bullock_n lamb_n sheep_n goat_n swine_n and_o in_o some_o case_n man_n and_o child_n as_o their_o own_o poet_n virgil_n and_o plautus_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o plutarch_n and_o other_o of_o their_o moral_a writer_n affirm_v and_o these_o they_o offer_v up_o to_o appease_v their_o god_n when_o any_o calamity_n fall_v upon_o they_o illius_fw-la arras_n saepe_fw-la tener_n nostris_fw-la ab_fw-la ovilibus_fw-la imbuet_fw-la agnus_n haedum_fw-la neptuno_n taurum_fw-la tibi_fw-la pulcher_fw-la apollo_n virgil._n and_o of_o their_o humane_a sacrifice_n see_v lact._n lib._n 1._o p._n 81_o 82_o 83._o and_o dr._n owen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 307._o they_o offer_v placatory_a sacrifice_n to_o such_o god_n of_o who_o they_o fear_v harm_n and_o propitiatory_a to_o such_o of_o who_o they_o expect_v good_a as_o dr._n jackson_n observe_v but_o these_o they_o use_v not_o with_o any_o respect_n to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o all_o the_o expiatory_a or_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n and_o give_v they_o their_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o so_o they_o can_v not_o avail_v they_o to_o what_o they_o design_v as_o the_o very_a use_n of_o they_o they_o borrow_v either_o from_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o noah_n convey_v in_o the_o notice_n of_o it_o down_o to_o his_o posterity_n or_o from_o some_o acquaintance_n they_o may_v have_v with_o the_o jewish_a law_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n howsoever_o improve_v by_o they_o for_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v sacrifice_n call_v gratulatory_a offer_v by_o way_n of_o thanksgiving_n that_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a gratitude_n may_v lead_v they_o to_o their_o use_n by_o give_v part_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o whole_a from_o god_n yet_o who_o can_v imagine_v it_o concern_v expiatory_a sacrifice_n that_o ever_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v lead_v they_o to_o think_v that_o the_o slay_v of_o a_o bruit_n creature_n as_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o lamb_n or_o a_o goat_n etc._n etc._n shall_v be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o man_n or_o be_v a_o meet_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o offend_a deity_n for_o his_o sin_n or_o indeed_o be_v please_v to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o though_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o be_v lead_v to_o it_o by_o god_n institution_n and_o not_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o though_o some_o have_v say_v that_o the_o continuance_n of_o nature_n in_o its_o course_n and_o the_o benefit_n that_o be_v thereby_o daily_o convey_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n do_v declare_v to_o all_o man_n that_o he_o be_v someway_n reconcile_v else_o man_n sin_n will_v either_o have_v dissolve_v or_o at_o least_o interrupt_v this_o beneficial_a course_n of_o nature_n yet_o this_o can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a propitiatory_a nor_o to_o the_o way_n of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n thereof_o by_o these_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n to_o the_o gentile_n and_o for_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v thankful_a but_o by_o these_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v that_o they_o have_v favour_n with_o god_n be_v not_o under_o god_n displeasure_n for_o their_o sin_n see_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n partake_v of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o other_o and_o the_o beast_n as_o well_o as_o men._n it_o be_v true_a something_o may_v hence_o be_v gather_v of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o patience_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o pardon_n but_o the_o way_n wherein_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o bestow_v this_o pardon_v mercy_n they_o can_v not_o know_v by_o any_o natural_a light_n and_o what_o respect_n god_n may_v have_v to_o some_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o best_a improve_v that_o light_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o general_a mercy_n without_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o a_o saviour_n which_o they_o have_v not_o mean_n to_o attain_v i_o shall_v rather_o leave_v it_o among_o the_o secret_n of_o god_n counsel_n than_o make_v determination_n therein_o but_o we_o that_o have_v the_o scripture_n know_v that_o all_o man_n reconciliation_n be_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o pardon_v of_o sin_n be_v by_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n which_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o mere_a stranger_n too_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o sin_n the_o scripture_n give_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n than_o any_o that_o can_v be_v know_v by_o nature_n some_o grosser_n sin_n may_v be_v know_v by_o it_o but_o the_o secret_a obliquity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n