stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_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 be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v 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that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_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 chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
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 the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n be_v those_o attribute_n which_o relate_v to_o his_o nature_n or_o manner_n of_o be_v have_v speak_v of_o the_o former_a i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o latter_a from_o these_o word_n the_o title_n of_o this_o psalm_n be_v the_o prayer_n of_o moses_n the_o man_n of_o god_n he_o begin_v his_o prayer_n with_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o his_o people_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n lord_n thou_o have_v be_v our_o dwell_a place_n from_o all_o generation_n in_o generation_n and_o generation_n so_o the_o hebrew_n he_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o and_o as_o if_o he_o have_v speak_v too_o little_a of_o god_n in_o say_v that_o his_o providence_n have_v be_v exercise_v in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o the_o 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to_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v we_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o immensity_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o infinite_a expansion_n of_o his_o essence_n a_o presence_n of_o it_o to_o all_o place_n and_o imaginable_a space_n so_o must_v we_o suppose_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n to_o be_v a_o perpetual_a continuance_n coexistent_a to_o all_o imaginable_a succession_n of_o age_n now_o how_o that_o can_v be_v together_o which_o must_v necessary_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v coexistent_a to_o succession_n let_v they_o that_o can_v conceive_v second_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n ii_o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n this_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v of_o all_o other_o least_o dispute_v among_o the_o philosopher_n indeed_o all_o agree_v that_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a and_o happy_a be_v but_o wherein_o that_o 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by_o which_o two_o epithet_n you_o express_v god_n and_o lucretius_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n give_v this_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la diuûm_fw-la naturae_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la immortali_fw-la aevo_fw-la summa_fw-la cum_fw-la pace_fw-la fruatur_fw-la it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n to_o pass_v a_o eternity_n in_o profound_a peace_n and_o quiet_a the_o poet_n who_o have_v the_o wild_a notion_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o constant_o give_v they_o the_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o heathen_a never_o mention_v the_o name_n of_o god_n without_o this_o attribute_n dii_fw-la immortales_fw-la immortal_a god_n be_v their_o ordinary_a exclamation_n and_o they_o swear_v constant_o by_o this_o attribute_n deos_fw-la testor_fw-la immortales_fw-la and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o tully_n say_v express_o nos_fw-la deum_fw-la nisi_fw-la sempiternum_fw-la intelligere_fw-la quî_fw-la possumus_fw-la how_o can_v we_o conceive_v of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n we_o can_v attribute_v to_o his_o be_v and_o the_o more_o perfect_a his_o be_v be_v otherwise_o the_o great_a imperfection_n will_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o be_v to_o die_v so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n to_o cease_v to_o be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o infinite_a abasement_n to_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o these_o shall_v all_o be_v perish_v nay_o it_o will_v hinder_v several_a of_o his_o perfection_n and_o contradict_v their_o very_a be_v his_o self-existence_n have_v he_o not_o always_o be_v he_o have_v not_o be_v of_o himself_o his_o necessary_a existence_n for_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_o which_o may_v at_o any_o time_n not_o be_v or_o cease_v
thing_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n first_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v the_o term_n second_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n three_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n i._o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n signify_v 1._o negative_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o any_o other_o or_o do_v depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o eternal_o of_o himself_o 2._o positive_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o himself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o create_a being_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v or_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n of_o saint_n john_n joh._n 1.3_o which_o i_o know_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v so_o that_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v by_o he_o ii_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n refer_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o design_n and_o aim_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v be_v the_o illustration_n of_o god_n glory_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o perfection_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v brief_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n attempt_v it_o these_o two_o way_n i._o by_o natural_a light_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v be_v for_o a_o be_v to_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o before_o all_o other_o being_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o he_o and_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_n end_n for_o every_o wise_a agent_n act_n with_o design_n and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n now_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o attain_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o now_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v already_o and_o the_o best_a next_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v god_n glory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o which_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v refer_v and_o that_o these_o title_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o discover_v but_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o aristotle_n give_v