_v imagine_v either_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o be_v or_o act_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o as_o to_o his_o nature_n we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o mere_a body_n or_o matter_n because_o that_o will_v exclude_v several_a other_o perfection_n for_o mere_a matter_n be_v incapable_a both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n be_v determine_v by_o necessary_a law_n of_o motion_n and_o yet_o without_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o goodness_n we_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o without_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o owe_v his_o be_v to_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n do_v not_o choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v or_o not_o nor_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o to_o suppose_v any_o thing_n to_o deliberate_v or_o consult_v about_o its_o own_o be_v be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v we_o must_v say_v of_o god_n likewise_o that_o he_o be_v immense_a and_o every_o where_o present_a because_o to_o be_v limit_v be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n than_o sometime_o not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n by_o a_o glance_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o mere_a beck_n and_o nod_n of_o his_o will_n without_o long_a study_n or_o deliberation_n without_o laborious_a pain_n and_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_o end_n all_o these_o perfection_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v possible_a we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o full_o and_o immutable_o possess_v of_o and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a degree_n than_o our_o finite_a understanding_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v or_o comprehend_v 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
to_o ourselves_o i._o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v that_o he_o always_o be_v and_o be_v and_o to_o all_o eternity_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o he_o undergo_v no_o change_n either_o of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v or_o of_o his_o property_n and_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v eternal_a incorruptible_a and_o only_o to_o have_v immortality_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o perfection_n he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o counsel_n his_o purpose_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o mutable_a in_o in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o being_n and_o in_o all_o those_o quality_n and_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o purpose_n resolution_n and_o action_n we_o be_v continual_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o this_o or_o that_o quality_n and_o do_v frequent_o change_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perfect_a to_o the_o contrary_a now_o know_v and_o then_o ignorant_a sometime_o wise_a and_o often_o foolish_a strong_a and_o weak_a better_a or_o worse_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o we_o order_v ourselves_o continual_o wax_v or_o wane_v in_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n we_o frequent_o change_v our_o mind_n and_o alter_v our_o purpose_n and_o break_v our_o promise_n and_o contradict_v our_o firm_a and_o most_o serious_a resolution_n and_o speak_v a_o thing_n and_o do_v it_o not_o say_v it_o and_o do_v not_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v but_o god_n be_v everlasting_o the_o same_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n constant_a to_o his_o intention_n steady_a to_o his_o purpose_n immutable_o fix_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o resolution_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o what_o he_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o argue_v great_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n than_o inconstancy_n and_o change_n this_o be_v the_o great_a vanity_n of_o all_o creature_n that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o do_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o one_o state_n this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o pass_v away_o and_o of_o man_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o natural_a change_n by_o age_n and_o disease_n and_o death_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v in_o his_o best_a estate_n altogether_o vanity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o moral_a change_n to_o be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v in_o his_o understanding_n and_o to_o alter_v his_o opinion_n so_o often_o to_o be_v so_o fickle_a in_o his_o will_n and_o to_o change_v so_o often_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n according_a to_o the_o alteration_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n we_o attribute_v change_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o person_n of_o the_o weak_a age_n and_o understanding_n as_o child_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 4.14_o now_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o change_v this_o will_v cast_v a_o universal_a cloud_n upon_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o obscure_v all_o other_o excellency_n and_o make_v they_o like_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n which_o how_o gay_a and_o glorious_a soever_o be_v fade_v and_o perish_v and_o the_o great_a the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n will_v mutability_n be_v for_o as_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a so_o the_o better_a any_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v it_o liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o change_n and_o as_o mutability_n in_o god_n will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n so_o will_v it_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n will_v be_v quite_o take_v away_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a honour_n or_o esteem_n for_o a_o be_v that_o be_v fickle_a and_o inconstant_a if_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n be_v uncertain_a his_o threating_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v their_o awe_n and_o force_n if_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n can_v fail_v no_o promise_n and_o declaration_n how_o gracious_a soever_o will_v be_v any_o security_n or_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o reason_v be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o clear_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o cite_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o burpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o natural_a light_n plato_n in_o his_o phoedo_n inquire_v whether_o the_o most_o perfect_a that_o be_v god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o or_o sometime_o thus_o and_o sometime_o otherwise_o that_o be_v say_v he_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v equality_n and_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n itself_o receive_v any_o the_o least_o change_n at_o any_o time_n and_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o uniform_a and_o of_o itself_o always_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v never_o in_o any_o wise_a upon_o any_o account_n subject_n to_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n whatsoever_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o and_o always_o alike_o and_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr repub._n where_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitutition_n of_o religion_n he_o mention_n these_o two_o which_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v he_o borrow_a from_o st._n james_n but_o that_o he_o live_v so_o long_o before_o he_o viz._n first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a of_o any_o evil_n answerable_o to_o what_o our_o apostle_n here_o assert_n that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o he_o second_o that_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o by_o make_v various_a representation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o sometime_o in_o one_o form_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o for_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o and_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pass_v out_o of_o his_o own_o idea_n or_o be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o