be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v only_o his_o own_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o can_v frame_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n god_n know_v himself_o his_o own_o understanding_n commprehend_v his_o own_o perfection_n but_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o his_o creature_n indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a than_o god_n for_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v there_o need_v no_o great_a search_n to_o find_v out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n be_v clear_o see_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o be_v and_o proproperty_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o god_n these_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o a_o finite_a understanding_n i_o shall_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o then_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o will_v attempt_v it_o these_o three_o way_n i._o by_o way_n of_o instance_n or_o induction_n of_o particular_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n iii_o by_o give_v the_o clear_a reason_n of_o it_o i._o by_o way_n of_o instance_n and_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o instance_n both_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n and_o of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o person_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v god_n in_o any_o degree_n 1._o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o work_n and_o way_n of_o god_n be_v above_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v vast_a and_o infinite_a job_n 36.26_o god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 37._o 23._o touch_v the_o almighty_a we_o can_v find_v he_o out_o psal_n 145.3_o his_o greatness_n be_v unsearchable_a the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n his_o immensity_n 2_o chron._n 2.6_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v he_o the_o eternity_n of_o his_o duration_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o limit_n of_o his_o presence_n nor_o bound_n of_o his_o duration_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o knowledge_n psal_n 147.5_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a when_o we_o think_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o fall_v into_o admiration_n rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o the_o creature_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n partake_v of_o as_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n it_o attribute_n they_o in_o such_o a_o peculiar_a and_o divine_a manner_n to_o god_n as_o do_v exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o the_o creature_n from_o any_o claim_n or_o share_n or_o title_n to_o they_o matt._n 19.16_o 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 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 1_o tim._n 1.17_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n rev._n 15.4_o for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a in_o so_o inconceivable_a a_o manner_n do_v god_n possess_v these_o perfection_n which_o he_o communicate_v and_o we_o can_v only_o understand_v they_o as_o he_o communicate_v they_o and_o not_o as_o he_o possess_v they_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consider_v any_o of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n we_o must_v not_o frame_v notion_n of_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n nor_o must_v we_o limit_v they_o by_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n but_o say_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v all_o this_o which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o much_o more_o which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o transcendent_a degree_n and_o the_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 the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o be_v likewise_o unsearchable_a the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o redemption_n job_n 5.9_o which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a marvellous_a thing_n past_o find_v out_o and_o then_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n job_n 26.14_o lo_o these_o be_v part_n of_o his_o way_n but_o how_o little_a a_o portion_n be_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o voice_n who_o can_v understand_v so_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o express_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o know_v part_n of_o they_o the_o question_n which_o he_o put_v 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 can_v only_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n in_o this_o there_o shine_v forth_o such_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o love_n as_o our_o understanding_n can_v reach_v this_o work_n be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 2.7_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o it_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 2.4_o 7._o now_o riches_n be_v when_o you_o can_v tell_v the_o utmost_a of_o they_o pauperis_fw-la est_fw-la numerare_fw-la eph._n 3.18_o 19_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n when_o we_o have_v the_o large_a apprehension_n of_o this_o love_n so_o that_o we_o think_v we_o comprehend_v it_o and_o know_v it_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n yea_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n power_n and_o love_n which_o he_o manifest_v in_o believer_n be_v unspeakable_a for_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o the_o power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o eph._n 3.20_o the_o peace_n which_o guard_v their_o soul_n pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4.7_o those_o joy_n which_o fill_v their_o heart_n be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v 1_o pet._n 1.8_o we_o read_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o happiness_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o be_v inconceivable_a it_o be_v that_o which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o the_o way_n of_o god_n providence_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trace_v psal_n 77.19_o thy_o way_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o thy_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o thy_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v eccles_n 3.11_o no_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o god_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n providence_n we_o take_v a_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a and_o consider_v it_o by_o itself_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o dispensation_n we_o can_v see_v the_o whole_a of_o god_n providence_n at_o one_o view_n and_o never_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o full_a of_o mistake_n and_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v by_o our_o petty_a and_o shortsighted_a design_n judge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n for_o our_o way_n be_v not_o as_o his_o way_n nor_o our_o thought_n as_o his_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n isa_n 55.8_o 9_o the_o way_n of_o god_n mercy_n psal_n 103._o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o great_a be_v god_n mercy_n psal_n 139.17_o 18._o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o severity_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o know_v psal_n 90._o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n and_o who_o may_v stand_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v angry_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a psal_n 36.6_o thy_o judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a rom._n 11.35_o how_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_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 unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n what_o one_o evangelist_n have_v be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a be_v render_v in_o another_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a goodness_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o perfect_a be_v that_o if_o we_o once_o strip_v god_n of_o this_o property_n we_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n glory_n he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o exod._n 33.19_o this_o be_v the_o most_o amiable_a perfection_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o beauty_n sine_fw-la bonitate_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la without_o goodness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n other_o excellency_n may_v cause_v fear_n and_o amazement_n in_o we_o but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v command_v sincere_a love_n and_o veneration_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o this_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o every_o creature_n some_o representation_n of_o some_o divine_a perfection_n or_o other_o but_o god_n do_v not_o own_o any_o creature_n to_o be_v after_o his_o image_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o goodness_n the_o creature_n that_o want_v reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v incapable_a of_o this_o moral_a goodness_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o man_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v dominion_n give_v he_o over_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v make_v after_o god_n image_n in_o respect_n of_o goodness_n he_o have_v be_v unfit_a to_o rule_v over_o other_o creature_n because_o without_o goodness_n dominion_n will_v be_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o more_o any_o creature_n partaker_n of_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n the_o more_o it_o resemble_v god_n as_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n continual_o and_o be_v thereby_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n their_o whole_a business_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o devil_n though_o he_o resemble_v god_n in_o other_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v evil_a and_o envious_a and_o mischievous_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o god_n in_o this_o perfection_n he_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a and_o and_z hateful_a to_o he_o of_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o this_o perfection_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n if_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a nature_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a say_v david_n psal_n 119.68_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v act_v 14.17_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o send_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o the_o whole_a creation_n furnish_v we_o with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n we_o be_v encounter_v with_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o behold_v be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19.1_o and_o again_o psal_n 33.5_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n and_o every_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o be_v and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o in_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v a_o plentiful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o 1._o the_o extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o goodness_n to_o impart_v and_o communicate_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n have_v not_o god_n be_v good_a but_o of_o a_o envious_a and_o narrow_a and_o contract_a nature_n he_o will_v have_v confine_v all_o be_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v unwilling_a that_o any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o his_o goodness_n prompt_v he_o to_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v himself_o and_o set_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n on_o work_n to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o that_o variety_n of_o creature_n which_o we_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o probable_o to_o infinite_a more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n can_v have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o do_v this_o but_o pure_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o motive_n imaginable_a beside_o this_o must_v either_o be_v indigency_n and_o want_n or_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a goodness_n that_o move_v he_o to_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o therefore_o all_o creature_n have_v reason_n with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o mere_a goodness_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v 1._o indigency_n and_o want_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o god_n because_o he_o that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n have_v all_o plenty_n in_o himself_o from_o whence_o result_v all-sufficiency_n and_o complete_a happiness_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n need_v not_o look_v out_o of_o itself_o for_o happiness_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostri_fw-la we_o make_v thing_n for_o our_o use_n house_n to_o shelter_v we_o and_o clothes_n to_o keep_v we_o warm_a and_o we_o propagate_v our_o kind_a to_o perpetuate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o suppose_v imperfection_n and_o want_v and_o mortality_n to_o none_o of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o glory_n which_o make_v god_n to_o make_v the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n do_v herein_o appear_v and_o creature_n endow_v with_o understanding_n have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o with_o thankfulness_n praise_n and_o admiration_n but_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n redound_v to_o god_n
