first_o infancy_n to_o the_o childhood_n and_o so_o on_o forward_a to_o man_n estate_n instruct_v it_o in_o his_o will_n and_o as_o it_o be_v instil_v his_o precept_n into_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a and_o line_n after_o line_n as_o the_o capacity_n of_o it_o will_v admit_v not_o regard_v the_o time_n of_o their_o ignorance_n first_o by_o temporal_a blessing_n then_o by_o eternal_a promise_n first_o by_o sensible_a appatition_n then_o by_o inward_a assurance_n more_o certain_a than_o sense_n first_o by_o ceremony_n then_o by_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o worship_n first_o by_o tip_n then_o by_o the_o truth_n first_o by_o the_o shadow_n then_o by_o the_o body_n itself_o first_o by_o prophecy_n then_o by_o accomplishment_n and_o last_o first_o by_o the_o image_n and_o counterfeit_n and_o then_o by_o the_o very_a personal_a presence_n of_o christ_n himself_o bring_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n that_o consummatum_fw-la est_fw-la that_o yea_o and_o amen_o even_o all_o in_o all_o and_o all_o at_o once_o for_o who_o know_v not_o that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v unfold_v unto_o we_o such_o endless_a treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o even_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o affect_v with_o any_o love_n towards_o it_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o partiality_n all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v in_o comparison_n of_o it_o most_o childish_a ridiculous_a and_o trifle_a toy_n the_o four_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o man_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o faithful_a to_o wit_n the_o inward_a and_o secret_a operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n renew_v their_o mind_n and_o heart_n to_o know_v and_o love_v the_o truth_n this_o light_n far_o pass_v all_o the_o other_o for_o that_o it_o not_o only_o shine_v in_o the_o eye_n as_o the_o other_o do_v but_o also_o open_v they_o that_o they_o may_v see_v and_o behold_v the_o truth_n which_o thing_n the_o other_o be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v for_o although_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o three_o aforesaid_a mean_n namely_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o general_a assent_n and_o voice_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n under_o heaven_n in_o all_o age_n especial_o of_o the_o lewes_z who_o do_v general_o abhor_v this_o opinion_n of_o atheism_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o whole_a will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v full_o and_o final_o reveal_v by_o some_o or_o all_o whereof_o many_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o to_o have_v although_o not_o a_o full_a sight_n yet_o a_o glimmer_n of_o he_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o mean_n we_o see_v that_o many_o remain_v in_o the_o palpable_a blindness_n of_o atheism_n neither_o know_v in_o mind_n nor_o acknowledge_v by_o word_n any_o other_o god_n than_o the_o ordinary_a and_o set_a course_n of_o nature_n because_o as_o yet_o their_o eye_n be_v fast_o shut_v and_o seal_v up_o so_o that_o they_o can_v see_v the_o light_n although_o it_o be_v most_o clear_a but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o ointment_n joh._n 2._o 20._o which_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o make_v we_o clear_v sight_v so_o that_o now_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o as_o with_o that_o man_n joh._n 9_o 1._o that_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a have_v not_o doubt_v often_o hear_v man_n speak_v of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o light_n thereof_o and_o do_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o not_o without_o some_o doubt_n &_o not_o at_o all_o know_v what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o or_o whereunto_o to_o resemble_v it_o but_o assoon_o as_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v he_o do_v plain_o behold_v the_o sun_n with_o the_o light_n and_o beam_n thereof_o he_o do_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o sun_n than_o he_o do_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o be_v so_o man_n before_o they_o be_v enlighten_v by_o god_n spirit_n they_o see_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o after_o regeneration_n be_v as_o clear_v unto_o they_o as_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n even_o as_o we_o read_v 2._o kin._n 6._o 17._o that_o eliseus_n his_o servant_n can_v not_o see_v the_o huge_a army_n of_o horseman_n and_o chariot_n which_o be_v hard_o at_o hand_n till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n at_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o prophet_n open_v his_o eye_n the_o five_o and_o