adversity_n as_o his_o only_a support_n and_o present_a help_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o this_o be_v a_o sure_a indication_n that_o these_o man_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o have_v not_o be_v able_a whole_o to_o extinguish_v in_o their_o mind_n the_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n nay_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o his_o goodness_n when_o after_o all_o their_o insolent_a defiance_n of_o he_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n and_o therefore_o our_o heart_n ought_v to_o rise_v with_o indignation_n against_o those_o who_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o interest_n to_o take_v away_o the_o light_n of_o our_o eye_n and_o the_o breath_n of_o our_o nostril_n and_o to_o rob_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v apt_a to_o afford_v to_o mankind_n ii_o we_o shall_v take_v great_a care_n of_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v this_o great_a goodness_n by_o vain_a confidence_n and_o presumption_n this_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n make_v that_o a_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o think_v that_o he_o be_v fond_a and_o indulgent_a to_o our_o fault_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a because_o he_o be_v good_a he_o can_v but_o hate_v evil_a so_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n that_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o fight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v mercy_n to_o those_o who_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o repentance_n and_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o continue_v impenitent_a god_n be_v implacable_a and_o will_v deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o desert_n of_o our_o do_n despair_n be_v a_o great_a sin_n but_o presumption_n be_v a_o great_a despair_v doubt_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o presumption_n abuse_v it_o despair_n disbelieve_v but_o presumption_n pervert_v the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n from_o what_o it_o be_v intend_v iii_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n and_o relief_n to_o our_o mind_n under_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_n great_a be_v the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o many_o devout_a mind_n concern_v god_n love_n to_o they_o and_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n which_o be_v common_o found_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n a_o melancholy_a temper_n or_o mistake_v notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o very_o often_o these_o two_o meet_v together_o and_o hinder_v the_o cure_n and_o removal_n of_o one_o another_o melancholy_n as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o bodily_a temper_n be_v a_o disease_n not_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o reason_n and_o argument_n but_o by_o physic_n and_o time_n but_o the_o mistake_n which_o man_n have_v entertain_v concern_v god_n if_o they_o be_v not_o set_v on_o and_o heighten_v by_o melancholy_n as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v may_v be_v rectify_v by_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o scripture_n many_o good_a man_n have_v have_v very_o hard_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o god_n instill_a into_o they_o from_o doctrine_n too_o common_o teach_v and_o receive_v as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o sincere_o desire_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n decree_v to_o make_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n with_o a_o secret_a purpose_n and_o design_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a and_o consequent_o be_v not_o serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o invitation_n and_o exhortation_n of_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o jealousy_n as_o these_o concern_v god_n make_v man_n doubtful_a whether_o god_n love_v they_o and_o very_o scrupulous_a and_o anxious_a about_o their_o everlasting_a condition_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o these_o harsh_a doctrine_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o foundation_n either_o in_o reason_n or_o scripture_n that_o god_n earnest_o desire_v our_o happiness_n and_o afford_v we_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o bear_v a_o more_o hearty_a good_a will_n to_o we_o than_o any_o man_n do_v to_o his_o friend_n or_o any_o father_n upon_o earth_n ever_o do_v to_o his_o dear_a child_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o great_a affection_n of_o man_n to_o those_o who_o they_o love_v best_a be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n as_o the_o very_a small_a dust_n upon_o the_o balance_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n goodness_n we_o can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o despair_v of_o his_o kind_n and_o merciful_a intention_n to_o we_o provide_v we_o be_v but_o careful_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o do_v sincere_o repent_v and_o forsake_v our_o sin_n plain_a declaration_n no_o word_n can_v make_v than_o those_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o he_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n that_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v have_v mercy_n that_o if_o the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v as_o for_o outward_a calamity_n and_o affliction_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o consolation_n to_o we_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v either_o prevent_v they_o by_o his_o providence_n or_o support_v we_o under_o they_o or_o rescue_v we_o out_o of_o they_o or_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o the_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o all_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o issue_n all_o their_o affliction_n shall_v prove_v to_o their_o advantage_n we_o know_v say_v he_o that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o his_o goodness_n if_o we_o believe_v his_o goodness_n we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o and_o if_o we_o love_v he_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a cordial_n to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o grievous_a persecution_n and_o suffering_n revolution_n this_o sermon_n be_v preach_v