from_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o feed_v himself_o with_o any_o imaginary_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n such_o as_o vainglorious_a person_n have_v from_o the_o flutter_a applause_n of_o their_o creature_n and_o beneficiaries_n god_n be_v real_o above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v great_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o benefit_n of_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n and_o ignorant_a admiration_n of_o he_o and_o be_v he_o not_o as_o wonderful_o good_a as_o he_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o sully_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n by_o take_v it_o into_o our_o mouth_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o our_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o benefit_n for_o any_o real_a happiness_n and_o glory_n that_o come_v to_o he_o by_o it_o he_o can_v well_o enough_o be_v without_o it_o and_o dispense_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o entertain_v one_o think_v of_o he_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o goodness_n may_v despise_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_o more_o reason_n than_o wise_a man_n do_v the_o applause_n of_o fool_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n make_v all_o creature_n for_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o need_n of_o they_o prov._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n now_o if_o by_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o but_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v not_o move_v he_o thereto_o but_o he_o have_v some_o design_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n which_o may_v be_v render_v with_o much_o better_a sense_n and_o near_o to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o god_n have_v ordain_v every_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o he_o wicked_a have_v he_o ordain_v for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v fit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o punishment_n to_o sin_n the_o evil_a day_n to_o the_o evil_a doer_n 2._o nor_o can_v necessity_n and_o constraint_n have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n when_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n yet_o make_v nothing_o in_o be_v but_o god_n himself_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o compel_v he_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n and_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n neither_o be_v the_o creature_n necessary_a effect_n and_o emanation_n from_o the_o be_v of_o god_n flow_v from_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o water_n do_v from_o a_o spring_n and_o as_o light_a stream_n from_o the_o sun_n if_o so_o this_o indeed_o will_v have_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o not_o of_o the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o thaâ—_n we_o be_v but_o not_o a_o true_a ground_n oâ—_n thankfulness_n from_o we_o to_o god_n aâ—_n we_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a that_o thâ—_n sunshine_n but_o we_o do_v not_o give_v it_o any_o thanks_o for_o shine_v because_o it_o shineâ—_n without_o any_o intention_n or_o design_n tâ—_n do_v we_o good_a it_o do_v not_o know_v thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o its_o light_n nor_o diâ—_n intend_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o acknowledge_v its_o goodness_n to_o we_o but_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v not_o act_v as_o natural_a and_o material_a cause_n do_v which_o act_n necessary_o and_o ignorant_o whereas_o he_o act_v know_o and_o voluntary_o with_o particular_a intention_n and_o design_n know_v that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o constraint_n upon_o he_o but_o this_o that_o his_o goodness_n incline_v his_o will_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o to_o do_v good_a so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n not_o but_o that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o when_o he_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o will_n and_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o necessity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n and_o praise_n of_o it_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n mistake_v this_o do_v blasphemous_o advance_v their_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n above_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o reason_n thus_o a_o wiseman_n be_v good_a out_o of_o choice_n when_o he_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o god_n out_o of_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v thing_n aright_o they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a for_o a_o power_n to_o be_v evil_a be_v impotency_n and_o weakness_n the_o high_a character_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o which_o velleius_n paterculus_n give_v of_o cato_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o apply_v to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o undue_a commendation_n but_o yet_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o the_o expression_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v spontaneous_a and_o free_a design_v and_o direct_v by_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o second_o particular_a be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o creature_n very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n and_o four_o to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o two_o first_o and_o in_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o i_o propose_v the_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o more_o especial_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o in_o his_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o his_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o speak_v large_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o make_v all_o these_o creature_n so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o his_o goodness_n excite_a and_o set_v a_o work_n his_o power_n to_o make_v
this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v his_o wisdom_n direct_v his_o power_n he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n so_o that_o they_o be_v admirable_o fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o a_o wonderful_a beauty_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o visible_a to_o every_o discern_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n the_o low_a form_n of_o creature_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sense_n do_v all_o of_o they_o contribute_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o the_o use_n and_o conveniency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n above_o they_o which_o be_v endow_v with_o sense_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o delight_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v tho'it_v be_v not_o so_o discernible_a concern_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o when_o we_o survey_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a part_n we_o may_v well_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o god_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a to_o all_o of_o they_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v more_o degree_n of_o perfection_n they_o partake_v more_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o be_v more_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o every_o creature_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o a_o certain_a degree_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o it_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v have_v make_v nothing_o but_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o he_o can_v have_v make_v as_o many_o of_o these_o as_o there_o be_v individual_a creature_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wise_a architect_n to_o make_v several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o being_n and_o to_o display_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o all_o imaginable_a variety_n of_o creature_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n though_o far_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n and_o immortal_a spirit_n he_o that_o will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o all_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o which_o a_o house_n be_v capable_a can_v make_v it_o all_o foundation_n and_o great_a beam_n and_o pillar_n must_v not_o so_o contrive_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o all_o room_n of_o state_n and_o entertainment_n but_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o it_o mean_a material_n room_n and_o office_n for_o several_a use_n and_o purpose_n which_o however_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n in_o dignity_n and_o degree_n do_v yet_o contribute_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o in_o this_o great_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v variety_n and_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o both_o for_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n creature_n be_v good_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o rank_n of_o it_o and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v order_v and_o frame_v better_a though_o we_o can_v easy_o tell_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o and_o that_o if_o this_o or_o that_o have_v be_v want_v or_o have_v be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o good_a and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v all_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o good_a and_o notwithstanding_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v much_o less_o perfect_a than_o another_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a distance_n between_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o worm_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n yet_o consider_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v consider_v its_o nature_n and_o use_n and_o the_o place_n allot_v to_o it_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n between_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o scripture_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n where_o you_o find_v god_n represent_v as_o first_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v every_o day_n work_v by_o itself_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v good_a gen._n 1.4_o 10_o 12_o 18_o 21_o 24._o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o day_n work_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n see_v it_o and_o it_o be_v good_a but_o then_o when_o all_o be_v finish_v and_o he_o survey_v the_o whole_a together_o it_o be_v say_v v._o 31._o that_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a very_o good_a that_o be_v the_o best_a the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o other_o superlative_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o be_v good_a but_o take_v the_o