last_o mean_n by_o the_o which_o god_n be_v make_v know_v be_v his_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a work_n by_o the_o which_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o not_o only_o to_o some_o few_o of_o his_o seruamt_n who_o have_v be_v the_o instrument_n by_o who_o they_o have_v be_v wrought_v but_o also_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n behold_v they_o and_o without_o question_n when_o these_o be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o the_o true_a believer_n even_o a_o huge_a heap_n of_o faith_n and_o assurance_n howsoever_o to_o carnal_a unbeliever_n they_o be_v often_o vain_a and_o of_o no_o effect_n for_o if_o unto_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v by_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n god_n shall_v add_v such_o immediate_a revelation_n familiar_a conference_n visible_a apparition_n &_o sensible_a vision_n such_o sign_n &_o wonder_n as_o he_o wrought_v in_o old_a time_n in_o and_o by_o his_o servant_n we_o can_v not_o but_o by_o these_o mean_n be_v much_o more_o undoubted_o persuade_v of_o the_o power_n presence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n then_o now_o we_o be_v howsoever_o the_o wicked_a do_v still_o continue_v in_o their_o unbelief_n yea_o though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o rhe_n dead_a and_o preach_v unto_o they_o to_o speak_v any_o more_o of_o this_o matter_n to_o you_o be_v not_o otherwise_o then_o if_o i_o shall_v light_v a_o candle_n to_o show_v you_o who_o be_v sound_a and_o clear_o sight_v the_o sun_n shine_v here_o before_o us._n you_o see_v that_o the_o creature_n and_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o heathen_a the_o scripture_n and_o word_n of_o god_n to_o the_o church_n the_o sanctify_a and_o illuminate_v spirit_n of_o god_n to_o the_o faithful_a the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n revelation_n and_o other_o miraculous_a action_n the_o which_o be_v not_o now_o needful_a in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o that_o either_o have_v they_o themselves_o or_o behold_v they_o in_o other_o be_v infallible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o godhead_n &_o such_o against_o the_o which_o no_o exception_n can_v be_v make_v yet_o not_o withand_v all_o this_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n but_o that_o it_o be_v so_o common_a to_o consider_v how_o atheism_n do_v daily_o prevail_v among_o man_n yea_o far_o more_o than_o it_o do_v among_o either_o the_o superstitious_a papist_n or_o the_o idolatrous_a heathen_a of_o who_o there_o be_v very_o few_o which_o have_v not_o their_o religion_n and_o god_n in_o great_a reverence_n and_o most_o high_a estimation_n whereas_o now_o a_o day_n few_o do_v make_v any_o account_n of_o religion_n or_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o formal_a and_o ordinary_a matter_n of_o course_n which_o for_o order_n and_o fashion_n sake_n be_v to_o be_v perform_v and_o according_o it_o please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o his_o just_a judgement_n for_o the_o harden_v of_o their_o heart_n that_o for_o so_o much_o as_o they_o have_v so_o wilful_o reject_v so_o many_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n he_o do_v whole_o abstain_v from_o any_o further_o reveal_v of_o himself_o by_o any_o extraordinary_a mean_n but_o suffer_v every_o one_o to_o go_v on_o and_o to_o prosper_v in_o their_o own_o devise_n and_o wicked_a way_n that_o so_o their_o impunity_n may_v confirm_v they_o in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v more_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o to_o be_v lament_v many_o of_o they_o that_o have_v have_v some_o knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n reveal_v unto_o they_o and_o have_v make_v conscience_n of_o it_o in_o their_o life_n yet_o see_v no_o great_a matter_n or_o effect_n to_o come_v of_o it_o but_o the_o ordinary_a course_n &_o fashion_n of_o the_o world_n they_o faint_v in_o faith_n by_o little_a and_o little_a till_o at_o length_n they_o become_v if_o not_o open_a yet_o secret_a contemner_n of_o god_n &_o all_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n math._n 24._o 12._o 24._o that_o in_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n iniquity_n shall_v so_o abound_v that_o it_o shall_v cool_v the_o lukewarm_a love_n of_o many_o in_o so_o much_o that_o