he_o be_v which_o he_o further_o confirm_v by_o this_o excellent_a reason_v that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o alteration_n but_o such_o a_o be_v be_v god_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v weak_a and_o less_o perfect_a than_o himself_o and_o he_o can_v will_v to_o change_v himself_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o better_a for_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o all_o perfection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o accession_n of_o any_o to_o he_o by_o any_o change_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a be_v as_o god_n be_v that_o will_v change_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o goodly_a and_o best_a be_v that_o be_v possible_a he_o always_o continue_v simple_o the_o same_o seneca_n likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n l._n 6._o de_fw-fr benef._n statuerunt_fw-la say_v he_o quae_fw-la non_fw-la mutarent_fw-la neque_fw-la unquam_fw-la primi_fw-la consilii_fw-la deos_fw-la poenitet_fw-la the_o god_n make_v unchangeable_a decree_n and_o never_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o first_o counsel_n 2._o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o perfection_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_v in_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v exod._n 3.14_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o this_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o egyptian_n their_o oppressor_n psal_n 90.2_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n psal_n 102.27_o thou_o be_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
suck_v wicked_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o they_o for_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o scripture-phrase_n as_o to_o ascribe_v all_o good_a motion_n to_o god_n spirit_n so_o all_o evil_a thought_n and_o action_n to_o the_o devil_n not_o that_o he_o be_v the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o but_o because_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o they_o and_o one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o promote_v they_o 3._o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o grant_v as_o many_o have_v do_v a_o immediate_a power_n to_o the_o devil_n over_o the_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o work_n of_o they_o though_o not_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n mind_n for_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o grant_v he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o key_n to_o that_o closet_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a nice_a distinction_n which_o be_v here_o make_v between_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o image_n of_o their_o fancy_n and_o if_o these_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v but_o word_n that_o signify_v the_o same_o thing_n we_o shall_v unaware_o entrench_v upon_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n therefore_o because_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o stranger_n to_o these_o nice_a and_o subtle_a distinction_n between_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o fancy_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n i_o think_v it_o be_v much_o safe_a to_o assert_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n in_o that_o latitude_n that_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n heart_n for_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o roundly_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o inward_a motion_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v total_o exempt_a from_o the_o immediate_a cognizance_n of_o any_o other_o spirit_n but_o god_n alone_a and_o that_o neither_o angel_n nor_o devil_n have_v any_o further_a knowledge_n of_o they_o than_o may_v be_v collect_v and_o infer_v in_o a_o way_n of_o probable_a conjecture_n from_o the_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o habit_n and_o design_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o action_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o particular_a god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n this_o god_n propose_v as_o the_o way_n to_o discern_v the_o true_a god_n from_o idol_n isaiah_n 41.21_o etc._n etc._n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o king_n of_o jacob_n that_o be_v let_v they_o bring_v some_o argument_n that_o may_v convince_v we_o that_o they_o be_v god_n and_o he_o instance_v in_o foretell_v future_a evant_n v_o 22._o let_v they_o show_v the_o former_a thing_n what_o they_o be_v that_o we_o may_v consider_v they_o and_o know_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o they_o or_o declare_v we_o thing_n for_o to_o come_v show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v go_n god_n put_v it_o upon_o this_o issue_n if_o they_o can_v foretell_v future_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v god_n if_o not_o they_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o work_n of_o naught_o and_o he_o be_v a_o abomination_n that_o choose_v they_o v_o 24._o by_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o understand_v such_o effect_n as_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o necessary_a cause_n but_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o so_o may_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o to_o know_v future_a event_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n know_v future_a event_n 2._o that_o he_o only_o know_v they_o 1._o god_n know_v future_a event_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v the_o best_a part_n of_o wisdom_n and_o unless_o this_o do_v belong_v to_o god_n how_o can_v he_o govern_v the_o world_n the_o heathen_n except_o only_o the_o epicurean_o general_o grant_v this_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o wise_a counsel_n which_o we_o frequent_o meet_v with_o in_o they_o to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v anxious_a for_o the_o future_a but_o have_v do_v our_o endeavour_n leave_v the_o event_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v they_o and_o dispose_v they_o permit_v ipsis_fw-la expendere_fw-la numinibus_fw-la quid_fw-la conveniat_fw-la nobis_fw-la rebusque_fw-la sit_fw-la utile_fw-la nostris_fw-la juv._n and_o afterward_o say_v he_o we_o be_v importunate_a with_o god_n for_o wife_n and_o child_n at_o illis_fw-la notum_fw-la qui_fw-la pveri_fw-la qualisque_fw-la futura_fw-la sit_fw-la uxor_fw-la and_o that_o this_o be_v their_o opinion_n appear_v yet_o more_o clear_o from_o those_o apprehension_n which_o they_o have_v of_o divination_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n deos_fw-la posse_fw-la nobis_fw-la signa_fw-la futurarum_fw-la reum_fw-la ostendere_fw-la de_fw-la legibus_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr divin_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o divination_n for_o it_o be_v a_o old_a opinion_n jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eaque_fw-la pop._n rom._n &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la and_o afterward_o that_o this_o divination_n be_v not_o sine_fw-la instinctu_fw-la afflatúque_fw-la divino_fw-la i_o know_v they_o do_v various_o explain_v this_o according_a to_o their_o several_a opinion_n about_o fate_n and_o contingency_n and_o their_o apprehension_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n one_o sect_n of_o they_o the_o stoic_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v a_o fatal_a chain_n of_o cause_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o thing_n do_v necessary_o follow_v one_o another_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o make_v foreknowledge_n easy_a and_o explicable_a and_o though_o in_o their_o dispute_n they_o seem_v to_o grant_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o event_n and_o contingency_n yet_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v event_n though_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o so_o be_v fore-known_a to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o cite_v one_o testimony_n of_o seneca_n speak_v of_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o most_o contingent_a thing_n the_o disposition_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v he_o add_v nota_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la illis_fw-la operis_fw-la svi_fw-la series_n omniúmque_fw-la illis_fw-la rerum_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la