whereas_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o clear_a by_o the_o context_n that_o by_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n be_v mean_v the_o harden_a obstinate_a sinner_n and_o by_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n the_o elect_n who_o heart_n god_n soften_v which_o appear_v clear_o first_o from_o the_o word_n precede_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o find_v fault_n for_o who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v resist_v his_o will_n if_o he_o please_v to_o soften_v he_o and_o therefore_o why_o do_v god_n complain_v that_o so_o many_o be_v harden_v the_o meaning_n can_v be_v why_o do_v god_n find_v fault_n that_o so_o many_o be_v reprobate_v for_o god_n can_v complain_v of_o his_o own_o act_n of_o reprobation_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o justice_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n only_o it_o be_v still_o his_o own_o act_n but_o he_o complain_v of_o their_o harden_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v by_o his_o act_n but_o by_o his_o permission_n which_o be_v yet_o more_o clear_a by_o the_o word_n follow_v god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n and_o that_o he_o may_v make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o glory_n on_o the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n which_o he_o have_v before_o prepare_v unto_o glory_n where_o i_o do_v remark_n that_o god_n ascribe_v unto_o himself_o the_o prepare_v the_o vessel_n of_o mercy_n unto_o glory_n but_o that_o he_o do_v not_o prepare_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n for_o destruction_n but_o with_o much_o long-suffering_a patience_n endure_v they_o which_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o do_v only_o permit_v they_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o be_v no_o way_n active_a in_o it_o so_o than_o the_o vessel_n of_o honour_n be_v far_o better_a say_v to_o be_v the_o regenerate_a and_o soften_v and_o the_o vessel_n of_o dishonour_n to_o be_v those_o who_o have_v harden_v their_o own_o heart_n so_o it_o be_v as_o free_v for_o god_n to_o have_v mercy_n and_o soften_v who_o he_o will_v and_o to_o endure_v and_o permit_v other_o to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o potter_n of_o one_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n to_o honour_n and_o another_o to_o dishonour_v the_o 6_o reason_n bring_v for_o universal_a predetermination_n be_v that_o see_v freedom_n be_v by_o both_o party_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o power_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n requisite_a for_o do_v be_v in_o readiness_n therefore_o if_o god_n do_v not_o determine_v that_o freedom_n in_o all_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v how_o the_o creature_n will_v determine_v itself_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o reason_n be_v that_o we_o must_v deny_v god_n universal_a knowledge_n unless_o we_o can_v show_v how_o he_o know_v wherein_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o consequence_n for_o many_o thing_n certain_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v shall_v we_o therefore_o because_o god_n have_v say_v who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n that_o be_v none_o can_v so_o search_v he_o conclude_v that_o he_o can_v so_o search_v himself_o yet_o though_o i_o be_v far_o from_o the_o presumption_n to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n how_o god_n do_v foreknow_v the_o act_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v myself_o therein_o so_o far_o as_o my_o reach_n go_v by_o apply_v what_o general_a thought_n i_o have_v former_o show_v more_o particular_o first_o then_o i_o do_v perceive_v that_o of_o the_o act_n of_o creature_n some_o only_o may_v be_v other_o must_v be_v and_o a_o three_o sort_n shall_v be_v which_o be_v more_o than_o may_v be_v and_o less_o than_o must_v be_v these_o three_o kind_n be_v evident_o distinct_a and_o different_a and_o see_v god_n be_v omniscient_a he_o must_v not_o only_o know_v what_o may_v be_v and_o what_o must_v be_v but_o what_o shall_v be_v though_o not_o necessary_o and_o all_o the_o three_o with_o equal_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o necessity_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v true_a wherever_o there_o be_v certainty_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o consequence_n that_o be_v that_o that_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a but_o not_o a_o necessity_n of_o causality_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o thing_n certain_o know_v must_v act_v necessary_o and_o not_o free_o god_n know_v all_o his_o own_o future_a free_a act_n certain_o and_o yet_o he_o know_v many_o of_o they_o to_o be_v by_o the_o freedom_n of_o indifference_n and_o not_o to_o flow_v from_o necessity_n that_o he_o must_v have_v so_o act_v the_o act_n of_o creature_n that_o only_o may_v be_v be_v know_v to_o god_n by_o the_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n he_o have_v give_v to_o his_o several_a creature_n many_o act_n whereof_o may_v be_v and_o yet_o never_o come_v to_o exist_v as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o god_n knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n second_o the_o act_n of_o creature_n which_o must_v be_v be_v first_o the_o act_n of_o inscient_a matter_n which_o can_v alter_v its_o own_o act_n because_o it_o can_v perceive_v or_o know_v when_o and_o where_o to_o alter_v and_o therefore_o all_o these_o alteration_n be_v from_o extrinsic_a force_n either_o from_o other_o inscient_a matter_n or_o from_o the_o force_n of_o free_a actor_n so_o all_o the_o act_n and_o alteration_n of_o inanimate_a body_n in_o the_o universe_n though_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o contingent_a and_o accidental_a yet_o be_v all_o necessary_a and_o so_o may_v be_v know_v by_o god_n not_o only_o as_o certain_a but_o as_o necessary_a except_o in_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v alter_v by_o free_a actor_n which_o come_v to_o be_v consider_v among_o free_a acts._n three_o the_o act_n of_o brute_n though_o they_o determine_v themselves_o by_o the_o perception_n of_o object_n yet_o they_o do_v it_o not_o free_o nor_o can_v they_o act_v various_o all_o the_o circumstance_n be_v the_o same_o and_o therefore_o their_o act_n be_v also_o necessary_a suppose_v the_o object_n which_o they_o perceive_v so_o that_o see_v god_n know_v the_o object_n perceive_v he_o must_v know_v what_o act_n will_v thereupon_o follow_v four_o there_o be_v act_n of_o free_a creature_n which_o be_v not_o free_a but_o do_v proceed_v as_o the_o instinct_n of_o brute_n that_o upon_o perception_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n they_o will_v certain_o follow_v such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o wellbeing_a or_o happiness_n which_o rational_a creature_n think_v upon_o it_o can_v neither_o counteract_v nor_o suspend_v these_o may_v be_v know_v in_o their_o cause_n no_o less_o than_o the_o act_n of_o brute_n and_o as_o god_n have_v free_o give_v these_o useful_a propension_n he_o can_v give_v the_o like_a either_o as_o to_o a_o singular_a act_n or_o as_o to_o a_o whole_a kind_n of_o acts._n five_o the_o only_a difficulty_n remain_v as_o to_o god_n knowledge_n or_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o free_a act_n of_o the_o free_a creature_n as_o to_o which_o i_o perceive_v that_o i_o and_o it_o be_v like_o many_o other_o have_v be_v much_o mistake_v in_o apprehend_v the_o way_n of_o the_o act_n of_o free_a creature_n suppose_v that_o their_o appetite_n and_o aversion_n be_v altogether_o free_a as_o to_o most_o object_n and_o be_v direct_o in_o their_o own_o power_n and_o that_o pleasure_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o appetite_n and_o grief_n of_o aversion_n which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n as_o other_o appetite_n but_o upon_o more_o accurate_a consideration_n i_o find_v that_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n or_o grief_n be_v neither_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n nor_o of_o our_o will_n or_o appetite_n but_o of_o a_o different_a faculty_n give_v we_o by_o god_n not_o by_o necessary_a connection_n with_o or_o consequence_n from_o human_a nature_n but_o free_o at_o his_o option_n there_o may_v be_v a_o general_a pain_n or_o grief_n from_o the_o tear_n of_o the_o tender_a part_n of_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n and_o a_o common_a pleasure_n from_o the_o easy_a access_n of_o object_n to_o these_o sense_n but_o though_o all_o animal_n have_v five_o sense_n these_o can_v not_o make_v the_o diversity_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n they_o find_v arise_v from_o the_o perception_n of_o object_n one_o kind_a of_o animal_n have_v pleasure_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o one_o object_n and_o another_o kind_n of_o animal_n have_v grief_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o same_o though_o both_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o complexion_n that_o such_o object_n give_v such_o variety_n of_o taste_n and_o smell_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o different_a animal_n that_o man_n have_v