and_o mother-citie_n of_o the_o land_n where_o the_o king_n court_n be_v keep_v and_o where_o there_o be_v great_a concourse_n of_o people_n abundance_n of_o wealth_n and_o store_n of_o all_o thing_n serve_v either_o for_o the_o necessity_n and_o use_n of_o war_n or_o the_o pleasure_n of_o peace_n than_o he_o say_v thus_o unto_o himself_o surely_n now_o i_o see_v and_o know_v the_o very_a state_n and_o power_n of_o this_o prince_n as_o well_o as_o i_o do_v that_o man_n who_o face_n i_o do_v full_o and_o steadfast_o behold_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n he_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o see_v the_o very_a person_n of_o the_o prince_n even_o so_o it_o fare_v with_o we_o in_o respect_n of_o nod_n for_o here_o on_o earth_n as_o it_o be_v in_o dan_n or_o bersheba_n or_o some_o other_o border-town_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n the_o happy_a kingdom_n of_o chanaan_n we_o have_v a_o glimmer_n of_o the_o king_n but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n there_o we_o see_v a_o thousand_o time_n must_v then_o we_o do_v before_o and_o yet_o all_o that_o we_o see_v be_v but_o the_o riches_n power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o king_n as_o for_o his_o person_n and_o very_a essence_n that_o be_v keep_v secret_a and_o shut_v up_o in_o his_o privy_a chamber_n or_o closet_n into_o the_o which_o none_o may_v or_o can_v enter_v for_o none_o but_o god_n know_v god_n 1._o tim._n 6._o 16._o the_o king_n of_o king_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n and_o dwell_v in_o light_n that_o none_o can_v have_v access_n unto_o who_o never_o man_n see_v neither_o can_v see_v yet_o although_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a &_o as_o a_o bottomless_a gulf_n into_o the_o midst_n whereof_o whosoever_o plunge_v himself_o in_o hope_n of_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o will_v without_o question_n be_v soon_o swallow_v up_o by_o it_o and_o confound_v in_o all_o his_o imagination_n yea_o though_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o wit_n of_o all_o the_o man_n and_o angel_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o i_o confess_v that_o as_o you_o say_v we_o may_v safe_o wade_v and_o swim_v in_o the_o shallow_a brink_n of_o this_o great_a ocean_n have_v the_o one_o hand_n on_o the_o shore_n or_o bank_n as_o a_o sure_a anchor_n to_o hold_v we_o fast_o that_o we_o be_v not_o carry_v too_o far_o into_o it_o by_o the_o violent_a blast_n of_o presumption_n and_o curiosity_n and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o water_n wherewith_o to_o move_v our_o mind_n up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o sober_a and_o modest_a contemplation_n of_o it_o sect._n 2._o let_v we_o therefore_o let_v loose_a into_o this_o deep_a and_o bottomless_a sea_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n not_o in_o any_o fond_a hope_n of_o attain_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o yet_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o loose_v our_o labour_n and_o fish_v all_o night_n without_o catch_v any_o thing_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v madness_n to_o think_v of_o catch_v all_o the_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n but_o rather_o return_v to_o land_n with_o our_o vessel_n not_o empty_a although_o not_o so_o full_a lade_n that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o sink_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o their_o burden_n the_o knowledge_n therefore_o of_o the_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v attain_v two_o way_n to_o wit_n by_o sense_n and_o by_o imagination_n sense_n apprehend_v the_o quality_n of_o thing_n sensible_a by_o the_o which_o the_o mind_n be_v lead_v to_o thenature_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o sensible_a we_o must_v suppose_v &_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v thus_o &_o thus_o and_o so_o coin_n in_o our_o mind_n a_o form_n and_o fantastical_a idea_n of_o they_o resemble_v they_o to_o something_o which_o we_o have_v sometime_o apprehend_v by_o sense_n and_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o be_v like_a and_o come_v near_a unto_o they_o soh_n that_o to_o the_o search_v out_o and_o the_o know_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o insencible_a thing_n these_o three_o thing_n belong_v &_o must_v concur_v first_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o effect_n or_o action_n proceed_v from_o it_o the_o which_o be_v sensible_a will_v give_v we_o some_o light_n to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o the_o which_o they_o do_v proceed_v as_o we_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o father_n to_o appear_v in_o the_o son_n of_o the_o root_n in_o the_o fruit_n and_o of_o the_o fountain_n in_o the_o stream_n issue_v from_o it_o second_o when_o as_o by_o this_o and_o whatsoever_o other_o mean_n we_o have_v we_o have_v get_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o to_o what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o iâ—_n to_o be_v refer_v we_o must_v then_o as_o it_o be_v come_v near_o to_o the_o purpose_n and_o bring_v forth_o into_o act_n the_o conceit_n of_o the_o mind_n