iturarum_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o aperto_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la ex_fw-la abdito_fw-la subit_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la repentina_fw-la putamus_fw-la illis_fw-la provisa_fw-la veniunt_fw-la &_o familiaria_fw-la and_o how_o peremptory_a soever_o this_o sect_n be_v in_o their_o dispute_n about_o fate_n yet_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o general_o in_o their_o moral_a discourse_n they_o seem_v plain_o to_o i_o to_o exempt_v the_o will_n of_o man_n from_o this_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o those_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v fate_n do_v general_o grant_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o contingent_a thing_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o they_o do_v rather_o make_v god_n foreknowledge_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o voluntary_a than_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n that_o be_v that_o god_n when_o he_o please_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o can_v foreknow_a all_o future_a event_n but_o their_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o neither_o his_o foreknowledge_n but_o tully_n seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o very_a perfect_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n quis_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la omne_fw-la providentem_fw-la cogitantem_fw-la animadvertentem_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinere_fw-la putantem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotij_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la but_o i_o can_v say_v he_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o grant_v to_o he_o this_o perfection_n of_o know_v all_o future_a thing_n if_o he_o please_v to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o have_v they_o not_o in_o this_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o weariness_n to_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o be_v always_o in_o act_n to_o know_v the_o least_o thing_n how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v 2._o from_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o testimony_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 1._o testimony_n isa_n 48.3_o etc._n etc._n act_v 15.18_o know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o everlasting_a which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o compare_v with_o the_o forecited_a
place_n of_o sen._n nota_fw-la enim_fw-la illis_fw-la operis_fw-la svi_fw-la series_n etc._n etc._n 2._o by_o argument_n from_o scripture_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o the_o clear_a and_o particular_a prediction_n of_o future_a event_n long_o before_o they_o happen_v gen._n 15.13_o god_n foretell_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n deliverance_n after_o 430_o year_n which_o he_o punctual_o accomplish_v exod._n 12.40_o 41._o the_o prophet_n that_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n name_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v do_v it_o josias_n 350_o year_n beforehand_o 1_o king_n 13.2_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n be_v foretell_v 100_o year_n before_o to_o be_v do_v particular_o by_o cyrus_n which_o be_v so_o strange_a that_o the_o prophet_n bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o preface_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n isa_n 44.24_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v afterward_o precise_o fulfil_v when_o the_o 70_o year_n be_v expire_v how_o be_v the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o many_o particular_a circumstance_n foretell_v and_o do_v not_o he_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 40_o year_n before_o but_o because_o there_o may_v be_v no_o contingency_n in_o good_a thing_n god_n himself_o may_v be_v resolve_v to_o effect_v they_o or_o excite_v man_n to_o do_v they_o when_o he_o have_v foretell_v they_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o worst_a thing_n have_v be_v foretell_v the_o apostasy_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n 31.16_o and_o their_o infidelity_n in_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n isa_n 53.1_o 5_o 9_o 26._o our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o peter_n denial_n of_o he_o now_o these_o be_v so_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o suppose_v the_o holy_a god_n to_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v foretell_v by_o he_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o foreknowledge_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o understanding_n which_o reach_v thing_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n that_o be_v most_o contingent_a sermon_n vi_o vi_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n ii_o 3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v consider_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a instance_n of_o it_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o secret_a thing_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o future_a event_n against_o the_o last_o of_o which_o there_o be_v some_o objection_n which_o i_o come_v now_o brief_o to_o consider_v and_o pass_v on_o to_o what_o remain_v objection_n the_o first_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n certainty_n of_o all_o knowledge_n depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v a_o certain_a and_o determinate_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v certain_o and_o determinate_o true_a but_o future_a event_n which_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v have_v no_o certain_a and_o determinate_a truth_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o certain_a either_o that_o they_o will_v or_o will_v not_o be_v because_o they_o have_v no_o certain_a cause_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a knowledge_n concern_v they_o answer_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v the_o grand_a difficulty_n i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o solicitous_a to_o take_v it_o away_o as_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o it_o 1._o i_o may_v say_v with_o a_o very_a fair_a probability_n that_o the_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o of_o the_o object_n which_o may_v be_v certain_a though_o the_o cause_n be_v contingent_a which_o i_o prove_v thus_o whatever_o event_n have_v actual_o happen_v as_o because_o now_o it_o be_v past_a it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o it_o be_v so_o because_o it_o once_o be_v it_o be_v certain_o true_a before_o it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v be_v as_o in_o peter_n deny_v of_o christ_n if_o it_o be_v now_o true_a that_o he_o have_v deny_v he_o it_o be_v true_a before_o that_o he_o will_v deny_v he_o and_o it_o be_v determinate_o true_a god_n see_v it_o as_o it_o be_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o object_n of_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n 2._o though_o we_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o possibility_n of_o god_n know_v future_a contingency_n much_o less_o the_o manner_n how_o yet_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o god_n do_v know_v they_o i_o will_v give_v but_o one_o instance_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n yet_o god_n fore-knew_a this_o how_o else_o be_v christ_n decree_v before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n christ_n be_v a_o remedy_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n now_o the_o remedy_n can_v not_o be_v design_v before_o the_o sin_n be_v foresee_v and_o this_o be_v certain_a cum_fw-la constat_fw-la de_fw-fr re_fw-mi frustra_fw-la inquiritur_fw-la de_fw-la modo_fw-la when_o we_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v not_o 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by_o idle_a and_o conceit_a man_n which_o a_o great_a many_o ever_o since_o lest_o they_o shall_v seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a will_v seem_v to_o understand_v but_o i_o wonder_v most_o that_o man_n when_o they_o have_v amuse_v and_o puzzle_v themselves_o and_o other_o with_o hard_a word_n shall_v call_v this_o explain_v thing_n the_o sum_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o future_a event_n may_v seem_v contradictious_a and_o impossible_a to_o we_o much_o less_o do_v i_o expect_v ever_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o unless_o we_o have_v infinite_a understanding_n it_o be_v vanity_n to_o pretend_v to_o explain_v all_o the_o way_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n second_o it_o be_v object_v that_o if_o we_o can_v