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 know_v their_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o that_o he_o rule_v they_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o they_o find_v in_o their_o soul_n a_o rule_n of_o their_o life_n a_o quiet_a and_o pleasure_n in_o their_o conscience_n when_o they_o keep_v it_o and_o a_o terror_n when_o they_o break_v it_o yea_o they_o have_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o god_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o they_o think_v that_o every_o man_n can_v repent_v if_o he_o please_v but_o they_o be_v utter_o confound_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o consider_v the_o consistency_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n how_o all_o may_v repent_v and_o all_o be_v forgive_v and_o yet_o that_o god_n be_v entire_o just_a and_o full_o abhor_v sin_n the_o entry_n of_o reveal_v religion_n discover_v a_o messiah_n or_o mediator_n deliver_v his_o people_n from_o their_o sin_n by_o his_o suffering_n be_v no_o small_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o 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 can_v but_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n god_n bounty_n and_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n be_v far_o great_a than_o what_o can_v be_v dream_v of_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o this_o be_v far_o short_a of_o the_o knowledge_n arise_v from_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o regenerate_v by_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a and_o firm_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o dispensation_n and_o a_o quite_o other_o and_o far_o great_a joy_n therein_o and_o in_o the_o persuasion_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o be_v great_a than_o ear_n have_v hear_v or_o eye_n have_v see_v or_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o consider_v 12._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n even_o in_o the_o renew_a have_v great_a variety_n of_o degree_n and_o it_o 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
the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n in_o his_o aversion_n from_o sin_n for_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n of_o gild_n and_o punishment_n that_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n whereby_o the_o sinner_n be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n it_o may_v be_v call_v a_o debt_n as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o prison_n or_o a_o bondage_n neither_o be_v the_o satisfaction_n for_o sin_n proper_o a_o payment_n for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o debt_n a_o criminal_a shall_v be_v oblige_v in_o justice_n to_o offer_v himself_o to_o pay_v that_o debt_n which_o yet_o not_o only_o he_o ought_v not_o but_o he_o may_v not_o do_v neither_o do_v a_o judge_n proceed_v to_o punishment_n as_o receive_v a_o debt_n from_o the_o criminal_a but_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n if_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o payment_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v mourn_v for_o sin_n because_o christ_n have_v satisfy_v there_o remain_v no_o more_o debt_n or_o gild_n of_o sin_n which_o have_v drive_v many_o into_o that_o pernicious_a error_n whence_o they_o be_v call_v antinomian_o and_o it_o will_v high_o derogate_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v only_o take_v that_o payment_n from_o the_o cautioner_n that_o be_v due_a by_o the_o principal_a debtor_n but_o if_o the_o satisfaction_n be_v by_o manifest_v god_n abhorrence_n of_o sin_n it_o give_v great_a light_n to_o christ_n satisfaction_n intercede_v for_o sinner_n and_o offer_v that_o the_o father_n shall_v manifest_v as_o much_o of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n upon_o he_o as_o if_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v make_v eternal_o miserable_a that_o as_o the_o second_o adam_n he_o may_v make_v they_o all_o capable_a of_o salvation_n and_o the_o elect_v secure_v in_o it_o the_o judicial_a justice_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o he_o exercise_v as_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n which_o stand_v not_o only_o in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o also_o in_o give_v every_o rational_a creature_n its_o right_n or_o its_o own_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o retain_v the_o right_n they_o have_v without_o molestation_n or_o by_o attain_v these_o which_o they_o possess_v not_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v any_o rational_a creature_n to_o want_v its_o right_n to_o give_v it_o to_o any_o other_o creature_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o sin_n judicial_a justice_n call_v the_o party_n that_o he_o may_v be_v hear_v if_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v and_o that_o the_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v be_v imply_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o moral_o necessary_a which_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n observe_v by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o deputy_n by_o himself_o he_o call_v adam_n and_o eve_n and_o ask_v first_o adam_n have_v thou_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n whereof_o i_o command_v thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o eat_v and_o he_o hear_v his_o weak_a plea_n and_o the_o man_n say_v the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v then_o he_o call_v the_o woman_n and_o say_v to_o she_o what_o be_v this_o that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o he_o hear_v also_o her_o plea_n who_o say_v the_o serpent_n beguile_v i_o and_o i_o do_v eat_v in_o these_o accusation_n there_o be_v both_o the_o law_n adduce_v and_o apply_v to_o the_o fact_n violate_v it_o and_o the_o proof_n by_o their_o own_o judicial_a confession_n both_o their_o plea_n be_v reject_v and_o just_a judgement_n pronounce_v against_o they_o but_o immediate_o a_o mediator_n be_v intimate_v and_o thereby_o hope_v of_o mercy_n when_o cain_n kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n before_o god_n pronounce_v sentence_n against_o he_o he_o call_v he_o say_v what_o have_v thou_o do_v the_o voice_n of_o thy_o brother_n blood_n cry_v unto_o i_o from_o the_o ground_n there_o be_v the_o proof_n the_o blood_n be_v yet_o fresh_a upon_o the_o ground_n cain_n make_v no_o defence_n therefore_o god_n pronounce_v this_o sentence_n thou_o be_v accurse_v a_o fugitive_n and_o a_o vagabond_n shall_v thou_o be_v on_o the_o earth_n yet_o even_o to_o cain_n there_o be_v something_o of_o favour_n admix_v for_o god_n spare_v the_o temporal_a judgement_n by_o death_n by_o his_o sole_a prerogative_n and_o therefore_o he_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o cain_n to_o prohibit_v all_o to_o execute_v the_o just_a sentence_n of_o death_n against_o he_o the_o justice_n whereof_o cain_n acknowledge_v say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o find_v i_o shall_v slay_v i_o which_o can_v not_o import_v a_o unwarrantable_a revenge_n as_o if_o all_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a to_o multiply_v slaughter_n without_o warrant_n god_n judicial_a justice_n by_o his_o deputy_n be_v chief_o by_o man_n own_o conscience_n which_o both_o accuse_v they_o prove_v against_o they_o and_o condemn_v they_o for_o all_o their_o fault_n until_o it_o be_v seduce_v or_o sear_v and_o then_o often_o god_n delay_v his_o judgement_n till_o the_o soul_n be_v appear_v before_o he_o after_o death_n but_o sometime_o he_o execute_v his_o judgement_n by_o man_n without_o warrant_n sometime_o by_o other_o accident_n and_o frequent_o by_o judge_n derive_v authority_n from_o he_o who_o therefore_o ought_v to_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n he_o have_v give_v they_o condemn_v no_o man_n till_o they_o have_v call_v he_o to_o answer_v for_o himself_o and_o give_v he_o time_n and_o freedom_n to_o offer_v all_o his_o defence_n and_o adduce_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o fact_n charge_v against_o he_o meditation_n xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n my_o thought_n in_o my_o last_o meditation_n upon_o the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o misery_n thence_o arise_v lead_v i_o to_o consider_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o presuppose_v misery_n as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o be_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o goodness_n presuppose_v misery_n therefore_o i_o can_v not_o distinct_o consider_v it_o till_o i_o consider_v the_o misery_n arise_v from_o god_n justice_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o presuppose_v not_o misery_n be_v more_o proper_o call_v his_o bounty_n or_o benignity_n in_o benevolence_n or_o beneficence_n if_o adam_n have_v not_o fall_v god_n advance_v he_o from_o a_o animal_n to_o a_o angelical_a estate_n have_v be_v a_o act_n of_o free_a beneficence_n and_o bounty_n but_o no_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o then_o adam_n have_v never_o be_v miserable_a yet_o mercy_n do_v not_o always_o consider_v misery_n as_o pre-existent_a or_o as_o see_v present_a or_o past_a but_o as_o foresee_v which_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v if_o it_o be_v not_o prevent_v by_o mercy_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o call_v prevent_v mercy_n in_o contradiction_n to_o that_o which_o be_v call_v healing_n or_o cure_v mercy_n as_o physician_n use_v prevent_v medicine_n when_o they_o foresee_v the_o latent_fw-la cause_n of_o the_o disease_n that_o will_v come_v if_o these_o cause_n be_v not_o remove_v as_o well_o as_o heal_a medicine_n to_o remove_v the_o disease_n incumbent_a the_o prevent_a medicine_n be_v