resemble_v it_o to_o that_o thing_n the_o which_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n come_v near_a and_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o which_o we_o desire_v for_o we_o have_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o but_o only_o a_o pattern_n or_o example_n a_o likeness_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o in_o the_o three_o and_o last_o place_n we_o must_v add_v to_o this_o example_n or_o pattern_n that_o which_o be_v want_v square_n it_o in_o all_o respect_n to_o the_o idea_n and_o conceit_n which_o we_o first_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o example_n a_o man_n hear_v much_o speech_n of_o y_fw-fr e_o angel_n will_v glad_o know_v what_o and_o of_o what_o nature_n and_o essence_n they_o be_v to_o the_o effect_v whereof_o he_o be_v desirous_a to_o see_v hear_v or_o feel_v one_o of_o they_o hope_v by_o thiâ—_n mean_v to_o know_v what_o they_o be_v as_o he_o use_v to_o be_v by_o his_o sense_n teach_v the_o nature_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o trial_n he_o find_v there_o can_v no_o good_a be_v do_v by_o this_o mean_n the_o angelâ—_n be_v spiritual_a and_o insensible_a creature_n â—nd_v that_o therefore_o he_o must_v go_v some_o other_o way_n to_o work_v and_o search_v out_o their_o nature_n by_o the_o eye_n not_o of_o his_o body_n but_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o guess_v at_o their_o nature_n by_o that_o which_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v of_o their_o effect_n function_n and_o action_n as_o touch_v the_o which_o he_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v god_n servant_n continual_o attend_v his_o pleasure_n and_o praise_v he_o and_o ready_o perform_v whatsoever_o he_o command_v whereupon_o he_o infer_v sure_o the_o angel_n live_v for_o they_o move_v and_o they_o be_v not_o brute_n beast_n but_o reasonable_a creature_n yea_o not_o simple_a idiot_n but_o of_o great_a understanding_n and_o wisdom_n without_o the_o which_o they_o can_v never_o dispatch_v those_o affair_n aright_o about_o the_o which_o god_n employ_v they_o and_o further_o that_o they_o be_v not_o weakling_n but_o of_o great_a strength_n for_o otherwise_o one_o of_o they_o can_v not_o have_v destroy_v in_o one_o night_n a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o of_o the_o assyrian_n as_o we_o read_v 2._o ki._n 19_o 35._o and_o last_o that_o they_o be_v not_o base_a or_o contemptible_a but_o most_o glorious_a creature_n fit_a to_o stand_v and_o serve_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n thus_o he_o conceive_v and_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v most_o mighty_a wise_a and_o glorious_a creature_n to_o what_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v he_o resemble_v they_o more_o fit_o then_o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n endue_v with_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o power_n glory_n authority_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n now_o we_o be_v come_v as_o near_o they_o as_o we_o can_v in_o any_o one_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o like_a to_o a_o angel_n then_o be_v a_o excellent_a man_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o angel_n be_v often_o give_v to_o man_n yet_o we_o have_v not_o attain_v our_o purpose_n for_o there_o be_v yet_o great_a difference_n and_o odds_n betwixt_o they_o therefore_o to_o make_v they_o even_o we_o must_v take_v from_o this_o excellent_a man_n this_o gross_a body_n of_o clay_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v unto_o he_o a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a body_n void_a of_o all_o mixture_n of_o element_n and_o moisture_n the_o which_o debase_v and_o keep_v he_o down_o beneathe_v the_o angel_n who_o be_v not_o clog_v and_o press_v down_o with_o such_o heavy_a lumppe_n of_o clay_n nor_o have_v their_o clear_a understanding_n dim_v with_o soggy_a mist_n of_o moisture_n excel_v he_o far_o in_o
nimbleness_n quickness_n of_o wit_n and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n but_o what_o need_v we_o suppose_v this_o angelical_a man_n who_o we_o have_v true_o exist_v for_o we_o know_v that_o in_o heaven_n the_o body_n of_o the_o saint_n shall_v be_v pure_a and_o spiritual_a free_a from_o all_o heavy_a lumpishness_n yet_o the_o faithful_a be_v glorify_v shall_v not_o become_v angel_n but_o still_o be_v man_n for_o neither_o in_o subtility_n of_o body_n nor_o yet_o in_o excellency_n of_o inward_a gift_n shall_v they_o be_v make_v equal_a to_o the_o angel_n thus_o we_o have_v with_o much_o ado_n make_v the_o humane_a and_o the_o angelical_a nature_n meet_v together_o and_o use_v the_o one_o as_o a_o glass_n to_o represent_v and_o make_v know_v the_o other_o unto_o us._n now_o then_o to_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o