a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n methodical_o digest_v into_o several_a meditation_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o the_o preface_n the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v possess_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o supreme_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n love_n and_o joy_n affiance_n and_o trust._n the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o finite_a faculty_n but_o their_o discovery_n be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o gradual_a accomplishment_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o early_a morning_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o 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of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n be_v temper_v to_o our_o frail_a faculty_n if_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n be_v display_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o astonishment_n but_o in_o the_o future_a state_n where_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritualise_v we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v in_o heaven_n god_n shine_v by_o direct_a beam_n the_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a vision_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o heaven_n here_o by_o the_o attentive_a and_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o noble_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n have_v oblige_v the_o wise_a and_o inquire_a christian_n by_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n the_o clearness_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a in_o manage_v a_o subject_a so_o deep_a and_o difficult_a and_o as_o in_o the_o bless_a god_n there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o glorious_a and_o amiable_a excellency_n as_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o will_n so_o in_o our_o author_n unfolding_n they_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o beauty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o may_v enlighten_v and_o engage_v all_o under_o stand_a reader_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o entire_a choice_n of_o god_n for_o their_o everlasting_a portion_n we_o have_v here_o a_o imitable_a and_o instructive_a example_n to_o great_a man_n the_o dignity_n of_o who_o station_n in_o the_o world_n too_o common_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o a_o more_o sedulous_a intention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v final_a reference_n to_o another_o world_n this_o performance_n of_o the_o noble_a author_n show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o impracticable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o praiseworthy_a amid_o the_o great_a secular_a employment_n to_o find_v vacancy_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n to_o look_v with_o a_o very_a inquisitive_a eye_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v the_o author_n pleasure_n to_o be_v know_v will_v let_v it_o be_v see_v the_o statesman_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o inconsistency_n to_o a_o great_a and_o comprebensive_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v they_o with_o distinction_n and_o without_o confound_v they_o or_o make_v the_o two_o sphere_n intersect_v one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o in_o so_o large_a a_o theological_a work_n here_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o political_a matter_n except_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v contiguous_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o or_o if_o this_o work_v concern_v policy_n and_o government_n by_o man_n it_o be_v without_o our_o compass_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o we_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o do_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o pleasure_n of_o engross_a it_o or_o of_o peruse_v it_o alone_o till_o we_o have_v impart_v it_o and_o make_v it_o possible_a to_o other_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o therein_o w._n bates_z j._n howe._n the_o content_n meditation_n i._o introductory_n 1_o ii_o upon_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 19_o iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n 28_o iu._n upon_o god_n omniscience_n 36_o v._o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n 67_o vi_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 78_o vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n 89_o viii_o upon_o god_n freedom_n 140_o ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o 118_o x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n 126_o page_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n 141_o xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 150_o xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 168_o fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 179_o xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 200_o xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 213_o xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 224_o xviii_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o dispensation_n thereof_o towards_o his_o rational_a creature_n especial_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 257_o meditation_n i._o introductory_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n be_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a object_n it_o be_v also_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n of_o man_n happiness_n for_o by_o delight_v in_o god_n he_o do_v enjoy_v he_o delight_n can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lovely_a object_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o