more_o useful_a though_o less_o sensible_a than_o the_o other_o so_o be_v god_n prevent_a mercy_n god_n foresee_v adam_n fall_n and_o the_o ensue_a misery_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n and_o on_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n thereof_o decree_v to_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o assume_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o in_o it_o to_o suffer_v death_n and_o expiate_v his_o justice_n and_o to_o satisfy_v his_o abhorrency_n of_o sin_n this_o decree_n be_v prevent_v mercy_n not_o design_v to_o prevent_v the_o existence_n of_o sin_n but_o to_o prevent_v the_o incurableness_n of_o it_o when_o it_o shall_v exist_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o evil_a of_o punishment_n which_o will_v befall_v the_o sinner_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o height_n and_o eternal_a continuance_n of_o it_o whereby_o infant_n and_o idiot_n never_o commit_v sin_n and_o those_o who_o be_v save_v do_v never_o commit_v sin_n after_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n god_n do_v also_o cure_v sin_n after_o its_o existence_n not_o only_o absolute_o in_o glory_n but_o in_o part_n in_o mortality_n remove_v the_o rage_n and_o reign_a power_n of_o it_o mercy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o natural_a innate_a principle_n in_o man_n common_a to_o all_o man_n who_o so_o far_o arrive_v to_o discretion_n as_o that_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o misery_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n which_o work_v like_o a_o instinct_n upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o object_n without_o reason_v and_o with_o such_o propension_n that_o though_o oftentimes_o they_o will_v they_o can_v forbear_v those_o who_o
pardon_v mercy_n reach_v so_o far_o that_o he_o have_v even_o have_v mercy_n upon_o frequent_a and_o long_a rejecter_n pull_v they_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n who_o soul_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o abomination_n and_o he_o continue_v many_o such_o sinner_n in_o life_n without_o kindle_v hell_n in_o their_o conscience_n with_o design_n to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o wherein_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o the_o kindness_n he_o have_v to_o their_o ancestor_n or_o of_o their_o extraordinary_a temptation_n or_o simple_o by_o his_o absolute_o free_a and_o unbounded_a grace_n but_o these_o firebrand_n be_v but_o some_o and_o few_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n we_o have_v one_o clear_a example_n of_o pardon_n to_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n that_o none_o may_v despair_v and_o but_o one_o that_o none_o may_v presume_v god_n long-suffering_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o sinner_n be_v act_n of_o his_o mercy_n whereby_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v delay_v which_o be_v never_o in_o vain_a for_o either_o forgive_a mercy_n do_v at_o last_o take_v place_n or_o at_o least_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v manifest_v upon_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a and_o self-condemned_n sinner_n not_o that_o he_o delight_v or_o design_n to_o make_v they_o such_o but_o to_o manifest_v the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o give_v they_o a_o sincere_a and_o true_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o not_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o by_o not_o cause_v they_o to_o entertain_v it_o when_o his_o glory_n do_v not_o require_v it_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o eminent_a and_o most_o amiable_a moral_a perfection_n his_o other_o goodness_n do_v either_o presuppose_v something_o in_o the_o object_n not_o as_o a_o merit_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n his_o faithfulness_n suppose_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o creature_n trust_v or_o hope_v for_o that_o good_a which_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v nor_o show_v that_o he_o have_v purpose_v it_o his_o goodness_n in_o creation_n suppose_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n for_o it_o yet_o nothing_o against_o it_o but_o his_o forgive_a mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n presuppose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o opposite_a sometime_o the_o most_o irrational_a injury_n and_o enmity_n actual_o in_o some_o and_o habitual_o in_o all_o by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v inclination_n mercy_n be_v the_o most_o amiable_a divine_a perfection_n that_o provoke_v the_o most_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n who_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n her_o sin_n which_o be_v many_o be_v forgive_v for_o she_o love_v much_o but_o to_o who_o little_a be_v forgive_v the_o same_o love_n little_a there_o be_v more_o of_o mercy_n express_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o divine_a perfection_n the_o main_a scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n which_o he_o foresee_v lapse_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o of_o his_o inconceivable_a mercy_n he_o design_v the_o way_n of_o their_o escape_n from_o misery_n and_o their_o become_a heir_n of_o glory_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n whereby_o he_o may_v give_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n without_o encroach_a upon_o his_o justice_n and_o so_o make_v both_o mercy_n and_o justice_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o attain_v both_o their_o effect_n when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o belove_a moses_n and_o proclaim_v his_o name_n before_o he_o by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v design_v as_o his_o most_o proper_a character_n he_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v in_o no_o way_n clear_v the_o gulilty_a mercy_n be_v the_o lead_n and_o inculcate_v attribute_n thrice_o repeat_v justice_n be_v last_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v merciful_a but_o mercy_n in_o abstracto_fw-la and_o his_o mercy_n be_v plenteous_a he_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v multiply_v mercy_n belong_v to_o he_o he_o desire_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n his_o mercy_n be_v tender_a he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a it_o be_v his_o saint_n joy_v who_o sing_v of_o his_o mercy_n meditation_n xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n be_v that_o perfection_n whereof_o faith_n or_o trust_n do_v immediate_o lie_v hold_v and_o rest_n the_o term_n be_v diverse_o take_v there_o be_v not_o another_o proper_a word_n but_o it_o to_o signify_v both_o the_o be_v worthy_a of_o trust_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o have_a faith_n but_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o import_v not_o the_o subject_a but_o the_o fit_v object_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v import_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o suitable_o to_o the_o giver_n and_o receiver_n free_o without_o right_a to_o claim_v it_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o claim_v there_o be_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o the_o performance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n not_o of_o benignity_n or_o mere_a decency_n the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o man_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n justice_n benignity_n and_o decency_n justice_n imply_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o a_o right_n or_o power_n to_o claim_v and_o exact_v benignity_n be_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a to_o another_o free_o without_o necessity_n or_o obligement_n to_o do_v it_o or_o right_o to_o claim_v it_o which_o sometime_o respect_v its_o object_n under_o no_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o good_a and_o this_o be_v special_o call_v goodness_n such_o be_v god_n goodness_n in_o creation_n preservation_n and_o give_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v or_o expect_v such_o as_o act_n of_o mere_a liberality_n but_o other_o act_n of_o benignity_n be_v upon_o special_a consideration_n beside_o the_o capacity_n to_o receive_v as_o mercy_n to_o the_o miserable_a though_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v or_o expect_v it_o but_o faithfulness_n consider_v the_o object_n as_o trust_v or_o hope_v not_o simple_o for_o one_o may_v trust_v or_o hope_n for_o that_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v or_o for_o the_o person_n trust_v to_o give_v and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n and_o not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o one_o may_v sit_v on_o his_o right-hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o lefthand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o be_v common_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n who_o trust_v to_o obtain_v happiness_n without_o holiness_n but_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n hope_v or_o trust_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v become_v the_o person_n trust_v to_o give_v and_o the_o truster_n to_o receive_v and_o that_o upon_o consideration_n that_o trust_v for_o though_o the_o good_a do_v be_v both_o suitable_a to_o the_o giver_n and_o receiver_n yet_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o receiver_n as_o trust_v and_o hope_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n but_o not_o a_o act_n of_o faithfulness_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o moral_a perfection_n be_v decency_n which_o respect_v the_o actor_n only_o and_o not_o any_o other_o and_o be_v do_v alone_o because_o it_o be_v suitable_a and_o become_v that_o person_n so_o to_o behave_v every_o virtue_n or_o moral_a perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o congruity_n to_o the_o actor_n and_o so_o be_v decency_n whether_o the_o act_n be_v terminate_v on_o the_o actor_n or_o on_o another_o but_o there_o be_v no_o special_a name_n to_o signify_v that_o decency_n that_o terminate_v on_o the_o actor_n but_o it_o retain_v the_o common_a name_n and_o so_o be_v decency_n strict_o take_v as_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v that_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o give_v man_n be_v original_o and_o eminent_o in_o god_n he_o be_v just_a and_o acknowledge_v himself_o debtor_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n whence_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o claim_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o exact_v they_o he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a in_o some_o kind_n to_o all_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o