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
his_o eye_n be_v always_o open_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v more_o power_n than_o act_n it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o there_o be_v very_o little_a that_o we_o do_v actual_o know_v it_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o at_o once_o and_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o we_o can_v remove_v they_o to_o another_o object_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o former_a and_o quit_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o actual_a and_o steady_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a and_o all_o eye_n nothing_o can_v escape_v his_o sight_n but_o all_o object_n be_v at_o once_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n heb._n 4.13_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v unto_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v 2._o god_n knowledge_n be_v a_o intimate_a and_o thorough_a knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n but_o outward_a and_o superficial_a our_o knowledge_n glide_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n but_o do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o intimate_a nature_n of_o they_o it_o seldom_o reach_v further_a than_o the_o skin_n and_o outward_a appearance_n of_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o know_v thing_n in_o their_o reality_n but_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o with_o all_o their_o mask_n and_o disguise_n but_o god_n know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v 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 god_n know_v thing_n throughout_o all_o that_o can_v be_v know_v of_o they_o the_o quick_a and_o pierce_a eye_n of_o god_n penetrate_v into_o every_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n lay_v all_o thing_n open_a and_o naked_a heb._n 4.13_o in_o which_o expression_n the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v flay_v and_o cleave_v down_o the_o back_n bone_n that_o the_o priest_n may_v look_v into_o they_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v without_o blemish_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n most_o object_n be_v close_o and_o have_v their_o skin_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v uncover_v and_o dissect_v and_o he_o open_v to_o his_o view_n 3._o god_n knowledge_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o great_a confusion_n we_o be_v often_o deceive_v with_o the_o near_a likeness_n and_o resemblance_n of_o thing_n and_o mistake_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o twilight_n which_o do_v not_o sufficient_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n from_o one_o another_o we_o see_v thing_n many_o time_n together_o and_o in_o a_o heap_n and_o do_v but_o know_v they_o in_o gross_a but_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n that_o be_v a_o clear_a light_n which_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a nearness_n and_o resemblance_n god_n have_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n luke_n 12.7_o even_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o least_o consideration_n and_o have_v the_o great_a likeness_n to_o one_o another_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v several_o and_o distinct_o know_v to_o god_n 4._o god_n knowledge_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a we_o be_v subject_a to_o doubt_v and_o error_n in_o our_o understanding_n of_o thing_n every_o thing_n almost_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o tincture_n our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o look_v on_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v our_o temper_n and_o complexion_n our_o education_n and_o prejudice_n our_o interest_n and_o advantage_n our_o humour_n and_o distemper_n these_o all_o misrepresent_v thing_n and_o darken_v our_o mind_n and_o seduce_v our_o judgement_n and_o betray_v we_o to_o error_n and_o mistake_n but_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v a_o clear_a fix_v constant_a and_o undisturbed_a light_n a_o pure_a mirror_n that_o receive_v no_o stain_n from_o affection_n or_o interest_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n man_n be_v many_o time_n confident_a and_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v secure_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o because_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o veracity_n 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v easy_a and_o without_o difficulty_n we_o must_v dig_v deep_a for_o knowledge_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o know_v a_o little_a we_o do_v not_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n without_o search_n and_o study_v and_o great_a intention_n of_o mind_n we_o strive_v to_o comprehend_v some_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v so_o vast_a that_o we_o can_v other_o thing_n be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n that_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o discern_v they_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o little_a and_o small_a and_o nice_a that_o our_o understanding_n can_v lay_v hold_n of_o they_o we_o can_v contract_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o fasten_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o nothing_o too_o great_a and_o vast_a for_o its_o comprehension_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o little_a that_o it_o can_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o animadversion_n the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n the_o shore_n be_v vast_a but_o the_o sand_n be_v little_a say_v one_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o vast_a mind_n of_o solomon_n do_v comprehend_v the_o least_o thing_n it_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o god_n his_o understanding_n be_v a_o vast_a comprehension_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a and_o all_o this_o god_n do_v without_o difficulty_n or_o pain_n he_o know_v all_o thing_n without_o study_n and_o his_o understanding_n be_v in_o continual_a exercise_n without_o weariness_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o without_o search_n without_o look_v narrow_o into_o and_o bend_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o god_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o his_o view_n he_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o scripture_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n but_o these_o expression_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o painfulness_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n that_o he_o know_v those_o thing_n as_o perfect_o as_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o exactness_n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v universal_a and_o extend_v to_o all_o object_n we_o know_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n our_o ignorance_n be_v great_a than_o our_o knowledge_n maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la scimus_fw-la est_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la que_fw-la nescimus_fw-la but_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v vast_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o by_o a_o imperious_a view_n command_v all_o object_n he_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n he_o know_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o know_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n their_o power_n and_o quality_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a psal_n 147.5_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a he_o know_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v all_o infinite_a now_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a be_v incapable_a of_o any_o addition_n or_o diminution_n or_o change_n our_o finite_a understanding_n be_v liable_a to_o alteration_n they_o may_v grow_v or_o decline_v but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o full_a constant_a light_n it_o be_v always_o the_o same_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o eclipse_n nor_o capable_a of_o any_o exaltation_n or_o improvement_n but_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o
