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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
love_n act_n faith_n grace_n 4,322 5 5.9067 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61251 A vindication of the divine perfections illustrating the glory of God in them, by reason and revelation: methodically digested into several meditations. By a person of honour. Stair, James Dalrymple, Viscount of, 1619-1695. 1695 (1695) Wing S5181; ESTC R221836 207,616 368

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the_o measure_n of_o the_o distinctness_n of_o the_o object_n be_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o delight_n in_o it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o rest_v in_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o possible_a consistent_a perfection_n but_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o diligent_a search_n of_o the_o several_a divine_a perfection_n in_o that_o order_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v best_o apprehend_v they_o for_o who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a and_o uncontroverted_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n feel_v in_o himself_o a_o earnest_n and_o steadfast_a inclination_n to_o promote_v his_o own_o wellbeing_a to_o his_o full_a satisfaction_n which_o alone_o can_v just_o be_v call_v his_o happiness_n and_o must_v comprehend_v not_o only_o the_o have_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o may_v do_v he_o good_a but_o the_o certainty_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v from_o he_o this_o natural_a inclination_n be_v a_o perpetual_a monitor_n to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n to_o consider_v what_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o his_o good_a and_o in_o what_o way_n he_o may_v retain_v or_o attain_v they_o and_o though_o man_n be_v frequent_o mistake_v in_o the_o application_n in_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o their_o own_o good_a yet_o they_o do_v ever_o desire_v and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o attainment_n endeavour_v after_o that_o which_o they_o apprehend_v to_o be_v for_o their_o own_o happiness_n which_o be_v excellent_o set_v forth_o by_o the_o psalmist_n there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v insinuate_v that_o the_o most_o common_a apprehension_n of_o happiness_n be_v the_o increase_n of_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o accommodation_n of_o a_o animal_n life_n express_v by_o corn_n and_o wine_n which_o be_v the_o prime_a mean_n of_o that_o enjoyment_n 2._o but_o declare_v also_o his_o own_o sentiment_n which_o be_v true_a happiness_n the_o joy_n arise_v from_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n that_o be_v the_o evident_a favour_n of_o god_n for_o favour_n be_v chief_o indicate_v by_o the_o countenance_n as_o well_o as_o aversion_n by_o discountenance_n and_o the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n signisy_n the_o high_a favour_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o all_o goodness_n requisite_a thereto_o absolute_o secure_v by_o god_n unchangcableness_n the_o countenance_n of_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a seat_n of_o his_o beauty_n and_o loveliness_n and_o therefore_o sit_v to_o represent_v the_o amiableness_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o the_o clear_a perception_n and_o attention_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n exciting_a a_o unparallelable_a delight_n so_o than_o man_n happiness_n be_v the_o joy_n arise_v from_o such_o a_o state_n as_o can_v never_o want_v the_o shine_a of_o god_n countenance_n but_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v that_o state_n be_v not_o so_o obvious_a the_o find_v they_o require_v the_o most_o serious_a and_o diligent_a meditation_n for_o therein_o the_o great_a wit_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o seduce_v with_o the_o bias_n of_o self-interest_n that_o state_n be_v the_o great_a self-interest_n have_v yet_o groslie_v err_v herein_o so_o that_o there_o be_v hundred_o of_o opposite_a opinion_n of_o philosopher_n wherein_o happiness_n do_v consist_v 3._o the_o favour_n and_o shine_v of_o the_o countenance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v upon_o any_o other_o state_n of_o man_n than_o that_o which_o be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v without_o a_o sufficient_a measure_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o which_o seek_v he_o must_v be_v a_o endeavour_n to_o know_v his_o divine_a perfection_n more_o than_o by_o know_v that_o he_o be_v by_o know_v what_o he_o be_v wherein_o the_o believe_a that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o he_o be_v special_o express_v as_o of_o the_o chief_a moment_n as_o it_o be_v immediate_o subjoin_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n which_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o that_o contemplative_a faith_n whereby_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v know_v that_o be_v that_o excellent_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o will_v not_o disappoint_v the_o hope_n or_o trust_v of_o a_o creature_n create_v after_o his_o own_o image_n in_o what_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o to_o give_v and_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o have_v but_o that_o actual_a trust_n and_o hope_n for_o pardon_n reconciliation_n and_o glory_n in_o that_o way_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n which_o can_v be_v to_o those_o that_o hate_v he_o contemn_v or_o neglect_v he_o or_o that_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n which_o he_o do_v abhor_v or_o to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o love_v he_o above_o all_o thing_n and_o from_o love_n have_v not_o only_o a_o tender_a fear_n and_o reverence_n to_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v offend_v he_o but_o a_o earnest_a desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n for_o his_o glory_n which_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n devote_v the_o soul_n unto_o he_o in_o endeavour_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v pleasant_a and_o acceptable_a in_o his_o sight_n this_o be_v that_o true_a holiness_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o see_v god_n which_o by_o equivalent_a term_n be_v call_v godliness_n piety_n and_o devotion_n 4._o that_o favour_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o his_o countenance_n be_v not_o in_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n or_o good_a will_n which_o he_o have_v in_o election_n and_o still_o have_v before_o conversion_n but_o in_o that_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n or_o delight_n which_o he_o have_v not_o till_o conversion_n nor_o do_v his_o countenance_n always_o shine_v after_o it_o but_o he_o frown_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o presumptuous_a sin_n until_o they_o be_v repent_v of_o and_o pardon_v 5._o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o clear_a distinction_n and_o difference_n between_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n which_o in_o equivalent_a term_n be_v make_v betwixt_o piety_n and_o probity_n the_o same_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o either_o or_o of_o both_o or_o of_o neither_o whereof_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o clear_a instance_n in_o give_v alm_n to_o the_o poor_a which_o some_o may_v give_v upon_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n in_o compassion_n of_o the_o miserable_a without_o consider_v it_o as_o please_v to_o god_n and_o than_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o honesty_n and_o probity_n but_o no_o act_n of_o godliness_n or_o piety_n other_o may_v give_v it_o because_o it_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n without_o consider_v the_o interest_n of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o piety_n only_o other_o may_v give_v it_o upon_o both_o account_n in_o their_o due_a subordination_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n both_o of_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n and_o other_o may_v give_v it_o out_o of_o vainglory_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n and_o then_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o neither_o piety_n be_v call_v religion_n à_fw-la religando_fw-la from_o tie_v or_o bind_v again_o the_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o be_v also_o call_v devotion_n à_fw-la devovendo_fw-la from_o vow_v or_o consecrate_v the_o soul_n from_o common_a use_n to_o god_n and_o so_o all_o thing_n consecrate_v be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_v as_o to_o their_o chief_a use_n without_o exclude_v consist_v subordinate_a uses_n 6._o the_o necessary_a and_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n be_v confidence_n in_o god_n and_o love_n to_o god_n faith_n and_o love_n be_v the_o fountain-grace_n from_o whence_o the_o rest_n flow_v neither_o of_o they_o be_v attainable_a without_o the_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n so_o qualify_v as_o may_v excite_v these_o affection_n which_o must_v be_v by_o the_o perfection_n in_o the_o object_n on_o which_o these_o affection_n lay_v hold_v and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v 7._o faith_n be_v describe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v best_a render_v the_o subsistence_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o so_o the_o same_o act_n be_v faith_n as_o the_o promise_n or_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n be_v present_a and_o hope_v as_o the_o performance_n be_v expect_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o both_o be_v faithfulness_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v upon_o knowledge_n that_o he_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a at_o least_o by_o
apostle_n but_o to_o other_o be_v either_o reason_n or_o will_n make_v use_v of_o in_o the_o produce_v of_o these_o or_o be_v it_o a_o brute_n way_n unbeseeming_a god_n be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_v inbred_a in_o nature_n and_o free_o give_v of_o god_n be_v therefore_o man_n reason_v a_o brute_n way_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a against_o this_o opinion_n than_o that_o of_o ezekiel_n a_o new_a heart_n also_o will_v i_o give_v you_o and_o a_o new_a spirit_n will_v i_o put_v within_o you_o and_o i_o will_v take_v away_o the_o stony_a heart_n out_o of_o your_o flesh_n and_o give_v you_o a_o heart_n of_o flesh_n and_o i_o will_v put_v my_o spirit_n within_o you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n and_o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o judgement_n and_o do_v they_o 3._o there_o be_v a_o great_a inclination_n in_o man_n to_o put_v work_n upon_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o as_o deserve_v by_o justice_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n part._n the_o semipelagian_n after_o the_o pelagian_n be_v baffle_v and_o explode_v that_o they_o dare_v no_o more_o profess_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n say_v there_o behove_v to_o be_v supernatural_a grace_n give_v of_o god_n at_o conversion_n yet_o there_o be_v preparatory_a work_n such_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o its_o deserve_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n the_o use_n of_o ordinance_n which_o they_o think_v deserve_v grace_n which_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o but_o give_v these_o be_v also_o explode_v and_o be_v call_v semipelagian_n all_o the_o apostle_n paul_n argument_n against_o righteousness_n by_o the_o law_n strike_v as_o full_o against_o these_o as_o against_o any_o merit_n or_o work_v on_o man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o be_v accurate_o positive_a that_o by_o faith_n only_o we_o be_v save_v without_o any_o thing_n on_o our_o part_n in_o which_o we_o may_v glory_v or_o attribute_v our_o salvation_n to_o ourselves_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n 4._o there_o be_v of_o late_a a_o opinion_n vent_v in_o england_n that_o though_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v now_o become_v impossible_a which_o require_v perfect_a obedience_n yet_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n have_v enter_v into_o the_o new_a covenant_n or_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o man_n part_n be_v not_o a_o legal_a and_o full_a obedience_n but_o through_o christ_n mediation_n he_o have_v accept_v a_o evangelical_n obedience_n be_v a_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o fulfil_v all_o god_n commandment_n and_o a_o course_n of_o life_n without_o continue_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o know_a sin_n their_o main_a ground_n be_v that_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o god_n enter_v with_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o have_v man_n as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o engagement_n to_o resolve_v and_o promise_v to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o endeavour_v so_o far_o as_o humane_a frailty_n can_v allow_v to_o fulfil_v they_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o that_o holiness_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n we_o behove_v to_o take_v the_o antinomian_n interpretation_n that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n that_o the_o law_n have_v no_o more_o obligation_n on_o believer_n therefore_o the_o new_a obedience_n must_v be_v man_n part._n this_o opinion_n have_v be_v hold_v by_o some_o pious_a and_o otherwise_o orthodox_n divine_v and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v clear_v as_o a_o mistake_n than_o prosecute_v as_o a_o state_v profession_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v advert_v that_o god_n moral_a law_n be_v indispensable_a and_o behove_v to_o be_v bind_v tho_o there_o have_v never_o be_v a_o covenant_n as_o have_v be_v show_v before_o god_n dispensation_n may_v have_v be_v without_o take_v man_n consent_n by_o way_n of_o covenant_n but_o by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n oblige_v he_o to_o obedience_n under_o the_o just_a and_o proportion_a punishment_n of_o eternal_a exclusion_n from_o god_n favour_n the_o breach_n or_o loss_n of_o no_o covenant_n can_v take_v away_o that_o it_o become_v indeed_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n but_o that_o covenant_n be_v break_v yet_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v anterior_a to_o that_o covenant_n stand_v in_o thecovenaut_n of_o work_n there_o be_v partly_o merit_n partly_o favour_n but_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n exclude_v all_o merit_n and_o man_n part_n be_v by_o faith_n only_o so_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o consider_v in_o its_o moral_a goodness_n for_o in_o that_o consideration_n love_n be_v a_o far_o more_o excellent_a and_o disintere_v virtue_n than_o faith_n but_o holiness_n be_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o in_o the_o former_a conception_n be_v express_v he_o infuse_v the_o habit_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o conversion_n man_n engagement_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v god_n law_n be_v of_o no_o import_n unless_o he_o do_v keep_v it_o and_o so_o god_n part_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o conversion_n but_o at_o the_o time_n of_o death_n after_o the_o course_n of_o man_n life_n do_v appear_v the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o moment_n of_o man_n resolution_n which_o be_v as_o the_o early_a cloud_n or_o morning_n dew_n which_o quick_o pass_v away_o neither_o will_v the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v equal_a to_o all_o the_o endeavour_n of_o some_o will_v go_v much_o further_a than_o the_o endeavour_n of_o other_o 5._o some_o divine_n in_o england_n have_v make_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n to_o be_v faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o good_a work_n because_o it_o be_v say_v abraham_n believe_v in_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n