be_v not_o detect_v but_o by_o a_o straight_a rule_n than_o the_o light_n or_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o apostle_n rom._n 7._o profess_v he_o have_v not_o know_v lust_n to_o be_v sin_n except_o the_o law_n of_o god_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v it_o be_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n that_o david_n say_v be_v exceed_v broad_a can_v only_o discover_v sin_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n of_o it_o and_o which_o make_v the_o apostle_n say_v by_o the_o law_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v first_o brief_o publish_v upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o afterward_o explain_v and_o urge_v upon_o the_o people_n by_o moses_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o book_n of_o deuteronomy_n that_o they_o may_v be_v under_o the_o conviction_n of_o sin_n look_v towards_o the_o messiah_n for_o salvation_n who_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v which_o need_v not_o have_v be_v can_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o conviction_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v that_o great_a question_n unde_fw-la malum_fw-la discourse_v of_o it_o in_o the_o first_o original_n of_o it_o as_o also_o in_o the_o due_a merit_n of_o it_o and_o the_o punishment_n it_o lead_v to_o as_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v more_o strict_o evangelical_n as_o unbelief_n in_o christ_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o discover_v the_o gospel_n so_o neither_o can_v it_o do_v sin_n against_o it_o for_o this_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o the_o word_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o his_o spirit_n who_o he_o promise_v to_o send_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o sin_n because_o they_o believe_v not_o on_o he_o for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o evidence_n it_o to_o be_v sin_n 4._o if_o we_o speak_v also_o of_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o possess_v the_o chief_a good_a here_o also_o scripture-light_n excel_v that_o of_o nature_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o exercise_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n than_o this_o to_o find_v out_o and_o enjoy_v this_o good_a and_o nothing_o be_v they_o more_o divide_v in_o their_o judgement_n about_o but_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o want_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o know_v not_o the_o way_n to_o the_o fruition_n of_o he_o who_o alone_o be_v this_o chief_a good_a of_o man._n but_o here_o the_o scripture_n again_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o nature_n light_n which_o reveal_v to_o we_o not_o only_o that_o god_n be_v and_o what_o he_o be_v but_o that_o everlasting_a covenant_n of_o his_o grace_n make_v in_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o and_o whereby_o he_o offer_v himself_o to_o man_n to_o become_v their_o god_n and_o to_o take_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o there_o we_o find_v this_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la this_o chief_a good_a the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a yea_o all_o man_n be_v as_o merchant_n seek_v this_o godly_a pearl_n but_o they_o find_v it_o not_o until_o they_o be_v by_o scripture-light_n lead_v to_o it_o and_o we_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o wisdom_n the_o depth_n say_v it_o be_v not_o in_o i_o and_o the_o sea_n say_v it_o be_v not_o with_o i_o it_o can_v be_v get_v for_o gold_n neither_o shall_v silver_n be_v weigh_v for_o the_o price_n thereof_o etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o find_v in_o silver_n or_o gold_n destruction_n and_o death_n say_v we_o have_v hear_v the_o same_o thereof_o with_o our_o ear_n those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_a or_o hell_n may_v have_v hear_v of_o it_o but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o good_a there_o can_v be_v find_v this_o chief_a good_n but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v the_o live_n of_o it_o show_v it_o to_o they_o and_o invite_v they_o to_o the_o possess_n of_o it_o 5._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v dictate_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v but_o scripture-revelation_n be_v requisite_a to_o guide_v we_o unto_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_n i_o know_v there_o be_v natural_a worship_n found_v upon_o the_o right_n of_o