whole_a together_o and_o they_o be_v very_o good_a the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v 3._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n further_o appear_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v his_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o several_a creature_n in_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o order_n those_o which_o have_v life_n in_o life_n to_o the_o period_n which_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o in_o his_o preserve_v the_o whole_a world_n his_o manage_n and_o govern_v this_o vast_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n no_o less_o of_o the_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o perform_v the_o office_n and_o work_n for_o which_o nature_n design_v they_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o the_o course_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n grow_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o out_o of_o repair_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o the_o main_a and_o support_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o preserve_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o considerable_a creature_n but_o even_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o overlook_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v nor_o despise_v any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o let_v they_o relapse_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o nothing_o through_o neglect_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o all_o psal_n 104.27_o 28._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o creature_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n these_o all_o say_v he_o wait_v upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o thou_o give_v they_o they_o gather_v thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o good_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 145.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o satisfie_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n the_o inanimate_a creature_n which_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o the_o brute_n creature_n which_o though_o they_o have_v sense_n be_v without_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o end_n and_o design_n of_o self-preservation_n god_n preserve_v they_o no_o less_o than_o man_n who_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o foresight_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o psal_n 36.7_o thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n and_o psal_n 147.9_o he_o give_v to_o the_o beast_n his_o food_n and_o to_o the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v and_o
this_o visible_a world_n man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o behemoth_n or_o the_o elephant_n job_n 42._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o great_a strength_n and_o the_o vast_a bigness_n of_o his_o body_n be_v only_o true_a absolute_o of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v divini_fw-la opificii_fw-la caput_fw-la the_o chief_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o the_o psalmist_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o be_v psal_n 8.5_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o have_v crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o this_o advantage_n of_o our_o nature_n above_o other_o creature_n we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v though_o most_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o overlook_v it_o as_o elihu_n complain_v job_n 35.10_o 11._o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o our_o use_n the_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o their_o plain_a subserviency_n to_o our_o necessity_n and_o benefit_n and_o delight_n be_v so_o many_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o we_o not_o only_o discernible_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o even_o palpable_a to_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a this_o david_n particular_o insist_o upon_o as_o a_o special_a ground_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v subject_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o our_o dominion_n and_o use_n psal_n 8.6_o 7_o 8._o speak_v of_o man_n thou_o have_v make_v he_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n thou_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n all_o sheep_n and_o ox_n yea_o and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whatsoever_o pass_v through_o the_o path_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o a_o ininnumerable_a variety_n of_o creature_n be_v there_o in_o this_o inferior_a world_n which_o be_v either_o sole_o or_o principal_o make_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o serve_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o support_n for_o the_o contentment_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n how_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o refreshment_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o excercise_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o other_o creature_n but_o other_o creature_n for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n epictetus_n do_v very_o ingenious_o argue_v from_o this_o observation_n that_o the_o creature_n below_o man_n the_o brute_n beast_n have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n nature_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o lodging_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n that_o any_o shall_v build_v house_n or_o make_v clothes_n or_o store_n up_o provision_n or_o prepare_v and_o dress_v meat_n for_o they_o for_o say_v he_o be_v make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o another_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o serve_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v man_n and_o not_o man_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o the_o son_n of_o man_n yet_o high_a as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o convenience_n so_o have_v he_o appoint_v the_o creature_n above_o we_o for_o our_o guard_n and_o protection_n not_o to_o say_v for_o our_o service_n psal_n 34.7_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n encamp_v round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o deliver_v they_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v o_o taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o psal_n 91.11_o 12._o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n nay_o the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o if_o their_o whole_a business_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o attend_v upon_o and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o good_a man_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n appear_v in_o his_o tender_a love_n and_o peculiar_a care_n of_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a to_o impart_v and_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o good_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o condition_n and_o concern_v to_o exempt_v we_o from_o those_o manifold_a evil_n of_o want_n and_o pain_n to_o which_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o absolute_a exemption_n from_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a and_o a_o perpetual_a tenor_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n this_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o we_o be_v in_o among_o the_o creature_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o all_o thing_n consider_v but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o above_o other_o creature_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n above_o they_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n and_o shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o extend_v his_o care_n to_o man_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n reason_n mat._n 6._o behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v and_o yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n take_v care_n of_o they_o be_v not_o you_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o v._o 30._o wherefore_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o and_o chap._n 10.29_o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o our_o saviour_n use_v these_o argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o as_o man_n and_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o creature_n and_o indeed_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n more_o destitute_a and_o helpless_a than_o other_o creature_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v reserve_v we_o for_o his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n express_v it_o to_o we_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n so_o that_o what_o effect_n of_o care_n the_o great_a and_o tender_a affection_n in_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v towards_o one_o another_o that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o and_o this_o affection_n of_o god_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n though_o of_o all_o creature_n we_o have_v lest_o deserve_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o diffuse_v and_o shed_v abroad_o itself_o wherever_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o do_v not_o obstruct_v and_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o it_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n and_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v evil_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o goodness_n though_o it_o cause_v many_o abatement_n of_o it_o and_o hinder_v many_o good_a thing_n from_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o evil_a and_o undutifulness_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v please_v still_o to_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o society_n of_o man_n from_o run_v into_o utter_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n notwithstanding_o the_o violence_n and_o irregularity_n of_o man_n will_n and_o passion_n the_o community_n of_o man_n subsist_v upon_o tolerable_a term_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o craft_n of_o evil_a man_n poor_a and_o unarmed_a innocence_n and_o virtue_n be_v usual_o protect_v and_o
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
upon_o necessity_n and_o in_o case_n of_o just_a provocation_n and_o to_o be_v otherwise_o not_o to_o punish_v insolent_a impiety_n and_o incorrigible_a wickedness_n in_o a_o severe_a and_o remarkable_a manner_n will_v not_o be_v goodness_n but_o a_o fond_a indulgence_n not_o patience_n but_o stupidity_n not_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n but_o cruelty_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n and_o to_o bring_v great_a misery_n upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a as_o well_o as_o good_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o what_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o we_o can_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a governor_n who_o be_v a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v all_o fit_a discountenance_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o some_o shall_v be_v make_v remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o few_o may_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o by_o avoid_v the_o like_a sin_n may_v prevent_v the_o like_a severity_n upon_o themselves_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v fruitful_a of_o many_o excellent_a and_o useful_a inference_n in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iu._n vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n i_o have_v make_v several_a discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n show_v what_o it_o be_v on_o what_o account_v we_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o more_o particular_o to_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n consider_v the_o several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o lie_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o excellent_a argument_n the_o considederation_n whereof_o be_v so_o fruitful_a of_o useful_a inference_n in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o duty_n and_o i._o this_o show_v we_o the_o prodigious_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n most_o of_o the_o atheism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o in_o vain_a wish_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o