our_o purpose_n for_o the_o find_v out_o of_o god_n nature_n we_o must_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o we_o must_v get_v a_o idea_n or_o conceit_n of_o it_o into_o our_o mind_n by_o search_v what_o manner_n of_o thing_n god_n be_v and_o so_o to_o what_o kind_n his_o nature_n do_v belong_v and_o be_v to_o be_v refer_v in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v get_v a_o pattern_n example_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o some_o thing_n real_o exist_v and_o last_o we_o must_v by_o add_v and_o detract_n make_v they_o even_o or_o equal_a for_o the_o first_o see_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v be_v know_v either_o by_o any_o essential_a cause_n or_o by_o sensible_a quality_n we_o must_v imagine_v it_o by_o the_o effect_n action_n and_o work_n whether_o they_o be_v ordinary_a or_o extraordinary_a rom._n 1._o 20._o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v see_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o his_o work_n for_o so_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v make_v himself_o know_v to_o man_n and_o man_n happy_a by_o know_v he_o after_o a_o sort_n to_o take_v unto_o this_o his_o invisible_a and_o insensible_a nature_n this_o visible_a and_o sensible_a shape_n and_o to_o cover_v himself_o with_o the_o creature_n as_o with_o a_o garment_n that_o so_o he_o may_v discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o hide_a nature_n to_o man_n as_o we_o know_v that_o both_o he_o himself_o as_o also_o his_o angel_n have_v show_v themselves_o to_o man_n by_o put_v on_o the_o nature_n and_o shape_n of_o man_n not_o that_o we_o imagine_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o god_n be_v the_o soul_n or_o life_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n the_o body_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v not_o in_o the_o creature_n either_o as_o their_o matter_n or_o as_o their_o form_n but_o only_o be_v to_o they_o the_o efficient_a but_o because_o the_o creature_n make_v god_n invisible_a nature_n to_o be_v know_v therefore_o we_o call_v they_o the_o shape_n or_o form_n of_o god_n for_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o although_o god_n jehova_n as_o he_o exi_v in_o himself_o and_o as_o he_o do_v exist_v before_o the_o creation_n be_v invisible_a yet_o god_n the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v as_o visible_a as_o be_v the_o star_n by_o night_n or_o the_o sun_n at_o midday_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o as_o palpable_a as_o be_v the_o gross_a earth_n whereon_o we_o tread_v as_o it_o be_v act._n 17._o 27._o god_n have_v make_v the_o world_n that_o in_o it_o man_n may_v seek_v he_o yea_o grope_v after_o he_o and_o feel_v he_o thus_o both_o the_o creature_n and_o also_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n do_v both_o within_o and_o also_o without_o the_o church_n and_o record_v both_o in_o holy_a scripture_n as_o also_o in_o other_o true_a record_n and._n history_n teach_v we_o what_o god_n be_v yea_o thus_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o touch_v god_n their_o maker_n &_o author_n that_o he_o be_v a_o live_n and_o work_v yea_o a_o mighty_a and_o wise_a nature_n excellent_a yea_o infinite_a in_o all_o goodness_n to_o wit_n in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o truth_n and_o justice_n in_o love_n and_o mercy_n in_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o glory_n and_o majesty_n thus_o have_v conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o idea_n or_o imagination_n of_o god_n nature_n we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o bring_v it_o forth_o into_o the_o world_n by_o get_v a_o example_n or_o resemblance_n of_o it_o in_o some_o thing_n not_o unlike_a unto_o it_o but_o against_o this_o pattern_n or_o resemblance_n it_o will_v be_v object_v the_o which_o you_o touch_v before_o that_o both_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v like_a to_o god_n or_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o also_o that_o if_o there_o can_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v yet_o it_o be_v idolatry_n to_o resemble_v god_n to_o any_o creature_n whereunto_o we_o answer_v first_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o objection_n that_o although_o the_o unlikeness_n to_o god_n be_v far_o great_a in_o the_o creature_n than_o the_o likeness_n yet_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n which_o be_v not_o more_o or_o less_o in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o like_a unto_o he_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v good_a commendable_a or_o excellent_a in_o any_o creature_n as_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v good_a yea_o every_o one_o of_o they_o endue_v with_o