same_o three_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i._o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n call_v for_o our_o veneration_n every_o excellency_n command_v reverence_n and_o raise_v our_o admiration_n and_o none_o more_o than_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o value_v ourselves_o or_o other_o more_o by_o than_o this_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o man_n the_o most_o glorious_a understanding_n that_o ever_o any_o one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o as_o a_o glow-worm_n to_o the_o sun_n if_o we_o admire_v these_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o shine_v so_o imperfect_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o we_o reverence_v a_o little_a knowledge_n compass_v about_o with_o ignorance_n how_o shall_v we_o admire_v the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o blemish_n or_o imperfection_n in_o it_o 2._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v humility_n and_o that_o on_o this_o double_a account_n as_o we_o have_v all_o our_o knowledge_n from_o he_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a understanding_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o we_o know_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o do_v know_v our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v slight_a and_o superficial_a attend_v with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o error_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o bright_a understanding_n of_o man_n have_v many_o flaw_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o more_o humble_a we_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v a_o empty_a knowledge_n and_o false_o so_o call_v that_o puff_v up_o as_o the_o empty_a ear_n of_o corn_n be_v pert_a and_o raise_v up_o themselves_o but_o those_o which_o be_v big_a and_o full_a droop_v and_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n so_o it_o be_v only_a ignorance_n that_o be_v proud_a and_o lift_v man_n up_o but_o true_a knowledge_n make_v man_n humble_a 3._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n he_o know_v our_o want_n and_o weakness_n and_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v for_o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n he_o know_v the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o can_v when_o he_o please_v put_v a_o hook_n in_o their_o nose_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o their_o lip_n as_o he_o do_v to_o senacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.28_o 1._o from_o god_n know_v our_o secret_a action_n i_o infer_v 1._o if_o god_n see_v our_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o discover_v and_o confute_v the_o secret_a atheism_n of_o many_o he_o that_o commit_v the_o most_o secret_a sin_n deny_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n thus_o david_n describe_v the_o atheism_n of_o some_o in_o his_o day_n he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v god_n be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n as_o deny_v that_o it_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o this_o even_a in_o the_o best_a man_n which_o do_v at_o sometime_o discover_v themselves_o psal_n 73.10_o 11._o therefore_o his_o people_n return_v hither_o and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o say_v how_o do_v god_n know_v be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n come_v to_o this_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o afflict_a state_n and_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o come_v to_o this_o to_o question_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o atheism_n reign_v in_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n for_o do_v man_n real_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a that_o his_o eye_n perceive_v the_o darkness_n and_o lay_v open_a and_o naked_a all_o thing_n before_o it_o how_o dare_v they_o lie_v and_o steal_v and_o swear_v false_o vain_a man_n why_o do_v thou_o seek_v darkness_n and_o retirement_n how_o be_v thou_o alone_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o how_o can_v thou_o retire_v from_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o shut_v he_o out_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v light_a what_o security_n be_v darkness_n to_o thou_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o best_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v thy_o sovereign_n thy_o judge_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o master_n and_o thy_o best_a friend_n for_o we_o use_v to_o reverence_v person_n under_o these_o notion_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v vile_a and_o unseemly_a before_o they_o if_o he_o who_o be_v all_o this_o look_v upon_o thou_o why_o be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a why_o do_v not_o thy_o blood_n rise_v in_o thy_o face_n why_o shall_v not_o shame_n and_o fear_v work_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n see_v we_o as_o if_o man_n do_v behold_v we_o for_o this_o that_o god_n see_v thou_o be_v a_o great_a surprise_n and_o discovery_n and_o threaten_v thou_o with_o more_o danger_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n stand_v by_o thou_o 2._o live_v as_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a and_o exact_a notice_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o will_v have_v a_o double_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o will_v encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o sin_n sic_fw-la vivamus_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o conspectu_fw-la vivamus_fw-la sen._n it_o be_v well_o if_o man_n will_v live_v as_o if_o any_o body_n see_v they_o but_o to_o live_v as_o if_o some_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a person_n be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o and_o do_v observe_v we_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a curb_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o commit_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n and_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o such_o worth_a and_o reverence_n quorum_fw-la interventu_fw-la perditi_fw-la quoque_fw-la homines_fw-la vitia_fw-la supprimerent_fw-la epicurus_n have_v this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v advise_v other_o so_o to_o act_v as_o if_o he_o stand_v by_o fac_fw-la omne_fw-la tanquam_fw-la spectet_fw-la epicurus_n but_o seneca_n instance_v much_o better_a in_o cato_n or_o scipio_n or_o laelius_n ut_fw-la sic_fw-la tanquam_fw-la illo_fw-la spectante_fw-la vivamus_fw-la and_o shall_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v a_o eternal_a restraint_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v david_n course_n to_o keep_v himself_o from_o sin_n psal_n 39.1_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n for_o all_o my_o way_n be_v before_o thou_o psal_n 119.168_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o advise_v by_o seneca_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o live_v when_o we_o be_v among_o man_n as_o believe_v god_n see_v we_o and_o when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o he_o see_v we_o let_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o before_o he_o as_o if_o man_n do_v stare_v upon_o we_o iii_o god_n knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n teach_v we_o 1._o the_o folly_n of_o hypocrisy_n how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o outward_o which_o inward_o and_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v not_o to_o put_v on_o a_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o paint_v ourselves_o beautiful_o without_o when_o inward_o we_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o uncleanness_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o if_o we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a wise_a way_n for_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o discovery_n even_o from_o they_o