in_o its_o high_a elevation_n and_o wide_a extent_n there_o be_v the_o least_o write_v and_o so_o there_o be_v the_o least_o account_n give_v of_o those_o time_n but_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o treatise_n now_o present_v to_o this_o present_a age_n if_o any_o say_v other_o pen_n have_v be_v employ_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a with_o it_o i_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o pitch_v upon_o any_o theme_n that_o have_v never_o have_v a_o exercise_n upon_o it_o or_o to_o walk_v in_o any_o path_n wherein_o be_v not_o find_v the_o trace_n of_o any_o man_n foot_n but_o this_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v not_o know_o follow_v any_o man_n that_o go_v before_o i_o and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o learned_a discourse_n in_o the_o world_n about_o atheism_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o too_o abstruse_a for_o common_a understanding_n and_o meddle_v little_a with_o the_o practical_a improvement_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v style_v natural_a theology_n which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n though_o i_o have_v perform_v it_o but_o in_o part_n in_o what_o be_v now_o publish_v have_v in_o a_o reserve_v by_o i_o in_o my_o paper_n a_o account_n of_o those_o several_a attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v evidenceable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n with_o practical_a inference_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a gospel_n holiness_n but_o i_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o at_o present_a i_o have_v take_v some_o spare_a hour_n to_o transcribe_v these_o few_o meditation_n for_o the_o press_n wherein_o i_o have_v insert_v a_o few_o quotation_n as_o they_o do_v occur_v to_o i_o for_o my_o read_n have_v be_v but_o small_a though_o it_o may_v be_v what_o i_o have_v insert_v may_v make_v what_o i_o have_v write_v not_o more_o acceptable_a to_o many_o reader_n how_o ever_o print_a book_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o let_v every_o one_o take_v the_o benefit_n as_o he_o can_v i_o have_v nothing_o far_a to_o offer_v here_o but_o to_o beg_v of_o the_o reader_n to_o pardon_v the_o errata_n both_o of_o the_o author_n and_o the_o printer_n and_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v both_o pardon_n and_o amend_v the_o great_a errata_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o supreme_a deity_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v relative_a to_o he_o may_v find_v more_o cordial_a and_o practical_a respect_n from_o this_o present_a age_n wherein_o be_v wrap_v up_o man_n eternal_a interess_n and_o the_o present_a interess_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o that_o any_o essay_n to_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o divine_a blessing_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o be_v sincere_o intend_v towards_o it_o how_o ever_o weak_o manage_v by_o a_o poor_a unworthy_a instrument_n novemb_n 17._o 1673._o matthew_n barker_n natural_a theology_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n accommodate_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christianity_n rom_n 1._o 20._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n chap._n i._n the_o scope_n of_o the_o text._n how_o the_o gentile_n though_o without_o the_o write_a law_n yet_o be_v under_o sin_n what_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v how_o adam_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o creator_n what_o mean_v by_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n though_o invisible_a yet_o how_o see_v what_o mean_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n make_v why_o the_o apostle_n only_o mention_n god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n how_o the_o gentile_n be_v without_o excuse_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o prove_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o make_v his_o way_n to_o it_o he_o first_o prove_v all_o man_n to_o be_v under_o sin_n and_o all_o mankind_n be_v divide_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o first_o prove_v the_o gentile_a to_o be_v under_o sin_n in_o this_o first_o chapter_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o second_o and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o sin_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v convict_v of_o sin_n by_o the_o law_n now_o lest_o it_o may_v be_v argue_v how_o can_v the_o gentile_a be_v under_o sin_n not_o have_v the_o write_a law_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o church_n understand_v it_o of_o gentile_n without_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v god_n law_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o write_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n yet_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o the_o gentile_n thereupon_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v under_o sin_n not_o follow_v the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o that_o universal_a law_n for_o as_o a_o law_n be_v directive_n and_o preceptive_a it_o minister_v knowledge_n and_o command_v practice_n so_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o have_v a_o light_n in_o it_o whereby_o they_o may_v attain_v some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o it_o have_v a_o force_n in_o it_o to_o urge_v they_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o knowledge_n but_o because_o they_o darken_v this_o light_n in_o themselves_o as_o in_o vers_n 21._o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o retain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n