faith_n but_o save_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o in_o man_n power_n by_o nature_n or_o by_o universal_a grace_n but_o be_v give_v to_o the_o elect_a in_o conversion_n god_n have_v frequent_o assume_v the_o title_n of_o faithful_a in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o faithful_a god_n the_o faithful_a creator_n the_o faithful_a witness_n the_o faithful_a lord_n and_o he_o that_o call_v be_v faithful_a god_n can_v no_o more_o deny_v his_o faithfulness_n than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v say_v if_o you_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o mercy_n take_v away_o misery_n but_o faithfulness_n free_o give_v eternal_a glory_n and_o withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n reward_v justice_n keep_v proportion_n with_o merit_n faithfulness_n have_v no_o bind_v faithfulness_n be_v a_o most_o eminent_a perfection_n and_o moral_a virtue_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o it_o be_v treachery_n and_o treason_n much_o more_o abhor_a by_o god_n and_o man_n than_o the_o fail_n in_o performance_n of_o natural_a obligation_n or_o engagement_n and_o therefore_o treachery_n have_v the_o most_o atrocious_a punishment_n i_o adore_v and_o bless_v thou_o o_o god_n who_o have_v exceed_v all_o thy_o goodness_n to_o creature_n in_o thy_o faithfulness_n which_o exceed_v the_o goodness_n of_o creation_n preservation_n and_o providence_n reward_v justice_n and_o even_o mercy_n itself_o which_o only_o extend_v to_o relief_n and_o necessity_n but_o faith_n to_o all_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v become_v thou_o to_o give_v and_o thy_o believe_a creature_n to_o have_v meditation_n xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n wisdom_n be_v the_o divine_a attribute_n near_a god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n whereby_o he_o contrive_v all_o his_o purpose_n and_o decree_n towards_o his_o creature_n as_o be_v worthy_a of_o and_o become_v his_o glorious_a majesty_n according_a to_o which_o all_o thing_n do_v unchangeable_o and_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o i_o have_v resolve_v to_o meditate_v upon_o it_o immediate_o before_o his_o dominion_n wisdom_n be_v diverse_o take_v more_o extensive_o it_o comprehend_v all_o eminent_a knowledge_n contemplative_a or_o practical_a and_o even_o the_o skill_n of_o art_n but_o more_o strict_o it_o exclude_v that_o skill_n but_o the_o most_o proper_a signification_n of_o wisdom_n relate_v only_o to_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o import_n with_o prudence_n or_o discretion_n though_o these_o be_v seldom_o attribute_v to_o god_n but_o to_o creature_n yet_o wisdom_n be_v more_o strict_o take_v for_o sublime_a and_o universal_a prudence_n as_o to_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n one_o may_v be_v prudent_a in_o a_o comely_a and_o discreet_a behaviour_n carry_v himself_o becoming_o to_o every_o person_n in_o common_a converse_n who_o may_v be_v faulty_a in_o his_o main_a project_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v wise_a but_o he_o only_o who_o have_v a_o right_a design_n for_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o who_o choose_v fit_a mean_n for_o that_o design_n god_n have_v give_v a_o unalterable_a inclination_n to_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n to_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n which_o do_v ever_o bring_v itself_o in_o remembrance_n and_o be_v ordinary_o their_o last_o end_n though_o god_n give_v they_o a_o high_a principle_n to_o make_v he_o their_o last_o end_n and_o they_o alone_o be_v wise_a who_o have_v the_o glory_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o their_o last_o end_n to_o which_o all_o their_o other_o design_n and_o purpose_n be_v subordinate_a that_o be_v the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o which_o the_o apostle_n james_n do_v excellent_o describe_v that_o it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_o to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n or_o hypocrisy_n wisdom_n use_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o part_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o though_o knowledge_n be_v in_o wisdom_n it_o be_v distinct_a from_o it_o and_o consist_v more_o in_o the_o will_n and_o inclination_n to_o choose_v and_o follow_v only_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o fit_a so_o it_o be_v say_v to_o one_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o word_n of_o wisdom_n to_o another_o the_o word_n of_o knowledge_n by_o the_o same_o spirit_n there_o may_v be_v mean_n to_o effectuate_v good_a end_n which_o yet_o if_o choose_v it_o will_v be_v no_o act_n of_o wisdom_n we_o must_v not_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v fraud_n and_o deceit_n be_v not_o only_o distinct_a from_o but_o opposite_a to_o true_a wisdom_n no_o less_o than_o force_v when_o use_v for_o that_o which_o it_o can_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v effectuate_v and_o therefore_o the_o same_o apostle_n say_v the_o wisdom_n that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o be_v earthly_a sensual_a and_o devilish_a which_o be_v but_o abusive_o call_v wisdom_n and_o be_v well_o express_v by_o three_o term_n signify_v three_o kind_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o malicious_a be_v devilish_a of_o the_o voluptuous_a be_v fleshly_a and_o that_o which_o be_v use_v to_o promote_v unwarrantable_a profit_n be_v worldly_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a it_o be_v infinite_a though_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_o appprehensible_a yet_o be_v it_o incomprehensible_a and_o unsearchable_a so_o say_v the_o psalmist_n thy_o thougbt_n be_v very_o deep_a and_o the_o a_o postle_n say_v o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o or_o abate_v from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o require_v no_o less_o wisdom_n than_o he_o full_o to_o know_v his_o wisdom_n in_o wisdom_n have_v he_o make_v all_o his_o work_n and_o therefore_o we_o owe_v a_o implicit_a faith_n unto_o his_o wisdom_n though_o we_o can_v perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o do_v we_o may_v innocent_o doubt_v whether_o some_o of_o his_o act_n be_v act_n of_o justice_n or_o of_o mercy_n but_o we_o may_v never_o doubt_v but_o they_o be_v act_n of_o wisdom_n yea_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o roman_n conclude_v well_o to_o god_n only_o wise_a through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n for_o he_o find_v folly_n in_o his_o angel_n even_o the_o most_o glorious_a seraphim_n there_o have_v be_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v never_o comprehend_v nor_o contrive_v and_o there_o may_v be_v infinite_o more_o they_o be_v neither_o free_a of_o ignorance_n nor_o of_o innocent_a error_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o their_o wisdom_n and_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o his_o sight_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v none_o absolute_o good_a but_o he_o so_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o absolute_o wise._n it_o be_v a_o task_n never_o to_o be_v end_v to_o pursue_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n of_o which_o little_a can_v be_v reach_v in_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n yea_o it_o will_v be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o eternity_n in_o the_o state_n of_o glory_n yield_v and_o increase_v a_o continual_a delight_n the_o innumerable_a variety_n of_o god_n creature_n their_o part_n their_o power_n their_o preservation_n and_o production_n afford_v matter_n of_o search_n and_o delight_n to_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n therefore_o god_n say_v to_o job_n where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o tbou_o baste_v understanding_n when_o the_o morning-star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n where_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v signify_v the_o angel_n who_o be_v create_v before_o the_o terrestrial_a globe_n be_v frame_v and_o invest_v with_o all_o its_o ornament_n when_o as_o yet_o man_n be_v not_o create_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o endeavour_v to_o excite_v my_o admiration_n by_o some_o few_o eminent_a instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o which_o i_o can_v see_v so_o good_a a_o method_n as_o the_o order_n god_n follow_v in_o his_o dispensation_n from_o whence_o his_o decree_n be_v infer_v 1._o then_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o create_v the_o world_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o do_v decree_v it_o whereby_o he_o show_v that_o to_o his_o perfection_n and_o blessedness_n he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o 2._o it_o be_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o with_o one_o act_n of_o his_o omnipotent_a fiat_n bring_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a creation_n out_o of_o the_o barren_a womb_n of_o nothing_o but_o proceed_v by_o part_n that_o his_o creature_n may_v the_o more_o distinct_o know_v it_o therefore_o the_o first_o act_n of_o creation_n be_v that_o to-hou-vo-bohou_a which_o be_v common_o render_v the_o chaos_n as_o if_o all_o