to_o god_n those_o title_n of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o first_o mover_n and_o his_o master_n plato_n call_v god_n the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o maker_n and_o architect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n porphyry_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o from_o whence_o he_o reason_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n move_v towards_o god_n that_o all_o motion_n centre_n in_o he_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a for_o thing_n to_o refer_v to_o their_o original_a and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o antoninus_n the_o emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v of_o nature_n which_o with_o the_o stoic_n signify_v god_n have_v these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o very_a like_o these_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n ii_o from_o scripture_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 41.4_o who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o call_v the_o generation_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o the_o lord_n the_o first_o and_o with_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v nothing_o form_v of_o god_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o isa_n 44.6_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 isa_n 48.12_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o first_o i_o also_o be_o the_o last_o my_o hand_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o right_a hand_n have_v spread_v the_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n 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 but_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o act_n 17.24_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o v._o 25._o he_o give_v to_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n v._o 28._o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v v._o 29._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v v._o 10._o and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o eph._n 3.9_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.16_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v heb._n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o v._o 3._o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n three_o and_o last_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n use_v first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v all_o creature_n and_o do_v since_o preserve_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o concernment_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o from_o hence_o let_v we_o learn_v 1._o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o our_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o enjoy_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n because_o we_o have_v not_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v free_o and_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n communicate_v being_n to_o we_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o what_o his_o own_o goodness_n lay_v upon_o he_o rev._n 4.11_o 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 they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v we_o can_v not_o before_o we_o be_v deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o or_o move_v he_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o importune_v he_o by_o entreaty_n to_o make_v we_o but_o he_o free_o give_v we_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_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
beginning_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o any_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o this_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o these_o scoffer_n though_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v wit_n do_v betray_v great_a ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o talk_v very_o ignorant_o concern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o when_o so_o remarkable_a a_o change_n have_v already_o happen_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o water_n and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o fire_n before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o way_n incredible_a and_o they_o show_v themselves_o likewise_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o be_v eternal_o the_o same_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o one_o day_n be_v all_o one_o and_o if_o god_n make_v good_a his_o word_n some_o thousand_o of_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v make_v no_o sensible_a difference_n consider_v his_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n when_o a_o duration_n begin_v which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v a_o end_n v._n 8._o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n no_o finite_a duration_n bear_v any_o proportion_n and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n or_o one_o day_n the_o psalmist_n have_v a_o expression_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 90.4_o 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 and_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n likewise_o ecclus._n 18.10_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o sand_n to_o the_o sea_n shore_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o like_a expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a writer_n to_o the_o god_n no_o time_n be_v long_o say_v pythagoras_n and_o plutarch_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o the_o god_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o slowness_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o very_a argument_n st._n peter_n be_v here_o upon_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n that_o a_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o a_o indivisible_a point_n to_o a_o infinite_a duration_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o delay_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o force_n against_o either_o the_o certainty_n or_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o for_o to_o eternity_n all_o time_n be_v equal_o short_a and_o it_o matter_n not_o when_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n begin_v if_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o come_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v long_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o clear_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n admit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n delay_v judgement_n for_o a_o great_a while_n yet_o this_o give_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o judgement_n will_v never_o be_v but_o it_o