a_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a goodness_n that_o come_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o make_v the_o creature_n to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n so_o then_o if_o the_o mean_a and_o base_a creature_n have_v some_o likeness_n to_o god_n without_o doubt_n the_o excellent_a creature_n can_v but_o have_v a_o great_a likeness_n and_o resemblance_n unto_o he_o the_o which_o we_o know_v that_o god_n himself_o in_o the_o scripture_n do_v grant_v unto_o they_o calling_z man_z his_o own_o similitude_n god_n make_v man_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o god._n genes_n 5._o 1._o yea_o although_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o likeness_n or_o resemblance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n but_o rather_o all_o contrariety_n and_o flat_a repugnancy_n yet_o they_o may_v profitable_o be_v use_v for_o the_o illustration_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o we_o know_v that_o all_o contrary_n do_v argue_v and_o illustrate_v each_o other_o the_o which_o way_n of_o teach_v although_o it_o be_v not_o the_o ready_a to_o attain_v the_o truth_n for_o that_o doctrine_n and_o knowledge_n be_v positive_a not_o privative_a consist_v not_o in_o the_o negation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o or_o be_v not_o true_a but_o in_o the_o affirmation_n of_o that_o which_o do_v true_o and_o real_o exist_v yet_o it_o be_v always_o a_o help_n and_o sometime_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o answer_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o utter_o unlawful_a to_o make_v or_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v simple_o like_a or_o equal_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o that_o be_v to_o pull_v he_o down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o to_o place_v he_o among_o the_o creature_n yet_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v very_o lawful_a to_o resemble_v he_o to_o any_o creature_n the_o difference_n which_o be_v betwixt_o they_o be_v observe_v and_o mention_v thus_o act._n 17._o 29._o the_o apostle_n paul_n resemble_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o the_o humane_a prove_v against_o the_o idolatron_n athenian_n that_o god_n be_v not_o like_a to_o those_o stock_n and_o stone_n wherein_o the_o heathen_a do_v worship_v he_o because_o he_o be_v like_a unto_o man_n who_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a nature_n to_o senseless_a thing_n we_o man_n say_v he_o be_v the_o kind_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v that_o god_n be_v like_a unto_o we_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v like_a to_o silver_n gold_n or_o to_o any_o senseless_a thing_n where_o though_o he_o make_v these_o two_o nature_n of_o god_n &_o man_n like_o to_o each_o other_o yet_o he_o make_v they_o not_o equal_a but_o put_v the_o difference_n in_o that_o he_o make_v man_n to_o come_v and_o flow_v from_o god_n as_o a_o little_a arm_n or_o creek_n of_o the_o sea_n from_o the_o great_a ocean_n yea_o thus_o god_n have_v throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o in_o the_o form_n and_o shape_n of_o a_o man_n ascribe_v to_o himself_o the_o part_n of_o his_o body_n as_o his_o eye_n and_o ear_n his_o hand_n and_o foot_n yea_o all_o the_o faculty_n affection_n and_o passion_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n and_o that_o both_o several_o sometime_o one_o and_o sometime_o a_o other_o and_o also_o all_o together_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o whole_a shape_n and_o form_n of_o a_o man_n as_o namely_o ezech._n 1._o 26._o upon_o
divinity_n to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o same_o signification_n and_o compass_n than_o he_o be_v a_o soul_n or_o a_o body_n what_o then_o may_v you_o say_v be_v the_o signification_n of_o these_o word_n sure_o they_o be_v not_o positive_a but_o privative_a they_o show_v not_o what_o god_n be_v but_o what_o he_o be_v not_o namely_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o formal_a visible_a and_o sensible_a body_n for_o so_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o refutation_n of_o that_o gross_a opinion_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o hypocritical_a jew_n who_o think_v that_o a_o outward_a and_o bodily_a worship_n void_a of_o the_o spiritual_a sincerity_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v well_o enough_o fit_a and_o please_v god_n as_o if_o a_o man_n have_v to_o deal_v with_o those_o heathenish_a idolator_n that_o think_v brute_n beast_n or_o senseless_a stock_n to_o be_v god_n shall_v say_v unto_o they_o you_o be_v foul_o deceive_v in_o this_o point_n for_o god_n be_v not_o a_o dead_a stock_n or_o a_o brute_n beast_n but_o rather_o to_o be_v resemble_v to_o a_o live_a man_n