may_v do_v provide_v we_o be_v call_v to_o it_o and_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o but_o to_o call_v any_o man_n a_o hypocrite_n who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o external_a conversation_n be_v unblameable_a this_o be_v to_o judge_v a_o man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o which_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o evidence_n this_o be_v to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a for_o he_o even_o he_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n iv._o from_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n we_o may_v learn_v 1._o the_o vanity_n of_o astrology_n and_o all_o other_o art_n that_o pretend_v to_o foretell_v future_a event_n thing_n that_o depend_v on_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n the_o vanity_n of_o these_o art_n have_v be_v sufficient_o show_v by_o learned_a man_n from_o the_o weakness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o principle_n they_o rely_v upon_o i_o shall_v only_o for_o the_o present_n take_v notice_n that_o it_o contradict_v this_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n only_o know_v future_a event_n from_o prudent_a collection_n and_o observation_n probable_a conjecture_n may_v be_v make_v of_o what_o will_v happen_v in_o some_o case_n but_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a prospective-glass_n with_o which_o we_o can_v see_v future_a event_n but_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o whoeever_n take_v upon_o he_o to_o foretell_v future_a event_n without_o divine_a revelation_n he_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o god_n delight_v to_o chastise_v the_o curiosity_n and_o cross_v the_o prediction_n of_o these_o vain_a pretender_n isa_n 44.24_o 25._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n that_o form_v thou_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n alone_o that_o spread_v abroad_o the_o earth_n by_o myself_o that_o frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a that_o turn_v wiseman_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a as_o he_o also_o in_o scripture_n threaten_v those_o who_o consult_v they_o and_o rely_v upon_o they_o those_o who_o go_v to_o astrologer_n or_o wise_a man_n as_o they_o call_v they_o to_o know_v their_o fortune_n and_o inquire_v of_o the_o event_n of_o their_o life_n they_o forsake_v god_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o lie_v vanity_n 2._o refer_v future_a thing_n to_o god_n who_o only_o know_v they_o trust_v he_o with_o all_o event_n cast_v your_o care_n upon_o he_o when_o you_o have_v use_v your_o best_a prudence_n and_o wisdom_n and_o diligence_n for_o your_o supply_n and_o security_n for_o the_o future_a leave_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n for_o your_o heavenly_a father_n know_v both_o your_o want_n and_o your_o danger_n when_o we_o be_v over-solicitous_a about_o future_a thing_n we_o take_v god_n proper_a work_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o usurp_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n why_o do_v we_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o we_o we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v not_o what_o will_v be_v to_o morrow_n mind_v your_o present_a duty_n and_o work_n and_o leave_v event_n to_o god_n secret_a thing_n belong_v to_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n but_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o our_o child_n for_o ever_o to_o do_v all_o the_o word_n of_o his_o law_n deut._n 29.29_o do_v your_o duty_n commit_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n in_o well-doing_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v in_o a_o mix_a condition_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o know_v be_v reveal_v that_o be_v our_o duty_n but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o pity_n to_o mankind_n god_n have_v conceal_v and_o hide_v the_o rest_n from_o we_o he_o have_v hide_v from_o we_o the_o good_a that_o may_v happen_v to_o we_o because_o the_o best_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v but_o shallow_a and_o empty_a and_o if_o we_o can_v see_v they_o beforehand_o we_o shall_v prevent_v ourselves_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o eat_v out_o the_o sweetness_n which_o be_v in_o they_o by_o delightful_a fore-thought_n of_o they_o and_o he_o have_v conceal_v future_a evil_n from_o we_o lest_o we_o shall_v torment_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o they_o prudens_fw-la futuri_fw-la temporis_fw-la exitum_fw-la caliginosâ_fw-la nocte_fw-la premit_fw-la deus_fw-la ridetque_fw-la si_fw-la mortalis_fw-la ultra_fw-la fas_fw-la trepidat_fw-la what_o a_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o make_v yourselves_o miserable_a with_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o ante_fw-la miserias_fw-la miser_n use_v all_o wise_a mean_n to_o prevent_v what_o you_o fear_v and_o then_o be_v satisfy_v and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o you_o can_v till_o misery_n come_v go_v not_o forth_o to_o meet_v it_o sufficient_a for_o the_o day_n be_v the_o evil_a thereof_o do_v not_o anticipate_v the_o evil_n of_o to_o morrow_n and_o take_v present_a possession_n of_o a_o evil_a to_o come_v cast_v your_o care_n upon_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o care_n for_o you_o sermon_n vii_o vi_o the_o wisdom_n glory_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n judas_n 25._o to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o ay_o be_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n particular_o of_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n his_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_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 the_o skill_n of_o make_v and_o govern_v and_o administer_a all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n rather_o consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n consider_v rather_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n look_n upon_o thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o end_n according_o i_o describe_v they_o thus_o 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 quality_n power_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 their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o general_a together_o with_o his_o majesty_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o they_o be_v here_o join_v together_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n in_o handle_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o in_o what_o sense_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n 2._o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o in_o what_o sense_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o there_o be_v some_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n as_o his_o independency_n and_o eternity_n these_o god_n only_o possess_v and_o they_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o alone_o god_n only_o be_v independent_a and_o eternal_a but_o there_o be_v other_o perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a that_o be_v which_o the_o creature_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n partake_v of_o as_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o power_n and_o the_o like_a yet_o these_o the_o scripture_n do_v peculiarly_a attribute_n to_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v altogether_o incommunicable_a to_o the_o creature_n but_o that_o they_o belong_v to_o god_n in_o such_o a_o peculiar_a and_o divine_a manner_n as_o do_v shut_v out_o the_o creature_n from_o any_o claim_n or_o title_n to_o they_o in_o that_o degree_n and_o perfection_n wherein_o god_n possess_v they_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o his_o goodness_n this_o be_v reserve_v to_o god_n alone_o matth._n 19.17_o why_o call_v thou_o i_o good_a there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n his_o power_n and_o immortality_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o 16._o who_o be_v the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n his_o wisdom_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n rom._n 16.27_o to_o god_n only_o wise_a be_v glory_n his_o holiness_n rev._n 15.14_o for_o thou_o only_a art_n holy_a the_o transcendent_a degree_n and_o singularity_n of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a be_v beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v so_o that_o although_o the_o creature_n partake_v of_o they_o yet_o in_o that_o degree_n and_o