show_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o so_o long_o a_o space_n of_o repentace_n that_o so_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n whenever_o it_o come_v and_o escape_v that_o dreadful_a ruin_n which_o will_v certain_o overtake_v soon_o or_o late_a all_o impenitent_a sinner_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n as_o some_o man_n account_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o argument_n it_o will_v never_o come_v this_o be_v a_o false_a inference_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o a_o ill_a interpretation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n who_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o delay_n judgement_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v man_n time_n to_o repent_v and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o eternal_a ruin_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 but_o be_v long_o suffer_v 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 in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v 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-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n second_o i_o shall_v 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 as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n argue_v 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 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 i_o will_v consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v 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 first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_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-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n iii_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v one_o that_o keep_v his_o anger_n long_o or_o that_o be_v long_o before_o he_o be_v angry_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sometime_o express_v by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n forbearance_n and_o patient_a wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n some_o time_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n hold_v in_o his_o wrath_n and_o restrain_v himself_o from_o punish_v and_o sometime_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sinner_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n the_o defer_v of_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n which_o if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v proper_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o the_o moderate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v a_o instance_n likewise_o of_o god_n patience_n and_o not_o only_o the_o defer_v and_o moderate_v of_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o the_o adjourn_v of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o principal_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n take_v in_o all_o that_o space_n of_o repentance_n which_o god_n afford_v to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n nay_o all_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n which_o befall_v sinner_n in_o this_o life_n and_o be_v short_a of_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o hell_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n whenever_o god_n punish_v it_o be_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o patience_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o due_a to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v due_a to_o the_o
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
world_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o one_o be_v present_o to_o follow_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v they_o both_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n answer_n that_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o rectify_v they_o in_o this_o mistake_n which_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o they_o both_o to_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n since_o there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o little_a time_n for_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o wean_v their_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v so_o near_o a_o end_n one_o thing_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v prepossess_v with_o another_o opinion_n do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o we_o find_v only_o in_o st._n luke_n ch._n 21.24_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v they_o shall_v fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v tread_v down_o of_o the_o gentile_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o event_n foretell_v betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o may_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n jerusalem_n be_v at_o this_o day_n still_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o jew_n still_o continue_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n it_o seem_v do_v not_o much_o mind_n this_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o prejudicate_a conceit_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v much_o confirm_v by_o what_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n say_v of_o st._n john_n upon_o occasion_n of_o peter_n question_n concern_v he_o john_n 21.21_o 22._o lord_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o upon_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v he_o st._n john_n himself_o add_v v._o 23._o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o be_v take_v up_o with_o he_o into_o heaven_n from_o all_o which_o they_o probable_o as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n whilst_o st._n john_n be_v alive_a but_o st._n john_n who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o and_o live_v till_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o this_o mistake_n which_o be_v currant_n among_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n say_v not_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o affirm_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o to_o repress_v st_n peter_n curiosity_n he_o say_v if_o it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v at_o all_o but_o live_v till_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o and_o st._n peter_n likewise_o or_o whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o second_o epistle_n or_o at_o least_o of_o this_o three_o chapter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a epistle_n by_o itself_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o that_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scoffer_n to_o deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n among_o the_o christian_n because_o they_o have_v be_v