repent_v of_o sin_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o mercy_n through_o the_o merit_n of_o christ._n and_o when_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o adam_n be_v once_o free_a and_o be_v the_o common_a root_n of_o mankind_n covenant_v with_o god_n in_o their_o name_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o will_v have_v obtain_v happiness_n if_o he_o have_v stand_v so_o they_o must_v be_v content_a with_o misery_n see_v he_o fall_v he_o that_o take_v the_o benefit_n of_o a_o bargain_n must_v take_v it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o the_o loss_n the_o sin_n of_o a_o habitual_a sinner_n be_v more_o atrocious_a than_o his_o first_o sin_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o yet_o less_o free_a it_o be_v hard_a to_o convince_v they_o thus_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o freedom_n as_o to_o repentance_n for_o while_o adam_n do_v represent_v mankind_n he_o can_v not_o repent_v which_o behove_v to_o presuppose_v sin_n and_o after_o adam_n have_v sin_v that_o covenant_n be_v lose_v and_o no_o other_o sin_n of_o adam_n reach_v all_o his_o posterity_n but_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v that_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n have_v supply_v and_o exceed_v the_o first_o adam_n whereby_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v lose_v but_o he_o that_o refuse_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o it_o whereby_o his_o natural_a conscience_n at_o least_o do_v witness_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o thereby_o deserve_v to_o be_v exclude_v from_o god_n favour_n and_o yet_o that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a to_o a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o that_o it_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n to_o reconcile_v with_o a_o sinner_n cleave_v to_o his_o sin_n and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v he_o to_o perish_v who_o upon_o such_o motion_n do_v not_o cleave_v to_o his_o sin_n it_o do_v not_o thence_o follow_v that_o this_o man_n by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n can_v repent_v but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v the_o peldgian_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o a_o new_a supernatural_a power_n to_o repent_v and_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o pelagian_a can_v reply_v be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n and_o therefore_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o choose_v a_o superfluous_a way_n but_o will_v make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n yet_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o and_o inculcate_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v understand_v spiritual_a thing_n that_o be_v by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o which_o god_n give_v no_o capacity_n to_o the_o first_o man_n by_o his_o creation_n and_o so_o none_o of_o his_o posterity_n can_v pretend_v it_o by_o those_o power_n communicate_v to_o mankind_n by_o creation_n and_o propagation_n pelagian_n do_v as_o high_o speak_v of_o grace_n as_o other_o but_o they_o mean_v by_o it_o only_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n 2._o there_o be_v a_o new_a mistake_v like_a to_o that_o of_o the_o pelagian_n take_v up_o by_o some_o of_o the_o protestant_a church_n in_o france_n and_o take_v with_o other_o which_o if_o it_o be_v follow_v will_v end_v in_o pelagianism_n but_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v yet_o so_o treat_v they_o do_v not_o suppose_v repentance_n and_o faith_n to_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n but_o that_o they_o be_v give_v by_o god_n at_o the_o time_n of_o conversion_n yet_o not_o by_o any_o inward_a habit_n or_o power_n create_v by_o god_n and_o infuse_v into_o the_o will_n or_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o by_o the_o word_n and_o other_o mean_v of_o god_n prowidence_n as_o when_o god_n by_o correction_n lay_v low_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o lust_n which_o hinder_v he_o to_o give_v due_a attention_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o then_o by_o manage_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o bring_v such_o part_n of_o it_o to_o his_o thought_n as_o be_v fit_v for_o his_o capacity_n and_o circumstance_n so_o that_o he_o can_v resist_v it_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o it_o convert_v the_o soul_n and_o that_o the_o various_a expression_n in_o scripture_n line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n be_v contrive_v to_o take_v with_o several_a capacity_n and_o inclination_n and_o that_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n be_v always_o act_v by_o god_n rational_o but_o infuse_v habit_n will_v be_v a_o brute_n way_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v take_v the_o most_o adapt_v way_n the_o holy_a act_n be_v do_v by_o act_n of_o reason_n and_o will_n infuse_v grace_n will_v lead_v to_o enthusiasm_n and_o make_v the_o word_n unnecessary_a but_o when_o the_o word_n prevail_v it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o engraft_a word_n this_o they_o think_v not_o to_o be_v the_o moral_a suasion_n of_o the_o arminian_n wherewith_o man_n can_v prevail_v but_o no_o angel_n can_v so_o manage_v the_o word_n it_o must_v be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n alone_o and_o see_v conversion_n can_v be_v that_o way_n it_o be_v superfluous_a to_o add_v to_o it_o other_o inward_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n more_o subtle_o manage_v the_o whole_a couse_n of_o scripture_n be_v always_o inculcate_v the_o difference_n of_o grace_n from_o nature_n if_o the_o pelagian_n say_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n certain_o they_o may_v have_v say_v it_o but_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v therefore_o man_n by_o nature_n want_v that_o sense_n to_o discern_v with_o grace_n be_v the_o new_a creature_n and_o regeneration_n the_o new_a birth_n therefore_o in_o regeneration_n god_n must_v give_v a_o new_a sense_n by_o nature_n he_o have_v give_v five_o sense_n and_o fit_v the_o object_n with_o sensible_a quality_n suit_v to_o they_o all_o these_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o man_n god_n may_v have_v give_v few_o or_o add_v more_o and_o fit_v quality_n for_o they_o may_v he_o not_o then_o give_v a_o new_a sense_n for_o spiritual_a thing_n his_o word_n show_v he_o do_v so_o which_o derogate_v nothing_o from_o the_o word_n wherein_o be_v the_o quality_n fit_v for_o that_o sense_n it_o do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o can_v work_v upon_o a_o blind_a man_n or_o that_o it_o do_v require_v the_o sense_n of_o sight_n the_o word_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o excite_v and_o promote_v grace_n after_o conversion_n but_o be_v a_o chief_a mean_a to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o conversion_n contain_v not_o only_o supernatural_a light_n by_o revelation_n but_o revive_v and_o perfect_v natural_a light_n manifest_v the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o celestial_a glory_n the_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o it_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o deformity_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o dreadful_a consequence_n thereof_o and_o so_o lose_v the_o mind_n from_o that_o cleave_a to_o sin_n that_o make_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o turn_v the_o soul_n to_o god_n by_o conversion_n a_o virtuous_a heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v see_v the_o deformity_n of_o and_o may_v hate_v gross_a vice_n and_o may_v turn_v from_o it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v comely_a and_o convenient_a for_o mankind_n but_o can_v never_o turn_v to_o god_n to_o make_v he_o the_o last_o end_n the_o scripture_n may_v much_o more_o easy_o convince_v but_o not_o convert_v by_o itself_o but_o as_o it_o have_v the_o quality_n suitable_a to_o make_v impression_n upon_o that_o supernatural_a sense_n and_o relish_v of_o spiritual_a thing_n it_o discover_v not_o only_o the_o pollution_n of_o the_o world_n but_o those_o more_o subtle_a sin_n that_o heathen_n never_o perceive_v such_o as_o fetch_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n above_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n the_o want_n of_o the_o love_n and_o delight_n in_o god_n and_o of_o the_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o attribute_v all_o good_a thing_n to_o he_o so_o the_o engraft_a word_n must_v be_v in_o its_o proper_a stock_n in_o its_o own_o spiritual_a sense_n no_o man_n can_v refuse_v that_o god_n have_v frequent_o insuse_v habit_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o sense_n or_o any_o principle_n in_o reason_n do_v not_o god_n give_v the_o knowledge_n of_o word_n to_o adam_n and_o eve_n whereby_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o they_o to_o one_o another_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a connection_n between_o the_o sound_v of_o the_o first_o language_n and_o the_o thought_n and_o thing_n they_o signify_v he_o give_v also_o the_o knowledge_n of_o many_o several_a language_n after_o christ_n resurrection_n not_o only_o to_o the_o