that_o be_v it_o be_v hold_v sufficient_a as_o if_o all_o righteousness_n have_v be_v perform_v but_o this_o have_v be_v still_o a_o covenant_n of_o work_n accept_v one_o work_n in_o place_n of_o entire_a obedience_n but_o abraham_n believe_v in_o that_o place_n be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n for_o it_o relate_v to_o a_o former_a place_n of_o scriptnre_n as_o the_o scripture_n say_v abraham_n believe_v which_o be_v concern_v his_o son_n isaac_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o he_o in_o his_o old_a age_n and_o therefore_o he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n through_o unbelief_n which_o be_v a_o particular_a act_n of_o belief_n of_o that_o promise_n and_o be_v proper_o a_o act_n of_o holiness_n and_o be_v so_o impute_v or_o repute_v as_o a_o act_n of_o righteousness_n but_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o abraham_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v believe_v in_o god_n through_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v justify_v sanctify_a and_o glorify_v 6._o some_o reform_a divine_n in_o france_n and_o england_n bring_v good_a work_n on_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n as_o perfect_v and_o complete_n faith_n for_o only_o a_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n be_v save_v for_o there_o be_v a_o faith_n that_o work_v not_o by_o love_n the_o devil_n believe_v and_o tremble_v and_o faith_n without_o work_n be_v dead_a abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n when_o he_o offer_v isaac_n see_v thou_o how_o faith_n wrought_v with_o his_o work_n and_o abraham_n believe_v and_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n by_o work_v a_o man_n be_v justify_v and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o yet_o paul_n reason_v be_v much_o more_o full_a and_o accurate_a discuss_v the_o point_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n only_o without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n which_o can_v not_o consist_v if_o james_n speak_v of_o faith_n as_o justify_v whereas_o james_n take_v off_o a_o error_n of_o those_o that_o think_v they_o may_v be_v save_v by_o believe_v the_o gospel_n without_o holiness_n which_o he_o redargues_fw-la as_o a_o wrong_a consequence_n from_o paul_n and_o show_v that_o not_o to_o be_v true_a faith_n but_o such_o a_o faith_n as_o the_o devil_n have_v which_o can_v be_v that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o man_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o salvation_n through_o christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a abraham_n faith_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o true_a faith_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o justify_v act_n nor_o be_v the_o justification_n there_o mean_v the_o justification_n in_o conversion_n which_o make_v a_o man_n just_a but_o that_o which_o manifest_v his_o justification_n to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n for_o paul_n say_v if_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o
work_n he_o have_v whereof_o to_o glory_v but_o not_o before_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n whereof_o he_o can_v glory_v in_o himself_o for_o all_o glory_v and_o boast_v be_v exclude_v but_o abraham_n glory_v be_v in_o god_n who_o free_o justify_v he_o and_o he_o rejoice_v from_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n concern_v his_o son_n evidence_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o save_a faith_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justification_n thereby_o both_o to_o himself_o and_o other_o man_n whereby_o he_o glori_v before_o man_n and_o not_o before_o god_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n it_o can_v be_v understand_v that_o act_n of_o love_n be_v act_n of_o faith_n for_o they_o be_v grace_n essential_o distinct_a but_o that_o faith_n be_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o love_n be_v give_v upon_o god_n part_n nor_o do_v it_o follow_v that_o because_o faith_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n therefore_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o distinct_a from_o love_n man_n be_v perfect_v by_o love_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o be_v that_o historical_a faith_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v specifical_o different_a from_o save_v faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v that_o whosoever_o believe_v christ_n be_v come_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v call_v jesus_n lord_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o sign_n of_o save_a faith_n at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o general_a a_o opposition_n against_o christ_n when_o no_o man_n do_v avow_v or_o own_o christ_n hypocritical_o 7._o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v more_o exceed_v in_o bring_v work_n as_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n than_o any_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n for_o they_o have_v make_v work_v the_o whole_a and_o only_a part_n of_o man_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o have_v give_v no_o pre-eminence_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o charity_n or_o love_n consequent_o enough_o to_o that_o principle_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o three_o eminent_a christian_a virtue_n that_o of_o these_o the_o great_a be_v charity_n so_o that_o if_o faith_n do_v save_v as_o a_o good_a work_n love_n will_v much_o more_o save_v they_o acknowledge_v no_o justification_n distinct_a from_o sanctification_n they_o do_v not_o require_v good_a work_n as_o the_o condition_n of_o salvation_n but_o as_o the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n in_o justice_n can_v not_o deny_v celestial_a glory_n to_o those_o that_o live_v holy_o and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o extravagant_a supererrogation_n be_v the_o common_a opinion_n public_o preach_v in_o that_o church_n and_o when_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n be_v call_v on_o purpose_n to_o amend_v error_n in_o doctrine_n and_o manner_n that_o have_v creep_v into_o that_o church_n not_o one_o word_n in_o any_o of_o their_o canon_n disapprove_v work_n of_o supererrogation_n and_o the_o treasure_n thereof_o out_o of_o which_o the_o pope_n by_o assignment_n of_o the_o superfluous_a merit_n of_o the_o saint_n may_v supply_v the_o merit_n of_o other_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n either_o immediate_o upon_o death_n or_o shorten_v their_o purge_n by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o yet_o they_o dispute_v vehement_o against_o the_o imputation_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o christ._n they_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o christ_n suffering_n have_v satisfy_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o without_o encroach_a thereupon_o he_o may_v give_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o they_o do_v not_o ascribe_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o holiness_n but_o only_o to_o the_o expiation_n by_o christ_n suffering_n and_o inconsistent_o enough_o they_o require_v purge_v by_o the_o purgatorial_n fire_n which_o can_v be_v think_v correction_n to_o amend_v they_o and_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v to_o cleanse_v and_o expiate_v in_o which_o they_o derogate_v even_o from_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ._n but_o to_o give_v they_o the_o most_o benign_a interpretation_n they_o think_v the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n can_v not_o exalt_v man_n to_o heavenly_a blessedness_n but_o that_o as_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n every_o one_o behove_v to_o merit_v that_o exaltation_n by_o their_o work_n which_o can_v not_o be_v after_o the_o fall_n because_o of_o original_a sin_n whereby_o the_o eat_n of_o forbid_a fruit_n do_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n descend_v from_o adam_n by_o ordinary_a generation_n until_o christ_n suffer_v have_v satisfy_v that_o debt_n and_o even_o the_o actual_a transgression_n of_o those_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o though_o man_n be_v still_o sinful_a their_o sin_n be_v pardon_v as_o satisfy_v by_o christ_n suffering_n man_n good_a work_n lose_v not_o their_o effect_n to_o merit_v heaven_n as_o well_o as_o adam_n which_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n they_o make_v between_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o to_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n inculcate_v in_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o 1._o all_o glory_v or_o boast_v of_o the_o creature_n attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o salvation_n to_o itself_o be_v exclude_v where_o be_v boast_v then_o it_o be_v exclude_v by_o what_o law_n of_o work_n nay_o but_o by_o the_o law_n of_o faith_n therefore_o we_o conclude_v say_v the_o apostle_n that_o a_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n but_o god_n who_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n for_o his_o great_a love_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n where_o it_o be_v twice_o repeat_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v yea_o boast_v be_v so_o far_o exclude_v that_o man_n can_v boast_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v his_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o it_o be_v say_v by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v more_o say_v to_o exclude_v work_n from_o man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n not_o only_o that_o there_o can_v be_v a_o equivalent_a cause_n deserve_v glory_n but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o term_n upon_o which_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v free_o give_v for_o it_o be_v expressy_a say_v that_o we_o be_v god_n workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n to_o good_a work_n which_o god_n have_v before_o ordain_v or_o prepare_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o they_o and_o god_n have_v not_o predestinate_v man_n to_o salvation_n for_o their_o work_n foresee_v or_o perform_v for_o who_o he_o do_v foresee_v they_o he_o do_v predestinate_a to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o his_o son_n which_o image_n be_v holiness_n which_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n but_o the_o end_n and_o effect_v of_o predestination_n good_a work_n indeed_o be_v via_fw-la regni_fw-la but_o not_o gausa_fw-la regnandi_fw-la and_o they_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n to_o be_v diligent_o follow_v not_o only_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indispensible_a law_n and_o duty_n anterior_a in_o order_n to_o any_o covenant_n but_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o evidence_n true_a grace_n and_o give_v solid_a peace_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v take_v by_o violence_n and_o the_o violent_a enter_v it_o by_o force_n which_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o the_o way_n to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o do_v his_o commandment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n it_o do_v not_o import_v right_o by_o merit_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o work_n can_v no_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v right_o than_o the_o evidence_n of_o land_n or_o inheritance_n be_v call_v the_o right_n thereof_o as_o sighify_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o the_o explicatory_a word_n be_v subjoin_v and_o may_v enter_v in_o through_o the_o gate_n to_o the_o city_n all_z other_o but_o the_o romanist_n that_o bring_v in_o work_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n bring_v they_o in_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o but_o not_o as_o a_o deserve_a meritorious_a cause_n much_o less_o as_o a_o superfluous_a supererrogatory_n merit_n see_v christ_n have_v declare_v so_o clear_o that_o the_o first_o and_o great_a command_n of_o god_n be_v thou_o shait_fw-fr love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n
only_o sufficient_a but_o inefficacious_a and_o that_o its_o efficacy_n must_v be_v by_o the_o creature_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n may_v be_v in_o the_o way_n of_o adoration_n thus_o my_o god_n i_o do_v believe_v that_o thou_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v in_o thy_o favour_n eternal_o who_o feel_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o burden_n and_o do_v not_o cleave_v to_o any_o know_a sin_n but_o betake_v themselves_o to_o thou_o to_o be_v deliver_v from_o it_o and_o to_o become_v thy_o servant_n trust_v in_o thou_o for_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n i_o be_o sensible_a of_o the_o bondage_n of_o my_o sin_n and_o that_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o free_v myself_o from_o that_o bondage_n yet_o i_o believe_v thou_o have_v offer_v to_o enable_v i_o and_o do_v humble_o accept_v thy_o offer_n purchase_v through_o christ_n the_o mediator_n and_o do_v resign_v myself_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o thy_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o happiness_n here_o be_v all_o the_o essential_o of_o a_o covenant_n god_n offer_n manifest_v to_o the_o conscience_n believe_v and_o accept_v wherewith_o the_o believer_n as_o by_o the_o offer_n he_o be_v call_v so_o the_o call_n be_v make_v effectual_a by_o justification_n reconciliation_n pardon_v conversion_n regeneration_n adoption_n and_o by_o give_v the_o habit_n of_o holiness_n never_o to_o be_v eradicate_v this_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o the_o apostle_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n call_v the_o embrace_v the_o atonement_n and_o to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o embrace_v the_o promise_n by_o the_o apostle_n john_n the_o come_n to_o christ_n to_o be_v save_v all_o the_o term_n of_o god_n offer_n and_o his_o enable_v the_o sinner_n to_o accept_v be_v at_o once_o and_o together_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o expression_n thereof_o in_o scripture_n they_o be_v not_o all_o different_a nor_o be_v there_o necessity_n of_o a_o express_a thought_n of_o they_o in_o enter_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n neither_o be_v this_o exclusive_a of_o what_o other_o way_n god_n may_v take_v to_o glorify_v those_o who_o can_v express_o thus_o believe_v for_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o see_v the_o scripture_n be_v all_o direct_v to_o hearer_n and_o believer_n and_o do_v not_o special_o reveal_v god_n other_o way_n of_o salvation_n though_o what_o be_v say_v of_o child_n in_o scripture_n be_v all_o to_o their_o advantage_n yet_o nothing_o be_v special_o express_v of_o the_o manner_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o any_o conception_n possible_a which_o can_v so_o much_o exalt_v the_o justice_n the_o mercy_n and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n leave_v nothing_o to_o the_o creature_n to_o attribute_v any_o part_n of_o its_o happiness_n to_o itself_o which_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o a_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o the_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o whole_a stream_n of_o scripture_n in_o this_o act_n all_o the_o former_a expression_n in_o scripture_n of_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n be_v imply_v yet_o this_o objection_n arise_v that_o this_o conception_n make_v the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n to_o consist_v without_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v on_o god_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n this_o will_v easy_o be_v clear_v by_o consider_v that_o god_n work_v in_o and_o by_o creature_n by_o give_v and_o preserve_v in_o they_o inclination_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o act_n no_o considerate_a man_n dare_v say_v that_o god_n can_v give_v a_o operative_a inclination_n for_o one_o single_a act_n as_o well_o as_o for_o one_o species_n of_o act_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o