Selected quad for the lemma: mercy_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
mercy_n	father_n	heaven_n	miserable_a	4,608	5	10.4464	5	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62636	Several discourses upon the attributes of God viz. Concerning the perfection of God. Concerning our imitation of the divine perfections. The happiness of God. The unchangeableness of God. The knowledge of God. The wisdom, glory, and soveraignty of God. The wisdom of God, in the creation of the world. The wisdom of God, in his providence. The wisdom of God, in the redemption of mankind. The justice of God, in the distribution of rewards and punishments. The truth of God. The holiness of God. To which is annexed a spital sermon, of doing good. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the sixth volume; published from the originals, by Raph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.	1699 (1699)	Wing T1264; ESTC R219315	169,861	473

of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v perpetual_o ascend_v and_o climb_v up_o high_o still_o advance_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o continual_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o god_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n whereas_o any_o equality_n with_o god_n even_o in_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n but_o above_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n even_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o of_o the_o high_a angel_n in_o glory_n for_o their_o perfection_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o our_o present_a state_n and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n be_v still_o write_v after_o this_o copy_n which_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o we_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_o and_o more_o perfect_a resemblance_n of_o god_n who_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o and_o before_o that_o of_o any_o creature_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o never_o overtake_v it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a ingredient_n and_o enhancement_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o the_o holiness_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v the_o similitude_n of_o god_n be_v never_o at_o a_o stand_n nor_o at_o its_o full_a growth_n and_o period_n but_o that_o the_o glorify_a saint_n yea_o and_o bless_v angel_n too_o may_v be_v continual_o grow_v and_o improve_n and_o they_o themselves_o still_o become_v better_o and_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v no_o undervalue_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a at_o first_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v already_o in_o bliss_n shall_v be_v more_o perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o then_o be_v continual_o increase_v and_o be_v augment_v still_o more_o and_o more_o without_o any_o stint_n or_o final_a period_n of_o its_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o faint_v in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v strong_o bias_v to_o goodness_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pull_v they_o back_o it_o will_v then_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o the_o bless_a to_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o do_v good_a and_o become_a better_a for_o if_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n than_o our_o blessedness_n will_v advance_v proportionable_o as_o we_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o like_a to_o he_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o dismal_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o relapse_n to_o go_v backward_o or_o fall_v from_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n but_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a consideration_n that_o our_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v never_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n that_o it_o be_v secure_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v and_o that_o we_o can_v lose_v what_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v as_o we_o may_v do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o no_o man_n that_o as_o good_a and_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v at_o first_o he_o shall_v still_o be_v better_a and_o better_o more_o and_o more_o happy_a without_o end_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v and_o as_o god_n please_v for_o we_o do_v but_o talk_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o our_o future_a state_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o equality_n with_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n require_v be_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o this_o pattern_n that_o we_o have_v this_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n always_o before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v continual_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o sincere_a care_n and_o study_v we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o esteem_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o if_o there_o need_v a_o pardon_n for_o it_o that_o god_n will_v forgive_v wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o pattern_n which_o we_o can_v never_o imitate_v to_o perfection_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o we_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o must_v still_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o lay_v upon_o we_o alas_o which_o of_o we_o do_v near_o so_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unlike_o his_o heavenly_a father_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o still_o partake_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o those_o not_o only_o unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a but_o even_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o impatience_n and_o implacable_a revenge_n and_o that_o these_o ungodlike_a quality_n do_v so_o frequent_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v so_o much_o dominion_n over_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o what_o we_o may_v be_v if_o we_o will_v mind_v our_o duty_n with_o care_n and_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v ourselves_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o to_o a_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n will_v we_o but_o often_o set_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o to_o which_o we_o stand_v so_o infinite_o oblige_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v