be_v none_o bad_a man_n think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n than_o if_o there_o be_v one_o nemo_fw-la deum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la credit_n nisi_fw-la cvi_fw-la deum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la expedit_fw-la no_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n but_o he_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o if_o we_o can_v see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o lie_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v just_a and_o will_v punish_v sin_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o not_o to_o be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o kill_v they_o with_o his_o terror_n so_o often_o as_o they_o think_v of_o he_o hence_o they_o apprehend_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o thence_o be_v apt_a to_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o vain_a hope_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o at_o last_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o vain_a reason_n and_o to_o suppress_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o stifle_v their_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o primus_fw-la in_o orbe_fw-la deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v that_o first_o make_v god_n but_o the_o fear_n which_o bad_a man_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o justice_n that_o first_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o be_v not_o these_o man_n as_o foolish_a as_o they_o be_v wicked_a they_o will_v wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o believe_v so_o and_o the_o psalmist_n give_v they_o their_o true_a character_n who_o can_v entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n or_o wish_n psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o be_v fool_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o consult_v their_o true_a interest_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v his_o nature_n to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n whoever_o understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o true_a interest_n can_v but_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o rejoice_v to_o find_v it_o true_a as_o child_n be_v glad_a of_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n and_z as_o subject_n rejoice_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a prince_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v we_o so_o lovely_a a_o character_n of_o he_o make_v he_o so_o good_a a_o father_n so_o gracious_a a_o governor_n of_o man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v infinite_o desirable_a to_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o qualem_fw-la omnes_fw-la cuperent_fw-la si_fw-la deesset_fw-la as_o if_o he_o be_v want_v all_o man_n ought_v to_o wish_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o comfortable_a so_o convenient_a so_o necessary_a to_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o tully_n admirable_o say_v dij_fw-la immortales_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la hominum_fw-la fabricati_fw-la penè_fw-la videantur_fw-la if_o god_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a be_v of_o himself_o he_o may_v almost_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o atheism_n be_v not_o only_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a impiety_n but_o of_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o for_o man_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v like_o the_o rejoice_v and_o triumph_n of_o a_o furious_a and_o besotted_a multitude_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a prince_n the_o great_a calamity_n and_o confusion_n that_o can_v possible_o have_v befall_v they_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n ought_v to_o check_v all_o inclination_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o if_o he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o both_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o he_o be_v so_o as_o sure_a as_o he_o be_v if_o he_o tender_v our_o welfare_n and_o desire_v our_o happiness_n as_o much_o as_o we_o ourselves_o can_v do_v and_o use_v all_o wise_a way_n and_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o than_o it_o be_v plain_o every_o man_n interest_n even_o thou_o o_o sinner_n to_o who_o after_o all_o thy_o provocation_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v and_o when_o ever_o thou_o come_v to_o thyself_o thou_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o want_n of_o he_o and_o thy_o soul_n will_v thirst_v for_o god_n even_o the_o live_a god_n and_o pant_v after_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o thou_o thou_o will_v fly_v to_o god_n for_o refuge_n and_o shelter_v thyself_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o it_o to_o help_v and_o deliver_v thou_o deos_fw-la nemo_fw-la sanus_fw-la timet_fw-la say_v seneca_n furor_fw-la est_fw-la metuere_fw-la salutaria_fw-la no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v afraid_a there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n humane_a nature_n be_v conscious_a to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o of_o its_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o something_o without_o itself_o for_o its_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o in_o great_a extremity_n and_o distress_n the_o atheist_n himself_o have_v natural_o recourse_n to_o he_o and_o he_o who_o deny_v and_o reject_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n cling_v to_o he_o in_o
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_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 how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o
another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n we_o can_v in_o any_o thing_n resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v those_o who_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o let_v we_o then_o often_o contemplate_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n be_v god_n good_a to_o we_o let_v we_o imitate_v his_o universal_a goodness_n by_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n what_o god_n be_v to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o still_o be_v to_o we_o that_o let_v we_o be_v to_o other_o we_o be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o this_o perfection_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o expect_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admire_v and_o imitate_v it_o let_v this_o pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v continual_o before_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o fashion_v ourselves_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v excite_v our_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n this_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n do_v psal_n 103._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o we_o shall_v invite_v all_o other_o to_o the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o same_o devout_a psalmist_n frequent_o do_v psal_n 106._o o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o psal_n 107._o o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v often_o call_v upon_o to_o this_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o have_v a_o peculiar_a backwardness_n necessity_n drive_v we_o to_o prayer_n and_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n but_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o nothing_o soon_o wear_v off_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o kindness_n and_o benefit_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n not_o so_o much_o from_o a_o bad_a memory_n as_o from_o a_o bad_a nature_n to_o forget_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o shall_v continual_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o the_o blessing_n of_o our_o being_n so_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n deut._n 32._o of_o the_o god_n that_o form_v thou_o thou_o have_v be_v unmindful_a the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o being_n above_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n job_n 35.10_o 11._o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n the_o daily_a comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o can_v continual_o receive_v without_o almost_o ever_o look_v up_o to_o the_o hand_n that_o give_v they_o so_o god_n complain_v by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 2.8_o 9_o she_o know_v not_o that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o be_v it_o not_o shameful_a to_o see_v how_o at_o the_o most_o plentiful_a table_n the_o give_v of_o god_n thanks_o be_v almost_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n as_o if_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o from_o whence_o these_o blessing_n come_v when_o thanks_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o can_v we_o not_o afford_v to_o give_v he_o that_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v away_o his_o blessing_n from_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o this_o easy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n be_v unfit_a for_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o come_v thither_o let_v we_o begin_v this_o work_n here_o and_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o cast_v our_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n that_o be_v cast_v ourselves_o and_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n who_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a being_n have_v make_v make_v we_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stamp_v upon_o we_o the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o thereby_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o perfection_n itself_o to_o he_o who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v make_v such_o abundant_a provision_n not_o only_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n to_o he_o who_o design_v this_o happiness_n to_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o endure_v for_o ever_o who_o when_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n which_o we_o be_v design_v to_o be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o it_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o it_o to_o live_v among_o we_o and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o a_o word_n to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a to_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o our_o desert_n but_o beyond_o our_o hope_n who_o renew_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o every_o morning_n and_o be_v patient_a though_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n who_o preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o continual_o who_o be_v always_o willing_a always_o watchful_a and_o never_o weary_a to_o do_v we_o good_a to_o he_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o honour_n adoration_n and_o praise_n love_n and_o obedience_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n v._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o suffer_v and_o of_o great_a mercy_n i_o have_v consider_v god_n goodness_n in_o general_n there_o be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n of_o it_o his_o patience_n and_o mercy_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v miserable_a it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o at_o this_o time_n in_o do_v which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n second_o show_v you_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o that_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o