already_o deceive_v about_o the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scoffer_n twit_v they_o with_o in_o that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a grotius_n conjecture_n very_o probable_o that_o this_o last_o epistle_n contain_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o time_n fix_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o scoff_n till_o after_o that_o time_n st._n peter_n indeed_o do_v not_o live_v so_o long_o and_o therefore_o grotius_n think_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o simeon_n or_o simon_n who_o be_v successor_n of_o st._n james_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o live_v to_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v where_o the_o ground_n and_o force_v of_o this_o scoff_n lie_v namely_o in_o this_o that_o because_o the_o christian_n have_v general_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n will_v be_v present_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v now_o find_v to_o be_v deceive_v in_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v at_o all_o to_o their_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n because_o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o herein_o they_o argue_v very_o false_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v positive_o and_o peremptory_o foretell_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n but_o have_v never_o fix_v and_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n have_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v not_o impart_v to_o any_o no_o not_o to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n nor_o to_o the_o son_n himself_o mark_v 13.32_o 33._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o presume_v to_o make_v any_o conjecture_n about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v they_o do_v it_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o father_n have_v reserve_v this_o as_o a_o secret_a which_o he_o have_v never_o communicate_v to_o any_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n but_o their_o mistake_n in_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n clear_a prediction_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n without_o any_o determination_n of_o the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v be_v at_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n distance_n and_o yet_o be_v certain_a for_o all_o that_o and_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n concern_v it_o but_o only_o of_o god_n great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_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 but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_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 and_o for_o this_o st._n peter_n cite_v st._n paul_n v._o 15_o the_o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v salvation_n that_o be_v that_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n be_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o our_o lord_n be_v salvation_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o now_o these_o word_n be_v not_o express_o find_v in_o st._n paul_n write_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v viz._n in_o rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o
of_o i_o ezek._n 33.11_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n prov._n 1.29_o 30_o 31._o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n the_o ruin_n of_o sinner_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n but_o from_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o so_o likewise_o our_o saviour_n every_o where_o charge_v the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n upon_o their_o own_o wilful_a obstinacy_n the_o inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n shall_v be_v these_o three_o i._o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o notwithstanding_o our_o manifold_a and_o heinous_a provocation_n we_o may_v every_o one_o of_o we_o take_v to_o ourselves_o those_o word_n lam._n 3.22_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n mercy_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o they_o be_v renew_v every_o morning_n when_o ever_o we_o sin_v and_o we_o provoke_v god_n every_o day_n it_o be_v of_o his_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o destroy_v and_o when_o we_o sin_v again_o this_o be_v a_o new_a and_o great_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v number_v than_o our_o sin_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o spare_v we_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n great_a than_o his_o goodness_n in_o create_v we_o because_o he_o have_v no_o provocation_n not_o to_o make_v we_o but_o we_o provoke_v he_o daily_o to_o destroy_v we_o ii_o let_v we_o propound_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n for_o a_o pattern_n to_o ourselves_o plutarch_n say_v that_o god_n set_v forth_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o propound_v to_o we_o the_o example_n of_o his_o patience_n to_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o revenge_v injury_n hasty_o upon_o one_o another_o iii_o let_v we_o comply_v with_o the_o design_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o which_o be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o abuse_v it_o to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n to_o the_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o evil_a way_n so_o solomon_n observe_v eccl._n 8.11_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 but_o this_o be_v very_o false_a reason_n for_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o countenance_v sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n patience_n in_o god_n shall_v produce_v repentance_n in_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o opportunity_n give_v we_o by_o god_n to_o repent_v and_o be_v save_v 2_o pet._n 3.15_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v salvation_n they_o that_o do_v not_o improve_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o their_o own_o salvation_n mistake_v the_o true_a meaning_n and_o intent_n of_o it_o but_o many_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o that_o they_o presume_v upon_o it_o and_o sin_n with_o more_o courage_n and_o confidence_n because_o of_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o i_o will_v offer_v these_o two_o or_o three_o consideration_n 1._o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o provoke_v to_o god_n than_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o patience_n god_n patience_n wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o all_o long_a attendance_n even_o of_o inferior_n upon_o their_o superior_n