explicate_v his_o dominion_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v well_o give_v the_o effectual_a inclination_n to_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n without_o give_v the_o habit_n for_o exert_v all_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v no_o less_o a_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n than_o love_n or_o any_o other_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v more_o clear_o difference_n the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n from_o be_v a_o act_n of_o holiness_n or_o a_o work_n of_o the_o law_n yea_o if_o any_o require_v the_o accuracy_n of_o the_o school_n they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v a_o disposition_n difference_v from_o a_o habit._n this_o objection_n do_v also_o occur_v that_o acceptance_n of_o a_o offer_n be_v no_o act_n of_o believe_v for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o acceptance_n must_v imply_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o motion_n to_o repent_v or_o return_v or_o to_o admit_v of_o conversion_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o be_v such_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o the_o acceptance_n imply_v also_o a_o trust_n or_o rely_v upon_o god_n that_o he_o will_v make_v good_a his_o offer_n to_o the_o person_n trust_v this_o difficulty_n do_v also_o offer_v itself_o to_o i_o that_o this_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n make_v too_o much_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o creature_n if_o all_o that_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o conversion_n and_o holiness_n be_v elect_v election_n be_v not_o so_o free_a as_o the_o scripture_n hold_v it_o forth_o and_o one_o creature_n make_v itself_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n say_v who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n either_o to_o refuse_v or_o to_o choose_v and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v a_o middle_a condition_n between_o refuse_v and_o choose_v there_o be_v no_o warrant_n to_o make_v such_o difference_n between_o refuse_v and_o not_o refuse_v i_o thank_v god_n that_o have_v full_o clear_v i_o in_o all_o these_o for_o as_o to_o god_n freedom_n in_o election_n it_o be_v not_o encroach_v upon_o by_o his_o act_n like_o himself_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n or_o necessity_n to_o have_v elect_v or_o recover_v any_o of_o the_o race_n of_o fall_v adam_n but_o to_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a abundance_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n he_o do_v free_o elect_v all_o that_o with_o congruity_n to_o his_o nature_n be_v eligible_a reject_v none_o but_o those_o that_o will_v refuse_v his_o offer_n and_o not_o all_o those_o but_o prevail_v by_o the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n against_o the_o resistance_n of_o some_o of_o those_o especial_o upon_o his_o kindness_n to_o their_o father_n how_o often_o do_v he_o show_v mercy_n to_o rebellious_a israel_n remember_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n his_o servant_n though_o by_o many_o generation_n distant_a from_o they_o how_o much_o more_o the_o near_a seed_n of_o his_o eminent_o faithful_a servant_n and_o yet_o free_o for_o these_o father_n can_v not_o merit_v happiness_n for_o themselves_o much_o less_o for_o their_o child_n and_o the_o say_n who_o have_v make_v thou_o to_o differ_v can_v be_v oppose_v to_o a_o difference_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o evil_n for_o certain_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n make_v himself_o so_o to_o differ_v from_o another_o obstinate_a sinner_n so_o that_o it_o can_v only_o be_v mean_v of_o do_v any_o good_a and_o holy_a deed_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n that_o there_o be_v a_o middle_a state_n between_o accept_v and_o reject_v any_o offer_n be_v without_o question_n first_o negative_o by_o not_o noticing_z or_o consider_v it_o which_o require_v no_o positive_a act._n 2._o by_o a_o positive_a act_n resolve_v to_o take_v it_o into_o consideration_n present_o or_o at_o a_o convenient_a time_n when_o there_o shall_v be_v most_o opportunity_n without_o diversion_n to_o ponder_v it_o 3._o by_o invent_v collect_v and_o compare_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n on_o both_o part_n which_o in_o the_o most_o weighty_a case_n may_v require_v long_a time_n and_o much_o deliberation_n 4._o by_o irresolution_n vacillate_v and_o doubt_v what_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v and_o last_o by_o suspend_v the_o resolution_n or_o choice_n when_o yet_o there_o appear_v reason_n of_o preference_n and_o therefore_o god_n say_v to_o the_o church_n of_o thiatira_n of_o jezebel_n that_o he_o give_v her_o space_n to_o repent_v of_o her_o fornication_n and_o she_o repent_v not_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a and_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o attribute_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o perish_v of_o the_o wicked_a to_o their_o refuse_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n or_o equivalent_a expression_n and_o 1._o there_o can_v nothing_o signify_v more_o aversion_n to_o a_o motion_v offer_v than_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v it_o for_o those_o who_o see_v
and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n moral_a command_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o positive_a command_n which_o he_o have_v change_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o moral_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o command_n the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v only_o moral_o good_a by_o and_o during_o the_o command_n as_o the_o command_n to_o forbear_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o institute_v circumcision_n and_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n and_o many_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n therefore_o in_o the_o moral_a command_n there_o must_v be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n command_v than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o more_o than_o the_o command_n itself_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o it_o can_v be_v restrain_v unto_o his_o will_n nor_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o do_v exist_v but_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v his_o essential_a natural_a perfection_n by_o command_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v if_o this_o impossibility_n be_v only_o because_o of_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v all_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v decree_v yea_o it_o will_v lead_v to_o that_o blasphemous_a opinion_n that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o have_v or_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o power_n be_v no_o large_a than_o his_o will_n therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n lie_v must_v not_o alone_o be_v because_o he_o have_v will_v or_o decree_v not_o to_o lie_v whatsoever_o depend_v upon_o mere_a will_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o changeable_a by_o a_o opposite_a act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n and_o both_o act_n will_v be_v equal_o good_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o precept_n which_o be_v change_v without_o changeableness_n in_o god_n because_o the_o change_n be_v suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o to_o his_o freedom_n of_o indifferency_n and_o if_o he_o may_v so_o change_v his_o promise_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o expression_n no_o creature_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n of_o trust_n which_o will_v overturn_v the_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o horrid_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o have_v free_o from_o eternity_n decree_v be_v consider_v as_o prior_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o of_o time_n to_o these_o decree_n or_o as_o abstract_n from_o these_o decree_n be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o create_v of_o creature_n or_o to_o the_o manner_n kind_n and_o individual_v of_o they_o which_o some_o have_v rather_o incline_v to_o than_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o wicked_a act_n god_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o actor_n to_o maintain_v a_o metaphysical_a extension_n of_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n some_o have_v think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o obligation_n or_o debt_n to_o his_o creature_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o justice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v call_v distributive_a in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v or_o perform_v to_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o not_o by_o commutative_a justice_n but_o though_o that_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v common_o call_v commutative_a because_o it_o be_v frequent_o exert_v in_o exchange_v of_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v thing_n mere_o by_o name_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o gratuitous_a promise_n be_v not_o by_o distributive_a but_o by_o commutative_a justice_n the_o apostle_n paul_n accurate_o discuss_v that_o great_a question_n whether_o salvation_n be_v by_o grace_n or_o by_o work_n do_v clear_o oppose_v god_n give_v any_o thing_n by_o grace_n to_o his_o give_v on_o the_o account_n of_o work_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n here_o the_o reckoner_n and_o the_o rewarder_n be_v god_n who_o account_v himself_o debtor_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o work_v good_a perfect_o without_o fail_v i_o know_v it_o sound_v yet_o more_o harsh_o to_o some_o pious_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n to_o say_v that_o god_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n suppose_v it_o to_o import_v that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o law_n which_o it_o do_v not_o import_v for_o god_n be_v neither_o under_o nor_o above_o his_o own_o moral_a law_n for_o he_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o narrow_a sense_n that_o law_n be_v sometime_o take_v as_o it_o require_v a_o sanction_n by_o a_o penalty_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n a_o law_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o law_n for_o many_o law_n even_o of_o man_n have_v only_o a_o reward_n annex_v and_o no_o punishment_n and_o other_o have_v neither_o reward_v nor_o punishment_n but_o the_o deed_n otherwise_o do_v be_v only_o annul_v and_o make_v void_a or_o ineffectual_a a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n can_v be_v without_o a_o law_n for_o law_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o person_n oblige_v be_v determine_v and_o rule_v himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o tie_n metaphorical_o whereby_o one_o be_v tie_v to_o walk_v only_o as_o agree_v with_o that_o tie_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n be_v without_o a_o reason_n or_o cause_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o debt_n be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o law_n it_o will_v sound_v harsh_a to_o these_o tender_a soul_n to_o say_v they_o worship_v a_o lawless_a god_n it_o breed_v horror_n to_o think_v how_o like_o these_o mistake_v will_v render_v god_n to_o tyrant_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o their_o subject_n obedience_n but_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n and_o who_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o to_o be_v tie_v by_o no_o obligation_n to_o their_o subject_n i_o know_v it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v think_v a_o bold_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n who_o do_v all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o who_o may_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o and_o who_o give_v account_n of_o none_o of_o his_o matter_n but_o god_n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o holiness_n of_o which_o he_o give_v frequent_o a_o account_n but_o concern_v the_o particular_a mean_n and_o expedient_n by_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o question_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v yea_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o will_v and_o do_v upon_o a_o anterior_a motive_n not_o from_o the_o creature_n but_o from_o himself_o i_o mean_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v save_v to_o search_v so_o high_a but_o of_o those_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v capacity_n and_o opportunity_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o though_o the_o simple_a ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o offence_n error_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v so_o frequent_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v error_n concern_v the_o representation_n and_o character_n of_o god_n reason_n be_v give_v in_o scripture_n so_o oft_o from_o such_o ground_n and_o not_o from_o mere_a will._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o raise_v and_o increase_v the_o admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o high_a pure_a and_o least_o selfish_a love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o happiness_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o more_o the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o give_v of_o these_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o small_a proportion_n between_o the_o
many_o not_o the_o mean_a and_o ignobl_a of_o man_n have_v wilful_o make_v their_o body_n uncapable_a to_o serve_v their_o soul_n that_o they_o may_v escape_v it_o and_o how_o many_o more_o will_v if_o without_o that_o pain_n they_o can_v flee_v out_o of_o their_o body_n few_o will_v suffer_v misery_n in_o they_o but_o those_o who_o know_v and_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o trust_n and_o command_v to_o preserve_v they_o give_v by_o god_n under_o a_o high_a pain_n than_o they_o can_v suffer_v by_o abide_v in_o they_o a_o far_a degree_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o other_o inbred_a inclination_n which_o god_n have_v free_o give_v to_o the_o soul_n beside_o that_o of_o cleave_v to_o the_o body_n which_o be_v not_o by_o fatal_a necessity_n see_v the_o soul_n be_v a_o separable_a substance_n and_o may_v easy_o escape_v from_o the_o body_n if_o it_o can_v please_v so_o to_o do_v such_o principle_n be_v the_o love_n to_o god_n above_o all_o as_o be_v the_o sovereign_n good_a and_o incomparable_o most_o amiable_a object_n the_o love_n to_o mankind_n prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o mank_v to_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o part_n of_o man_n and_o in_o most_o thing_n to_o self-interest_n self-love_n also_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o good_a in_o itself_o when_o keep_v within_o its_o bound_n though_o by_o the_o corruption_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v become_v the_o cause_n of_o most_o evil_n man_n do_v either_o whole_o exclude_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o mankind_n or_o do_v exceed_o abate_v they_o and_o subordinate_a they_o to_o self-love_n for_o these_o affection_n can_v arise_v before_o or_o without_o the_o perception_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n therefore_o it_o be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v long_o before_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o of_o the_o common_a interest_n arise_v in_o the_o soul_n during_o which_o time_n self-love_n do_v whole_o and_o sole_o possess_v the_o soul_n and_o all_o its_o affection_n be_v exercise_v without_o restraint_n except_o what_o arise_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o chastisement_n or_o the_o natural_a or_o industrious_a perception_n of_o the_o uncomeliness_n of_o some_o extravagant_a act_n that_o self-love_n become_v habitual_a and_o so_o strong_a that_o when_o the_o perception_n of_o god_n or_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o natural_a conscience_n