that_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a past_o recovery_n that_o goodness_n and_o patience_n which_o he_o continual_o exercise_v towards_o we_o for_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o exercise_v towards_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o endear_v those_o perfection_n to_o we_o from_o which_o we_o reap_v so_o much_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n that_o by_o the_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n itself_o and_o the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o so_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o we_o nor_o tie_v by_o any_o interest_n to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o and_o who_o be_v happy_a in_o himself_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n any_o thing_n from_o we_o i_o say_v by_o a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n we_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o one_o another_o who_o have_v mutual_a obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o mutual_a expectation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a one_o from_o another_o as_o we_o have_v always_o find_v god_n to_o be_v towards_o we_o and_o as_o we_o desire_v he_o shall_v still_o continue_v and_o miserable_a creature_n be_v we_o when_o ever_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v he_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o if_o this_o example_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o do_v not_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o imitate_v those_o excellency_n which_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o approve_v and_o admire_v and_o be_v in_o love_n withal_o these_o consideration_n take_v both_o from_o ingenuity_n and_o interest_n shall_v awaken_v our_o sloth_n and_o stir_v up_o our_o most_o resolute_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n after_o that_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v and_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o

a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o

goodness_n of_o god_n be_v then_o great_a when_o it_o be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v it_o that_o they_o have_v give_v great_a and_o just_a provocation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o affection_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o god_n towards_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unthankful_a son_n of_o man_n our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n here_o in_o the_o text._n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v you_o therefore_o this_o particle_n of_o inference_n therefore_o have_v a_o plain_a relation_n to_o something_o speak_v before_o and_o if_o we_o look_v back_o to_o v_o 44._o we_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n there_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o persecute_v they_o and_o by_o what_o other_o argument_n do_v he_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n but_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a v_o 45._o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o exercise_v great_a mercy_n and_o patitience_n even_o towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unjust_a and_o then_o he_o conclude_v that_o if_o perfection_n itself_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o pattern_n we_o shall_v labour_v after_o these_o quality_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a so_o that_o though_o the_o universal_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v here_o suppose_v yet_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v here_o particular_o point_v at_o and_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o our_o pattern_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v discours●●●_n of_o before_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v undoubted_o so_o be_v evident_a from_o st._n luke_n render_v this_o precept_n ch._n 6.36_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d benefici_fw-la ready_a to_o do_v good_a full_a of_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a that_o be_v endeavour_v you_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v god_n to_o be_v and_o this_o st._n matthew_n call_v perfection_n because_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v his_o great_a perfection_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o which_o reflect_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o take_v off_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o those_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o particular_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o iv._o and_o last_o place_n to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v and_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n be_v certain_o restrain_v to_o the_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o affect_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o his_o peculiar_a perfection_n that_o it_o be_v probable_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o apostate_n angel_n 2._o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a to_o creature_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o such_o degree_n of_o these_o perfection_n as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o no_o creature_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o perfect_o good_a as_o god_n be_v nor_o partake_v of_o any_o other_o excellency_n in_o that_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v a_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o be_v above_o our_o reach_n to_o attain_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v great_a advantage_n in_o it_o the_o way_n to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n be_v optima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la exempla_fw-la ad_fw-la imitandum_fw-la proponere_fw-la to_o propose_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a example_n to_o our_o imitation_n no_o man_n can_v write_v after_o too_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o copy_n and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o reach_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v like_a to_o learn_v more_o than_o by_o one_o less_o perfect_a he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o heaven_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v short_a of_o be_v like_a to_o shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v at_o a_o mark_n within_o his_o reach_n beside_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o pattern_n as_o it_o