person_n hypostasis_fw-la or_o subsistence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v too_o great_a presumption_n for_o any_o in_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n to_o determine_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o declare_v a_o mystery_n near_o the_o close_a of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n never_o unfold_v after_o in_o it_o the_o trinity_n have_v be_v assert_v and_o own_a with_o the_o great_a firmness_n and_o forwardness_n in_o the_o pure_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o least_o derogation_n attempt_v against_o it_o by_o the_o arian_n have_v be_v condemn_v with_o abhorrence_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o orthodox_n father_n and_o by_o the_o determination_n and_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o it_o be_v among_o the_o most_o incontestable_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n own_v by_o all_o national_a society_n 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be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o convince_v that_o there_o can_v only_o be_v one_o god_n albeit_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n do_v far_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v long_o before_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o not_o until_o god_n have_v give_v man_n up_o to_o their_o own_o way_n because_o of_o their_o wickedness_n against_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o know_v in_o love_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v not_o alone_o among_o the_o hebrew_n or_o jewish_a nation_n as_o the_o scripture_n make_v evident_a in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n among_o who_o there_o be_v so_o much_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o even_o of_o a_o saviour_n and_o of_o a_o resurrection_n which_o be_v not_o deducible_a from_o any_o inbred_a principle_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o want_v revelation_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o know_v any_o communication_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o few_o person_n endue_v with_o that_o light_n but_o a_o city_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v judge_n and_o counsellor_n that_o sit_v at_o their_o gate_n balaam_n also_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a true_a god_n not_o by_o communication_n with_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o no_o communication_n between_o aram_n and_o egypt_n the_o three_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n that_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o star_n to_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v can_v not_o possible_o by_o astrology_n have_v discover_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o do_v neither_o want_n revelation_n nor_o a_o miraculous_a sign_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v idolater_n but_o that_o they_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n of_o their_o country_n that_o do_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o become_v proselyte_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o be_v there_o ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o moab_n or_o ammon_n the_o son_n of_o lot_n or_o ishmael_n and_o abraham_n other_o son_n by_o keturah_n or_o esau_n their_o near_a posterity_n be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n nor_o can_v their_o posterity_n be_v soon_o bring_v to_o believe_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o god_n do_v long_o and_o large_o propagate_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n though_o through_o defect_n of_o history_n the_o particular_n be_v little_o know_v i_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o idolatry_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v attribute_v to_o man_n corrupt_v of_o their_o way_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o work_n after_o the_o flood_n the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n do_v long_o remain_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o baal_n or_o lord_n which_o be_v long_o almost_o universal_a and_o the_o several_a nation_n that_o worship_v baal_n give_v he_o different_a epithet_n according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o his_o attribute_n of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o the_o moabite_n god_n be_v baal_n without_o addition_n the_o sidonian_n also_o call_v their_o god_n baal_n so_o do_v the_o canaanite_n some_o nation_n call_v their_o god_n baal_n berith_n that_o be_v curse_v baal_n other_o baal_n gad_n baal_n hamon_n baal_n meon_n baal_n peor_n baal_n hanan_n baal_n hazor_n baal_n hermon_n baal_n perazin_n baal_n zebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n place_n also_o be_v denominate_v from_o baal_n as_o baal_n perazin_n baal_n shalisha_n baal_n zebub_n baal_n zephon_n and_o bell_n of_o the_o babylonian_n be_v but_o a_o different_a dialect_n of_o baal_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o name_n of_o one_o god_n with_o different_a epithet_n do_v easy_o come_v to_o be_v apprehend_v as_o so_o many_o god_n yet_o the_o several_a nation_n do_v not_o worship_v many_o god_n but_o their_o own_o so_o after_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o their_o place_n be_v plague_v conceive_v it_o be_v by_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o god_n