or_o instruction_n be_v excite_v self-love_n make_v the_o soul_n have_v a_o powerful_a aversion_n from_o these_o object_n which_o will_v low_a or_o restrain_v it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v keep_v within_o bound_n especial_o in_o subordination_n to_o god_n without_o supernatural_a grace_n give_v by_o he_o it_o will_v soon_o yield_v to_o the_o love_n of_o a_o family_n of_o a_o society_n of_o a_o country_n than_o to_o the_o love_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n yet_o even_o heathen_n have_v come_v a_o great_a length_n as_o to_o that_o but_o come_v never_o to_o any_o suitable_a proportion_n of_o the_o love_n to_o god_n as_o all_o their_o write_n and_o act_n do_v manifest_o show_v there_o be_v another_o general_a inbred_a principle_n and_o inclination_n in_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v congruous_a to_o and_o become_v his_o nature_n not_o only_o to_o what_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o but_o to_o what_o be_v superad_v by_o the_o divine_a benignity_n which_o be_v more_o sensible_o feel_v in_o the_o aversion_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v unbecoming_a man_n and_o which_o all_o judge_n to_o be_v vicious_a and_o vile_a except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v eradicate_v their_o inbred_a principle_n and_o debauch_v their_o natural_a inclination_n so_o even_o natural_a man_n love_v temperance_n sobriety_n modesty_n meekness_n sincerity_n constancy_n courage_n and_o comeliness_n and_o those_o who_o depravation_n make_v they_o love_v and_o practice_v the_o contrary_a in_o themselves_o do_v frequent_o hate_v they_o in_o other_o and_o never_o cherish_v they_o but_o when_o it_o be_v to_o lessen_v or_o abolish_v their_o own_o shame_n by_o make_v their_o vice_n more_o common_a or_o that_o they_o require_v the_o concourse_n of_o other_o to_o practice_v they_o beside_o these_o general_a principle_n which_o require_v attention_n and_o ratiocination_n god_n by_o his_o bounty_n have_v imprint_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n special_a principle_n for_o eminent_a case_n which_o operate_v like_o instinct_n without_o necessity_n of_o reason_v as_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n the_o care_n to_o preserve_v life_n the_o abhorrence_n of_o cruelty_n the_o desire_n to_o relieve_v the_o innocent_a oppress_v gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n faithfulness_n to_o those_o that_o do_v rational_o rely_v and_o trust_v love_n to_o those_o in_o society_n and_o friendship_n that_o especial_o which_o be_v most_o entire_a and_o absolute_a by_o marriage_n and_o the_o mutual_a natural_a affection_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n and_o of_o those_o which_o be_v of_o one_o kindred_n and_o blood_n the_o institution_n of_o marriage_n be_v a_o far_a degree_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n appoint_v in_o innocency_n that_o betwixt_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n by_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o both_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o intimate_v a_o society_n and_o friendship_n as_o can_v be_v no_o great_a have_v all_o their_o interest_n common_a perpetual_a and_o most_o part_n incommunicable_a that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v more_o right_o to_o and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o than_o when_o they_o have_v they_o alone_o exclude_v the_o other_o though_o the_o unsuitable_a choice_n of_o some_o have_v mar_v this_o blessing_n it_o diminish_v not_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n be_v by_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o party_n at_o least_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o their_o other_o fault_n and_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n that_o this_o society_n be_v indissolvable_a even_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o both_o but_o only_o by_o adultery_n or_o desertion_n which_o give_v a_o strong_a inducement_n to_o compose_v their_o humour_n though_o natural_o discrepant_a rather_o than_o to_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a disquiet_n it_o be_v a_o great_a addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o conjugal_a estate_n that_o there_o be_v give_v they_o so_o strong_a a_o inclination_n of_o these_o embrace_v necessary_a for_o posterity_n which_o otherwise_o have_v nothing_o of_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o woman_n will_v never_o have_v endure_v the_o trouble_n and_o pain_n of_o child-bearing_a if_o this_o affection_n and_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o have_v child_n do_v not_o overmaster_v they_o how_o great_a addition_n to_o adam_n pleasure_n behove_v it_o to_o be_v when_o awaken_n from_o his_o sleep_n god_n present_v he_o eve_n the_o only_a creature_n like_a to_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o first_o glass_n in_o which_o he_o do_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o his_o own_o body_n as_o well_o as_o she_o who_o be_v fit_v for_o he_o in_o all_o thing_n that_o he_o can_v desire_v not_o 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fruit_n for_o which_o restraint_n they_o have_v no_o inbred_a inclination_n as_o they_o have_v to_o the_o moral_a duty_n but_o rather_o contrary_a except_o his_o pleasure_n and_o prohibition_n for_o if_o he_o have_v will_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o have_v be_v effectual_a but_o he_o do_v only_o declare_v what_o they_o may_v eat_v and_o what_o they_o may_v not_o eat_v and_o denounce_v the_o punishment_n if_o they_o do_v eat_v what_o be_v forbid_v which_o sufficient_o show_v that_o their_o forbear_n will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n upon_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o express_v the_o heavy_a penalty_n if_o they_o trangress_v which_o be_v imply_v by_o their_o knowledge_n of_o his_o justice_n though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v express_v which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o move_n exciting_a or_o necessitate_v they_o to_o it_o adam_n who_o knowledge_n be_v so_o great_a
true_o he_o so_o intend_v his_o faithfulness_n also_o in_o so_o far_o only_o as_o that_o it_o be_v expect_v he_o will_v punctual_o and_o ready_o perform_v without_o compulsion_n and_o he_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o he_o do_v not_o so_o perform_v untrue_a if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o perform_v when_o he_o engage_v as_o well_o as_o unjust_a by_o not_o perform_v these_o may_v all_o concur_v in_o god_n but_o his_o justice_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n and_o his_o truth_n in_o intend_v to_o perform_v it_o can_v never_o be_v separate_v yet_o his_o faithfulness_n may_v be_v without_o they_o in_o particular_a act_n so_o may_v his_o justice_n in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v without_o any_o word_n and_o consequent_o without_o truth_n in_o that_o word_n and_o both_o may_v be_v without_o exerting_fw-mi faithfulness_n the_o ground_n and_o warrant_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o excellent_a disposition_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v whereby_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o he_o to_o disappoint_v the_o expectation_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o know_v be_v place_v in_o he_o and_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o he_o the_o psalmist_n say_v they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o here_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n name_n which_o signify_v his_o excellent_a nature_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o trust_n and_o special_o that_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v he_o here_o be_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o promise_n the_o psalmist_n find_v his_o prayer_n both_o on_o god_n faithfulness_n and_o on_o his_o justice_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n and_o not_o on_o this_o alone_a when_o he_o say_v hear_v my_o prayer_n o_o lord_n give_v ear_n to_o my_o supplication_n in_o thy_o faithfulness_n answer_v i_o and_o in_o thy_o righteousness_n where_o these_o be_v clear_o distinguish_v the_o same_o psalmist_n say_v in_o another_o place_n thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n be_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o thy_o faithfulness_n reach_v unto_o the_o cloud_n thy_o righteousness_n be_v like_o the_o great_a mountain_n where_o god_n faithfulness_n and_o his_o righteousness_n be_v clear_o diversify_v if_o one_o shall_v trust_v in_o a_o powerful_a virtuous_a person_n if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v his_o trust_n know_v to_o that_o person_n he_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o disappoint_v he_o or_o to_o fail_v in_o faithfulness_n yet_o the_o manifestation_n of_o confidence_n may_v be_v without_o word_n and_o sometime_o it_o be_v unfit_a to_o be_v by_o word_n and_o it_o may_v be_v abstract_n from_o particular_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o discretion_n of_o the_o person_n trust_v so_o the_o attendance_n the_o dependence_n the_o humble_a and_o kind_o countenance_n may_v better_o express_v confidence_n than_o word_n which_o be_v more_o frequent_o false_a courtier_n do_v manifest_a their_o confidence_n in_o prince_n soldier_n in_o their_o general_n and_o creature_n may_v so_o express_v their_o confidence_n in_o god_n but_o it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o faith_n for_o particular_a favour_n as_o be_v more_o the_o homage_n and_o dependence_n of_o his_o creature_n than_o the_o urge_v his_o justice_n on_o general_a promise_n it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o folly_n to_o trust_v in_o any_o but_o those_o that_o be_v endue_v with_o virtue_n and_o moral_a perfection_n or_o in_o these_o for_o thing_n that_o the_o person_n trust_v have_v not_o or_o which_o be_v unbecoming_a for_o he_o to_o bestow_v therefore_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n on_o which_o there_o can_v be_v lay_v entire_a and_o absolute_a faith_n because_o the_o inconveniency_n may_v occur_v that_o they_o can_v satisfy_v in_o this_o sense_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v only_o faithful_a as_o well_o as_o only_o wise_a and_o good_a one_o may_v trust_v when_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a in_o trust_v yet_o he_o may_v become_v unfaithful_a that_o admit_v the_o trust_n they_o be_v very_o unwise_a that_o will_v trust_v a_o secret_a to_o a_o liar_n or_o the_o manage_n of_o a_o affair_n to_o a_o imprudent_a person_n or_o money_n to_o a_o prodigal_n yet_o if_o they_o do_v admit_v of_o the_o trust_n they_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o they_o fail_v it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v high_o congruous_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n to_o be_v faithful_a and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o to_o disappoint_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o creature_n trust_v in_o he_o for_o thing_n fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o they_o to_o receive_v without_o consideration_n of_o any_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o his_o purpose_n so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v full_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o he_o to_o give_v happiness_n to_o they_o that_o love_v not_o holiness_n or_o to_o pardon_v sin_n to_o those_o who_o soul_n cleave_v to_o it_o or_o to_o give_v the_o high_a favour_n to_o such_o or_o glory_n to_o any_o in_o the_o next_o life_n to_o who_o he_o never_o give_v grace_n in_o this_o in_o act_n or_o inclination_n which_o by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n do_v appear_v but_o by_o revelation_n god_n have_v clear_o declare_v in_o what_o thing_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v of_o trust_n or_o faith_n in_o he_o or_o hope_v from_o he_o especial_o for_o obtain_v reconciliation_n forgiveness_n and_o happiness_n and_o have_v express_o declare_v when_o faith_n be_v save_v god_n bestow_v many_o good_a thing_n out_o of_o commiseration_n or_o mere_a goodness_n upon_o those_o that_o have_v not_o save_v faith_n nor_o can_v i_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v some_o good_a thing_n upon_o such_o even_o upon_o consideration_n of_o their_o trust_n in_o he_o for_o they_o as_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n upon_o who_o confidence_n he_o exert_v his_o supernatural_a power_n though_o at_o the_o great_a day_n he_o reject_v they_o who_o have_v that_o faith_n those_o who_o do_v not_o by_o word_n or_o sign_n signify_v that_o they_o allow_v not_o the_o confidence_n or_o hope_n of_o these_o who_o pertinent_o signify_v it_o do_v fail_v in_o their_o faithfulness_n if_o they_o disappoint_v they_o my_o thought_n upon_o god_n faithfulness_n do_v exceed_o clear_v i_o in_o that_o eminent_a point_n that_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a consideration_n on_o which_o god_n give_v pardon_n reconciliation_n and_o happiness_n and_o not_o upon_o love_n or_o any_o other_o good_a work_n as_o never_o to_o be_v claim_v upon_o reward_v justice_n or_o merit_n but_o of_o free_a favour_n and_o grace_n alone_o albeit_o love_n to_o god_n or_o reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o he_o be_v more_o excellent_a perfection_n than_o faith_n for_o in_o faith_n the_o creature_n have_v consideration_n of_o the_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o much_o more_o in_o fear_n but_o love_n be_v terminate_v alone_o upon_o god_n himself_o and_o upon_o no_o return_n from_o god_n which_o will_v make_v it_o defective_a the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n be_v for_o what_o be_v already_o receive_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n pure_o on_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n be_v the_o high_a moral_a perfection_n of_o creature_n if_o happiness_n have_v be_v by_o the_o creature_n love_n reverence_n or_o obedience_n it_o will_v have_v be_v by_o justice_n and_o debt_n not_o by_o grace_n as_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o he_o that_o work_v the_o reward_n be_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n but_o be_v by_o faith_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o debt_n or_o justice_n there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n for_o he_o that_o hope_n or_o trust_v to_o attribute_v the_o effect_n to_o himself_o as_o deserve_v it_o by_o his_o faith_n than_o if_o the_o miserable_a shall_v imagine_v his_o misery_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o mercy_n show_v he_o i_o never_o find_v a_o reward_n attribute_v to_o faith_n for_o though_o it_o be_v say_v cast_v not_o away_o your_o confidence_n which_o have_v great_a recompense_n of_o reward_n confidence_n there_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o forwardness_n and_o boldness_n for_o in_o the_o original_a it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d though_o faith_n be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o fall_a man_n he_o can_v have_v little_o more_o ground_n to_o boast_v of_o happiness_n on_o occasion_n of_o it_o than_o the_o beggar_n of_o his_o poverty_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o alm_n or_o the_o oppress_v of_o oppression_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o his_o relief_n or_o than_o the_o infant_n or_o idiot_n of_o his_o salvation_n god_n can_v have_v give_v all_o good_a thing_n without_o either_o prayer_n or_o faith_n as_o he_o do_v to_o infant_n but_o it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o benignity_n to_o give_v that_o which_o be_v long_v for_o and_o desire_v by_o prayer_n and_o which_o be_v hope_v and_o trust_v by_o