have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v grievous_a how_o much_o more_o grievous_a and_o provoke_a must_v it_o be_v to_o the_o great_a god_n after_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o have_v that_o despise_a after_o his_o patience_n have_v wait_v a_o long_a time_n upon_o we_o not_o only_o to_o be_v thrust_v away_o with_o contempt_n but_o to_o have_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n abuse_v into_o a_o encouragement_n to_o continue_v in_o they_o god_n take_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n luke_o 13.7_o behold_v these_o three_o year_n i_o come_v seek_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o cut_v it_o down_o why_o cumber_v it_o the_o ground_n 2._o consider_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v have_v a_o end_n though_o god_n suffer_v long_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v always_o we_o may_v provoke_v god_n so_o long_o till_o he_o can_v forbear_v no_o long_o without_o injury_n and_o dishonour_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v one_o attribute_n to_o wrong_v the_o rest_n his_o wisdom_n will_v determine_v the_o length_n of_o his_o patience_n when_o his_o patience_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n when_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o our_o amendment_n his_o wisdom_n will_v then_o put_v a_o period_n to_o it_o then_o the_o patience_n of_o his_o mercy_n will_v determine_v how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v you_o and_o you_o will_v not_o therefore_o your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a and_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n judgement_n will_v then_o determine_v why_o shall_v they_o be_v smite_v any_o more_o they_o will_v revolt_v more_o and_o more_o yea_o patience_n itself_o after_o a_o long_a and_o fruitless_a expectation_n will_v expire_v a_o sinner_n may_v continue_v so_o long_o impenitent_a till_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n as_o i_o may_v say_v grow_v impatient_a and_o then_o our_o ruin_n will_v make_v haste_n and_o destruction_n will_v come_v upon_o we_o in_o a_o moment_n if_o man_n will_v not_o come_v to_o repentance_n the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n after_o the_o text_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v sudden_o surprise_v those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v gain_v by_o his_o patience_n 3._o consider_v that_o nothing_o will_v more_o hasten_v and_o aggravate_v our_o ruin_n than_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n patience_n all_o this_o time_n of_o god_n patience_n his_o wrath_n be_v come_v towards_o we_o and_o the_o more_o we_o presume_v upon_o it_o the_o soon_o it_o will_v overtake_v we_o luke_o 12.45_o 46._o the_o wicked_a servant_n who_o say_v his_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n and_o fall_v to_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n will_v come_v in_o a_o day_n when_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v our_o ruin_n the_o long_a punishment_n be_v a_o come_v the_o heavy_a it_o will_v be_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v long_o in_o preparation_n be_v terrible_a in_o execution_n the_o weight_n of_o god_n wrath_n will_v make_v amends_o for_o the_o slowness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v full_o recompense_v in_o the_o dreadfulness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v let_v all_o those_o consider_v this_o who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o be_v deaf_a to_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n patience_n which_o call_v upon_o they_o every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o vengeance_n a_o come_n upon_o those_o who_o trifle_v away_o this_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n nothing_o will_v soon_o and_o more_o inflame_v the_o wrath_n and_o displeasure_n of_o god_n against_o we_o than_o his_o abuse_a patience_n and_o the_o despise_a riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n as_o oil_n though_o it_o be_v soft_a and_o smooth_a yet_o when_o it_o be_v once_o inflame_v burn_v most_o fierce_o so_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n when_o it_o be_v abuse_v turn_v into_o fury_n and_o his_o mild_a attribute_n into_o the_o great_a severity_n and_o if_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n do_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o repentance_n it_o will_v but_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o more_o intolerable_a ruin_n after_o god_n have_v keep_v a_o long_a indignation_n in_o his_o breast_n it_o will_v at_o length_n break_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a violence_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n increase_v his_o judgement_n by_o a_o incredible_a kind_n of_o proportion_n levit_fw-la 26.18_o and_o if_o you_o will_v still_o say_v god_n to_o
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n 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 god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o
by_o plenty_n or_o by_o want_n by_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o by_o what_o we_o dread_v so_o desirous_a be_v he_o of_o our_o repentance_n and_o happiness_n that_o he_o leave_v no_o method_n unattempted_a that_o may_v probable_o do_v we_o good_a he_o strike_v upon_o every_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o work_v upon_o our_o love_n by_o his_o goodness_n upon_o our_o hope_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o upon_o our_o fear_n first_o by_o his_o threaten_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o effectual_a then_o by_o his_o judgement_n he_o try_v every_o affection_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o it_o if_o by_o any_o mean_n he_o may_v draw_v we_o to_o himself_o and_o will_v nothing_o warn_v we_o but_o what_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o render_v our_o case_n desperate_a and_o past_a hope_n and_o if_o any_o sinner_n be_v free_a from_o outward_a affliction_n and_o suffering_n yet_o sin_n never_o fail_v to_o carry_v its_o own_o punishment_n along_o with_o it_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a sting_n and_o worm_n a_o divine_a nemesis_n and_o revenge_n that_o be_v breed_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o a_o heavy_a punishment_n to_o itself_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n do_v frequent_o torment_v he_o and_o his_o gild_n haunt_v and_o dog_n he_o wherever_o he_o go_v for_o when_o ever_o a_o man_n commit_v a_o know_a and_o wilful_a sin_n he_o drink_v down_o poison_n which_o though_o it_o may_v work_v slow_o yet_o it_o will_v give_v he_o many_o a_o gripe_n