of_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o send_v for_o the_o jewish_a priest_n to_o appease_v he_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o that_o worship_v many_o god_n and_o after_o they_o the_o roman_n for_o then_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eminent_a upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v cooptate_v among_o the_o god_n in_o different_a order_n and_o as_o the_o nation_n and_o place_n have_v interest_n in_o they_o they_o have_v confidence_n in_o they_o and_o become_v forgetful_a of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o arise_v image_n and_o the_o relative_a honour_n and_o worship_n attribute_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o these_o deify_v man_n but_o also_o to_o those_o body_n wherein_o the_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o delight_n and_o to_o reside_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o discretion_n and_o spirit_n can_v with_o direct_a worship_n adore_v inanimate_a creature_n or_o the_o mean_a brute_n or_o plant_n but_o that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v delightful_a to_o and_o reside_v in_o by_o deity_n and_o so_o the_o sun_n the_o moon_n planet_n come_v to_o be_v worship_v even_o by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v life_n or_o understanding_n or_o be_v body_n inform_v by_o a_o deity_n but_o that_o
can_v comprehend_v they_o distinct_o altogether_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o glorify_a creature_n will_v have_v a_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o apprehend_v distinct_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o his_o manifold_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n which_o will_v yield_v fresh_a and_o renew_a pleasure_n for_o ever_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o thought_n turn_v upon_o a_o few_o delightful_a object_n give_v a_o fresh_a continuance_n of_o pleasure_n albeit_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n be_v but_o low_a how_o fresh_a then_o and_o how_o great_a must_v that_o pleasure_n be_v that_o have_v the_o variety_n of_o god_n existence_n and_o nature_n in_o be_v a_o pure_a immaterial_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n bring_v to_o a_o unalterable_a condition_n second_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n but_o creature_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o infinite_a perfection_n therefore_o their_o delight_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v still_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v full_o satisfactory_a in_o the_o degree_n that_o god_n free_o give_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v satisfy_v without_o envy_n emulation_n or_o desire_v of_o more_o than_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o their_o glorify_a body_n three_o the_o delight_n of_o glorify_a creature_n be_v not_o upon_o ground_n from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o perfection_n whole_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v in_o all_o occasion_n of_o danger_n meditation_n x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n have_v meditate_a upon_o the_o glorious_a divine_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o immanent_a so_o far_o as_o my_o narrow_a capacity_n do_v reach_v and_o apprehend_v and_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n whereby_o the_o antecedent_n do_v always_o make_v way_n for_o the_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o subsequent_a the_o first_o and_o absolute_a attribute_n be_v a_o spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v relative_a suppose_v a_o subject_a to_o which_o they_o relate_v of_o which_o the_o near_a to_o the_o pure_o immaterial_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v omniscience_n and_o next_o thereto_o activity_n by_o his_o will_n choose_v and_o effectuate_a according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o then_o his_o omnipotence_n extend_v not_o only_a to_o what_o he_o choose_v or_o will_v but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o consistent_a all_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o caufe_fw-fr whereby_o he_o be_v self-existent_a and_o eternal_a self-sufficient_a infinite_o delight_v in_o himself_o and_o thereby_o bless_v and_o as_o to_o all_o transient_a act_n absolute_o free_a and_o full_o independent_a in_o his_o be_v power_n choice_n or_o operation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v my_o most_o serious_a and_o humble_a thought_n to_o his_o voluntary_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o former_a which_o i_o perceive_v not_o only_o to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o consequent_a but_o that_o they_o be_v as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n have_v a_o extrinsic_a cause_n or_o a_o real_a multiplicity_n or_o difference_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o god_n alone_o do_v act_v immediate_o by_o his_o be_v some_o have_v extend_v that_o to_o creature_n but_o if_o without_o injury_n i_o think_v not_o without_o error_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n perceive_v judge_v reason_v choose_v by_o its_o own_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o man_n fancy_n that_o imagine_v superad_v power_n such_o as_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n wherein_o they_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o err_v in_o the_o defect_n as_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o schoolman_n do_v in_o the_o excess_n multiply_v real_a