plentiful_a in_o capacity_n to_o forbear_v to_o reveal_v a_o secret_a he_o lose_v nothing_o by_o keep_v it_o to_o another_o a_o man_n may_v trust_v his_o money_n without_o writ_n or_o witness_n if_o he_o know_v he_o to_o be_v virtuous_a though_o he_o be_v poor_a much_o more_o if_o he_o be_v rich_a and_o so_o under_o no_o tentation_n to_o abuse_v his_o trust._n and_o it_o be_v but_o a_o folly_n to_o require_v a_o promise_n to_o restore_v for_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n of_o proof_n he_o may_v as_o safe_o violate_v his_o promise_n as_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o trust_v or_o oblige_v it_o be_v indiscretion_n first_o to_o relate_v a_o matter_n and_o then_o to_o say_v it_o be_v a_o secret_a or_o to_o require_v secrecy_n because_o he_o that_o accept_v the_o trust_n shall_v do_v it_o free_o his_o promise_n may_v oblige_v he_o to_o keep_v it_o close_o but_o not_o his_o faithfulness_n unless_o it_o be_v first_o tell_v he_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v a_o secret_a to_o he_o which_o he_o may_v lawful_o keep_v close_a that_o he_o may_v forbid_v the_o discovery_n if_o he_o will_v not_o lie_v under_o that_o obligation_n of_o trust_n he_o that_o be_v pursue_v or_o search_v after_o for_o his_o life_n if_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o defend_v himself_o though_o he_o have_v no_o relation_n or_o confident_a near_o he_o he_o will_v run_v for_o shelter_n to_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o fit_a person_n that_o without_o fault_n may_v cover_v he_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v trust_v but_o without_o any_o promise_n or_o paction_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n with_o prudence_n can_v believe_v in_o any_o creature_n because_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v power_n to_o give_v all_o thing_n that_o another_o may_v need_v god_n alone_o be_v absolute_o faithful_a for_o he_o be_v alsufficient_a he_o be_v boundless_o benign_a he_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n less_o by_o whatever_o he_o can_v give_v yet_o his_o faithfulness_n do_v not_o require_v that_o he_o shall_v give_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o but_o what_o be_v congruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o they_o to_o receive_v it_o be_v very_o incongruous_a for_o he_o to_o give_v grace_n or_o glory_n to_o one_o who_o know_v he_o or_o taste_v of_o his_o heavenly_a power_n do_v hate_v he_o with_o despite_n he_o do_v much_o good_a by_o his_o bounty_n respect_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n but_o its_o capacity_n to_o receive_v much_o more_o by_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n upon_o the_o miserable_a but_o most_o of_o all_o to_o those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o expect_v from_o he_o this_o be_v by_o his_o faithfulness_n the_o other_o be_v by_o his_o mercy_n and_o benignity_n the_o weakness_n of_o creature_n have_v make_v he_o not_o only_o promise_v but_o swear_v yet_o it_o be_v indiscretion_n to_o urge_v he_o upon_o his_o oath_n or_o even_o upon_o his_o promise_n where_o his_o faithfulness_n be_v sufficient_a no_o other_o can_v give_v grace_n or_o glory_n but_o he_o and_o those_o may_v be_v trust_v for_o by_o all_o that_o do_v not_o hate_v he_o or_o do_v cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o refuse_v to_o become_v holy_a and_o there_o be_v no_o foundation_n of_o distinction_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o in_o this_o case_n he_o need_v not_o inquire_v whether_o he_o be_v elect_v and_o contain_v in_o the_o covenant_n between_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v that_o immediate_o but_o only_o by_o consequence_n from_o a_o true_a and_o lively_a faith_n work_v by_o love_n purify_n the_o heart_n though_o then_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o save_a faith_n not_o presumption_n may_v be_v infer_v from_o a_o holy_a life_n faith_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o christian_a virtue_n next_o in_o excellency_n to_o love_n and_o as_o love_n make_v the_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o last_o end_n so_o faith_n give_v the_o resolution_n for_o pursue_v all_o the_o mean_n towards_o that_o end_n and_o towards_o the_o next_o subordinate_a end_n the_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n trust_v in_o god_n for_o direction_n in_o all_o the_o mean_n towards_o these_o end_n that_o as_o the_o natural_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o rest_v on_o natural_a mean_n for_o obtain_v his_o end_n so_o the_o spiritual_a man_n trust_v to_o and_o depend_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n especial_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n paul_n say_v and_o give_v warrant_n to_o all_o who_o walk_v christianly_o to_o say_v the_o life_n that_o i_o now_o live_v be_v by_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o love_v i_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o i_o the_o second_o point_n propose_v be_v whether_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v man_n part_n in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n or_o any_o one_o or_o more_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o which_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a that_o a_o covenant_n can_v be_v enter_v and_o continue_v by_o a_o habit_n but_o it_o do_v necessary_o require_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o habit_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o universal_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o man_n come_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o infant_n come_v into_o that_o covenant_n by_o regeneration_n when_o the_o habit_n of_o grace_n be_v infuse_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o they_o and_o all_o the_o elect_a be_v undertake_v for_o in_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o from_o eternity_n be_v among_o the_o person_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v actual_o in_o the_o covenant_n till_o they_o be_v not_o only_o make_v creature_n but_o also_o new_a creature_n by_o regeneration_n and_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o exert_v any_o act_n of_o that_o habit_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v say_v that_o at_o the_o salutation_n of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n to_o elizabeth_n the_o child_n in_o her_o womb_n do_v spring_n for_o joy_n but_o whether_o the_o spring_a of_o the_o child_n be_v from_o his_o or_o her_o joy_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o infant_n be_v capable_a to_o act_v its_o imbred_a principle_n if_o it_o can_v perceive_v the_o object_n thereof_o but_o it_o be_v so_o delight_v in_o that_o tender_a case_n to_o which_o it_o be_v wed_v that_o it_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o else_o as_o experience_n show_v of_o all_o man_n when_o in_o extreme_a passion_n their_o soul_n can_v think_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o the_o object_n of_o these_o passion_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o god_n may_v so_o far_o manifest_v himself_o to_o a_o infant_n be_v soul_n as_o to_o give_v it_o great_a joy_n but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n so_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o such_o soul_n shall_v enter_v in_o covenant_n though_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o to_o the_o way_n god_n have_v choose_v that_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a shall_v actual_o enter_v into_o a_o covenant_n with_o god_n at_o their_o conversion_n when_o it_o be_v say_v without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n i_o do_v rather_o think_v that_o by_o faith_n act_n be_v mean_v rather_o than_o the_o habit_n albeit_o the_o new_a creature_n by_o the_o habit_n be_v pleasant_a to_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o a_o act_n but_o as_o a_o quality_n whereas_o to_o please_v signify_v a_o act_n please_v and_o so_o it_o must_v relate_v to_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a to_o covenant_n with_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o who_o all_o direction_n and_o instruction_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v i_o be_o not_o move_v by_o this_o objection_n that_o if_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v enter_v by_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n child_n and_o idiot_n must_v either_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o there_o must_v be_v a_o different_a way_n of_o save_a child_n and_o man_n of_o discretion_n and_o a_o different_a covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o child_n for_o it_o be_v beyond_o question_n that_o god_n way_n with_o child_n and_o idiot_n be_v different_a from_o his_o way_n with_o other_o and_o that_o the_o rule_n and_o direction_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n relate_v only_o to_o those_o of_o discretion_n capable_a of_o they_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o determine_v man_n part_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n oppose_v the_o hear_n of_o faith_n unto_o work_n and_o say_v likewise_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v unless_o they_o hear_v which_o neither_o relate_v to_o nor_o be_v exclusive_a