and_o if_o no_o mean_n be_v use_v to_o expel_v it_o will_v destroy_v he_o at_o last_o so_o that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v wise_o order_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o judgement_n in_o it_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o awaken_v sinner_n and_o much_o more_o apt_a to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n than_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o it_o iii_o nothing_o be_v far_o from_o the_o intention_n of_o god_n than_o to_o harden_v man_n by_o his_o long-suffering_a this_o the_o scripture_n most_o express_o declare_v 2_o pet._n 3.9_o 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 he_o have_v a_o very_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n in_o his_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o be_v therefore_o good_a that_o he_o may_v make_v we_o so_o and_o that_o we_o may_v cease_v to_o do_v evil_a the_o event_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a may_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o abuse_n of_o it_o prove_v our_o ruin_n but_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o be_v our_o repentance_n he_o wink_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n say_v the_o son_n of_o syrach_n that_o they_o may_v repent_v he_o pass_v they_o by_o and_o do_v not_o take_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v time_n to_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o he_o while_o they_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n nay_o his_o long-suffering_a do_v not_o only_o give_v space_n for_o repentance_n but_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o it_o that_o he_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o surprise_v sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o the_o liberty_n of_o second_o thought_n time_n to_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o to_o retract_v it_o by_o repentance_n be_v a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o ruin_v we_o that_o he_o desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v and_o shall_v not_o this_o goodness_n of_o his_o make_v we_o sorry_a that_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o do_v it_o not_o natural_o lead_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n what_o other_o interpretation_n can_v we_o make_v of_o his_o patience_n what_o other_o use_n in_o reason_n shall_v we_o make_v of_o it_o but_o to_o repent_v and_o return_v that_o we_o may_v be_v save_v iv_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o truth_n any_o ground_n of_o encouragement_n to_o man_n in_o any_o evil_a course_n the_o proper_a and_o natural_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o repentance_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n this_o st._n peter_n with_o relation_n to_o these_o very_a word_n of_o st._n paul_n interpret_v lead_v to_o salvation_n 2_o pet._n 3.15_o and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o our_o lord_n be_v salvation_n as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o now_o where_o do_v st._n paul_n write_v so_o unless_o in_o this_o text_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o only_o great_a ignorance_n and_o a_o very_a gross_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o encourage_v man_n in_o sin_n but_o likewise_o to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n goodness_n can_v have_v any_o tendency_n to_o make_v man_n evil_a not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n v._o that_o through_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n sinner_n be_v harden_v in_o their_o evil_a way_n be_v whole_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o their_o abuse_n of_o god_n goodness_n it_o be_v neither_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n nor_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o accidental_a event_n of_o it_o through_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o be_v this_o any_o real_a objection_n against_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n may_v not_o god_n be_v patient_a though_o sinner_n be_v impenitent_a may_v not_o he_o be_v good_a though_o we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o his_o goodness_n because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n be_v it_o therefore_o a_o fault_n in_o he_o to_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o we_o to_o abuse_v they_o but_o will_v we_o challenge_v god_n also_o of_o unkindness_n in_o give_v they_o may_v not_o god_n use_v wise_a and_o fit_a mean_n for_o our_o recovery_n because_o we_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o not_o to_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o and_o must_v he_o be_v charge_v with_o our_o ruin_n because_o he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o prevent_v it_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o be_v injurious_a to_o ourselves_o but_o will_v we_o be_v unthankful_a to_o god_n also_o when_o god_n have_v lay_v out_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n upon_o sinner_n will_v they_o challenge_v he_o as_o accessary_a to_o their_o ruin_n as_o if_o a_o foolish_a heir_n that_o have_v prodigal_o waste_v the_o fair_a estate_n that_o be_v leave_v he_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o blame_v himself_o as_o to_o charge_v his_o father_n with_o undo_v he_o be_v these_o the_o best_a return_n which_o the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v deserve_v from_o we_o do_v we_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a god_n patience_n will_v save_v sinner_n but_o they_o ruin_v themselves_o by_o their_o abuse_n of_o it_o let_v the_o blame_v then_o lie_v where_o it_o be_v due_a and_o let_v god_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n though_o man_n refuse_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o vi_o and_o last_o but_o because_o this_o objection_n pinch_v hard_a in_o one_o point_n viz._n that_o god_n certain_o fore-sees_a that_o a_o great_a many_o will_v abuse_v his_o long-suffering_a to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o gild_n and_o the_o aggravate_v of_o their_o condemnation_n and_o how_o be_v his_o long-suffering_a any_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o he_o certain_o fore-knows_a will_n in_o the_o event_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o have_v have_v so_o much_o patience_n extend_v to_o they_o therefore_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n i_o desire_v these_o six_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n design_n this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n that_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o he_o may_v reward_v or_o punish_v we_o in_o another_o world_n 2._o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n nor_o any_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n that_o be_v that_o we_o do_v not_o do_v what_o we_o do_v upon_o force_n and_o necessity_n but_o upon_o free_a choice_n 3._o that_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n do_v