yet_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o evermore_o that_o be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n but_o there_o may_v be_v even_o here_o so_o much_o joy_n from_o meditate_v upon_o god_n which_o all_o other_o object_n can_v parallel_v much_o less_o exceed_v or_o extinguish_v 9_o the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o inculcate_v the_o benefit_n of_o know_v god_n of_o remember_v he_o of_o meditate_v upon_o his_o perfection_n his_o law_n and_o dispensation_n and_o give_v it_o as_o the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o they_o know_v not_o god_n that_o they_o remember_v not_o god_n that_o they_o have_v he_o not_o before_o their_o eye_n who_o to_o know_v be_v life_n everlasting_a this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v send_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n can_v formal_o be_v life_n eternal_a but_o it_o be_v the_o mean_a necessary_a to_o attain_v it_o because_o it_o do_v excite_v that_o joy_n in_o which_o it_o do_v chief_o consist_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wicked_a that_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o they_o can_v shun_v and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v no_o thought_n of_o the_o most_o high_a the_o thought_n of_o god_n crush_v their_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o pleasure_n which_o fall_v before_o they_o as_o dagon_n do_v before_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n job_n give_v it_o as_o a_o discriminate_a test_n between_o the_o godly_a and_o the_o hypocrite_n only_o knowable_a by_o every_o man_n of_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v of_o the_o hypocrite_n will_v he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o almighty_a will_v he_o always_o call_v upon_o god_n 10._o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o acquisition_n in_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o experience_n by_o revelation_n of_o that_o which_o have_v no_o principle_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o spiritual_a illumination_n whereby_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v discernible_a which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v and_o his_o notion_n of_o they_o be_v but_o as_o those_o of_o a_o country_n from_o a_o map_n and_o according_a to_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n must_v the_o different_a kind_n of_o meditation_n and_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o joy_n love_n reverence_n obsequiousness_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n arise_v and_o the_o true_a humility_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o so_o much_o by_o debase_v it_o below_o its_o true_a value_n but_o by_o exalt_v god_n and_o perceive_v the_o infinite_a distance_n of_o perfection_n betwixt_o the_o two_o which_o may_v equal_o be_v between_o two_o object_n by_o heighten_v the_o one_o or_o by_o depress_v the_o other_o the_o monkish_a humility_n be_v much_o in_o disgrace_v humane_a nature_n which_o be_v not_o without_o reflect_v upon_o its_o author_n and_o do_v not_o only_o loath_a humane_a nature_n in_o so_o far_o as_o sinful_a the_o stoic_n fall_v into_o the_o like_a fault_n by_o look_v upon_o all_o affection_n as_o vicious_a perturbation_n not_o endeavour_v to_o rule_v and_o use_v they_o but_o to_o root_v they_o out_o as_o if_o a_o horse_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v use_n of_o because_o some_o ill-managed_n horse_n will_v kick_v off_o his_o master_n or_o break_v his_o bridle_n and_o run_v away_o or_o as_o if_o a_o sail_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v because_o sometime_o it_o overset_n a_o ship_n indeed_o weak_a or_o vitiate_a mind_n be_v better_a if_o they_o want_v all_o affection_n to_o be_v their_o servant_n than_o have_v they_o to_o be_v their_o master_n 11._o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n improve_v by_o industry_n and_o experience_n go_v a_o great_a way_n even_o in_o religion_n for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o natural_a conscience_n convince_v a_o man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o and_o only_o one_o god_n who_o be_v the_o just_a judge_n of_o all_o rational_a creature_n and_o 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religion_n induce_v a_o strong_a probability_n of_o it_o though_o nothing_o but_o the_o divine_a illumination_n can_v breed_v a_o full_a persuasion_n of_o it_o nor_o give_v warrant_n to_o force_v the_o embrace_n and_o profess_v it_o as_o may_v be_v do_v for_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o for_o religion_n as_o far_o as_o it_o go_v as_o for_o other_o ends._n something_o of_o religion_n will_v arise_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n convince_a that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v adore_v by_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o power_n bounty_n justice_n and_o mercy_n by_o supplication_n for_o his_o favour_n and_o the_o requisite_n of_o life_n by_o deprecation_n of_o his_o displeasure_n justice_n and_o wrath_n praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n for_o benefit_n receive_v or_o hope_v much_o more_o will_v result_v from_o the_o improve_a knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o more_o by_o the_o probability_n of_o his_o revealed_z will._n whereby_o it_o 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be_v both_o the_o interest_n and_o duty_n of_o all_o of_o they_o to_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o their_o capacity_n and_o opportunity_n do_v enable_v they_o that_o they_o may_v increase_v their_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o suggestion_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o seduction_n of_o weak_a or_o wicked_a man_n misrepresent_v god_n not_o so_o much_o in_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n as_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o purity_n whereby_o they_o do_v exceed_o encroach_v upon_o that_o infinite_a loveliness_n whereby_o he_o draw_v and_o ravish_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o do_v not_o only_o drive_v they_o by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n some_o represent_v god_n as_o if_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v his_o high_a perfection_n and_o his_o great_a interest_n as_o despotic_a sovereign_n represent_v themselves_o to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o to_o be_v indifferent_a who_o to_o save_v or_o who_o to_o destroy_v without_o any_o consideration_n of_o their_o act_n but_o to_o show_v their_o absolute_a and_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o that_o they_o neither_o love_v their_o subject_n nor_o care_n for_o the_o love_n of_o their_o subject_n but_o for_o their_o fear_n that_o may_v make_v they_o obey_v without_o reserve_n how_o strange_a be_v it_o that_o so_o many_o eminent_a divine_n shall_v represent_v god_n as_o if_o the_o order_n of_o his_o decree_n be_v not_o only_o to_o glorify_v some_o and_o not_o for_o their_o foresee_a performance_n by_o their_o own_o power_n but_o to_o eternal_o torment_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n without_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o come_v in_o not_o as_o a_o motive_n from_o the_o foresight_n thereof_o but_o as_o a_o mean_a to_o that_o end_n other_o be_v amaze_v when_o they_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n why_o infinite_a duration_n pass_v before_o he_o
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have_v no_o far_o influence_n on_o they_o but_o by_o persuasion_n wherein_o they_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o god_n entreaty_n and_o expostulation_n and_o by_o his_o express_a declaration_n what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v this_o do_v no_o less_o derogate_v from_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o the_o former_a do_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o mistake_v yea_o and_o pernicious_a error_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o amiableness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a here_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n against_o these_o error_n but_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o particular_a perfection_n on_o which_o they_o encroach_v i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n observe_v how_o these_o opinion_n can_v subsist_v with_o the_o common_a conception_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o all_o that_o use_v unprejudicate_v reason_n do_v agree_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o conceive_v he_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o more_o amiable_a if_o that_o he_o act_v by_o absolute_a necessity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v he_o more_o perfect_a if_o in_o his_o intention_n purpose_n and_o performance_n he_o act_v free_o it_o be_v a_o inbred_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v moral_o good_a virtuous_a or_o praiseworthy_a that_o be_v do_v of_o necessity_n and_o not_o free_o and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n do_v represent_v the_o divine_a intention_n and_o act_n as_o free_v not_o by_o the_o freedom_n of_o indifference_n but_o that_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n of_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o god_n to_o have_v do_v otherways_o or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o import_v inconsistency_n with_o itself_o which_o only_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o impossibility_n not_o absolute_a by_o inconsistency_n but_o eventual_o impossible_a for_o example_n that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o opinion_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o aim_v and_o shoot_v at_o a_o mark_n and_o hit_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n it_o have_v no_o inconsistency_n that_o the_o same_o man_n with_o the_o same_o instrument_n shall_v ever_o hit_v that_o mark_n and_o yet_o eventual_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n the_o mean_v whereof_o be_v not_o because_o of_o his_o decree_n and_o immutability_n for_o so_o all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v but_o because_o god_n will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o worthy_a of_o and_o become_v his_o infinite_o glorious_a natural_a perfection_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o inconsistent_a that_o he_o shall_v 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perfection_n this_o inclination_n be_v very_o strong_a yet_o some_o do_v counteract_v it_o and_o thereby_o their_o crime_n be_v most_o horrid_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v least_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n or_o of_o men._n these_o action_n be_v most_o praiseworthy_a whereby_o the_o contrary_a strong_a inclination_n be_v overcome_v as_o to_o hazard_v life_n without_o rational_a hope_n of_o escape_n for_o the_o good_a of_o a_o country_n or_o city_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o when_o escape_n be_v impossible_a and_o yet_o a_o contrary_a word_n will_v save_v it_o upon_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o the_o martyr_n have_v suffer_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n when_o a_o contrary_a acknowledgement_n will_v both_o have_v give_v life_n and_o reward_n 13._o when_o therefore_o i_o consider_v and_o compare_v these_o two_o way_n that_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o good_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v create_v all_o his_o rational_a creature_n with_o such_o inclination_n that_o they_o can_v not_o counteract_v and_o thereby_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o punishment_n nor_o reward_n not_o have_v any_o freedom_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v create_v they_o with_o sufficient_a inbred_a principle_n and_o inclination_n to_o good_a not_o of_o necessity_n but_o of_o free_a choice_n and_o which_o they_o can_v counteract_v and_o so_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o be_o convince_v as_o clear_o as_o of_o the_o light_n that_o in_o this_o way_n creature_n be_v more_o like_a to_o their_o creator_n and_o that_o his_o choice_n be_v more_o suitable_a worthy_a of_o and_o become_v his_o infinite_o glorious_a nature_n than_o the_o former_a way_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o confirm_a angel_n or_o glorious_a saint_n be_v in_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n to_o counteract_v their_o inclination_n god_n so_o assist_v they_o in_o all_o their_o choice_n that_o it_o be_v only_o eventual_o impossible_a as_o our_o saviour_n encourage_v his_o apostle_n not_o to_o be_v anxious_a what_o to_o say_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o judge_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o what_o to_o say_v in_o that_o hour_n therefore_o both_o angel_n and_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n but_o mutable_a for_o after-proof_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n god_n do_v confirm_v the_o elect_a angel_n by_o great_a grace_n than_o though_o rest_n and_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v fall_v free_o and_o by_o no_o necessity_n impose_v either_o by_o the_o decree_n or_o dispensation_n of_o god_n how_o foolish_a then_o be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o creature_n will_v create_v such_o creature_n as_o either_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o by_o his_o decree_n he_o can_v not_o govern_v but_o only_o persuade_v request_n and_o expostulate_v a_o supposition_n little_a agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o his_o foreknowledge_n or_o the_o use_v he_o may_v make_v of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o difficulty_n that_o he_o can_v foresee_v what_o they_o will_v do_v if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o but_o see_v he_o can_v hinder_v and_o prevent_v whatever_o he_o foresee_v that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o he_o can_v enable_v and_o excite_v they_o to_o whatever_o he_o please_v that_o be_v good_a i_o see_v no_o more_o necessary_a for_o govern_v they_o and_o for_o glorify_v himself_o it_o be_v more_o foolish_a and_o faulty_a to_o murmur_v that_o god_n have_v thus_o create_v his_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o not_o exclude_v sin_n from_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o design_v and_o perform_v the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v without_o make_v more_o kind_n or_o individual_n or_o soon_o but_o as_o he_o put_v to_o silence_n the_o clamorous_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n that_o he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o to_o those_o that_o