in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n concern_v providence_n do_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n as_o principle_n already_o know_v and_o grant_v before_o we_o come_v to_o dispute_v of_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o those_o who_o question_n his_o be_v and_o whether_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o but_o suppose_v these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o credible_a that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o one_o of_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o it_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o employ_v so_o much_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o raise_n of_o this_o great_a and_o magnificent_a pile_n and_o furnish_v every_o part_n of_o it_o with_o such_o variety_n of_o creature_n so_o exquisite_o and_o so_o wise_o fit_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o one_o another_o shall_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v perfect_v it_o forsake_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o take_v no_o far_o care_n of_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o he_o either_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o or_o to_o interpose_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o any_o disorder_n that_o may_v happen_v for_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n can_v do_v this_o with_o all_o imaginable_a ease_n know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o its_o own_o happiness_n and_o this_o have_v always_o be_v the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n and_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o please_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o epicurean_o do_v deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v the_o world_n or_o govern_v it_o and_o therefore_o wise_a man_n always_o doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o not_o but_o be_v unwilling_a to_o incur_v the_o danger_n of_o so_o odious_a a_o opinion_n they_o be_v content_a for_o fashion_n sake_n to_o own_o his_o be_v provide_v they_o may_v take_v away_o the_o best_a and_o most_o substantial_a argument_n for_o the_o proof_n oâ—_n it_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o philosopher_n own_v a_o providence_n at_o least_o a_o general_a providence_n that_o take_v care_n of_o great_a and_o more_o important_a matter_n but_o do_v not_o descend_v to_o a_o constant_a and_o particular_a care_n of_o every_o person_n and_o every_o little_a event_n belong_v to_o they_o interdum_fw-la curiosus_fw-la singulorum_fw-la say_v tully_n now_o and_o then_o when_o he_o please_v he_o take_v care_n of_o particular_a person_n and_o their_o lesser_a concernment_n but_o many_o of_o they_o thought_n that_o god_n do_v general_o neglect_v the_o small_a and_o more_o inconsiderable_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n dii_fw-la minora_fw-la negligunt_fw-la neque_fw-la agelloâ—_n singulorum_fw-la &_o viticulas_fw-la persequuntur_fw-la the_o god_n overlook_v small_a matter_n and_o do_v not_o mind_v every_o man_n little_a field_n and_o vine_n such_o imperfect_a apprehension_n have_v they_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o though_o they_o will_v seem_v hereby_o to_o consult_v the_o dignity_n and_o ease_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o exempt_n he_o from_o the_o care_n and_o trouble_v of_o lesser_a matter_n yet_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n they_o cast_v a_o dishonourable_a reflection_n upon_o he_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o burden_n to_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o thing_n but_o now_o divine_a revelation_n have_v put_v this_o matter_n out_o of_o doubt_n by_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n particular_a care_n of_o all_o person_n and_o event_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n providence_n extend_v to_o the_o least_o and_o most_o inconsiderable_a creature_n to_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n mat._n 6.30_o to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o that_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o sparrow_n two_o of_o which_o be_v sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o god_n mat._n 10.29_o much_o more_o do_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o man_n which_o be_v creature_n far_o more_o considerable_a and_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n which_o be_v all_o number_v the_o low_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n own_v a_o more_o general_a providence_n and_o divine_a revelation_n have_v rectify_v those_o imperfect_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v about_o it_o and_o have_v satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o particular_n and_o even_o to_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o most_o inconsiderable_a and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n incredible_a consider_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o god_n can_v with_o as_o much_o and_o great_a ease_n take_v care_n of_o every_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v do_v of_o any_o one_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n man_n therefore_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o good_a they_o want_v and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o evil_n they_o fear_v because_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o always_o regard_v and_o hear_v they_o man_n therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n because_o they_o believe_v god_n observe_v they_o and_o will_v reward_v and_o punish_v their_o good_a and_o evil_a deed_n so_o that_o take_v away_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o we_o pull_v down_o one_o of_o the_o main_a pillar_n upon_o which_o religion_n stand_v we_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o best_a refuge_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n the_o most_o irregular_a and_o intractable_a piece_n of_o god_n creation_n yet_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n make_v man_n a_o free_a creature_n and_o capable_a of_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o intend_v this_o present_a life_n for_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o another_o where_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o action_n here_o and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o disorder_n which_o god_n permit_v to_o happen_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v overrule_v by_o he_o to_o a_o great_a good_a and_o be_v make_v many_o time_n to_o serve_v wise_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o visible_o and_o remarkable_o interpose_v for_o the_o prevention_n and_o remedy_n of_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v consider_v all_o this_o it_o be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v many_o of_o those_o irregularity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v the_o fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v so_o cross_a and_o unequal_a in_o this_o life_n for_o suppose_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o account_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o action_n there_o will_v then_o be_v a_o proper_a season_n and_o full_a opportunity_n of_o set_v all_o thing_n straight_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v have_v reason_n then_o either_o to_o glory_n in_o his_o wickedness_n or_o to_o complain_v of_o his_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o first_o that_o god_n providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o interest_n itself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v cast_v our_o particular_a care_n upon_o he_o who_o have_v undertake_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o he_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o to_o christian_n cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o this_o david_n limit_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o good_a man_n cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o