leave_v room_n for_o continual_a improvement_n so_o it_o kindle_v ambition_n and_o make_v man_n strain_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o do_v better_o and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v the_o example_n before_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o he_o can_v so_o that_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n be_v no_o hindrance_n but_o a_o advantage_n rather_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o any_o kind_n 4._o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o beyond_o our_o power_n a_o precept_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v instanced_a in_o because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o we_o do_v our_o best_a and_o be_v continnual_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n though_o we_o can_v never_o reach_v it_o yet_o we_o do_v very_o commendable_o and_o whatever_o the_o law_n may_v require_v to_o try_v and_o raise_v our_o obedience_n yet_o in_o all_o equitable_a interpretation_n such_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_n will_v be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n for_o the_o deed._n for_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n do_v real_o exceed_v our_o ability_n and_o be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o performance_n the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n goodness_n will_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n upon_o on_o that_o account_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o as_o if_o our_o power_n have_v be_v great_a and_o we_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v it_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o try_v the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o obedience_n bid_v we_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v we_o can_v do_v though_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v be_v very_o well_o please_v when_o he_o see_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o we_o may_v in_o this_o case_n reason_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v if_o we_o that_o be_v evil_a will_v deal_v thus_o with_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n signify_v very_o little_a if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v this_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n of_o real_a and_o unquestionable_a goodness_n god_n be_v much_o better_a than_o any_o father_n upon_o earth_n however_o at_o the_o worst_a that_o wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v supply_v on_o our_o part_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n and_o on_o god_n part_n by_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o least_o benefit_n we_o can_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n from_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o and_o last_o which_o will_v full_o clear_v this_o matter_n this_o precept_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a equality_n with_o the_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o but_o only_o import_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n

will_v it_o produce_v what_o untoward_a combination_n of_o effect_n will_v there_o be_v if_o infinite_a power_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o act_v without_o the_o conduct_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o we_o take_v away_o his_o providence_n for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counsel_n no_o forecast_n of_o event_n no_o provision_n for_o the_o future_a no_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o goodness_n for_o he_o be_v not_o good_a that_o do_v good_a out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o blind_a necessity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o veracity_n nor_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n in_o god_n for_o all_o these_o suppose_v knowledge_n he_o that_o speak_v truth_n must_v know_v it_o he_o that_o be_v just_o must_v understand_v right_a from_o wrong_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n must_v know_v who_o be_v miserable_a and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v relieve_v and_o not_o to_o labour_v in_o a_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o casie_a take_v away_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o you_o render_v he_o incapable_a of_o any_o honour_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o honour_n we_o do_v he_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o give_v he_o any_o and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o be_v the_o deduction_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o heathen_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n tully_n tell_v we_o that_o thales_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v deos_fw-la omne_fw-la cernere_fw-la and_o we_o know_v the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la testibus_fw-la interpositis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o own_n of_o his_o omniscience_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la deum_fw-la omne_fw-la pervidentem_fw-la &_o cogitantem_fw-la &_o animadvertentem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotii_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la de_fw-la nat._n deor._n l._n 1._o 2._o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o will_v not_o heap_v up_o all_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o job_n 36.4_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n be_v with_o thou_o 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o represent_v god_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n as_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n which_o signify_v his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o communicate_v to_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n dan._n 2.21_o and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a thing_n the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n as_o future_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o the_o contingent_a act_n of_o free_a creature_n each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v for_o in_o prove_v that_o god_n know_v all_o these_o his_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v prove_v with_o advantage_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v secret_a and_o hide_a as_o man_n secret_a action_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o else_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o depend_v upon_o no_o certain_a cause_n as_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o