hereupon_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n for_o they_o do_v neither_o take_v up_o those_o worthy_a conception_n of_o god_n be_v which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v direct_v they_o to_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o vers_n 21_o 22._o neither_o do_v they_o manage_v their_o conversation_n towards_o man_n with_o that_o justice_n sobriety_n equity_n and_o charity_n as_o that_o law_n do_v both_o direct_a and_o urge_v they_o to_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o those_o several_a vice_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n now_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n manifest_a in_o they_o and_o as_o write_v in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n he_o speak_v it_o of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o hence_o he_o infer_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o excuse_n and_o so_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o text._n i_o have_v already_o speak_v from_o another_o scripture_n at_o large_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o manifest_v in_o the_o gospel-ministration_n my_o intention_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v evince_v both_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o his_o deity_n and_o many_o attribute_n and_o property_n of_o his_o be_v and_o whereas_o all_o theology_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n either_o that_o which_o be_v call_v natural_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o former_a i_o shall_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o natural_a theology_n that_o all_o may_v understand_v i_o mean_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v lead_v man_n up_o to_o and_o which_o be_v concreat_fw-la with_o his_o soul_n the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n consist_v in_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n and_o the_o knowledge_n adam_n have_v of_o his_o creator_n be_v partly_o by_o the_o character_n of_o his_o be_v engrave_v upon_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o some_o style_v verbum_fw
head_n and_o fall_v flat_a on_o his_o face_n then_o he_o confess_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o if_o it_o displease_v thou_o i_o will_v go_v back_o again_o numb_a 22._o 31_o 34._o when_o sinner_n eye_n be_v so_o far_o open_v that_o they_o can_v behold_v and_o do_v powerful_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o their_o return_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n though_o they_o can_v lead_v man_n of_o themselves_o either_o to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n as_o may_v effect_v evangelical_a repentance_n yet_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o may_v result_v from_o thence_o may_v be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o we_o know_v how_o god_n bring_v job_n to_o abhor_v himself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n by_o set_v before_o he_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o several_a work_n of_o creation_n and_o give_v he_o a_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o himself_o therein_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o five_o last_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n so_o that_o repentance_n may_v not_o only_o be_v help_v thereby_o as_o to_o its_o first_o beginning_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o impenitent_a but_o further_v also_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a saint_n 4._o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n however_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v from_o those_o work_n will_v further_o this_o christian_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a whatever_o it_o be_v that_o strengthen_v this_o grand_a principle_n in_o we_o that_o god_n be_v will_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o upon_o the_o full_a belief_n of_o this_o do_v so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n offer_v up_o their_o life_n as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o god_n sake_n and_o from_o he_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o reward_n be_v there_o no_o god_n it_o be_v madness_n and_o folly_n in_o they_o to_o have_v so_o suffer_v and_o have_v they_o not_o well_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a to_o suffer_v to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v say_v the_o apostle_n first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o suffer_v phil._n 1._o 29._o it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n heb._n 11._o 27._o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o my_o text_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o godhead_n be_v see_v in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n so_o that_o the_o see_v of_o the_o invisible_a god_n even_o in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o word_n may_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o endure_v suffer_v and_o however_o atheistical_a man_n may_v account_v it_o folly_n