like_a to_o it_o and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o say_v our_o saviour_n thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o like_v to_o it_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o equal_a to_o it_o in_o the_o necessary_a obligation_n of_o it_o for_o this_o commandment_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist_n chap._n 4._o v._n 21_o we_o have_v from_o he_o that_o he_o who_o love_v god_n love_v his_o brother_n also_o the_o first_o commandment_n indeed_o excel_v in_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o object_n because_o it_o enjoin_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o the_o second_o seem_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o effect_n for_o the_o love_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o our_o acknowledgement_n and_o honour_n of_o he_o but_o our_o righteousness_n and_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o he_o we_o can_v do_v he_o no_o real_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n but_o our_o love_n to_o man_n be_v real_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o for_o which_o reason_n god_n be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n that_o the_o external_a honour_n and_o worship_n which_o he_o require_v of_o we_o by_o his_o positive_a command_n shall_v give_v way_n to_o that_o natural_a duty_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o one_o another_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n say_v god_n in_o the_o prophet_n amos_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o show_v how_o great_a a_o value_n god_n put_v upon_o this_o duty_n he_o have_v make_v it_o the_o very_a testimony_n of_o our_o love_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v reject_v all_o our_o other_o profession_n and_o testimony_n of_o love_n to_o he_o as_o false_a and_o insincere_a who_o so_o have_v this_o world_n good_a say_v st._n john_n 1_o epist_n 3.17_o and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n and_o shut_v up_o his_o bowel_n of_o compassion_n from_o he_o how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o and_o again_o chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 20._o if_o any_o man_n say_v i_o love_v god_n and_o hate_v his_o brother_n he_o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o love_v not_o his_o brother_n who_o he_o have_v see_v how_o can_v he_o love_v god_n who_o he_o have_v not_o see_v you_o see_v the_o duty_n here_o recommend_v both_o in_o the_o extent_n and_o in_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o let_v we_o do_v good_a i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n the_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n which_o be_v all_o mankind_n but_o more_o especial_o christian_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o religion_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o the_o object_n about_o which_o this_o duty_n be_v conversant_a be_v very_o large_a and_o take_v in_o all_o mankind_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n the_o jew_n confine_v their_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o their_o own_o kindred_n and_o nation_n and_o because_o they_o be_v prohibit_v familiarity_n with_o idolatrous_a nation_n and_o be_v enjoin_v to_o maintain_v a_o perpetual_a enmity_n with_o amalek_n and_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o canaan_n who_o god_n have_v cast_v out_o before_o they_o and_o devote_v to_o ruin_n they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o perfect_o discharge_v from_o all_o obligation_n of_o kindness_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v express_o enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n to_o be_v kind_a to_o stranger_n because_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v stranger_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o our_o saviour_n have_v restore_v this_o law_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o its_o natural_a and_o original_a extent_n and_o have_v declare_v every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o to_o be_v our_o neighbour_n and_o our_o brother_n and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v by_o we_o according_o when_o ever_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o kindness_n and_o help_n and_o to_o show_v that_o none_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o charity_n he_o have_v express_o command_v we_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o those_o who_o of_o all_o other_o can_v least_o pretend_v to_o it_o even_o our_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o charity_n in_o general_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v plain_o enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o negative_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o bear_v ill-will_n to_o any_o man_n or_o do_v he_o any_o harm_n or_o mischief_n love_n work_v no_o evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 13.10_o and_o this_o negative_a charity_n every_o man_n may_v exercise_v towards_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n and_o that_o equal_o because_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v any_o positive_a act_n but_o only_o that_o we_o abstain_v from_o enmity_n and_o hatred_n from_o injury_n and_o revenge_n which_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o due_a care_n and_o government_n of_o himself_o to_o do_v 2._o positive_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v bear_v a_o universal_a goodwill_n to_o all_o man_n and_o wish_v every_o man_n happiness_n and_o pray_v for_o it_o as_o sincere_o as_o we_o wish_v and_o pray_v for_o our_o own_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o our_o wish_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o our_o endeavour_n to_o procure_v and_o promote_v it_o but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o the_o real_a expression_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o do_v good_a to_o other_o which_o be_v the_o duty_n here_o mean_v in_o the_o text_n and_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o do_v more_o particular_o relate_v to_o the_o relief_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o difficulty_n be_v because_o no_o man_n can_v do_v good_a to_o all_o in_o this_o kind_n if_o he_o will_v it_o not_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o every_o man_n necessity_n and_o distress_n and_o if_o he_o can_v no_o man_n ability_n can_v possible_o reach_v to_o the_o supply_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o all_o man_n want_n and_o indeed_o this_o limitation_n the_o text_n give_v to_o this_o duty_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n say_v the_o apostle_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n which_o either_o signify_v as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v or_o as_o we_o have_v ability_n of_o do_v or_o both_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v afterward_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o exercise_v this_o charity_n to_o all_o man_n that_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o to_o use_v prudence_n and_o discretion_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a object_n we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o want_v of_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o bound_n of_o our_o knowledge_n do_v of_o necessity_n limit_v our_o charity_n within_o a_o certain_a compass_n and_o of_o those_o who_o we_o do_v know_v we_o can_v relieve_v but_o a_o small_a part_n for_o want_v of_o ability_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o though_o a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o charitable_o dispose_v yet_o he_o must_v of_o necessity_n set_v some_o rule_n to_o himself_o for_o the_o management_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n what_o those_o rule_n be_v can_v minutely_o and_o nice_o be_v determine_v when_o all_o be_v do_v much_o must_v be_v leave_v to_o every_o man_n prudence_n and_o discretion_n upon_o a_o full_a view_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o case_n before_o he_o and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o such_o general_a rule_n may_v be_v give_v as_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o practice_n in_o most_o case_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n every_o man_n prudence_n as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v must_v determine_v the_o matter_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v shall_v be_v these_o first_o case_n of_o extremity_n ought_v to_o take_v the_o first_o place_n and_o do_v for_o that_o time_n challenge_v precedence_n of_o all_o other_o consideration_n if_o a_o person_n be_v in_o great_a and_o present_a distress_n and_o his_o necessity_n so_o urgent_a that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o immediate_o relieve_v he_o must_v perish_v this_o be_v so_o violent_a a_o case_n and_o call_v so_o loud_a for_o present_a help_n that_o there_o be_v no_o resist_v of_o it_o whatever_o the_o person_n be_v though_o a_o perfect_a stranger_n to_o we_o though_o most_o unworthy_a though_o the_o great_a enemy_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o distress_n do_v so_o strong_o plead_v