as_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o of_o these_o viz._n that_o god_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o in_o handle_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n take_v knowledge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n job_n 34.21_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n he_o mark_v all_o his_o step_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v 3._o he_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o job_n 34_o 22._o 1._o that_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o light_n which_o come_v with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o heathen_n in_o it_o i_o will_v but_o produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o principle_n as_o that_o which_o make_v man_n regular_a and_o orderly_a and_o fit_a for_o society_n sit_v igitur_fw-la hoc_fw-la persuasum_fw-la civibus_fw-la qualis_fw-la cuique_fw-la sit_fw-la quid_fw-la agate_n quid_fw-la in_o se_fw-la admittat_fw-la deos_fw-la intueri_fw-la socrates_n as_o xenophon_n tell_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o epictetus_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v persuade_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o man_n be_v see_v of_o god_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n this_o psal_n 139.1_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 5.21_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o ponder_v all_o his_o go_n jer._n 32.19_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o give_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n 2._o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n one_o that_o take_v exact_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v job_n say_v he_o see_v all_o our_o step_n and_o solomon_n that_o he_o ponder_v all_o our_o go_n the_o word_n be_v he_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o balance_n so_o 1_o sam._n 2_o 3._o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n by_o he_o action_n be_v weigh_v job_n 31.4_o do_v he_o not_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v the_o difficulty_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n of_o god_n knowledge_n he_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o whatever_o may_v commend_v a_o action_n or_o blemish_v it_o whatever_o may_v aggravate_v a_o sin_n or_o excuse_v it_o isa_n 26.7_o thou_o most_o upright_o do_v weigh_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a there_o be_v not_o a_o good_a word_n that_o we_o speak_v but_o god_n hear_v it_o mal._n 3.16_o and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n be_v write_v before_o he_o and_o all_o we_o do_v be_v note_v in_o his_o book_n psa_n 56.8_o 3._o he_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o bad_a when_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n in_o secret_a when_o we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n our_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a mat._n 6._o nor_o can_v we_o retire_v ourselves_o to_o any_o place_n where_o we_o can_v sin_v so_o as_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v we_o where_o we_o can_v hide_v our_o sin_n from_o his_o sight_n or_o ourselves_o from_o his_o wrath_n hear_v how_o sensible_o a_o heathen_a speak_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o ep._n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 90.8_o thou_o have_v set_v our_o iniquity_n before_o thou_o and_o our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n those_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o the_o dark_a be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o psal_n 139.11_o 12._o jer._n 16.17_o 23_o 24._o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o ii_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n which_o imply_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n

and_o to_o dispense_v reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v object_n for_o they_o this_o be_v not_o think_v necessary_a among_o man_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o exercise_v of_o his_o justice_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v unjust_a if_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v reward_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n just_o when_o we_o think_v he_o shall_v 2._o if_o god_n intend_v this_o life_n for_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n and_o their_o free_a inclination_n to_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v follow_v man_n with_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o that_o will_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o force_n upon_o man_n so_o that_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o opportunity_n of_o try_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o presume_v that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n with_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o suffer_v bad_a man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o a_o while_n and_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o continual_a check_n by_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o they_o so_o often_o as_o they_o offend_v 3._o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n than_o this_o objection_n vanish_v for_o that_o great_a day_n will_v set_v all_o thing_n straight_o which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v so_o crooked_a and_o irregular_a the_o defer_v of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o what_o claudian_n say_v of_o ruffinus_n a_o very_a bad_a man_n who_o long_a impunity_n have_v tempt_v man_n to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v considerable_a in_o this_o case_n abstulit_fw-la hunc_fw-la tandem_fw-la ruffini_n poena_fw-la tumultum_fw-la absolvitque_fw-la deos._n the_o punishment_n which_o overtake_v he_o at_o last_o do_v quiet_a those_o tumultuous_a thought_n and_o absolve_v the_o god_n from_o all_o blame_n when_o man_n look_v but_o a_o little_a way_n and_o consider_v only_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o justice_n of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v look_v at_o the_o end_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v patience_n to_o stay_v till_o the_o last_o to_o see_v the_o conclusion_n and_o wind_v up_o of_o thing_n they_o will_v then_o acquit_v god_n in_o their_o thought_n from_o all_o those_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n which_o from_o the_o inequality_n of_o present_a dispensation_n rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o charge_v he_o