father_n these_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o which_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n anterior_a to_o god_n part_n of_o this_o particular_a covenant_n of_o grace_n whereby_o he_o regenerate_v believer_n beget_v in_o their_o soul_n the_o habit_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n which_o these_o and_o they_o that_o receive_v they_o be_v call_v new_a creature_n and_o ordinary_o both_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n go_v together_o believe_v and_o regeneration_n yet_o some_o be_v sanctify_v from_o the_o womb_n who_o come_v afterward_o actual_o to_o believe_v the_o ordinary_a procedure_n of_o the_o spirit_n hold_v forth_o in_o the_o scripture_n have_v some_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n anterior_a to_o the_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v call_v preparatory_a work_n and_o first_o the_o spirit_n convince_v every_o man_n that_o come_v to_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n by_o compare_v his_o life_n with_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n write_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v break_v that_o law_n that_o thereby_o he_o deserve_v punishment_n though_o his_o transgression_n be_v never_o so_o secret_a which_o neeessary_o import_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a judge_n that_o can_v inflict_v it_o and_o who_o certain_o know_v it_o and_o will_v not_o pardon_v it_o while_o it_o be_v approve_v and_o the_o same_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v that_o there_o be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n to_o those_o that_o do_v not_o approve_v their_o transgression_n and_o be_v grieve_v for_o they_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o this_o be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o ignorant_a savage_a for_o though_o by_o prepossession_n and_o custom_n many_o of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v never_o advert_v yet_o ever_o so_o much_o arise_v in_o the_o mind_n as_o make_v the_o natural_a conscience_n perceive_v the_o transgression_n of_o they_o and_o a_o difference_n between_o those_o who_o continue_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o transgression_n of_o they_o and_o those_o who_o grieve_v for_o they_o upon_o account_n of_o punishment_n though_o they_o have_v no_o distinct_a perception_n of_o that_o invisible_a power_n from_o which_o they_o fear_v punishment_n or_o though_o their_o mistake_a interest_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o neighbour_n seduce_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o fear_v of_o punishment_n of_o secret_a transgression_n be_v but_o from_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n such_o as_o they_o have_v in_o the_o darkness_n and_o not_o in_o the_o light_n that_o which_o persuade_v i_o of_o this_o general_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v that_o otherwise_o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o eternal_a misery_n and_o can_v never_o accuse_v themselves_o even_o when_o awaken_v in_o hell_n and_o make_v clear_o to_o know_v that_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o be_v in_o that_o misery_n which_o they_o may_v escape_v if_o they_o have_v follow_v these_o motion_n by_o their_o natural_a conscience_n to_o repent_v i_o have_v before_o clear_v my_o mind_n that_o the_o bless_a and_o benign_a conception_n of_o god_n do_v import_v so_o much_o that_o he_o condemn_v none_o to_o eternal_a torment_n but_o for_o that_o sin_n which_o they_o may_v have_v escape_v as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o the_o spirit_n shall_v further_o follow_v those_o who_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v yet_o to_o magnify_v the_o justice_n and_o benignity_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n proceed_v frequent_o further_o even_o with_o rejecter_n clear_v up_o in_o they_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n bring_v they_o to_o know_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o which_o not_o only_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v revive_v but_o much_o reveal_v that_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n whence_o there_o arise_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o word_n and_o all_o reveal_v in_o it_o he_o give_v also_o frequent_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o hazard_n and_o horror_n of_o sin_n the_o forbear_n of_o the_o outward_a act_n of_o some_o sin_n and_o the_o inward_a inclination_n to_o some_o other_o a_o natural_a pleasure_n in_o some_o virtue_n and_o thence_o ofttimes_o follow_v a_o unwarrantable_a persuasion_n of_o have_v obtain_v grace_n and_o right_o to_o glory_n if_o these_o or_o some_o of_o they_o be_v not_o the_o reprobate_n will_v become_v without_o all_o hope_n of_o mercy_n and_o as_o malicious_a as_o the_o devil_n yet_o these_o be_v give_v not_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n but_o for_o the_o common_a good_a of_o mankind_n and_o the_o special_a good_a of_o the_o elect_n but_o by_o none_o of_o these_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n enter_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n nor_o can_v they_o exert_v it_o at_o any_o time_n they_o please_v even_o when_o they_o hear_v or_o meditate_v upon_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o hear_v read_v and_o meditate_v upon_o the_o most_o convince_a and_o persuade_v preach_v or_o when_o they_o do_v most_o earnest_o pray_v to_o be_v pardon_v and_o accept_v all_o these_o be_v but_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n with_o which_o he_o do_v ordinary_o confer_v regeneration_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o man_n duty_n to_o use_v they_o and_o it_o be_v to_o tempt_v god_n to_o desire_v or_o expect_v convorsion_n in_o another_o way_n neither_o be_v these_o mere_a formality_n or_o solemnity_n but_o have_v their_o proper_a effect_n especial_o in_o loosen_v the_o soul_n from_o its_o addictedness_n to_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v say_v express_o by_o grace_n you_o be_v save_v through_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o yourselves_o it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n there_o must_v therefore_o be_v a_o present_a inward_a vocation_n motion_n or_o excitation_n of_o the_o spirit_n offer_v to_o the_o soul_n to_o turn_v it_o from_o cleave_v to_o sin_n unto_o god_n and_o to_o give_v pardon_n reconciliation_n holiness_n and_o happiness_n but_o not_o confer_v these_o until_o the_o soul_n be_v willing_a to_o accept_v they_o there_o will_v be_v little_a difficulty_n to_o embrace_v that_o offer_n as_o to_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o to_o have_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o happiness_n though_o if_o the_o particular_a way_n of_o happiness_n be_v explicate_v to_o be_v the_o delight_n in_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o not_o in_o carnal_a delight_n the_o prepossessed_a soul_n by_o sensible_a pleasure_n may_v ready_o loathe_v that_o as_o light_a food_n yet_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v in_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v make_v holy_a that_o be_v consecrate_v and_o devote_v to_o the_o love_n of_o and_o to_o the_o delight_n in_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n with_o a_o opposition_n to_o all_o know_a sin_n this_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n free_o give_v at_o the_o time_n of_o that_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o such_o only_a as_o be_v elect_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o positive_o resolve_v to_o cleave_v to_o sin_n or_o reject_v such_o motion_n or_o such_o who_o god_n even_o against_o that_o reluctancy_n will_v overcome_v and_o make_v willing_a to_o embrace_v and_o accept_v the_o offer_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o spirit_n this_o be_v that_o inward_a call_v which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o link_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n of_o salvation_n for_o who_o he_o predestinate_v they_o he_o also_o call_v justify_v and_o glorify_v and_o which_o therefore_o be_v call_v effectual_a call_v to_o which_o there_o be_v never_o make_v effectual_a resistance_n it_o be_v ever_o strong_a than_o any_o resistance_n yet_o not_o so_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o possible_o resist_v but_o that_o god_n have_v make_v the_o call_v so_o strong_a that_o though_o it_o be_v willing_o embrace_v not_o necessary_o but_o free_o yet_o always_o effectual_o albeit_o god_n may_v give_v such_o a_o inclination_n to_o accept_v holiness_n as_o he_o give_v to_o desire_v happiness_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o think_v that_o he_o do_v so_o for_o such_o act_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a deserve_v not_o so_o much_o as_o praise_v be_v but_o as_o the_o instinct_n of_o brute_n it_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o god_n inward_a call_n can_v be_v effectual_a unless_o it_o give_v as_o strong_a a_o inclination_n as_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n for_o he_o know_v certain_o the_o effect_n of_o every_o condition_n by_o nature_n or_o grace_n and_o by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v requisite_a for_o his_o purpose_n they_o high_o derogate_v from_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o imagine_v his_o call_n to_o the_o elect_n be_v