before_o the_o late_a happy_a revolution_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o brethren_n in_o a_o neighbour_n nation_n and_o may_v come_v to_o be_v we_o god_n know_v how_o soon_o but_o though_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n be_v great_a and_o back_v with_o a_o power_n not_o to_o be_v control_v by_o any_o visible_a mean_n and_o therefore_o likely_a to_o continue_v yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v great_a than_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o a_o long_a duration_n and_o continuance_n and_o thus_o david_n comfort_v himself_o when_o he_o be_v persecute_v by_o saul_n psal_n 52.1_o why_o boast_v thou_o thyself_o in_o mischief_n o_o mighty_a man_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v continual_o the_o persecution_n which_o saul_n raise_v against_o he_o be_v very_o powerful_a and_o last_v a_o long_a time_n but_o he_o comfort_v himself_o with_o this_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n endure_v for_o ever_o iv_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o several_a duty_n 1._o to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o our_o mind_n several_a of_o
any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o we_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n both_o from_o god_n and_o man._n we_o be_v liable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o change_n of_o human_a affair_n we_o may_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o one_o another_o by_o turn_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o with_o the_o same_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o to_o restrain_v the_o cruelty_n and_o check_v the_o insolence_n of_o man_n god_n have_v so_o order_v in_o his_o providence_n that_o very_o often_o in_o this_o world_n man_n cruelty_n return_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o their_o violent_a deal_n upon_o their_o own_o pate_n bajazet_n meet_v with_o a_o tamerlane_n but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o liable_a to_o one_o another_o we_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o other_o in_o suffer_v and_o forgive_a they_o that_o have_v injure_v we_o god_n will_v be_v so_o to_o we_o he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o prov._n 16.5_o by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v 2._o sam._n 22.26_o with_o the_o merciful_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o merciful_a prov._n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o prov._n 21.21_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o mercy_n find_v life_n matth._n 6.14_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a to_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o inexorable_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o favour_n and_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o our_o mercy_n hard_o heart_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v leave_v we_o that_o he_o will_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o shut_v up_o in_o anger_n his_o tender_a mercy_n mat._n 6.15_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n that_o be_v a_o dreadful_a passage_n s._n james_n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n how_o angry_a be_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o servant_n who_o be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o his_o fellow_n servant_n after_o he_o have_v forgive_v he_o so_o great_a a_o debt_n as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 18.24_o he_o owe_v he_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o upon_o his_o submission_n and_o entreaty_n to_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o he_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n and_o loose_v he_o and_o forgive_v he_o all_o but_o no_o soon_o have_v this_o favour_n be_v do_v to_o he_o by_o his_o lord_n but_o go_v forth_o he_o meet_v his_o fellow_n servant_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a debt_n a_o hundred_o penny_n he_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o roundly_o demand_v payment_n of_o he_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o supplication_n that_o he_o have_v use_v to_o his_o lord_n but_o he_o reject_v his_o request_n and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n now_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o he_o v._o 32_o 33_o 34._o o_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n i_o forgive_v thou_o all_o the_o debt_n because_o thou_o desire_v i_o shall_v not_o thou_o also_o have_v have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n even_o as_o i_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o now_o what_o application_n do_v our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o v._o 35._o so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o forgive_v other_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o we_o can_v suffer_v from_o man_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v against_o god_n they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o they_o neither_o in_o weight_n nor_o number_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o hundred_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o god_n we_o shall_v forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n he_o pardon_v our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a many_o injury_n though_o offence_n be_v renew_v and_o provocation_n multiply_v for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n ex._n 34.7_o be_v 55.7_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n only_o to_o forgive_v we_o seven_o time_n but_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o often_o as_o we_o offend_v he_o so_o shall_v we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o this_o work_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o neh._n 9.17_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o hearty_o not_o only_o in_o word_n when_o we_o retain_v malice_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o while_o we_o say_v we_o forgive_v carry_v on_o a_o secret_a design_n in_o our_o heart_n of_o revenge_a ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n but_o we_o shall_v from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o one_o for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o who_o when_o he_o forgive_v we_o cast_v our_o iniquity_n behind_o his_o back_n