to_o suffer_v yet_o from_o this_o principle_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o christian_a can_v demonstrate_v his_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o be_v most_o rational_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v take_v up_o christ_n cross_n as_o some_o do_v for_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o flesh_n though_o this_o be_v also_o a_o evangelical_n duty_n yet_o it_o be_v further_v and_o promote_v by_o a_o practical_a believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n do_v contribute_v much_o as_o atheism_n and_o not_o believe_v god_n be_v do_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n of_o liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n so_o the_o true_a believe_v it_o will_v engage_v man_n to_o restrain_v and_o crucify_v it_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n much_o more_o if_o man_n believe_v not_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o the_o set_n of_o a_o almighty_a infinite_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o do_v this_o dash_n sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n as_o it_o do_v in_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o commit_v this_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o sin_v against_o and_o before_o that_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o god_n that_o have_v stamp_v the_o character_n of_o his_o be_v round_o about_o i_o upon_o i_o and_o within_o i_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o i_o see_v the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o it_o in_o his_o work_n shall_v i_o maintain_v a_o idol-lust_n as_o a_o false_a god_n in_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o shall_v he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v find_v any_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o my_o mind_n above_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a find_v any_o good_a stand_n as_o competitor_n with_o he_o in_o my_o affection_n and_o that_o god_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o shall_v i_o not_o live_v unto_o he_o as_o my_o ultimate_a end_n and_o live_v no_o more_o to_o myself_o in_o the_o serve_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o i_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n 4._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o those_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o not_o make_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o we_o may_v derive_v strength_n from_o nature_n light_n to_o enforce_v their_o authority_n upon_o our_o obedience_n though_o we_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la antecedenti_fw-la because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o reveal_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v do_v it_o a_o consequenti_fw-la see_v they_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n tell_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o than_o tell_v man_n this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v now_o the_o scripture_n that_o christian_n receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v man_n that_o these_o institution_n be_v his_o command_n and_o rule_n for_o worship_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o declare_v a_o god_n to_o we_o do_v also_o thereby_o urge_v we_o to_o give_v obedience_n that_o therein_o we_o may_v give_v worship_n to_o he_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o worship_v upon_o a_o new_a and_o more_o evangelical_n account_n as_o our_o redeemer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o we_o be_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n yet_o a_o christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o strengthen_v his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n herein_o from_o the_o evidence_n he_o find_v of_o god_n be_v and_o so_o of_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n for_o as_o when_o we_o find_v a_o institution_n upon_o a_o moral_a duty_n evidence_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o law_n be_v strengthen_v thereby_o so_o we_o may_v derive_v strength_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v those_o institution_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v therein_o more_o obligatory_a to_o we_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v confirm_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o israel_n levit._n 19_o 30._o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o sabbath_n and_o reverence_v my_o sanctuary_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o true_a own_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v jehovah_n the_o lord_n will_v strong_o oblige_v we_o to_o give_v obedience_n to_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o pure_a institution_n the_o first_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n well_o receive_v give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o second_o that_o speak_v of_o this_o institute_v worship_n 5._o or_o last_o the_o believe_v the_o fulfil_n what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o