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
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
and_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o he_o and_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o call_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o the_o future_a hope_n for_o when_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o he_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o wilful_a mascarriage_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o design_v we_o for_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o we_o but_o he_o have_v also_o purchase_v these_o blessing_n for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n price_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o have_v save_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v just_o astonish_v we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v awaken_v ourselves_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n call_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o work_n psal_n 103.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n 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 who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n who_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v he_o that_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o crow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_a hindness_n that_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o and_o must_v confer_v and_o bestow_v this_o upon_o we_o therefore_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o shall_v bless_v his_o holy_a name_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v order_v all_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o our_o concernment_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n to_o all_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v upon_o we_o as_o be_v dispose_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a agent_n and_o to_o look_v no_o high_o than_o second_a cause_n not_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v direct_o subordinate_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o free_a creature_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n wise_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o beside_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o methinks_v this_o be_v one_o particular_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n that_o the_o constant_a phrase_n of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n be_v to_o attribute_v all_o event_n except_v sin_n only_o to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o read_v it_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o frequent_a and_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o what_o in_o other_o writer_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o and_o that_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o enemy_n bring_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o argue_v themselves_o into_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n in_o every_o condition_n so_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 3.18_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o job_n he_o do_v not_o so_o consider_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n who_o have_v carry_v away_o his_o ox_n and_o his_o camel_n and_o slay_v his_o servant_n nor_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o house_n and_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n but_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n the_o great_a governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o these_o event_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n psal_n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n but_o look_n to_o a_o high_a hand_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n give_v i_o to_o drink_v shall_v not_o i_o drink_v it_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v from_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o eye_n the_o first_o cause_n the_o good_a and_o wise_a governor_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o cross_n and_o unwelcome_a accident_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o one_o fling_v water_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o pass_v in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o he_o be_v wet_a by_o rain_n from_o heaven_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o evil_n as_o come_v only_o from_o man_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o under_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o will_v still_o all_o the_o murmur_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o seditious_a multitude_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o venerable_a person_n will_v hush_v the_o noise_n and_o quell_v the_o tumult_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o represent_v god_n as_o present_v to_o all_o action_n and_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n this_o will_v still_o and_o appease_v our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o riot_n and_o mutiny_n against_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n use_v the_o second_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o let_v we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v most_o reasonable_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o herein_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n do_v excel_v all_o other_o book_n that_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o mind_v we_o of_o this_o end_n and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o our_o ultimate_a aim_n and_o design_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n mat._n 22.37_o 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 thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o school_n be_v love_v god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o power_n that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o he_o we_o do_v all_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o question_n or_o two_o which_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o first_o whether_o a_o actual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v every_o action_n that_o we_o do_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v most_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v all_o