withal_o ii_o objection_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o punishment_n the_o punish_v of_o one_o man_n sin_n upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o god_n threaten_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n fulfil_v in_o ahab_n in_o bring_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v threaten_v he_o withal_o in_o his_o son_n day_n 1_o king_n 21.19_o the_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o one_o person_n upon_o a_o people_n as_o that_o of_o achan_n upon_o the_o whole_a congregation_n josh_n 22.20_o do_v not_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o zerah_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n upon_o the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24._o when_o seventy_o thousand_o die_v of_o the_o plague_n for_o david_n sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n now_o how_o be_v this_o agreeable_a to_o justice_n be_v it_o not_o a_o know_a rule_n noxa_fw-la caput_fw-la sequitur_fw-la mischief_n pursue_v the_o sinner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a quam_fw-la ut_fw-la peccata_fw-la suos_fw-la teneant_fw-la authores_fw-la than_o that_o man_n fault_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o author_n and_o punishment_n fall_v upon_o the_o guilty_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o another_o fault_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o content_a to_o bear_v it_o volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la there_o be_v no_o wrong_n do_v to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v it_o though_o they_o be_v innocent_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n suffer_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o 2._o where_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o punishment_n be_v trasfer_v be_v likewise_o a_o sinner_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n because_o he_o have_v deserve_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o account_n and_o god_n may_v take_v what_o occasion_n he_o please_v to_o punish_v they_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v 3._o in_o punish_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n the_o guilty_a person_n that_o be_v the_o father_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o calamity_n of_o his_o child_n for_o a_o man_n child_n be_v himself_o multiply_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o he_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n but_o to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v live_v to_o see_v they_o punish_v and_o suffer_v in_o their_o punishment_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o one_o part_n of_o a_o community_n for_o another_o suppose_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v sinner_n which_o be_v the_o true_a case_n god_n may_v lay_v the_o punishment_n where_o he_o please_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o injustice_n than_o when_o a_o man_n be_v whip_v on_o the_o back_n for_o the_o theft_n which_o his_o hand_n commit_v a_o community_n be_v one_o body_n beside_o the_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o people_n the_o glory_n of_o a_o king_n consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n the_o objection_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o world_n the_o punishment_n of_o temporal_a evil_n with_o eternal_a be_v elsewhere_o answer_v the_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v first_o if_o god_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a let_v we_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n even_o in_o those_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v most_o hide_a and_o obscure_a neh._n 9.33_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a affliction_n that_o have_v befall_v god_n own_a people_n yet_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n howbeit_o thou_o be_v just_a in_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o second_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n god_n do_v now_o exercise_v his_o mild_a attribute_n towards_o sinner_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o goodness_n but_o if_o we_o despise_v these_o that_o terrible_a attribute_n of_o his_o justice_n will_v desplay_v itself_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n describe_v in_o a_o severe_a manner_n the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o good_a man_n that_o the_o righteous_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o will_v judge_v it_o the_o lord_n reign_v let_v the_o earth_n rejoice_v psal_n 97.1_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o v_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o throne_n though_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a we_o need_v not_o fear_v for_o his_o power_n be_v always_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o eternal_a righteousness_n four_o let_v we_o imitate_v this_o righteousness_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a let_v we_o give_v to_o god_n the_o love_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n what_o be_v just_a and_o due_a to_o men._n this_o duty_n have_v a_o immutable_a reason_n found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n sermon_n xii_o vi_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n deut._n xxxii_o 4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o show_v you_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n iii_o answer_v

holiness_n include_v in_o it_o and_o what_o will_v be_v leave_v but_o a_o omnipotent_a evil_n a_o eternal_a be_v infinite_o know_v and_o infinite_o able_a to_o do_v mischief_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o impossible_a a_o thing_n as_o can_v be-imagined_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o ambition_n in_o we_o we_o can_v but_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v a_o vulgar_a prejudice_n against_o holiness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a mean_a thing_n and_o below_o a_o great_a and_o generous_a spirit_n whereas_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o genuine_a nobility_n and_o the_o high_a gallantry_n of_o spirit_n and_o however_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a extraction_n and_o divine_a original_a holiness_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o jam._n 3.17_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n 2._o holiness_n be_v a_o essential_a and_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n holiness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o happiness_n and_o