so_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n word_n be_v this_o god_n although_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o angel_n yet_o because_o that_o nature_n come_v near_o he_o and_o do_v more_o resemble_v he_o then_o any_o other_o therefore_o he_o may_v fit_o for_o your_o capacity_n be_v so_o call_v sect._n 4._o you_o remember_v i_o doubt_v not_o that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n require_v to_o the_o search_v out_o of_o god_n nature_n first_o a_o conceit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n gather_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o second_o a_o real_a example_n or_o pattern_n wherein_o that_o conceit_n do_v exist_v and_o may_v be_v see_v and_o three_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o conceit_n &_o the_o example_n the_o one_o be_v in_o abstracto_fw-la the_o other_o in_o concreto_fw-la the_o one_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o other_o in_o some_o creature_n and_o real_a subject_n the_o two_o first_o we_o have_v already_o get_v the_o one_o out_o of_o the_o creature_n which_o have_v teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o general_a the_o other_o we_o have_v find_v in_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v a_o lively_a resemblance_n of_o the_o say_v divine_a nature_n the_o three_o remain_v to_o wit_n the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o pattern_n and_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o although_o we_o have_v already_o ascend_v and_o come_v to_o the_o high_a step_n of_o jacobs_n ladder_n for_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v any_o more_o of_o the_o divine_a essence_n in_o any_o creature_n than_o we_o haâ—e_v already_o see_v in_o the_o angelical_a nature_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o at_o our_o journey_n end_n nor_o yet_o half_a way_n for_o although_o there_o be_v as_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o angel_n and_o man_n as_o there_o be_v distance_n betwixt_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n yet_o there_o be_v ten_o time_n yea_o ten_o thousand_o time_n great_a odds_n betwixt_o the_o angel_n and_o god_n and_o the_o space_n be_v infinite_o great_a from_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o saint_n to_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n where_o god_n dwell_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o seek_v out_o the_o difference_n which_o exalt_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n thus_o far_o or_o rather_o thus_o infinite_o above_o the_o angel_n this_o be_v the_o very_a true_a essential_a form_n of_o god_n the_o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v once_o name_v the_o matter_n be_v at_o a_o end_n the_o case_n clear_a &_o much_o labour_n may_v be_v save_v which_o must_v be_v spend_v or_o rather_o most_o profitable_o and_o happy_o bestow_v in_o guess_v conjecture_v &_o imagine_v that_o by_o many_o property_n attribute_n action_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o this_o mean_n may_v be_v full_o know_v all_o at_o once_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n neither_o be_v it_o profitable_a for_o we_o that_o so_o inestimable_a a_o jewel_n shall_v be_v so_o easy_o get_v who_o will_v esteem_v the_o most_o precious_a pearl_n if_o so_o be_v that_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o street_n for_o the_o uptake_n and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v once_o full_o know_v how_o can_v it_o afterwards_o be_v so_o earnest_o seek_v and_o desire_v as_o be_v mâ—ete_a yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o impossibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o true_a form_n of_o god_n come_v of_o god_n as_o make_v dainty_a and_o dangerous_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o eager_a &_o earnest_a in_o desire_v to_o know_v it_o although_o iâ—_n be_v true_a that_o have_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v our_o appetite_n whet_v and_o sharpen_v by_o the_o hardness_n and_o impossibility_n of_o attain_v it_o than_o our_o stomach_n cloy_v with_o the_o full_a fruition_n of_o it_o neither_o be_v we_o to_o think_v that_o god_n do_v envy_n and_o grudge_v we_o so_o great_a a_o good_a and_o so_o sweet_a a_o pleasure_n or_o that_o in_o policy_n he_o keep_v himself_o close_o not_o dare_v to_o show_v himself_o for_o fear_n of_o be_v censure_v or_o contemn_v by_o we_o but_o this_o come_v of_o the_o shallowness_n of_o our_o brain_n and_o the_o the_o weakness_n of_o out_o capacity_n the_o which_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o conceive_v it_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v it_o gent._n i_o be_v in_o good_a hope_n to_o have_v hear_v at_o the_o next_o word_n the_o very_a true_a essential_a form_n of_o god_n declare_v and_o indeed_o that_o