misery_n or_o liable_a to_o it_o that_o be_v that_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o it_o or_o have_v deserve_v it_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n that_o we_o be_v liable_a to_o and_o which_o may_v befall_v we_o though_o it_o be_v not_o actual_o upon_o we_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o defer_v the_o misery_n that_o we_o deserve_v or_o mitigate_v it_o and_o this_o be_v proper_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n it_o be_v mercy_n to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n to_o support_v or_o comfort_v they_o it_o be_v mercy_n to_o remit_v the_o misery_n we_o deserve_v and_o by_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o remove_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n thus_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v usual_o in_o scripture_n set_v forth_o to_o we_o by_o the_o affection_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n which_o be_v a_o affection_n that_o cause_v a_o sensible_a commotion_n and_o disturbance_n in_o we_o upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n that_o lie_v upon_o another_o or_o hang_v over_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v grieve_v and_o afflict_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n his_o bowel_n be_v say_v to_o sound_v and_o his_o heart_n to_o turn_v within_o he_o but_o though_o god_n be_v please_v in_o this_o manner_n to_o set_v forth_o his_o mercy_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o we_o yet_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o clothe_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o human_a passion_n we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n by_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o condescension_n and_o because_o he_o stoop_v to_o our_o weakness_n level_v he_o to_o our_o infirmity_n when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o pity_v we_o we_o must_v take_v away_o the_o imperfection_n of_o this_o passion_n the_o commotion_n and_o disturbance_n of_o it_o and_o not_o imagine_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o god_n but_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v that_o the_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n without_o produce_v the_o disquiet_n do_v produce_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o most_o sensible_a pity_n second_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n all_o the_o argument_n that_o i_o use_v to_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n and_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n serve_v to_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v merciful_a because_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n i_o will_v only_o produce_v some_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a deut._n 4.31_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n be_v a_o merciful_a god_n 2_o chron._n 30.9_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a neh._n 9.17_o ready_a to_o pardon_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n psal_n 62.12_o unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n belong_v mercy_n psal_n 103.8_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a psal_n 130.7_o with_o the_o lord_n there_o be_v mercy_n and_o so_o jer._n 3.12_o joel_n 2.13_o jonah_n 4.2_o luke_n 6.36_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n also_o be_v merciful_a the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o most_o natural_a to_o he_o 2_o cor._n 1.3_o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n but_o when_o he_o punish_v he_o do_v as_o it_o be_v relinquish_v his_o nature_n and_o do_v a_o strange_a work_n the_o lord_n will_v wait_v that_o he_o may_v be_v gracious_a isa_n 30.18_o god_n pass_v by_o opportunity_n of_o punish_v but_o his_o mercy_n take_v opportunity_n to_o display_v itself_o he_o wait_v to_o be_v gracious_a to_o afflict_v or_o punish_v be_v a_o work_n that_o god_n be_v unwilling_a to_o that_o he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o lam._n 3.33_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o mercy_n be_v a_o work_n that_o he_o delight_v in_o mic._n 7.18_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n when_o god_n show_v mercy_n he_o do_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n he_o be_v say_v to_o rejoice_v over_o his_o people_n to_o do_v they_o good_a those_o attribute_n that_o declare_v god_n goodness_n as_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v gracious_a or_o merciful_a and_o long-suffering_a they_o show_v what_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o and_o delight_n to_o be_v those_o which_o declare_v his_o wrath_n and_o severity_n show_v what_o he_o be_v upon_o provocation_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n not_o what_o he_o choose_v to_o be_v but_o what_o we_o do_v as_o it_o be_v compel_v and_o necessitate_v he_o to_o be_v three_o for_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o great_a mercy_n the_o scripture_n do_v delight_n to_o advance_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o do_v use_v great_a variety_n of_o expression_n to_o magnify_v it_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n numb_a 14.19_o according_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o mercy_n 2_o sam._n 24.14_o let_v i_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a it_o be_v call_v a_o abundant_a mercy_n 1_o pet._n 1.3_o according_a to_o his_o abundant_a mercy_n psal_n 103.8_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o rich_a in_o mercy_n eph._n 2.4_o psal_n 5.7_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o they_o neh._n 9.18_o in_o thy_o manifold_a mercy_n thou_o forsooke_v they_o not_o so_o many_o be_v they_o that_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v surround_v and_o campass_v about_o on_o every_o side_n with_o they_o psal_n 103.4_o who_o crow_v we_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n and_o yet_o further_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n use_v all_o dimension_n height_n psal_n 57.10_o thy_o mercy_n be_v great_a unto_o the_o heaven_n nay_o high_a yet_o psal_n 108.4_o thy_o mercy_n be_v great_a above_o the_o heaven_n for_o the_o latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o it_o be_v as_o large_a as_o the_o earth_n and_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o psal_n 109.64_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o thy_o mercy_n psal_n 145.8_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n for_o the_o length_n or_o duration_n and_o continuance_n of_o it_o exod._n 34.7_o lay_v up_o mercy_n in_o store_n for_o thousand_o of_o generation_n one_o after_o another_o nay_o it_o be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n psal_n 118._o it_o be_v several_a time_n repeat_v that_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o to_o show_v the_o intense_a degree_n of_o this_o affection_n of_o mercy_n or_o pity_n the_o scripture_n use_v several_a emphatical_a expression_n to_o set_v it_o forth_o to_o we_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n psal_n 25.6_o remember_v o_o lord_n thy_o tender_a mercy_n yea_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o psal_n 51.1_o according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v out_o my_o transgression_n jam._n 5.11_o the_o lord_n be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n they_o be_v call_v god_n bowel_n which_o be_v the_o tender_a part_n and_o apt_a to_o yern_v and_o stir_v in_o we_o when_o any_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o pity_n be_v excite_v be_v 63.15_o where_o be_v the_o sound_v of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o of_o thy_o mercy_n be_v they_o restrain_v luke_n 1.78_o through_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o our_o god_n so_o it_o be_v in_o our_o translation_n but_o if_o we_o render_v it_o from_o the_o original_a it_o be_v through_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o our_o god_n how_o do_v god_n condescend_v in_o those_o pathetical_a expression_n which_o he_o use_v concern_v his_o people_n hos_fw-la 11.8_o how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o and_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o nay_o to_o express_v his_o tender_a sense_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o suffering_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o be_v afflict_v with_o we_o and_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o our_o suffering_n isa_n 63.9_o in_o all_o their_o affliction_n he_o be_v afflict_v the_o compassion_n of_o god_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o tender_a affection_n among_o man_n to_o that_o of_o a_o father_n towards_o his_o child_n psal_n 103.13_o as_o a_o father_n pity_v his_o child_n so_o the_o lord_n pity_v they_o that_o fear_v he_o nay_o to_o the_o compassion_n of_o a_o mother_n towards_o her_o infant_n isa_n 49.15_o can_v a_o woman_n forget_v her_o suck_a child_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o son_n of_o her_o womb_n yea_o she_o may_v it_o be_v possible_a though_o most_o unlikely_a but_o though_o a_o mother_n may_v turn_v unnatural_a yet_o god_n can_v be_v unmerciful_a in_o short_a
sin_n nor_o reward_v we_o according_a to_o our_o iniquity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o he_o can_v he_o do_v not_o let_v loose_a the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n nor_o pour_v forth_o all_o his_o wrath_n psal_n 78.38_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n he_o forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n 6._o after_o he_o have_v begin_v to_o punish_v and_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o work_n he_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v take_v off_o there_o be_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o 2._o sam._n 24._o when_o god_n have_v send_v three_o day_n pestilence_n upon_o israel_n for_o david_n sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n and_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o day_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n over_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v it_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o david_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o say_v to_o the_o angel_n that_o destroy_v it_o be_v enough_o stay_v now_o thy_o hand_n nay_o so_o ready_a be_v god_n to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o this_o work_n that_o he_o set_v a_o high_a value_n upon_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o the_o gap_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n numb_a 25.11_o 12_o 13._o phinehas_n the_o son_n of_o eleazar_n have_v turn_v my_o wrath_n away_o from_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o i_o consume_v they_o not_o in_o my_o jealousy_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o he_o my_o covenant_n of_o peace_n and_o to_o his_o seed_n after_o he_o because_o he_o be_v zealous_a for_o his_o god_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o which_o god_n value_v in_o this_o action_n of_o phinehas_n next_o to_o his_o zeal_n for_o he_o be_v that_o he_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n and_o make_v a_o atonement_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n 5._o and_o last_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v yet_o appear_v with_o further_a advantage_n if_o we_o consider_v some_o eminent_a and_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o they_o be_v instance_n not_o only_o of_o god_n patience_n extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n but_o to_o a_o great_a many_o person_n the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n wait_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o be_v probable_o conjecture_v for_o the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n god_n bear_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n after_o they_o have_v tempt_v he_o ten_o time_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n act_v 13.18_o and_o about_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o year_n suffer_v he_o their_o manner_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o this_o instance_n of_o god_n patience_n will_v be_v the_o more_o remarkable_a if_o we_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o great_a impatience_n of_o that_o people_n if_o they_o do_v but_o want_v flesh_n or_o water_n they_o be_v out_o of_o patience_n with_o god_n when_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n with_o god_n but_o forty_o day_n they_o present_o fall_v to_o make_v new_a god_n they_o have_v not_o the_o patience_n of_o forty_o day_n and_o yet_o god_n bear_v their_o manner_n forty_o year_n god_n have_v spare_v niniveh_n for_o some_o age_n and_o when_o his_o patience_n be_v even_o expire_v and_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v past_o a_o final_a sentence_n upon_o it_o yet_o he_o grant_v a_o reprieve_n for_o forty_o day_n that_o they_o may_v sue_v out_o their_o pardon_n in_o that_o time_n and_o they_o do_v so_o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o god_n turn_v from_o the_o evil_n he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v