be_v fellow-servant_n none_o of_o these_o do_v insist_v with_o a_o distinguo_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o worship_v they_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v there_o any_o precept_n or_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o pray_v to_o a_o absent_a creature_n i_o know_v nothing_o can_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v publish_v there_o be_v no_o canonise_a of_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o evidence_n that_o all_o who_o be_v canonize_v be_v true_o saint_n much_o less_o that_o their_o suppose_a relic_n be_v true_a if_o then_o man_n be_v worship_v some_o damn_a spirit_n if_o that_o be_v not_o idolatry_n i_o know_v what_o can_v be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o no_o pope_n have_v err_v in_o canonise_a which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v infallibility_n in_o it_o i_o wish_v these_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o shun_v the_o attribute_v of_o the_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n to_o creature_n the_o same_o hour_n of_o public_a devotion_n be_v common_a through_o that_o whole_a saint-worshipping_a church_n if_o some_o million_o be_v at_o once_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o saint_n can_v mere_a human_a nature_n be_v raise_v to_o that_o height_n to_o hear_v all_o those_o at_o once_o when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v hear_v any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o suppose_v their_o groundless_a invention_n that_o they_o see_v all_o in_o speculo_fw-la trinitatis_fw-la yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n reflect_v to_o their_o knowledge_n at_o once_o so_o that_o they_o must_v make_v they_o god_n or_o else_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v themselves_o idolater_n and_o on_o their_o own_o ground_n it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a that_o they_o whole_o neglect_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n job_n samuel_n and_o daniel_n who_o god_n have_v single_v out_o as_o the_o strong_a intercessor_n and_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o god_n have_v canonize_v the_o scripture_n call_v he_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n if_o any_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o absence_n there_o be_v most_o to_o be_v say_v for_o worship_v angel_n which_o yet_o be_v express_o forbid_v and_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n all_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v not_o require_v as_o the_o heathen_n divide_v among_o their_o god_n the_o several_a office_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n so_o they_o do_v exceed_v they_o in_o attribute_v to_o particular_a saint_n their_o several_a office_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o beast_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n and_o all_o their_o disease_n without_o the_o least_o pretext_n of_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v even_o by_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o god_n have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o these_o saint_n have_v so_o declare_v so_o that_o they_o must_v not_o only_o order_v all_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n if_o the_o saint_n be_v adorable_a how_o come_v it_o that_o every_o one_o adore_v what_o saint_n he_o please_v and_o neglect_v the_o rest_n and_o by_o what_o warrant_n do_v they_o assign_v they_o their_o task_n if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_v all_o as_o they_o do_v some_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o they_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o encroach_v upon_o by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o unity_n in_o one_o individual_a god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v full_o express_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o inbred_a principle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o many_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o the_o way_n of_o 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so_o far_o as_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o nature_n go_v because_o there_o be_v the_o strong_a evidence_n beyond_o any_o other_o natural_a duty_n in_o which_o none_o be_v spare_v from_o coaction_n and_o punishment_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o heighten_v by_o pretend_v the_o want_n of_o persuasion_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a and_o the_o divert_v the_o thought_n or_o shut_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v no_o more_o excuse_n than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v light_n at_o midday_n because_o he_o will_v not_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o let_v it_o enter_v but_o we_o be_v not_o in_o that_o capacity_n as_o to_o supernatural_a light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o against_o religion_n and_o humanity_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o supernatural_a and_o institute_v religion_n where_o they_o believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v principle_n from_o which_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v refuse_v clear_a inference_n which_o require_v not_o long_a deduction_n those_o who_o pretend_v the_o unity_n against_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o deity_n because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v it_o must_v deny_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o god_n which_o his_o word_n so_o often_o assert_n yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o pitiful_a evasion_n do_v too_o strong_o evidence_n that_o they_o only_o own_o the_o scripture_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v odious_a and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o natural_a religion_n but_o not_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o imagine_v god_n can_v forgive_v sin_n without_o all_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n which_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o injurious_a god_n nor_o of_o a_o justiceless_a god_n those_o who_o from_o the_o trinity_n wave_v all_o reason_n against_o a_o carnal_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n
natural_a affection_n will_v incline_v to_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n though_o it_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v overcome_v by_o mind_v gratitude_n to_o god_n who_o do_v forbid_v it_o and_o the_o penalty_n of_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o command_n therefore_o the_o choice_n of_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v with_o inclination_n but_o the_o choice_n of_o forbear_v it_o have_v be_v against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o sensible_a but_o with_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o rational_a appetite_n before_o the_o fall_n adam_n have_v the_o scale_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a superable_a but_o after_o the_o weight_n of_o sin_n make_v it_o insuperable_a to_o he_o and_o to_o all_o his_o sinful_a posterity_n till_o they_o be_v restore_v by_o grace_n than_o the_o inclination_n become_v superable_a but_o the_o choice_n of_o good_a be_v ordinary_a contrary_a inclination_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o in_o thing_n mere_o indifferent_a a_o liberty_n of_o indifferency_n but_o in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n there_o shall_v be_v always_o a_o choice_n of_o inclination_n which_o through_o the_o grace_n and_o power_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o alter_v there_o be_v no_o small_a contention_n among_o different_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n whether_o in_o mortality_n they_o have_v any_o freedom_n and_o in_o what_o subject_n it_o reside_v whether_o in_o the_o understanding_n the_o will_n or_o the_o affection_n some_o will_v have_v man_n to_o have_v a_o freedom_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o will_n that_o god_n can_v determine_v it_o by_o infuse_v any_o habit_n or_o inclination_n but_o by_o persuasion_n which_o it_o may_v effectual_o resist_v and_o reject_v other_o attribute_v a_o freedom_n to_o man_n in_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o one_o sin_n rather_o than_o another_o and_o in_o the_o forbear_n or_o not_o forbear_v a_o particular_a act_n of_o sin_n but_o that_o before_o grace_n superven_a there_o be_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o do_v any_o good_a and_o holy_a work_n and_o never_o a_o freedom_n against_o the_o divine_a influence_n which_o may_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a here_o to_o be_v debate_v all_o do_v agree_v that_o a_o man_n be_v not_o full_o free_a as_o to_o his_o outward_a act_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o restraint_n and_o constraint_n and_o there_o be_v thence_o no_o small_a influence_n on_o the_o inward_a act_n for_o thereby_o self-love_n exclude_v the_o thought_n of_o these_o motive_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o force_v in_o doubtful_a thing_n but_o in_o thing_n evident_a and_o certain_a no_o extrinsic_a force_n can_v alter_v or_o hinder_v the_o inward_a impression_n or_o act_n but_o the_o more_o a_o man_n be_v constrain_v or_o restrain_v the_o opposite_a desire_n be_v the_o strong_a though_o outward_a dissimulation_n be_v procure_v then_o come_v the_o question_n in_o what_o inward_a faculty_n or_o power_n liberty_n reside_v some_o place_n it_o in_o the_o affection_n when_o they_o become_v pliable_a to_o the_o will_n some_o in_o the_o will_v only_o without_o dependence_n on_o the_o understanding_n but_o that_o the_o will_n command_v the_o understanding_n if_o not_o what_o to_o judge_v at_o least_o when_o to_o judge_n or_o think_v other_o place_v it_o in_o the_o will_n with_o subordination_n to_o the_o last_o judgement_n determine_v that_o it_o be_v now_o fit_a to_o act_v or_o forbear_v but_o where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a or_o imaginable_a difference_n the_o mind_n do_v not_o by_o a_o positive_a act_n suspend_v its_o choice_n but_o privative_o can_v choose_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o judgement_n of_o preference_n but_o that_o which_o appear_v indifferent_a may_v with_o more_o attention_n and_o meditation_n appear_v not_o indifferent_a some_o also_o place_n liberty_n all_o in_o the_o understanding_n yea_o some_o apprehend_v the_o will_n to_o be_v nothing_o different_a from_o the_o last_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n determine_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v choose_v do_v or_o forbear_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o resolution_n i_o need_v not_o now_o insist_v in_o discuss_v these_o but_o i_o conceive_v the_o enumeration_n be_v not_o full_a for_o there_o be_v some_o act_n which_o be_v neither_o from_o a_o power_n in_o the_o understanding_n will_n or_o sensible_a appetite_n but_o be_v immediate_o subject_v in_o the_o soul_n or_o spirit_n as_o pleasure_n grief_n or_o pain_n which_o result_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o certain_a object_n and_o be_v not_o the_o act_n but_o the_o object_n of_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o appetite_n yet_o certain_o be_v act_n of_o the_o soul_n such_o be_v all_o the_o act_n which_o the_o schoolman_n call_v actus_fw-la suppositi_fw-la and_o therefore_o a_o man_n be_v only_o simple_o free_a when_o he_o be_v neither_o outward_o nor_o inward_o overpower_v and_o yet_o that_o freedom_n can_v neither_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n or_o appetite_n for_o these_o be_v unchanged_a outward_a force_n may_v hinder_v his_o freedom_n the_o understanding_n be_v a_o contemplative_a but_o not_o a_o active_a power_n the_o will_n or_o appetite_n can_v compare_v and_o so_o can_v prefer_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o but_o the_o spirit_n by_o the_o understanding_n perceive_v and_o compare_v and_o the_o spirit_n choose_v by_o the_o will_n for_o it_o understand_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n by_o the_o will._n the_o will_n of_o creature_n have_v no_o activity_n without_o itself_o and_o can_v suspend_v the_o judgement_n unless_o the_o judgement_n be_v unclear_a and_o suspend_v itself_o in_o not_o conclude_v what_o be_v best_a to_o do_v or_o forbear_v yet_o may_v it_o determine_v what_o be_v best_a to_o profess_v or_o to_o prosecute_v by_o meditation_n or_o by_o action_n i_o shall_v now_o return_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n which_o can_v no_o otherwise_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o reason_n from_o his_o work_n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v all_o that_o he_o can_v by_o his_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n for_o then_o there_o shall_v be_v continual_a and_o infinite_a alteration_n of_o all_o creature_n new_a world_n shall_v be_v every_o moment_n create_v and_o those_o that_o be_v create_v annihilate_v new_a kind_n new_a individual_n new_a perfection_n shall_v be_v continual_o multiply_v and_o destroy_v therefore_o god_n do_v not_o act_n by_o a_o intrinsic_a necessity_n but_o determine_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o own_o omnipotence_n this_o may_v confute_v their_o vain_a curiosity_n who_o inquire_v why_o god_n do_v not_o soon_o create_v the_o world_n why_o he_o create_v but_o one_o world_n why_o no_o more_o kind_n no_o more_o individual_n no_o more_o perfection_n and_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o conjecture_v that_o there_o must_v be_v more_o man_n than_o be_v upon_o this_o little_a clod_n of_o earth_n not_o descend_v from_o adam_n and_o it_o may_v be_v not_o by_o generation_n yet_o in_o other_o thing_n like_v to_o we_o which_o may_v be_v without_o sin_n as_o the_o angel_n and_o live_v upon_o the_o moon_n or_o other_o dark_a planet_n like_o the_o earth_n yet_o still_o million_o of_o these_o will_v have_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n therefore_o creation_n must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n freedom_n of_o indifferency_n and_o so_o must_v be_v the_o life_n and_o endurance_n of_o the_o brute_n and_o inanimate_a creature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o parity_n in_o god_n act_v in_o these_o and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o other_o moral_a perfection_n they_o be_v more_o brutish_a that_o imagine_v any_o creature_n to_o have_v have_v its_o be_v from_o god_n by_o necessity_n or_o emanation_n as_o many_o have_v think_v the_o world_n to_o have_v so_o be_v eternal_o from_o god_n which_o will_v also_o import_v that_o god_n have_v not_o power_n to_o create_v more_o than_o he_o have_v create_v or_o less_o than_o he_o have_v create_v which_o some_o have_v be_v so_o absurd_a as_o to_o imagine_v beside_o those_o that_o quibble_n upon_o the_o impossibility_n of_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o decree_n see_v god_n execute_v all_o his_o decree_n by_o his_o sole_a will_n his_o will_n must_v be_v necessary_o distinct_a from_o his_o omniscience_n or_o any_o act_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o which_o he_o differ_v from_o all_o creature_n who_o will_n alone_o have_v no_o extrinsic_a operation_n god_n freedom_n in_o the_o act_n of_o his_o moral_a perfection_n be_v not_o by_o indifferency_n but_o common_o by_o inclination_n and_o yet_o be_v free_a from_o absolute_a necessity_n albeit_o not_o from_o conditional_a necessity_n or_o necessary_a consequence_n for_o so_o whatsoever_o be_v act_v while_o it_o be_v act_v be_v necessary_o act_v not_o simple_o but_o conditional_o because_o it_o can_v be_v both_o act_v and_o