sin_n that_o they_o may_v have_v omit_v and_o do_v not_o if_o the_o remainder_n be_v inevitable_o effectual_a for_o their_o damnation_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o outward_a privilege_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o that_o illumination_n that_o even_o reprobate_n attain_v who_o never_o have_v true_a and_o save_a grace_n in_o which_o they_o exceed_v the_o fine_a heathen_n be_v otherwise_o accountable_a than_o by_o the_o purchase_n of_o christ_n nay_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o damn_a spirit_n have_v liberty_n of_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o in_o the_o earth_n be_v from_o mercy_n as_o if_o their_o damnation_n be_v allay_v or_o abate_v till_o the_o general_a judgement_n but_o that_o they_o be_v send_v out_o as_o the_o executioner_n of_o god_n justice_n be_v still_o in_o that_o torment_n of_o conscience_n wherein_o hell_n do_v consist_v though_o it_o be_v allay_v by_o accidental_a consequence_n be_v by_o their_o act_n somewhat_o divert_v from_o the_o full_a pore_v on_o their_o misery_n god_n only_o know_v the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o punishment_n and_o sin_n according_a to_o merit_n and_o as_o the_o damn_a always_o continue_v and_o increase_v in_o their_o hatred_n against_o god_n so_o their_o misery_n may_v be_v increase_v there_o be_v also_o a_o resemblance_n between_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n that_o neither_o be_v extend_v to_o every_o kind_n of_o evil_a some_o punishment_n may_v be_v so_o great_a that_o will_v not_o breed_v pity_n in_o the_o most_o merciful_a because_o of_o the_o atrocity_n of_o the_o crime_n so_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n extend_v not_o to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o must_v imply_v a_o high_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o yet_o by_o the_o exorbitancy_n of_o self-love_n a_o hatred_n and_o despite_n against_o god_n as_o not_o bestow_v so_o much_o as_o these_o malicious_a wretch_n think_v he_o shall_v and_o i_o think_v that_o be_v a_o main_a difference_n in_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o damn_a spirit_n and_o adam_n fall_n though_o he_o be_v innocent_a and_o have_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o happiness_n yet_o far_o short_a of_o they_o they_o abide_v not_o in_o that_o station_n god_n place_v they_o in_o for_o by_o their_o sin_n they_o desire_v to_o rise_v high_o and_o therefore_o in_o god_n justice_n they_o be_v bring_v exceed_v much_o low_a how_o far_o they_o have_v lose_v of_o their_o natural_a perfection_n i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o they_o have_v lose_v their_o moral_a perfection_n and_o that_o joy_n wherewith_o once_o they_o be_v bless_v they_o tempt_v man_n by_o the_o same_o bait_n by_o which_o they_o deceive_v themselves_o induce_v they_o to_o be_v discontent_n with_o what_o god_n have_v give_v and_o that_o he_o have_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o that_o fruit_n not_o as_o a_o badge_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n as_o to_o which_o they_o have_v no_o inbred_a principle_n to_o prompt_v they_o on_o either_o side_n but_o because_o he_o envy_v the_o happiness_n they_o will_v attain_v to_o by_o eat_v that_o fruit_n which_o will_v make_v they_o wise_a to_o know_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a therefore_o the_o devil_n seem_v to_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o man_n be_v of_o a_o less_o capacity_n do_v not_o and_o none_o but_o those_o man_n that_o attain_v to_o the_o gift_n of_o illumination_n and_o the_o taste_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v and_o yet_o do_v despite_n against_o god_n can_v be_v restore_v nor_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pray_v for_o in_o who_o no_o doubt_n hell_n be_v begin_v by_o the_o torment_a of_o their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o god_n way_n be_v equal_a both_o as_o to_o angel_n and_o man_n yet_o in_o justice_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o have_v mercy_n upon_o any_o sinner_n but_o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o receive_v into_o favour_n such_o horrid_a sinner_n there_o be_v another_o resemblance_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o those_o who_o have_v the_o offer_v of_o a_o reconciliation_n upon_o repentance_n and_o do_v obstinate_o reject_v that_o offer_n and_o will_v continue_v to_o insist_v in_o and_o approve_v the_o injury_n do_v by_o reflection_n on_o our_o own_o mind_n we_o find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o man_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o essence_n or_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v a_o inbred_a principle_n free_o give_v of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o his_o image_n god_n have_v incite_v we_o to_o forgive_v those_o that_o offend_v we_o to_o seventy_o and_o seven_o time_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v upon_o their_o return_n mercy_n may_v take_v place_n by_o forgiveness_n simple_o give_v without_o a_o offer_n of_o reconciliation_n but_o it_o exceed_v humanity_n to_o forgive_v so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o not_o to_o endeavour_v punishment_n but_o to_o offer_v reconciliation_n when_o it_o be_v obstinate_o refuse_v there_o be_v yet_o another_o resemblance_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o right_n in_o the_o injurer_n to_o claim_v it_o though_o he_o may_v implore_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n god_n have_v injure_v no_o creature_n if_o he_o have_v never_o receive_v into_o favour_n any_o sinner_n but_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v that_o be_v he_o give_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o permit_v the_o wicked_a to_o reject_v the_o offer_n whereby_o they_o become_v more_o harden_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o impenitence_n but_o infinite_a be_v the_o distance_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o mercy_n of_o men._n for_o 1._o man_n mercy_n may_v by_o contrary_a custom_n be_v eradicate_v and_o cruelty_n succeed_v in_o its_o place_n man_n mercy_n may_v be_v overcome_v with_o the_o frequency_n of_o injury_n nothing_o like_o these_o can_v befall_v in_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o no_o multitude_n of_o sin_n can_v be_v so_o great_a as_o shall_v give_v despair_n 2._o man_n mercy_n if_o it_o be_v obtain_v and_o violate_v in_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v hardly_o renew_v but_o where_o god_n have_v once_o give_v pardon_n no_o new_a breach_n do_v exclude_v it_o yea_o he_o give_v repentance_n exciting_a the_o sinner_n thereto_o that_o he_o may_v forgive_v suitable_o to_o his_o nature_n and_o oft_o accept_v general_a repentance_n of_o inadverted_a sin_n and_o even_o habitual_a repentance_n where_o actual_a can_v be_v exert_v as_o in_o those_o that_o die_v before_o they_o have_v time_n to_o have_v a_o elicit_a act_n of_o repentance_n for_o sin_n commit_v immediate_o before_o death_n 3._o man_n mercy_n do_v oft_o go_v no_o further_o than_o compassion_n and_o desire_v to_o help_v without_o ability_n god_n omnipotence_n do_v ever_o make_v his_o mercy_n effectual_a and_o complete_a 4._o man_n do_v often_o forgive_v one_o fault_n and_o retain_v other_o god_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n be_v ever_o entire_a and_o universal_a where_o it_o be_v for_o all_o sin_n precede_v be_v ever_o forgive_v where_o there_o be_v repentance_n for_o all_o sin_n but_o where_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n be_v only_o forgive_v the_o sin_n be_v not_o forgive_v simple_o 5._o man_n may_v repent_v that_o he_o do_v forgive_v whether_o by_o the_o mutability_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o by_o the_o discovery_n of_o aggravate_v circumstance_n unknown_a when_o he_o forgive_v nothing_o of_o this_o can_v occur_v to_o the_o omniscient_a god_n 6._o injury_n may_v be_v so_o atrocious_a that_o exceed_v man_n mercy_n without_o supernatural_a grace_n in_o which_o he_o will_v never_o offer_v reconciliation_n no_o sin_n can_v be_v so_o heinous_a but_o that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a for_o remit_v it_o not_o except_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v not_o unpardonable_a by_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o christ_n merit_n neither_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v less_o power_n in_o man_n to_o repent_v for_o that_o sin_n than_o other_o because_o he_o be_v utter_o incapable_a to_o repent_v for_o any_o sin_n till_o god_n give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n but_o because_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o receive_v into_o favour_n such_o sinner_n but_o in_o all_o other_o though_o they_o be_v as_o crimson_a god_n offer_v pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o will_v effectual_o give_v they_o if_o the_o offer_n be_v not_o obstinate_o reject_v yea_o the_o height_n of_o god_n