have_v be_v worth_a the_o hear_n but_o now_o i_o perceive_v you_o will_v reserve_v that_o for_o another_o time_n or_o rather_o give_v it_o over_o for_o ever_o wherein_o you_o deal_v wise_o in_o my_o mind_n for_o what_o folly_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o beat_v his_o brain_n in_o pursue_v that_o which_o it_o be_v more_o than_o madness_n once_o to_o hope_n to_o attain_v but_o i_o pray_v you_o how_o will_v you_o do_v to_o make_v your_o proud_a lucifer_n a_o god_n sch._n we_o will_v do_v as_o we_o may_v sir_n and_o if_o all_o shall_v fail_v i_o hope_v that_o you_o will_v help_v at_o a_o dead_a lift_n according_a to_o your_o promise_n but_o to_o proceed_v see_v that_o the_o true_a form_n of_o god_n nature_n can_v be_v have_v we_o must_v take_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o some_o essential_a property_n flow_v from_o the_o form_n the_o which_o will_v make_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n differ_v from_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o angel_n for_o example_n knowledge_n wisdom_n might_n and_o majesty_n have_v place_n both_o in_o god_n and_o also_o in_o the_o angel_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o in_o both_o for_o in_o the_o angel_n they_o be_v although_o great_a and_o perfect_a yet_o finit_a but_o in_o god_n they_o be_v absolute_a and_o infinite_a so_o then_o if_o we_o add_v this_o difference_n of_o infiniteness_n to_o the_o angelical_a nature_n there_o will_v come_v forth_o a_o 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hope_v from_o any_o such_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o god_n know_v every_o particular_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n several_o and_o distinct_o from_o all_o other_o yea_o that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n distinguish_v they_o as_o namely_o man_n of_o who_o he_o have_v appoint_v some_o to_o glory_n and_o other_o to_o confusion_n yea_o that_o he_o know_v every_o particular_a thing_n far_o more_o distinct_o and_o true_o than_o we_o do_v that_o see_v and_o feel_v they_o for_o he_o know_v they_o in_o their_o cause_n and_o essential_a form_n the_o which_o only_o be_v the_o true_a knowledge_n whereas_o we_o do_v but_o guess_v at_o their_o nature_n by_o their_o quality_n and_o effect_n gent._n yet_o perhaps_o you_o do_v think_v that_o god_n know_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o world_n which_o now_o exi_v more_o than_o he_o do_v a_o 1000_o other_o world_n which_o never_o do_v nor_o shall_v exist_v indeed_o although_o they_o exist_v in_o the_o universal_a notion_n of_o 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his_o essential_a understanding_n the_o which_o we_o be_v constrain_v to_o put_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o form_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v this_o essential_a understanding_n of_o god_n from_o his_o actual_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o leave_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n form_n essence_n and_o as_o we_o make_v it_o of_o his_o essential_a understanding_n to_o himself_o who_o only_o either_o do_v or_o can_v know_v it_o let_v we_o i_o pray_v you_o proceed_v in_o consider_v this_o his_o actual_a knowledge_n sch._n i_o like_v well_o of_o that_o you_o have_v say_v and_o do_v think_v you_o for_o show_v i_o wherein_o i_o err_v yet_o this_o i_o may_v say_v for_o myself_o that_o unless_o you_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n compel_v i_o to_o imagine_v or_o coin_v this_o or_o some_o such_o distinction_n i_o shall_v not_o have_v mention_v it_o but_o to_o proceed_v it_o be_v say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n actuallly_n always_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o not_o great_o doubt_v of_o by_o any_o that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o whatsoever_o do_v any_o way_n happen_v unto_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_v unto_o god_n as_o be_v the_o sun_n at_o noon_n he_o do_v see_v with_o eye_n which_o need_v no_o light_n for_o darkness_n and_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v deep_a and_o deceitful_a above_o all_o thing_n yet_o he_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o it_o see_v and_o perceive_v his_o most_o secret_a thought_n as_o plain_o as_o if_o they_o be_v thing_n do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o which_o thing_n although_o it_o seem_v most_o impossible_a and_o be_v incredible_a to_o many_o yet_o we_o know_v assure_o 〈◊〉_d â—râ—â—h_o of_o it_o both_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o also_o by_o manifold_a experience_n and_o no_o marvel_n see_v that_o he_o have_v frame_v and_o fashion_v they_o he_o have_v make_v the_o eye_n and_o care_n and_o 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