entity_n as_o they_o imagine_v as_o the_o eternal_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v exi_v or_o do_v exist_v and_o of_o the_o real_a be_v of_o thing_n possible_a that_o do_v not_o never_o do_v nor_o never_o shall_v exist_v and_o suppose_v a_o multitude_n of_o accident_n real_o distinct_a from_o any-substance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o individual_a accident_n be_v separable_a from_o one_o individual_a substance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v unto_o another_o and_o which_o consequent_o can_v subsist_v without_o any_o substance_n and_o so_o not_o differ_v from_o a_o substance_n by_o subsist_v without_o a_o subject_a but_o be_v difference_v by_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o perfect_v a_o subject_a by_o actual_a inhere_n in_o it_o and_o differ_v also_o from_o modes_n that_o these_o imply_v a_o individual_a subject_n from_o which_o they_o be_v inseparable_a yet_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o attribute_v such_o accident_n to_o god_n which_o indeed_o can_v escape_v to_o infer_v a_o composition_n of_o separable_a thing_n it_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o create_a substance_n to_o act_v by_o its_o substance_n or_o immediate_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o suppose_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o species_n to_o differ_v by_o substantial_o and_o consequent_o by_o separable_o subsistent_a part_n and_o so_o shall_v conceive_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_v to_o be_v such_o then_o the_o soul_n will_v substantial_o comprehend_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_n and_o must_v act_v immediate_o but_o though_o the_o capacity_n to_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n separable_a from_o the_o soul_n they_o may_v still_o be_v essential_a though_o not_o substantial_a difference_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n act_v not_o immediate_o but_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o and_o i_o conceive_v it_o a_o abusive_a speech_n and_o if_o proper_o take_v derogatory_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o withdraw_v the_o power_n of_o reason_v or_o free_a choice_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o annihilate_v its_o substance_n but_o only_o change_v it_o unto_o another_o kind_n which_o yet_o may_v essential_o differ_v from_o a_o brute_n which_o can_v judge_n nor_o compare_n no_o more_o than_o reason_n but_o only_o perceive_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o instinct_n it_o do_v much_o more_o quadrate_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o he_o free_o give_v these_o power_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o special_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o such_o power_n must_v be_v free_o superad_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o creature_n i_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o this_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o substance_n but_o spirit_n and_o matter_n that_o all_o the_o species_n of_o creature_n be_v by_o superadded_a power_n or_o modes_n which_o be_v not_o separable_a being_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o spirit_n by_o its_o substance_n can_v reason_v choose_v worship_n or_o adore_v than_o all_o spirit_n behove_v necessary_o so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o matter_n as_o such_o can_v move_v or_o act_v all_o body_n behove_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o something_o must_v be_v superad_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v neither_o body_n nor_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o act_v immediate_o that_o the_o transient_a act_n of_o god_n perfection_n be_v cause_n and_o effect_n it_o do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o unsutable_o think_v of_o god_n when_o i_o inquire_v why_o do_v god_n punish_v sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v just_a and_o if_o i_o yet_o further_o inquire_v why_o be_v god_n unchangeable_o just_a i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a or_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a only_o because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o three_o ground_n or_o rise_v whence_o all_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n do_v flow_v i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n if_o all_o his_o dispensation_n do_v not_o arise_v only_o from_o his_o will_n but_o that_o very_a reason_n infer_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o all_o must_v flow_v from_o god_n will_n to_o wit_v his_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o will_n nor_o from_o his_o will_n nor_o be_v they_o moral_a but_o natural_a perfection_n