not_o act_v at_o once_o so_o also_o all_o the_o act_n of_o god_n moral_a perfection_n become_v conditional_o necessary_a by_o his_o immutable_a decree_n or_o promise_v and_o some_o other_o be_v necessary_a by_o the_o congruity_n with_o his_o natural_a perfection_n therefore_o he_o have_v say_v that_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o not_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o existence_n but_o to_o his_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o have_v strength_n and_o force_n sufficient_a for_o the_o contrary_a act_n yet_o he_o will_v certain_o and_o unchangeable_o ever_o act_v as_o be_v become_v and_o worthy_a of_o his_o natural_a divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o have_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v revelation_n give_v we_o evidence_n that_o some_o of_o god_n act_n be_v not_o so_o with_o his_o inclination_n as_o other_o so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o his_o punitive_a justice_n that_o it_o be_v his_o strange_a work_n and_o that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n above_o all_o his_o work_n there_o be_v a_o evident_a difference_n between_o the_o act_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o his_o truth_n and_o between_o his_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n his_o truth_n be_v precise_a without_o all_o latitude_n his_o justice_n hold_v exact_a proportion_n with_o deserve_v but_o his_o bounty_n and_o mercy_n have_v no_o bound_n nor_o any_o respect_n to_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o his_o grace_n be_v free_a by_o way_n of_o eminence_n as_o be_v more_o free_a than_o his_o justice_n and_o truth_n i_o know_v some_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o liberty_n and_o spontaneousness_n and_o make_v it_o consist_v with_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o some_o think_v the_o free_a act_n but_o without_o ground_n for_o then_o the_o brute_n creature_n shall_v yet_o be_v more_o free_a than_o the_o rational_a and_o the_o inanimate_a than_o these_o and_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o loose_v by_o add_v a_o rational_a spontaneousness_n that_o be_v which_o follow_v a_o antecedent_n judgement_n for_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o justice_n reward_n or_o punishment_n and_o yet_o reward_n be_v great_a when_o the_o good_a act_n be_v most_o against_o inclination_n there_o be_v no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n for_o indifferent_a choice_n scarce_o any_o reward_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n little_a for_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o miserable_a less_o for_o the_o love_n of_o child_n self-love_n and_o other_o as_o they_o be_v near_o or_o further_o from_o necessity_n the_o martyr_n that_o will_v not_o deny_v god_n before_o man_n to_o save_v their_o life_n from_o torture_n have_v the_o great_a glory_n in_o heaven_n i_o know_v liberty_n use_v common_o to_o be_v define_v a_o power_n all_o thing_n requisite_a to_o act_v be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v which_o can_v only_o extend_v to_o that_o plenary_a liberty_n of_o outward_a act_n but_o not_o to_o the_o inward_a act_n choice_n desire_n or_o intention_n which_o come_v not_o under_o the_o term_n of_o do_v and_o suppose_v the_o term_n may_v be_v stretch_v even_o to_o these_o the_o chief_a requisite_a be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o judgement_n determine_v it_o fit_a to_o do_v or_o to_o intend_v desire_v or_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v if_o we_o suppose_v these_o to_o proceed_v without_o a_o antecedent_n judgement_n determine_v it_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v proceed_v than_o it_o can_v only_o be_v a_o brute_n appetite_n and_o not_o a_o rational_a which_o imply_v a_o antecedent_n judgement_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v so_o prompt_a without_o hesitation_n or_o deliberation_n as_o if_o the_o will_v act_v without_o a_o antecedent_n judgement_n prefer_v one_o side_n of_o the_o contrariety_n or_o contradiction_n i_o conceive_v liberty_n may_v be_v better_o define_v the_o hability_n of_o self-determination_n upon_o a_o rational_a motive_n this_o will_v agree_v 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which_o therefore_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o judgement_n not_o of_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v just_a but_o what_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o present_a circumstance_n or_o to_o be_v either_o good_a as_o just_a prositable_a or_o pleasant_a liberty_n consist_v not_o by_o one_o single_a act_n but_o by_o different_a act_n upon_o different_a occasion_n or_o object_n there_o be_v also_o a_o freedom_n prefer_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o in_o choose_v it_o and_o reject_v the_o other_o or_o the_o rest_n if_o more_o than_o two_o be_v in_o the_o thought_n and_o this_o the_o learned_a call_v a_o liberty_n ad_fw-la contraria_fw-la as_o the_o former_a be_v call_v a_o liberty_n ad_fw-la contradictoria_fw-la the_o act_n as_o be_v judge_v fit_n comprehend_v both_o and_o it_o be_v always_o even_o in_o the_o most_o inconsiderate_a act_n for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o deliberation_n or_o hesitation_n yet_o there_o must_v be_v a_o judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v choose_v or_o do_v which_o difference_v these_o act_n from_o the_o act_n of_o brute_n who_o appetite_n follow_v immediate_o upon_o their_o perception_n without_o any_o deliberation_n or_o judgement_n god_n alone_o be_v entire_o free_a against_o who_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o resistance_n but_o he_o can_v always_o hinder_v creature_n not_o only_o to_o effectuate_v their_o choice_n but_o even_o to_o choose_v divert_v their_o thought_n from_o any_o particular_a object_n and_o as_o he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o force_n so_o from_o all_o necessity_n in_o reference_n to_o creature_n for_o a_o hypothetick_a necessity_n to_o choose_v or_o act_v suitable_a to_o himself_o or_o as_o he_o have_v decree_v or_o promise_v be_v not_o a_o necessity_n more_o than_o every_o thing_n be_v necessary_a while_o it_o be_v but_o he_o have_v give_v creature_n inclination_n import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o he_o can_v and_o oft_o do_v so_o incline_v they_o to_o any_o particular_a act._n god_n freedom_n be_v ever_o determine_v by_o his_o moral_a perfection_n for_n that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o and_o become_v his_o natural_a perfection_n which_o thereby_o be_v call_v worthy_a of_o he_o not_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o demerit_n but_o by_o the_o worthiness_n of_o congruity_n or_o condignity_n god_n freedom_n in_o time_v the_o do_v that_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n be_v near_a to_o his_o freedom_n of_o indifferency_n than_o his_o for_o bear_v thing_n unsuitable_a to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n for_o all_o his_o work_n relative_a to_o his_o creature_n be_v congruous_a to_o his_o natural_a perfection_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o work_v the_o same_o from_o eternity_n nor_o till_o the_o time_n determine_v by_o his_o decree_n he_o be_v eternal_o bless_v in_o himself_o before_o any_o thing_n be_v create_v and_o will_v have_v so_o be_v though_o nothing_o have_v ever_o be_v create_v yet_o the_o time_n of_o creation_n the_o number_n of_o the_o kind_n or_o individual_n the_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o their_o perfection_n power_n faculty_n and_o inclination_n or_o the_o extent_n and_o endurance_n of_o his_o creature_n be_v all_o from_o his_o liberty_n of_o indifferency_n such_o a_o freedom_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o creature_n for_o if_o god_n have_v create_v angel_n and_o man_n with_o such_o propension_n as_o thereby_o all_o their_o action_n have_v be_v necessary_a as_o be_v the_o act_n of_o inscient_a matter_n and_o of_o brute_n though_o all_o their_o action_n have_v be_v good_a yet_o they_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o virtue_n praise_n nor_o reward_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v sit_v object_n upon_o which_o the_o divine_a perfection_n may_v have_v be_v display_v and_o glorify_v nor_o have_v they_o have_v natural_a power_n to_o have_v act_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o their_o freedom_n have_v not_o be_v like_o to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n
god_n do_v create_v man_n and_o angel_n with_o principle_n and_o capacity_n to_o act_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o suitable_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a perfection_n yet_o have_v natural_a power_n to_o do_v evil_a by_o omission_n or_o commission_n but_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o can_v never_o act_v unsutable_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o their_o own_o natural_a perfection_n whereby_o they_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o independent_a in_o their_o act_n on_o divine_a assistance_n which_o have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v no_o great_a therefore_o in_o neither_o case_n be_v rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o freedom_n as_o that_o of_o god_n though_o no_o rational_a creature_n can_v be_v thus_o infallible_a by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a perfection_n god_n in_o his_o free_a bounty_n have_v manifest_v that_o he_o do_v decree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a shall_v never_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o only_a by_o his_o own_o assistant_n bounty_n whereby_o he_o increase_v their_o propension_n to_o good_a and_o their_o aversion_n to_o evil_a in_o every_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o have_v err_v after_o they_o be_v glorify_v or_o confirm_v the_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o fallible_a and_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v be_v punishable_a for_o the_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v not_o abolish_v or_o abate_v nor_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o transgression_n thereof_o it_o be_v just_o and_o true_o say_v if_o the_o righteous_a man_n depart_v from_o his_o righteousness_n his_o former_a righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o he_o shall_v depart_v for_o it_o be_v still_o as_o true_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o the_o elect_n will_v be_v deceive_v and_o fall_v from_o grace_n which_o import_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o elect_v fall_v from_o grace_n be_v but_o a_o impossibility_n by_o the_o event_n and_o not_o by_o the_o proper_a capacity_n of_o the_o creature_n not_o by_o simple_a impossibility_n from_o their_o intrinsic_a perfection_n but_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exert_v by_o his_o omniscience_n that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o fail_v and_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n that_o in_o these_o circumstance_n he_o can_v so_o increase_v their_o propension_n to_o holiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v and_o that_o free_o and_o not_o by_o a_o natural_a necessity_n these_o thing_n appear_v to_o i_o very_o clear_a and_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o perverse_a but_o too_o prevalent_a error_n that_o the_o freedom_n of_o creature_n do_v essential_o imply_v that_o they_o can_v only_o determine_v themselves_o and_o may_v counteract_v all_o persuasion_n these_o man_n admit_v of_o no_o intrinsic_a alteration_n which_o in_o opposition_n to_o persuasion_n be_v call_v a_o physical_a influence_n of_o god_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v by_o a_o intrinsic_a necessity_n and_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o divine_a bounty_n and_o providence_n and_o thing_n that_o only_o may_v be_v and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o know_v and_o foresee_v by_o god_n meditation_n ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o contemplate_v fall_v all_o under_o single_a apprehension_n without_o imply_v different_a consideration_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o voluntary_a in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o do_v import_v no_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o divine_a perfection_n immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o will_n or_o pleasure_n relative_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o being_n design_a to_o exist_v by_o his_o purpose_n or_o decree_n all_o these_o perfection_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o former_a be_v call_v moral_a perfection_n and_o be_v moral_o good_a as_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o act_n flow_v from_o his_o will_n or_o pleasure_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o voluntary_a perfection_n be_v god_n love_n to_o himself_o comprehend_v both_o his_o goodwill_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o delight_n in_o himself_o suppose_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difference_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o perfection_n yet_o there_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o distinction_n which_o be_v call_v formal_a which_o be_v not_o from_o mere_a imagination_n or_o alone_o from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o have_v a_o true_a foundation_n yea_o revelation_n have_v manifest_v a_o personal_a distinction_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o of_o the_o act_n of_o these_o person_n with_o and_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o of_o the_o order_n of_o their_o act_n in_o decree_n or_o dispensation_n towards_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v not_o by_o single_a expression_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o current_a of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v three_o divine_a attribute_n frequent_o mention_v in_o scripture_n the_o blessedness_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n all_o these_o import_n more_o than_o what_o can_v fall_v under_o one_o single_a apprehension_n the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n must_v imply_v god_n love_n to_o and_o infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o his_o glory_n must_v import_v his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o they_o be_v manifest_v to_o know_v creature_n who_o give_v he_o glory_n in_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a perfection_n his_o honour_n also_o must_v imply_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o know_v creature_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n god_n glory_n and_o honour_n need_v not_o several_a meditation_n distinct_a from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o acknowledge_v and_o magnify_v the_o same_o but_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a consideration_n and_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o meditation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v blessedness_n or_o happiness_n have_v become_v a_o subject_a of_o much_o doubt_n and_o disputation_n in_o relation_n to_o rational_a creature_n which_o have_v main_o arisen_a from_o not_o advert_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o complete_a state_n of_o blessedness_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a thereto_o and_o between_o the_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a ingredient_n thereof_o nothing_o can_v be_v call_v blessedness_n which_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v breed_v dissatisfaction_n or_o grief_n to_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o for_o even_o though_o that_o which_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v want_v be_v impossible_a and_o not_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v or_o endeavour_v yet_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v requisite_a and_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o mar_v full_a satisfaction_n and_o blessedness_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n the_o have_v of_o which_o give_v pleasure_n but_o the_o want_n thereof_o do_v not_o raise_v grief_n and_o therefore_o can_v mar_v happiness_n and_o the_o more_o generous_a mind_n be_v more_o easy_o happy_a than_o other_o because_o they_o value_v less_o minute_n pleasure_n and_o so_o be_v happy_a by_o enjoy_v the_o great_a the_o last_o accomplishment_n of_o happiness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o delight_n in_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o certain_a either_o in_o its_o existence_n or_o in_o its_o perception_n the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n can_v not_o be_v happy_a by_o all_o their_o present_a or_o preterite_n enjoyment_n if_o they_o know_v not_o sure_o that_o their_o enjoyment_n will_v never_o be_v alter_v which_o they_o can_v not_o know_v from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a perfection_n but_o only_o from_o the_o promise_n or_o declare_v purpose_n of_o god_n perpetual_o to_o preserve_v that_o happy_a state_n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o angel_n god_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o they_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v until_o they_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v the_o first_o rise_v to_o the_o fall_n of_o those_o angel_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o their_o station_n but_o thence_o become_v murmur_v and_o malicious_a against_o their_o creator_n happiness_n