to_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o but_o the_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a be_v to_o the_o jew_n if_o we_o consider_v it_o with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o after_o they_o have_v reject_v the_o son_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n after_o they_o have_v unjust_o condemn_v and_o cruel_o murder_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n yet_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n respite_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o people_n forty_o year_n beside_o all_o these_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n of_o god_n patience_n to_o particular_a person_n but_o it_o be_v endless_a to_o enumerate_v these_o every_o one_o of_o we_o may_v be_v a_o instance_n to_o ourselves_o of_o god_n long-suffering_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v as_o a_o further_a advantage_n to_o set_v off_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o his_o forbearance_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o have_v be_v complain_v of_o for_o it_o by_o his_o own_o servant_n job_n who_o be_v so_o patient_a a_o man_n himself_o think_v much_o at_o it_o job_n 21.7_o 8._o wherefore_o do_v the_o wicked_a live_v yea_o become_v old_a their_o seed_n be_v establish_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o their_o posterity_n before_o their_o eye_n jonah_n challenge_v god_n for_o it_o ch._n 4.2_o be_v not_o this_o that_o which_o i_o say_v when_o i_o be_v yet_o in_o my_o own_o country_n and_o therefore_o i_o flee_v before_o unto_o tarshish_n because_o i_o know_v thou_o be_v a_o gracious_a god_n and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n etc._n etc._n jonah_n have_v observe_v god_n to_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o this_o that_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v send_v upon_o his_o message_n lest_o god_n shall_v discredit_v his_o prophet_n in_o not_o be_v so_o good_a shall_v i_o say_v so_o severe_a as_o his_o word_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o viz._n the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n sermon_n vii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n i_o have_v make_v entrance_n into_o these_o word_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n second_o to_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o mention_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v ignorant_o and_o malicious_o reason_n that_o because_o our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n so_o long_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o come_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o pretence_n for_o this_o objection_n because_o the_o christian_n do_v general_o apprehend_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o seem_v the_o disciple_n themselves_o be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n before_o our_o saviour_n death_n when_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v to_o they_o of_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n they_o put_v these_o two_o question_n to_o he_o mat._n 24.3_o and_o as_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o olive_n the_o disciple_n come_v unto_o he_o private_o say_v when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o shall_v these_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o immediate_o before_o viz._n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o temple_n that_o be_v plain_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o first_o question_n to_o which_o they_o subjoin_v another_o and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o sign_n of_o thy_o come_n that_o be_v to_o judgement_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o
in_o especial_o if_o these_o hope_n be_v give_v they_o by_o a_o grave_a man_n of_o who_o piety_n and_o judgement_n they_o have_v a_o venerable_a opinion_n when_o man_n have_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n in_o themselves_o as_o all_o wicked_a liver_n must_v have_v they_o be_v natural_o apt_a to_o be_v overjoy_v at_o the_o unexpected_a news_n of_o a_o pardon_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a comfort_n and_o confidence_n which_o some_o have_v upon_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n for_o great_a and_o flagrant_a crime_n because_o i_o can_v discern_v any_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o it_o i_o think_v great_a humility_n and_o dejection_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o doubtful_a apprehension_n of_o their_o condition_n next_o almost_o to_o despair_v of_o it_o will_v much_o better_o become_v they_o because_o their_o case_n be_v real_o so_o very_o doubtful_a in_o itself_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o the_o repentance_n of_o such_o person_n and_o it_o become_v they_o well_o but_o i_o see_v very_o little_a reason_n for_o their_o great_a comfort_n and_o confidence_n nor_o do_v it_o become_v their_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n let_v they_o excercise_n as_o deep_a a_o repentance_n as_o be_v possible_a and_o bring_v forth_o all_o the_o fruit_n meet_v for_o it_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n let_v they_o humble_v themselves_o before_o god_n and_o pray_v incessant_o to_o he_o day_n and_o night_n for_o mercy_n make_v all_o the_o reparation_n they_o can_v for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v by_o confession_n and_o acknowledgement_n and_o by_o make_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o party_n injure_v if_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n by_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a by_o warn_v other_o and_o endeavour_v to_o reclaim_v they_o to_o a_o better_a mind_n and_o course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n humble_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o jesus_n christ_n let_v they_o imitate_v as_o near_o as_o they_o can_v the_o behaviour_n of_o the_o penitent_a thief_n the_o only_a example_n the_o scripture_n have_v leave_v we_o of_o a_o late_a repentance_n that_o prove_v effectual_a who_o give_v the_o great_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o a_o penitent_a sorrow_n for_o his_o sin_n and_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o generous_a and_o courageous_a own_n of_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o disgrace_n and_o suffering_n when_o even_o his_o own_o disciple_n have_v deny_v and_o forsake_v he_o but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v in_o he_o any_o sign_n of_o extraordinary_a comfort_n much_o less_o of_o confidence_n but_o he_o humble_o commend_v himself_o to_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o saviour_n say_v lord_n remember_v i_o when_o thou_o come_v into_o thy_o kingdom_n sermon_n ix_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a i_o have_v consider_v how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o the_o harden_v and_o encourage_v of_o themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o whence_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v where_o i_o consider_v the_o several_a false_a conclusion_n which_o sinner_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o else_o as_o be_v more_o common_o pretend_v that_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v at_o it_o or_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a as_o he_o be_v represent_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a or_o however_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o may_v be_v prevent_v by_o a_o future_a repentance_n all_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v full_o to_o and_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o fallacy_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n i_o propound_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n to_o which_o this_o discourse_n may_v seem_v liable_a and_o that_o be_v this_o if_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v the_o occasion_n of_o man_n hardness_n and_o impenitency_n then_o why_o be_v god_n so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n when_o they_o be_v so_o prone_a to_o abuse_v his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o how_o be_v it_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o forbear_v sinner_n so_o long_o when_o this_o forbearance_n of_o he_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o minister_v to_o they_o a_o occasion_n of_o their_o further_a mischief_n and_o great_a ruin_n it_o shall_v seem_v according_a to_o this_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o great_a mercy_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sinner_n not_o to_o be_v patient_a towards_o they_o at_o all_o but_o instant_o upon_o the_o first_o occasion_n and_o provocation_n to_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o so_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o make_v themselves_o more_o miserable_a by_o increase_v their_o guilt_n and_o treasure_v up_o wrath_n to_o themselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n this_o be_v the_o objection_n and_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o some_o weight_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o return_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n and_o i._o i_o ask_v the_o sinner_n if_o he_o will_v stand_v to_o this_o be_v thou_o serious_a and_o will_v thou_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v god_n to_o deal_v thus_o with_o thou_o to_o take_v the_o very_a first_o advantage_n to_o destroy_v thou_o or_o turn_v thou_o into_o hell_n and_o to_o make_v thou_o miserable_a beyond_o all_o hope_n of_o recovery_n consider_v of_o it_o again_o do_v thou_o think_v it_o desirable_a that_o god_n shall_v deal_v thus_o with_o thou_o and_o let_v fly_v his_o judgement_n upon_o thou_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o thou_o have_v sin_v if_o not_o why_o do_v man_n trifle_v and_o make_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o loath_a shall_v be_v make_v good_a upon_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v likewise_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n be_v not_o a_o total_a forbearance_n it_o be_v usual_o so_o mix_v with_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o one_o kind_a or_o other_o upon_o ourselves_o or_o other_o as_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a warning_n to_o we_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v and_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n to_o sin_v no_o more_o lest_o a_o worse_a thing_n come_v upon_o we_o lest_o that_o judgement_n which_o we_o see_v inflict_v upon_o other_o come_v home_o to_o we_o and_o be_v not_o this_o great_a goodness_n to_o warn_v we_o when_o he_o may_v destroy_v we_o to_o leave_v room_n for_o a_o retreat_n when_o he_o may_v put_v our_o case_n past_o remedy_n all_o this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n he_o threaten_v sinner_n to_o awaken_v they_o out_o of_o their_o security_n he_o punish_v they_o gentle_o that_o we_o may_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o impunity_n he_o make_v example_n of_o some_o in_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o remarkable_a manner_n that_o other_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_v and_o be_v afraid_a to_o commit_v the_o like_a sin_n lest_o the_o like_a punishment_n overtake_v they_o he_o whip_v some_o offender_n before_o our_o eye_n to_o show_v we_o what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o we_o also_o may_v just_o expect_v if_o we_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o will_v nothing_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o we_o but_o our_o own_o suffering_n nay_o god_n do_v usual_o send_v some_o judgement_n or_o other_o upon_o every_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n he_o let_v he_o feel_v the_o rod_n that_o he_o may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n to_o sin_n against_o he_o he_o exercise_v man_n with_o many_o affliction_n and_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n which_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n and_o by_o these_o light_a stroke_n he_o give_v we_o a_o merciful_a warning_n to_o avoid_v his_o heavy_a blow_n when_o mercy_n alone_o will_v not_o work_v upon_o we_o and_o win_v we_o but_o be_v feed_v to_o the_o full_a we_o grow_v wanton_a and_o foolish_a he_o administer_v physic_n to_o we_o by_o affliction_n and_o by_o adversity_n endeavour_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o consideration_n and_o a_o sober_a mind_n and_o many_o have_v be_v cure_v this_o way_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v do_v they_o that_o good_a which_o his_o mercy_n and_o blessing_n can_v not_o for_o god_n will_v save_v we_o any_o way_n by_o his_o mercy_n or_o by_o his_o judgement_n by_o sickness_n or_o by_o health_n
upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n ask_v that_o question_n have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n but_o their_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o their_o perverseness_n and_o disingenuity_n be_v great_a to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v long-suffering_a be_v to_o be_v evil_a because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o to_o provoke_v he_o because_o he_o spare_v we_o it_o be_v to_o strive_v with_o god_n and_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o goodness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v the_o utmost_a length_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o because_o god_n be_v loath_a to_o punish_v therefore_o to_o urge_v and_o importune_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n ii_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o thus_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n because_o it_o be_v to_o trample_v upon_o his_o dear_a attribute_n those_o which_o he_o most_o delight_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o the_o guilty_a and_o his_o mercy_n to_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a nothing_o make_v our_o ruin_n more_o certain_a more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n after_o god_n have_v bear_v long_o with_o that_o rebellious_a people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o murmur_n all_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n have_v spare_v they_o ten_o time_n at_o last_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o their_o ruin_n heb._n 3.8_o 9_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n this_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n indeed_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n under_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n after_o forty_o year_n trial_n and_o experience_n of_o it_o v._n 10._o wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n and_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o upon_o this_o god_n take_v up_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o bear_v no_o long_o with_o they_o but_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o blessing_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v to_o they_o that_o be_v disobedient_a that_o be_v to_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v their_o manner_n forty_o year_n and_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n patience_n render_v our_o destruction_n more_o certain_a so_o more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a we_o think_v that_o because_o god_n suffer_v long_o he_o will_v suffer_v always_o and_o because_o punishment_n be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o will_v never_o come_v but_o it_o will_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o this_o so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o when_o the_o servant_n say_v his_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o day_n that_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sunder_o and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o the_o hypocrite_n none_o so_o like_a to_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o those_o who_o trespass_n so_o bold_o upon_o his_o patience_n iii_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o merciful_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n therein_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a to_o give_v we_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n have_v this_o design_n and_o reasonable_a expectation_n from_o we_o he_o will_v not_o reprieve_v a_o sinner_n for_o one_o moment_n but_o will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o he_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v offend_v this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n he_o will_v cut_v we_o down_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o cumber_v the_o ground_n after_o he_o have_v wait_v three_o year_n seek_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n more_o to_o see_v if_o it_o will_v bear_v fruit_n 2._o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n we_o see_v by_o his_o patience_n that_o he_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n against_o we_o that_o he_o spare_v we_o when_o we_o offend_v be_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v thus_o natural_a light_n will_v reason_n and_o so_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n a_o heathen_a reason_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v but_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o the_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v therein_o establish_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v god_n every_o where_o express_v a_o vehement_a desire_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n jer._n 4.14_o o_o jerusalem_n wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 13.27_o woe_n unto_o thou_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v he_o who_o be_v so_o patient_a as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v almost_o impatient_a of_o our_o repentance_n for_o they_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v and_o can_v we_o stand_v out_o against_o his_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n who_o we_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o provoke_v to_o make_v we_o miserable_a let_v we_o then_o return_v into_o ourselves_o and_o think_v serious_o what_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n be_v how_o we_o have_v live_v and_o how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v suffer_v our_o manner_n and_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o how_o inevitable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o misery_n of_o those_o must_v be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n of_o it_o let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o say_v what_o have_v we_o do_v how_o careless_a have_v we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o what_o pain_n have_v we_o take_v to_o undo_v ourselves_o let_v we_o speedy_o set_v about_o this_o work_n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n may_v last_v and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v a_o end_n therefore_o as_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v isa_n 55.6_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o now_o god_n gracious_o invite_v sinner_n to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o do_v but_o move_v towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v they_o half_a way_n but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o when_o they_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o they_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n thou_o venture_v thy_o immortal_a soul_n and_o put_v thy_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n and_o shall_v god_n snatch_v thou_o sudden_o away_o in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o god_n be_v yet_o reconcileable_a but_o death_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o perhaps_o
to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o it_o will_v much_o abate_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o creature_n we_o can_v not_o have_v that_o assurance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o that_o security_n of_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o next_o life_n if_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o be_v who_o shall_v be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o they_o be_v uncertain_a now_o these_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n follow_v from_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o it_o belong_v to_o he_o for_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o only_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_n ii_o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v innumerable_a place_n to_o this_o purpose_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n direct_o and_o by_o consequence_n by_o consequence_n those_o word_n 2_o peter_n 3.8_o one_o day_n with_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n which_o word_n however_o interpreter_n have_v trouble_v themselves_o about_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o they_o yet_o the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o they_o be_v this_o that_o such_o be_v the_o infinite_a duration_n of_o god_n that_o all_o measure_n of_o time_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o it_o for_o that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a meaning_n appear_v by_o this_o 90_o psalm_n out_o of_o which_o they_o be_v cite_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a and_o as_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v as_o the_o time_n past_a as_o a_o few_o hour_n sleep_v away_o for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n that_o be_v as_o nothing_o now_o st._n peter_n conversion_n of_o the_o word_n one_o day_n be_v as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n only_o signify_v this_o that_o the_o long_a duration_n of_o time_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a to_o god_n that_o it_o be_v as_o the_o short_a that_o be_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n but_o direct_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n this_o attribute_n he_o be_v call_v the_o everlasting_a god_n gen._n 21.33_o the_o eternal_a god_n deut._n 33.27_o and_o which_o be_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n isa_n 57.15_o and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o be_v so_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n psal_n 103.17_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a rom._n 1._o 20._o his_o eternal_a power_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o the_o king_n eternal_a those_o doxology_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v be_v but_o acknowledgement_n of_o this_o attribute_n bless_a be_v the_o lord_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o neh._n 9.5_o to_o who_o be_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o dominion_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o gal._n 1.5_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v all_o those_o place_n which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o without_o beginning_n psal_n 93.2_o thou_o be_v from_o everlasting_a mich._n 5.2_o who_o go_n forth_o have_v be_v from_o everlasting_a hab._n 1.12_o be_v not_o thou_o from_o everlasting_a o_o lord_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o perpetual_a continuance_n of_o his_o duration_n psal_n 102.24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o thy_o year_n be_v throughout_o all_o generation_n of_o old_a thou_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v yea_o all_o of_o they_o shall_v wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n and_o as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o change_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o after_o i_o 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 to_o mention_v no_o more_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o his_o be_v as_o coexistent_a to_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v rev._n 1.8_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v three_o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o draw_v i._o some_o doctrinal_a corollary_n ii_o some_o practical_a inference_n i._o doctrinal_a corollary_n that_o you_o may_v see_v how_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o may_v be_v deduce_v one_o from_o another_o 1._o corol._n from_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o that_o which_o always_o be_v can_v have_v nothing_o before_o it_o to_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v 2._o corol._n we_o may_v hence_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a every_o thing_n shall_v be_v when_o it_o be_v now_o that_o which_o be_v always_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a because_o always_o