when_o a_o consequent_a conclusion_n be_v infer_v from_o false_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v no_o deceit_n to_o express_v truth_n for_o good_a end_n though_o the_o speaker_n may_v know_v that_o the_o hearer_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o speaker_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o hearer_n to_o make_v that_o use_n deception_n also_o may_v be_v without_o word_n or_o sign_n signify_v thought_n as_o when_o a_o tempt_a object_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sense_n mind_n or_o memory_n with_o design_n to_o tempt_v or_o seduce_v in_o all_o these_o way_n god_n be_v perfect_o true_a he_o never_o express_v word_n or_o sign_n but_o such_o as_o be_v both_o conform_a to_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v he_o never_o design_n to_o deceive_v by_o any_o word_n or_o sign_n nor_o do_v he_o tempt_v by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o object_n represent_v for_o god_n can_v neither_o tempt_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a he_o may_v represent_v object_n to_o prove_v the_o firmness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o give_v always_o strength_n either_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o sufficient_a to_o escape_v he_o make_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n very_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o it_o be_v like_a to_o the_o smell_n also_o which_o be_v appoint_v a_o badge_n of_o man_n obedience_n to_o god_n will_v alone_o it_o can_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n if_o it_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a but_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a excitation_n in_o the_o sense_n which_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o a_o more_o powerful_a inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o require_v attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o keep_v that_o principle_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o remembrance_n thereby_o to_o over-rule_v the_o incitation_n of_o the_o sense_n therefore_o it_o may_v warrantable_o be_v think_v that_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o garden_n for_o it_o be_v a_o unsuitable_a sign_n of_o affection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n if_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o allow_v the_o eat_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o circumcision_n and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o have_v all_o a_o great_a contrariety_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n yea_o though_o god_n permit_v satan_n to_o tempt_v to_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n not_o only_o from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o from_o a_o false_a expectation_n of_o great_a wisdom_n there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o the_o mind_n full_o sufficient_a to_o resist_v both_o that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v envious_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o transgress_v his_o command_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n foreknow_v the_o event_n he_o be_v not_o nccessory_a to_o the_o transgression_n nor_o put_v any_o necessity_n upon_o the_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o commit_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v just_o and_o severe_o punish_v they_o both_o nor_o do_v they_o even_o by_o their_o after-thought_n plead_v that_o the_o temptation_n be_v insuperable_a and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficiency_n of_o strength_n to_o resist_v it_o though_o they_o omit_v not_o very_o insufficient_a excuse_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v ah_o lord_n god_n sure_o thou_o have_v great_o deceive_v this_o people_n and_o jerusalem_n say_v you_o shall_v have_v peace_n whereas_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o weak_a roving_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o trouble_n such_o as_o be_v many_o of_o job_n expression_n and_o david_n saying_n that_o in_o vain_a have_v be_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocence_n when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n never_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n you_o shall_v have_v peace_n simple_o but_o if_o you_o follow_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o event_n that_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n see_v they_o follow_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n neither_o do_v the_o parabolical_a representation_n of_o micah_n the_o prophet_n that_o the_o lord_n say_v who_o shall_v entice_v ahab_n that_o he_o may_v go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o when_o a_o spirit_n say_v he_o will_v go_v out_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v thou_o shall_v entice_v he_o and_o thou_o shall_v also_o prevail_v now_o therefore_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v put_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n such_o as_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o consistency_n with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v elsewhere_o explicate_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o wicked_a harden_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o that_o god_n give_v man_n up_o who_o have_v refuse_v the_o offer_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v attribute_v no_o other_o way_n to_o god_n than_o that_o they_o can_v be_v without_o his_o permission_n and_o his_o permissive_a will_n and_o decree_n and_o his_o overrule_a providence_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n some_o very_a learned_a have_v hold_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v distinct_a from_o goodness_n or_o bounty_n but_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v lie_n may_v be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o stratagem_n against_o enemy_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v but_o truth_n be_v a_o perfection_n whole_o distinct_a from_o bounty_n and_o from_o justice_n and_o be_v rather_o a_o point_n of_o decency_n how_o unbecoming_a be_v it_o and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o infinite_o bless_a and_o glorious_a god_n to_o express_v a_o lie_n for_o creature_n may_v be_v blameless_a in_o express_v word_n not_o