without_o it_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o will_v be_v imperfect_a so_o it_o will_v be_v miserable_a if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v capapable_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n or_o impatience_n or_o cruelty_n or_o injustice_n or_o unfaithfulness_n it_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o vexation_n and_o discontent_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o felicity_n and_o contentment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n but_o to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o contentment_n if_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v be_v happy_a as_o brute_n beast_n be_v in_o their_o degree_n by_o enjoy_v their_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o fancy_n god_n will_v not_o have_v bind_v we_o up_o to_o a_o law_n and_o rule_n but_o have_v leave_v we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v unreasonable_a creature_n to_o satisfy_v our_o lust_n and_o appetite_n without_o check_n and_o control_v but_o angel_n and_o man_n which_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n of_o comeliness_n and_o filthiness_n so_o weave_v and_o twist_v into_o their_o very_a nature_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o being_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o creature_n shall_v be_v happy_a otherwise_o than_o by_o comply_v with_o these_o notion_n and_o obey_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o if_o they_o neglect_v and_o go_v against_o they_o will_v natural_o feel_v remorse_n and_o torment_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n their_o mind_n will_v be_v uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a and_o they_o will_v be_v inward_o grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o that_o even_o the_o most_o degenerate_a heathen_n have_v conscience_n which_o do_v accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a as_o they_o obey_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n god_n therefore_o who_o know_v our_o frame_n have_v so_o adapt_v his_o law_n to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n that_o if_o we_o live_v up_o to_o it_o we_o shall_v avoid_v the_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n whereas_o if_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v at_o discord_n with_o ourselves_o and_o in_o a_o perpetual_a disquiet_n of_o mind_n for_o nothing_o can_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o its_o be_v that_o be_v to_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o displeasure_n and_o reluctancy_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v gild_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v which_o arise_v in_o one_o mind_n from_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v some_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o perfective_a principle_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v something_o which_o do_v not_o become_v he_o and_o which_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v so_o that_o in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o it_o be_v the_o great_a felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v one_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o wicked_a and_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n and_o of_o unholy_a man_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n contrary_a to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o till_o that_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o holiness_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o content_v in_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o local_a heaven_n will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o make_v a_o wicked_a man_n happy_a and_o content_v than_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o a_o well_o spread_v table_n and_o a_o rich_a bed_n will_v contribute_v to_o a_o man_n ease_n in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o in_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o the_o stone_n if_o a_o sensual_a or_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n be_v in_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v like_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n he_o will_v be_v torment_v with_o a_o continual_a thirst_n and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n of_o his_o own_o ardent_a desire_n and_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o suitable_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n to_o quench_v and_o allay_v the_o heat_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v sin_n be_v the_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a and_o uneasy_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n every_o wicked_a man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o till_o the_o man_n be_v put_v into_o a_o right_a frame_n by_o holiness_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n fit_o describe_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o person_n isa_n 57.20_o 21._o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v forth_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v unholy_a so_o long_o as_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restlesty_n work_v like_o wine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n nothing_o be_v more_o turbulent_a and_o unquiet_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o roar_v and_o rage_n through_o the_o strength_n of_o contrary_a wind_n it_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o furious_a lust_n and_o wild_a passion_n which_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o holiness_n so_o they_o maintain_v perpetual_a contest_v and_o feud_n among_o themselves_o all_o sin_n separate_v we_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o limit_a nature_n and_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o being_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n to_o be_v his_o own_o happiness_n but_o man_n because_o he_o be_v finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v self-sufficient_a be_v carry_v forth_o by_o a_o innate_a desire_n of_o happiness_n to_o seek_v his_o felicity_n in_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n a_o spring_n of_o restless_a motion_n which_o with_o great_a impatience_n force_v he_o out_o of_o himself_o and_o toss_v he_o to_o and_o fro_o till_o he_o come_v to_o rest_v in_o something_o that_o be_v self-sufficient_a our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n like_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o