so_o 3._o corol._n the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o be_v always_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o be_v necessary_o he_o can_v but_o be_v what_o he_o be_v a_o change_n of_o his_o be_v be_v as_o impossible_a as_o a_o cessation_n therefore_o the_o psalmist_n put_v his_o immutability_n and_o eternity_n together_o psal_n 102.27_o but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o practical_a inference_n or_o application_n 1._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n eternity_n may_v serve_v for_o the_o support_n of_o our_o faith_n this_o moses_n here_o use_v as_o a_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n lord_n thou_o have_v be_v our_o dwell_a place_n in_o all_o generation_n before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 62.8_o trust_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n you_o people_n his_o immensity_n be_v a_o argument_n why_o all_o shall_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o be_v a_o present_a help_n to_o all_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v trust_v in_o he_o at_o all_o time_n his_o eternity_n be_v a_o argument_n deut._n 33.27_o the_o eternal_a god_n be_v thy_o refuge_n and_o underneath_o be_v the_o everlasting_a arm_n there_o be_v two_o attribute_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n god_n goodness_n and_o his_o power_n both_o these_o be_v eternal_a the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v frequent_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o his_o power_n be_v eternal_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o his_o eternal_a power_n as_o well_o as_o godhead_n rom._n 1.20_o isa_n 26.4_o trust_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n isa_n 40.28_o the_o everlasting_a god_n the_o lord_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n faint_v not_o neither_o be_v weary_a we_o can_v trust_v in_o man_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o man_n to_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o our_o confidence_n his_o good_a will_n towards_o we_o may_v change_v his_o power_n may_v faint_v and_o he_o may_v grow_v weary_a or_o if_o these_o continue_v yet_o they_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o a_o power_n to_o help_v we_o themselves_o may_v fail_v therefore_o the_o psalmist_n use_v this_o consideration_n of_o man_n mortality_n to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o confidence_n in_o man_n psal_n 146.3_o 4._o put_v not_o your_o trust_n in_o prince_n nor_o in_o the_o son_n of_o man_n in_o who_o there_o be_v no_o help_n his_o breath_n go_v forth_o he_o return_v to_o his_o earth_n in_o that_o very_a day_n his_o thought_n perish_v isa_n 2.22_o cease_v you_o from_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o his_o nostril_n for_o wherein_o be_v he_o to_o be_v account_v of_o the_o great_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v but_o lie_a refuge_n to_o the_o everlasting_a god_n they_o be_v but_o break_v reed_n to_o the_o rock_n of_o age_n and_o this_o may_v support_v our_o faith_n not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o own_o condition_n for_o the_o future_a but_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o posterity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o god_n church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n when_o we_o die_v we_o may_v leave_v we_o and_o the_o church_n in_o his_o hand_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o reign_v for_o ever_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n church_n and_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o malicious_a design_n against_o it_o what_o ever_o share_v they_o may_v have_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n they_o can_v but_o domineer_v for_o a_o while_n
distance_n by_o our_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n we_o shall_v best_o awe_v our_o heart_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o his_o infinite_a nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o our_o finite_a apprehension_n worldly_n greatness_n will_v cause_v wonder_n the_o thought_n of_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v those_o excellency_n which_o be_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v imagine_v isa_n 6._o you_o have_v there_o god_n represent_v sit_v upon_o his_o throne_n and_o the_o seraphim_n about_o he_o which_o be_v describe_v to_o we_o as_o have_v each_o six_o wing_n and_o with_o twain_o they_o cover_v their_o face_n creature_n of_o the_o bright_a understanding_n and_o the_o most_o exalt_a purity_n and_o holiness_n cover_v their_o face_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n glory_n they_o choose_v rather_o to_o venerate_a god_n than_o look_v upon_o he_o ii_o this_o call_v for_o humility_n and_o modesty_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unsearchable_a perfection_n shall_v make_v the_o haughtiness_n of_o man_n to_o stoop_v and_o bring_v down_o his_o proud_a look_n and_o god_n alone_o shall_v be_v exalt_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n excellency_n shall_v abase_v we_o and_o make_v we_o vile_a in_o our_o own_o eye_n it_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o petty_a excellency_n that_o we_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o to_z vanish_z and_z disappear_z those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o god_n shall_v hide_v pride_n from_o man_n it_o shall_v hide_v those_o little_a part_n and_o gift_n which_o we_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o glory_n in_o as_o the_o sun_n hide_v the_o star_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o admire_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v with_o a_o humble_a thankfulness_n wonder_n that_o god_n shall_v regard_v such_o inconsiderable_a nothing_o as_o we_o be_v psal_n 8.1_o 3_o 4._o o_o lord_n our_o god_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v set_v thy_o glory_n above_o the_o heaven_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v ordain_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o visite_a he_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n will_v think_v so_o mean_o of_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v be_v astonish_v that_o god_n shall_v mind_v he_o or_o visit_v he_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a strain_n of_o humility_n in_o david_n by_o which_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o earth_n how_o considerable_a soever_o he_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o man_n be_v yet_o but_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n to_o god_n when_o we_o speak_v to_o god_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a humility_n eccles_n 5.2_o 3._o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n we_o shall_v say_v to_o god_n job_n 37.19_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o shall_v say_v unto_o thou_o for_o we_o can_v order_v our_o speech_n by_o reason_n of_o darkness_n and_o when_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o with_o great_a modesty_n we_o shall_v not_o rash_o pronounce_v or_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v god_n simonides_n be_v ask_v what_o god_n be_v desire_v one_o day_n time_n to_o consider_v than_o he_o desire_v two_o and_o then_o four_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o god_n the_o less_o peremptory_a shall_v we_o be_v in_o define_v he_o he_o that_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a will_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v all_o the_o way_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o the_o utmost_a of_o infinite_a power_n and_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n way_n and_o providence_n he_o that_o right_o value_v his_o own_o short_a understanding_n and_o the_o unlimited_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v this_o god_n can_v do_v this_o he_o can_v know_v such_o way_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o know_v god_n and_o himself_o will_v be_v modest_a in_o these_o case_n he_o will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d abstain_v from_o all_o peremptory_a pronounce_v in_o these_o matter_n he_o consider_v that_o one_o man_n many_o time_n differ_v so_o much_o from_o another_o in_o knowledge_n and_o skill_n of_o work_v that_o he_o can_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o another_o believe_v impossible_a but_o we_o have_v pitiful_a thought_n of_o god_n if_o we_o think_v the_o differerce_a between_o one_o man_n and_o another_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o vast_a distance_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o our_o ignorance_n the_o divine_a power_n and_o our_o weakness_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o man_n iii_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n perfection_n call_v for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o affection_n how_o shall_v we_o fear_v this_o great_a and_o glorious_a god_n psal_n 90.11_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n even_o according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n fear_n be_v the_o most_o infinite_a of_o all_o our_o passion_n and_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o most_o endless_a jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n god_n wrath_n be_v great_a than_o our_o fear_n according_a to_o thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n how_o shall_v we_o love_v he_o when_o we_o be_v astonish_v with_o admiration_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o say_v how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n and_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o beauty_n behold_v what_o manner_n of_o love_n the_o father_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o how_o great_a shall_v our_o love_n be_v to_o he_o what_o manner_n of_o love_n shall_v we_o return_v to_o he_o this_o call_v for_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o faith_n with_o what_o confidence_n shall_v we_o rely_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v to_o conclude_v this_o require_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o our_o service_n how_o shall_v our_o heart_n be_v enlarge_v to_o run_v the_o way_n of_o his_o commandment_n who_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o such_o thing_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n sermon_n xv._o vii_o vol._n vii_o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n have_v consider_v the_o more_o eminent_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o also_o that_o which_o result_v from_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n compare_v with_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o treat_v of_o such_o as_o be_v mere_o and_o pure_o relative_n as_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o purpose_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o the_o subject_a of_o my_o present_a discourse_n for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o &c_n &c_n the_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o former_a be_v brief_o this_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v speak_v before_o in_o this_o chapter_n several_a thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o therefore_o will_v have_v we_o ascribe_v this_o work_n whole_o to_o god_n the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o not_o to_o our_o own_o counsel_n v._o 34._o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n and_o the_o bestow_n this_o grace_n to_o his_o free_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o not_o to_o any_o desert_n of_o we_o v._o 35._o or_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o yea_o and_o not_o only_o in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n but_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n not_o only_o in_o this_o work_n of_o redemption_n but_o also_o of_o creation_n god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_a and_o first_o cause_n from_o whence_o every_o thing_n proceed_v and_o the_o last_o end_n to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v for_o of_o he_o etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o he_o the_o efficient_a cause_n produce_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o or_o through_o he_o as_o the_o efficient_a conserve_n cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o he_o as_o the_o final_a cause_n of_o all_o