conform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v not_o a_o lie_n because_o not_o disconform_v to_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o the_o omniscient_a god_n can_v never_o use_v expression_n disconform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v disconform_v to_o his_o own_o thought_n i_o know_v there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o to_o uphold_v their_o philosophic_a notion_n do_v suppose_v that_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n speak_v many_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o man_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n derogatory_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v many_o for_o instance_n a_o way_n be_v thence_o open_v to_o innumerable_a error_n which_o when_o redargue_v by_o expression_n in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o plain_a yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o evasion_n that_o these_o be_v but_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o prepossession_n of_o man_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o think_v evident_a and_o take_v the_o authority_n to_o extend_v to_o the_o like_a so_o far_o as_o they_o please_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o evidence_n or_o rule_n in_o scripture_n where_o to_o stop_v god_n use_v figurative_a and_o parabolical_a speech_n but_o never_o any_o falsehood_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o admire_v and_o abhor_v to_o see_v a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o treatise_n heap_v up_o so_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o speak_v by_o erroneous_a prepossession_n of_o man_n but_o not_o true_a and_o conform_a to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v god_n speak_v often_o to_o man_n capacity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n but_o never_o untrue_a the_o matter_n king_n and_o state_n may_v infer_v good_a from_o the_o false_a prepossession_n of_o people_n which_o they_o presuppose_v but_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o or_o approve_v at_o least_o shall_v not_o though_o they_o may_v suppress_v their_o disapprobation_n who_o shall_v then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v approve_v false_a opinion_n to_o infer_v true_a unless_o they_o be_v relate_v not_o as_o his_o opinion_n but_o express_v as_o they_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o god_n truth_n be_v whole_o his_o moral_a perfection_n or_o if_o partly_o natural_a which_o i_o do_v not_o inquire_v out_o of_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
may_v rational_o be_v ascribe_v to_o many_o thing_n because_o of_o their_o connexion_n with_o other_o from_o the_o complex_fw-la of_o which_o happiness_n do_v result_v as_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o solemn_a sermon_n declare_v many_o to_o be_v happy_a upon_o different_a account_n which_o can_v be_v mean_v in_o consideration_n of_o every_o one_o of_o they_o several_o but_o of_o their_o connexion_n with_o other_o none_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o creature_n imply_v imperfection_n be_v to_o be_v conceive_v in_o god_n as_o have_v part_n capable_a of_o union_n and_o separation_n or_o as_o have_v quantity_n by_o multiply_v or_o diminish_v these_o part_n without_o which_o body_n can_v be_v extend_v or_o their_o quantity_n augment_v or_o diminish_v their_o part_n continue_v the_o same_o all_o which_o part_n be_v impenetrable_a not_o by_o any_o positive_a power_n or_o quality_n resist_v penetration_n but_o by_o incapacity_n to_o admit_v the_o penetration_n of_o any_o create_a substance_n which_o can_v only_o be_v in_o the_o interstice_n of_o substance_n but_o not_o in_o their_o part_n yet_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o everywhere_o but_o whether_o by_o his_o infinite_a power_n only_o whereby_o he_o can_v create_v and_o preserve_v creature_n without_o bound_v that_o power_n or_o whether_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o expansion_n different_a from_o the_o extension_n of_o body_n be_v a_o great_a depth_n which_o have_v never_o have_v a_o general_a determination_n among_o christian_n though_o there_o be_v a_o strong_a inclination_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o such_o a_o expansion_n which_o have_v give_v the_o rise_n to_o that_o imagination_n of_o the_o immensity_n of_o a_o body_n not_o only_o in_o the_o visible_a world_n but_o without_o it_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v positive_a to_o determine_v myself_o in_o it_o yet_o i_o be_o clear_a that_o though_o it_o be_v it_o can_v not_o infer_v a_o difficulty_n to_o apprehend_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n for_o though_o a_o create_a substance_n have_v part_n can_v not_o think_v but_o only_o a_o substance_n have_v no_o part_n the_o divine_a immensity_n will_v not_o therefore_o exclude_v the_o infinite_a knowledge_n of_o god_n see_v god_n have_v no_o part_n and_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o division_n or_o union_n of_o part_n nor_o of_o any_o motion_n for_o be_v every_o where_o exclude_v motion_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n do_v imply_v first_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v great_a for_o all_o addition_n of_o pleasure_n from_o the_o existence_n of_o creature_n be_v to_o god_n like_a to_o the_o small_a dust_n that_o cast_v not_o the_o exact_a balance_n and_o be_v among_o these_o small_a pleasure_n which_o do_v not_o make_v happiness_n nor_o do_v the_o absence_n thereof_o raise_v