mind_n reveal_v therein_o shall_v take_v place_n be_v another_o gospel-duty_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v his_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o see_v how_o his_o word_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v hence_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n that_o be_v write_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n to_o his_o child_n or_o threaten_v to_o his_o adversary_n when_o sarah_n doubt_v the_o fulfil_a god_n promise_n to_o she_o what_o say_v the_o angel_n be_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o jehovah_n which_o name_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o until_o his_o creation_n be_v finish_v and_o he_o have_v give_v be_v to_o all_o his_o work_n as_o appear_v by_o gen._n 2._o 4._o be_v before_o that_o call_v elohim_n now_o jehovah_n that_o give_v be_v to_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n can_v he_o not_o also_o give_v be_v to_o his_o word_n can_v there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n than_o in_o create_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o after_o god_n have_v
lion_n seek_v their_o prey_n of_o god_n and_o the_o raven_n cry_v to_o be_v feed_v and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o hear_v they_o but_o the_o saint_n cry_v be_v vox_fw-la spiritus_fw-la the_o voice_n of_o god_n spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n wherein_o they_o make_v a_o spiritual_a and_o special_a improvement_n of_o their_o common_a relation_n to_o god_n as_o their_o creator_n in_o all_o the_o case_n formention_v and_o though_o it_o be_v but_o common_a blessing_n they_o sometime_o beg_v and_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v by_o a_o principle_n that_o be_v supernatural_a infer_v vii_o last_o we_o may_v hence_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o destructive_a and_o provoke_a nature_n of_o sin_n it_o provoke_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o creature_n that_o be_v make_v by_o he_o yea_o that_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v bestow_v peculiar_a workmanship_n upon_o god_n love_v every_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o much_o more_o man_n among_o his_o creature_n how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o any_o man_n be_v destroy_v it_o be_v because_o sin_n have_v get_v into_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o first_o arm_v he_o against_o god_n his_o creator_n and_o thereby_o his_o justice_n come_v to_o be_v arm_v against_o man_n his_o creature_n and_o he_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n plead_v for_o liberty_n and_o impunity_n in_o sin_n because_o he_o be_v god_n creature_n as_o many_o ignorant_a people_n have_v no_o high_a hope_n than_o upon_o this_o bottom_n he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o damn_v they_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o provide_v mean_n for_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o if_o man_n refuse_v thus_o to_o walk_v and_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n let_v he_o not_o censure_v his_o maker_n as_o cruel_a to_o his_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o god_n destroy_a man_n as_o man_n dedestroy_v himself_n as_o if_o jeremy_n the_o prophet_n be_v in_o the_o miry_a dungeon_n and_o have_v rope_n and_o old_a rag_n let_v down_o to_o he_o to_o pull_v he_o out_o shall_v yet_o have_v refuse_v to_o put_v they_o under_o his_o arm_n but_o will_v stay_v and_o perish_v there_o jeremy_n have_v thereby_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o death_n or_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a king_n delight_v not_o to_o have_v his_o subject_n put_v to_o death_n but_o by_o wilful_a break_v the_o law_n they_o bring_v it_o upon_o themselves_o neither_o let_v any_o man_n say_v god_n destroy_v his_o creature_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a sovereignty_n and_o that_o he_o make_v some_o man_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o that_o without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n he_o decree_v they_o out_o of_o his_o own_o pleasure_n to_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o therefore_o here_o though_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o shall_v vindicate_v my_o text_n from_o a_o corrupt_a interpretation_n which_o though_o the_o grammatical_a construction_n may_v bear_v yet_o the_o truth_n will_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v etc._n etc._n even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v without_o excuse_n as_o if_o to_o make_v man_n inexcusable_a be_v god_n end_n in_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n when_o it_o be_v only_o a_o consequence_n of_o it_o through_o man_n default_n `_o some_o indeed_o have_v think_v that_o god_n out_o of_o his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n may_v take_v away_o from_o his_o creature_n that_o which_o he_o have_v give_v it_o as_o life_n and_o be_v he_o may_v annihilate_v what_o he_o have_v create_v but_o to_o make_v his_o creature_n eternal_o