now_o think_v on_o be_v god_n active_a unchangeableness_n whereby_o all_o his_o decree_n be_v suitable_a to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o act_n be_v unchangeable_o conform_v to_o his_o decree_n i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o the_o divine_a perfection_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n lest_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o encroach_v upon_o another_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v as_o other_o have_v do_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o unchangeableness_n that_o upon_o different_a occasion_n he_o shall_v act_v different_o i_o have_v see_v of_o late_a and_o not_o without_o abhorrence_n and_o admiration_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a in_o the_o roman_a communion_n that_o god_n be_v only_o a_o common_a cause_n work_v like_o the_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n without_o consideration_n of_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o that_o all_o specialty_n be_v act_v by_o christ_n who_o understanding_n be_v finite_a as_o man_n can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o the_o specialty_n arise_v as_o thing_n fall_v in_o his_o thought_n it_o be_v another_o strange_a enough_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o do_v import_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v consideration_n of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o free_a creature_n in_o any_o of_o his_o decree_n but_o behove_v with_o as_o little_a consideration_n of_o deserve_v to_o design_n the_o rejection_n and_o eternal_a misery_n of_o some_o as_o of_o the_o give_v of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n unto_o other_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o learned_a and_o even_o pious_a and_o for_o the_o main_a orthodox_n divine_v can_v have_v admit_v so_o harsh_a a_o character_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o 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and_o yet_o at_o so_o immense_a distance_n of_o time_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o god_n power_n different_a from_o his_o will_n in_o the_o decree_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o power_n different_a from_o the_o will_n it_o do_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o exert_v itself_o how_o then_o shall_v that_o act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v efficacious_a that_o from_o eternity_n have_v no_o effect_n till_o the_o beginning_n of_o time_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o will_n of_o the_o end_n of_o time_n be_v so_o long_o after_o the_o beginning_n which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o mere_a negation_n of_o willing_a but_o behove_v to_o be_v by_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o such_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n shall_v be_v long_o without_o effect_n than_o other_o so_o that_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v always_o distinguish_v god_n decree_n from_o his_o dispensation_n and_o work_v our_o 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do_v oft_o doubt_v concern_v several_a dispensation_n whether_o they_o flow_v from_o god_n justice_n benignity_n or_o mercy_n be_v yet_o very_o clear_a that_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a and_o bless_a nature_n god_n unchangeableness_n do_v not_o import_n that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o same_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n and_o beneficence_n to_o his_o elect_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v as_o after_o and_o when_o they_o fall_v in_o presumptuous_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o withdraw_v his_o countenance_n their_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o do_v correct_v they_o as_o when_o they_o consider_v their_o way_n and_o repent_v and_o he_o cherish_v and_o comfort_v they_o albeit_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o they_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o because_o in_o all_o these_o he_o act_v suitable_o to_o himself_o i_o abhor_v their_o folly_n who_o think_v that_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o sin_n nor_o no_o more_o to_o be_v sorrow_v for_o in_o the_o regenerate_v or_o that_o god_n have_v relax_v his_o justice_n in_o make_v that_o which_o be_v sin_n against_o his_o moral_a law_n to_o become_v no_o more_o sin_n which_o will_v indeed_o import_v a_o mutability_n in_o he_o it_o be_v also_o a_o groundless_a and_o empty_a notion_n to_o infer_v from_o god_n unchangeableness_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o less_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o at_o the_o creation_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o or_o few_o save_v of_o mankind_n than_o fall_v of_o the_o angel_n i_o do_v also_o admire_v and_o abhor_v their_o error_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o the_o same_o creature_n can_v change_v see_v it_o flow_v from_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o from_o no_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o object_n whence_o then_o shall_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n arise_v this_o imagination_n not_o only_o incroach_v upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n but_o
in_o this_o present_a life_n he_o continue_v to_o over-rule_v they_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o all_o these_o relation_n for_o in_o some_o measure_n he_o be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o this_o life_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n use_v to_o be_v handle_v apart_o by_o divine_n as_o it_o do_v not_o only_o comprehend_v his_o dominion_n and_o government_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n but_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o preservation_n provision_n and_o direction_n of_o every_o creature_n towards_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v i_o have_v choose_v rather_o to_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n apart_o as_o be_v thereby_o the_o more_o able_a to_o apprehend_v they_o distinct_o and_o clear_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n reach_v unto_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n even_o unto_o the_o damn_a spirit_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v executioner_n of_o his_o justice_n against_o man_n as_o he_o send_v they_o out_o wherein_o though_o their_o end_n be_v always_o wicked_a the_o act_n itself_o be_v ever_o just_a and_o good_a so_o a_o evil_a spirit_n from_o the_o lord_n vex_v king_n saul_n when_o he_o have_v forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o government_n but_o these_o spirit_n be_v only_o permit_v while_o they_o tempt_v to_o act_n which_o no_o intention_n can_v make_v good_a or_o indifferent_a but_o most_o of_o all_o god_n do_v over-rule_v these_o spirit_n by_o restrain_v their_o malice_n from_o tempt_v or_o trouble_v man_n and_o even_o in_o the_o permission_n of_o their_o temptation_n he_o put_v no_o man_n under_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o be_v overcome_v but_o those_o that_o voluntary_o or_o habitual_o have_v render_v themselves_o weak_a whether_o by_o positive_a choice_n or_o by_o neglect_n and_o inadvertence_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v how_o god_n do_v over-rule_v damn_a spirit_n who_o be_v scarce_o capable_a of_o far_a punishment_n be_v already_o condemn_v and_o in_o a_o continual_a torment_n of_o mind_n nor_o can_v they_o expect_v reward_n it_o will_v be_v no_o punishment_n to_o they_o to_o annihilate_v they_o yet_o they_o have_v some_o diversion_n by_o compass_v the_o earth_n go_v to_o and_o fro_o therein_o and_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v man_n unto_o the_o like_a condition_n with_o themselves_o and_o they_o be_v still_o capable_a of_o great_a torment_n and_o therefore_o they_o tremble_v man_n be_v much_o more_o governable_a in_o this_o life_n be_v far_o more_o passable_a than_o spirit_n and_o be_v seldom_o in_o absolute_a despair_n but_o ever_o capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o great_a they_o be_v the_o more_o be_v they_o capable_a single_n person_n that_o have_v no_o near_a relation_n be_v far_o less_o liable_a to_o shame_n or_o suffer_v than_o the_o master_n of_o family_n or_o ruler_n of_o state_n and_o the_o noble_a than_o the_o ignoble_a who_o be_v liable_a to_o shame_n affront_v and_o disgrace_n which_o they_o regard_v more_o than_o their_o life_n there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o godly_a the_o honest_a and_o the_o profane_a the_o godly_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o religion_n reach_v not_o only_o to_o divine_a worship_n but_o even_o to_o the_o act_n of_o honesty_n and_o their_o own_o happiness_n in_o all_o which_o the_o chief_a reason_n and_o motive_n be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n whereby_o they_o determine_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n towards_o his_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n these_o be_v govern_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o by_o internal_a reward_n in_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o internal_a punishment_n in_o the_o doubt_n and_o disquiet_v of_o their_o soul_n beside_o the_o other_o way_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n common_a to_o the_o rest_n those_o that_o be_v only_o honest_a be_v govern_v by_o the_o love_n to_o mankind_n which_o for_o that_o very_a end_n god_n have_v place_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereby_o till_o they_o be_v deprave_v they_o be_v inclinable_a in_o every_o case_n to_o do_v that_o which_o if_o it_o be_v do_v by_o all_o man_n they_o will_v live_v happy_o and_o therefore_o the_o wicked_a be_v ashamed_a to_o profess_v that_o in_o thing_n in_o their_o power_n they_o will_v prefer_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o single_a person_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o family_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o family_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o nation_n or_o any_o of_o these_o interest_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n those_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o wicked_a god_n overrule_v even_o by_o their_o self-love_n for_o though_o they_o will_v subordinate_a all_o thing_n to_o their_o selfinterest_n if_o secure_o they_o can_v and_o when_o with_o probability_n they_o can_v yet_o suppose_v other_o to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o inclination_n their_o own_o interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o profess_v if_o not_o piety_n in_o hypocrisy_n at_o least_o common_a honesty_n wherein_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v eminent_o see_v for_o otherwise_o most_o man_n will_v be_v as_o malicious_a and_o open_o wicked_a as_o the_o damn_a spirit_n god_n have_v reward_n and_o punishment_n sufficient_a and_o suit_v to_o the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n though_o their_o reward_n be_v not_o by_o exact_a justice_n prosperity_n and_o peace_n be_v the_o common_a encouragement_n to_o good_n trouble_v and_o affliction_n be_v the_o common_a outward_a punishment_n and_o more_o particular_o disquiet_a and_o anguish_n of_o spirit_n when_o the_o special_a cause_n thereof_o be_v not_o know_v these_o be_v dispense_v to_o particular_a person_n but_o the_o punishment_n of_o society_n use_v not_o to_o be_v inflict_v but_o upon_o atrocious_a common_a and_o avow_a vice_n for_o which_o god_n send_v common_a calamity_n as_o plague_n famine_n inundation_n sterility_n shipwreck_n and_o the_o destruction_n by_o ravenous_a beast_n which_o be_v more_o frequent_a when_o the_o world_n be_v less_o plant_v the_o scripture_n do_v frequent_o mention_v god_n four_o sore_a judgement_n god_n excit_v war_n about_o which_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n when_o it_o be_v for_o just_a cause_n and_o overrule_v it_o when_o upon_o unjust_a but_o rather_o use_v the_o other_o plague_n god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n partly_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n partly_o by_o diyine_a institution_n reveal_v to_o men._n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o government_n of_o parent_n over_o their_o child_n by_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n whereby_o they_o take_v pleasure_n to_o preserve_v direct_v and_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o by_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o the_o child_n to_o reverence_n and_o obey_v their_o parent_n which_o affection_n arise_v in_o both_o from_o their_o belief_n of_o these_o relation_n even_o where_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o contract_n and_o paction_n of_o party_n to_o govern_v and_o to_o obey_v as_o between_o master_n and_o servant_n between_o ruler_n and_o subject_n for_o the_o force_n of_o these_o paction_n be_v by_o the_o law_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o which_o his_o conscience_n convince_v he_o that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v god_n exercise_v his_o dominion_n not_o only_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o positive_a law_n and_o institution_n which_o be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n such_o be_v the_o government_n of_o the_o husband_n over_o the_o wife_n by_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o marriage_n and_o the_o government_n of_o common_a wealth_n by_o god_n institution_n of_o a_o public_a judgement_n to_o order_n and_o determine_v all_o controversy_n concern_v such_o as_o shall_v unite_v themselves_o in_o civil_a society_n the_o former_a be_v propagate_v by_o a_o universal_a tradition_n to_o all_o nation_n from_o adam_n till_o the_o flood_n and_o from_o noab_n and_o his_o posterity_n after_o the_o flood_n but_o civil_a government_n be_v only_o institute_v after_o the_o flood_n when_o man_n life_n become_v short_a god_n allow_v the_o father_n of_o family_n to_o unite_v themselves_o and_o their_o family_n into_o civil_a society_n and_o to_o transmit_v the_o power_n and_o burden_n of_o the_o government_n of_o their_o family_n in_o most_o thing_n upon_o the_o governor_n of_o those_o society_n so_o that_o though_o there_o be_v mutual_a paction_n in_o marriage_n and_o government_n yet_o the_o essential_o of_o both_o be_v by_o divine_a institution_n which_o can_v lawful_o be_v alter_v person_n may_v choose_v whether_o they_o will_v marry_v or_o not_o and_o with_o who_o but_o the_o degree_n within_o which_o they_o may_v marry_v be_v institute_v the_o power_n of_o the_o husband_n and_o the_o indurance_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o marriage_n be_v institute_v
and_o diligent_a heed_n to_o keep_v all_o his_o goodness_n and_o all_o his_o perfection_n ever_o in_o remembrance_n leave_v they_o shall_v be_v pervert_v by_o satan_n self-love_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v much_o more_o full_o represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o work_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v first_o publish_v to_o adam_n and_o eve_n after_o their_o fall_n in_o these_o word_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n where_o by_o the_o serpent_n be_v understand_v satan_n who_o under_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o serpent_n delude_v they_o and_o by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n be_v mean_v the_o mediator_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n who_o be_v to_o bruise_v that_o serpent_n head_n and_o to_o deliver_v from_o the_o power_n thereof_o such_o as_o shall_v obtain_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o for_o my_o more_o distinct_a understanding_n i_o do_v conceive_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v more_o full_o express_v and_o as_o if_o god_n after_o the_o fall_n have_v say_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n thus_o i_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o you_o for_o yourselves_o and_o your_o posterity_n that_o if_o you_o continue_v innocent_a during_o the_o time_n of_o your_o trial_n i_o will_v have_v give_v you_o supernatural_a grace_n whereby_o you_o shall_v never_o sin_v but_o shall_v be_v eternal_o happy_a i_o give_v you_o sufficient_a natural_a capacity_n to_o fulfil_v that_o covenant_n but_o you_o have_v disinherit_v my_o kindness_n and_o have_v believe_v a_o apostate_n spirit_n and_o therefore_o have_v lose_v to_o yourselves_o and_o your_o posterity_n the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n without_o be_v in_o any_o necessity_n to_o break_v it_o by_o my_o decree_n or_o dispensation_n i_o may_v just_o cut_v you_o off_o without_o have_v any_o posterity_n or_o may_v leave_v you_o and_o they_o to_o follow_v your_o 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