grief_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n can_v not_o have_v be_v bless_v before_o the_o creation_n yea_o albeit_o god_n have_v great_a pleasure_n in_o his_o decree_n relate_v to_o creature_n yet_o these_o decree_n be_v voluntary_a act_n of_o god_n purpose_n and_o therefore_o god_n may_v have_v be_v bless_v abstract_a from_o they_o second_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n that_o be_v that_o he_o have_v all_o in_o himself_o requisite_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a without_o dependence_n upon_o any_o creatrue_a or_o any_o act_n relate_v to_o creature_n and_o therefore_o his_o blessedness_n be_v altogether_o independent_a upon_o creature_n some_o learned_a man_n in_o the_o reform_a church_n hold_v god_n independence_n to_o be_v his_o first_o and_o most_o eminent_a attribute_n but_o when_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o independence_n be_v a_o attribute_n still_o presuppose_v something_o that_o be_v independent_a as_o the_o subject_a to_o which_o it_o be_v attribute_v which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o be_v a_o spirit_n for_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n comprehend_v all_o his_o perfection_n and_o all_o that_o right_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o must_v comprehend_v something_o which_o be_v as_o a_o subject_a presuppose_v nothing_o which_o be_v his_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o three_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o imply_v his_o independence_n that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o to_o make_v he_o happy_a but_o it_o must_v imply_v his_o infinite_a love_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o will_v never_o communicate_v his_o divine_a perfection_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n as_o he_o have_v oft_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o god_n love_n to_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o can_v be_v no_o great_a no_o mere_a creature_n be_v capable_a of_o such_o love_n for_o no_o creature_n be_v make_v so_o perfect_a but_o it_o may_v have_v be_v make_v more_o perfect_a which_o require_v great_a love_n god_n love_n to_o himself_o be_v self-love_n which_o do_v just_o exceed_v the_o love_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o he_o have_v give_v self-love_n to_o his_o rational_a creature_n which_o keep_v in_o its_o bound_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o a_o requisite_a perfection_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o creature_n but_o the_o self-love_n of_o creature_n must_v not_o diminish_v the_o general_a love_n to_o those_o of_o the_o kind_n and_o must_v be_v inferior_a and_o subordinate_a unto_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o when_o it_o exceed_v these_o bound_n it_o be_v no_o perfection_n but_o a_o vice_n and_o because_o it_o frequent_o exceed_v its_o bound_n the_o name_n of_o self-love_n simple_o express_v be_v take_v for_o a_o vice_n odious_a both_o to_o god_n and_o mankind_n but_o god_n can_v have_v no_o object_n more_o excellent_a and_o lovely_a than_o himself_o and_o therefore_o his_o self-love_n be_v good_a without_o limit_v or_o bound_n four_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v god_n full_a comprehension_n of_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n for_o though_o he_o have_v they_o all_o if_o he_o do_v not_o by_o a_o reflexive_a act_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o blessedness_n consider_v they_o all_o he_o can_v not_o be_v infinite_o bless_v five_o the_o last_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n be_v his_o infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o and_o in_o his_o own_o divine_a perfection_n and_o decree_n this_o view_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o decree_n together_o be_v that_o beatific_a vision_n whence_o be_v that_o infinite_a delight_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o in_o which_o he_o be_v perfect_o eternal_o and_o unchangeable_o bless_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o bounty_n bestow_v on_o his_o glorify_a creature_n a_o blessedness_n have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o his_o own_o perfect_v in_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v at_o his_o right-hand_n for_o evermore_o which_o must_v presuppose_v a_o state_n of_o these_o creature_n have_v such_o perfection_n that_o afford_v they_o full_a satisfaction_n that_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v any_o more_o especial_o when_o time_n be_v end_v after_o which_o there_o be_v no_o more_o alteration_n to_o be_v this_o be_v that_o beatisick_n vision_n of_o creature_n whereby_o they_o have_v a_o much_o clear_a idea_n of_o god_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n for_o here_o we_o see_v dark_o as_o through_o a_o glass_n but_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n the_o face_n of_o god_n be_v his_o countenance_n the_o shine_a whereof_o upon_o creature_n be_v the_o height_n of_o their_o happiness_n when_o there_o be_v no_o more_o fear_n of_o his_o frown_a nor_o of_o these_o creature_n fail_v these_o perpetual_a pleasure_n at_o god_n right-hand_n must_v presuppose_v the_o creature_n know_v by_o god_n declare_a decree_n that_o he_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o offend_v he_o or_o to_o fall_v from_o that_o glorious_a state_n but_o it_o chief_o arise_v from_o their_o view_n of_o the_o divinc_fw-la perfection_n and_o decree_n be_v 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of_o god_n but_o god_n alone_o