miserable_a which_o be_v worse_o than_o a_o not-being_n mere_o out_o of_o sovereignty_n this_o can_v consist_v with_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n a_o man_n have_v that_o dominion_n over_o a_o beast_n that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o it_o if_o he_o please_v but_o to_o put_v his_o beast_n out_o of_o his_o mere_a pleasure_n to_o perpetual_a torment_n be_v perfect_a cruelty_n and_o contrary_a to_o that_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v find_v in_o god_n i_o will_v ascribe_v righteousness_n to_o my_o maker_n say_v elihu_n job_n 36._o 3._o and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o perfection_n to_o that_o god_n that_o make_v we_o all_o as_o it_o become_v creature_n to_o their_o creator_n god_n may_v have_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o man_n or_o not_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v this_o to_o he_o to_o give_v he_o be_v much_o less_o to_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n and_o put_v he_o under_o a_o law_n now_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o dispose_v of_o man_n not_o according_a to_o mere_a sovereignty_n but_o according_a to_o that_o law_n under_o which_o he_o stand_v and_o if_o man_n not_o so_o much_o for_o want_v of_o ability_n as_o out_o of_o sloth_n or_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o this_o law_n and_o the_o term_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n they_o be_v thereby_o self-destroyer_n as_o god_n charge_v it_o upon_o israel_n of_o old_a o_o israel_n thou_o have_v destroy_v thyself_o and_o as_o one_o well_o speak_v deus_fw-la non_fw-la prius_fw-la est_fw-la ultor_fw-la quam_fw-la homo_fw-la peccator_fw-la god_n be_v not_o a_o revenger_n till_o man_n be_v first_o a_o sinner_n god_n be_v often_o say_v to_o show_v mercy_n for_o his_o names-sake_n but_o be_v never_o say_v to_o plague_n or_o punish_v mere_o for_o his_o names-sake_n and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v man_n complain_v as_o salvian_n expostulate_v with_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n why_o do_v we_o complain_v that_o our_o punishment_n be_v bitter_a and_o grievous_a vnusquisque_fw-la nostrum_fw-la ipse_fw-la se_fw-la punit_fw-la every_o man_n do_v punish_v himself_o though_o he_o be_v also_o punish_v of_o god_n god_n do_v it_o judicial_o as_o a_o righteous_a judge_n but_o man_n do_v it_o meritorious_o as_o a_o guilty_a sinner_n not_o but_o that_o god_n as_o a_o absolute_a sovereign_n may_v give_v more_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o gift_n to_o one_o than_o another_o for_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o where_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o none_o neither_o can_v we_o conclude_v because_o man_n destruction_n be_v of_o himself_o therefore_o his_o salvation_n be_v of_o himself_o for_o the_o one_o man_n can_v effect_v of_o himself_o as_o adam_n do_v but_o the_o other_o he_o can_v attain_v without_o god_n as_o the_o sheep_n in_o the_o parable_n that_o go_v astray_o of_o itself_o but_o come_v not_o home_n till_o the_o owner_n find_v it_o out_o and_o bring_v it_o back_o upon_o his_o shoulder_n 15._o luk._n 4_o 5._o man_n be_v able_a to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o original_a righteousness_n but_o it_o be_v only_a god_n can_v restore_v it_o as_o natural_a privation_n in_o the_o body_n be_v easy_o make_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o self_n a_o man_n may_v easy_o destroy_v his_o own_o sight_n but_o it_o be_v beyond_o his_o power_n to_o restore_v this_o habit_n of_o sight_n according_a to_o the_o axiom_n in_o philosophy_n a_o privatione_fw-la ad_fw-la habitum_fw-la non_fw-la datur_fw-la regressus_fw-la there_o be_v no_o return_n in_o nature_n from_o a_o privation_n to_o the_o habit_n again_o and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o spiritual_a privation_n upon_o the_o soul_n man_n have_v be_v able_a to_o bring_v they_o upon_o himself_o but_o he_o can_v of_o himself_o return_v to_o those_o divine_a habit_n that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o so_o that_o in_o those_o that_o be_v save_v god_n will_v have_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n magnify_v as_o be_v save_v by_o himself_o so_o in_o those_o that_o perish_v he_o will_v have_v his_o justice_n magnify_v as_o be_v destroy_v by_o themselves_o man_n perish_v by_o their_o own_o will_n but_o against_o god_n will_n i_o mean_v his_o antecedent_n will_v and_o as_o reveal_v in_o his_o word_n for_o else_o man_n perish_v by_o god_n consequent_a will_n have_v reject_v the_o mean_n of_o their_o own_o salvation_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v conclude_v in_o the_o conclusive_a word_n of_o that_o learned_a gentleman_n in_o his_o late_a elaborate_v discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n esq_n edward_n polhil_n esq_n it_o its_o eternal_a decree_n and_o holy_a execution_n god_n will_n of_o man_n conversion_n as_o ordinative_a of_o mean_n be_v accomplish_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o serious_a exhibition_n of_o the_o mean_n