and_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o blot_v out_o our_o transgression_n so_o as_o to_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n no_o more_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v thus_o every_o time_n we_o put_v up_o the_o petition_n to_o god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o judgement_n we_o invoke_v his_o wrath_n and_o do_v not_o put_v up_o a_o prayer_n but_o a_o dreadful_a imprecation_n against_o ourselves_o we_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o own_o condemnation_n and_o importune_v god_n not_o to_o forgive_v we_o use_v 4._o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a this_o may_v comfort_v we_o against_o despair_n sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deject_v when_o they_o consider_v their_o unworthiness_n the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o cain_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o do_v not_o look_v only_o upon_o thy_o sin_n but_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v too_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o but_o whilst_o we_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v consider_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n and_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n we_o have_v multiply_v our_o provocation_n and_o he_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v do_v but_o thou_o put_v thyself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o mercy_n by_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v receive_v thou_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v merciful_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v they_o if_o we_o have_v offend_v man_n as_o we_o have_v do_v god_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n we_o can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o god_n than_o by_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o fury_n be_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v and_o reconcile_v to_o we_o we_o disparage_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o we_o distrust_v those_o gracious_a declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o do_v hearty_o pity_v and_o compassionate_a sinner_n and_o real_o dedesire_v their_o happiness_n do_v not_o he_o condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o represent_v himself_o afflict_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n what_o one_o evangelist_n have_v be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a be_v render_v in_o another_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a goodness_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o perfect_a be_v that_o if_o we_o once_o strip_v god_n of_o this_o property_n we_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n glory_n he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o exod._n 33.19_o this_o be_v the_o most_o amiable_a perfection_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o beauty_n sine_fw-la bonitate_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la without_o goodness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n other_o excellency_n may_v cause_v fear_n and_o amazement_n in_o we_o but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v command_v sincere_a love_n and_o veneration_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o this_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o every_o creature_n some_o representation_n of_o some_o divine_a perfection_n or_o other_o but_o god_n do_v not_o own_o any_o creature_n to_o be_v after_o his_o image_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o goodness_n the_o creature_n that_o want_v reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v incapable_a of_o this_o moral_a goodness_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o man_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v dominion_n give_v he_o over_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v make_v after_o god_n image_n in_o respect_n of_o goodness_n he_o have_v be_v unfit_a to_o rule_v over_o other_o creature_n because_o without_o goodness_n dominion_n will_v be_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o more_o any_o creature_n partaker_n of_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n the_o more_o it_o resemble_v god_n as_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n continual_o and_o be_v thereby_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n their_o whole_a business_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o devil_n though_o he_o resemble_v god_n in_o other_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v evil_a and_o envious_a and_o mischievous_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o god_n in_o this_o perfection_n he_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a and_o and_z hateful_a to_o he_o of_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o this_o perfection_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n if_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a nature_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a say_v david_n psal_n 119.68_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v act_v 14.17_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o send_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o the_o whole_a creation_n furnish_v we_o with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n we_o be_v encounter_v with_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o behold_v be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19.1_o and_o again_o psal_n 33.5_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n and_o every_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o be_v and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o in_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v a_o plentiful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o 1._o the_o extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o goodness_n to_o impart_v and_o communicate_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n have_v not_o god_n be_v good_a but_o of_o a_o envious_a and_o narrow_a and_o contract_a nature_n he_o will_v have_v confine_v all_o be_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v unwilling_a that_o any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o his_o goodness_n prompt_v he_o to_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v himself_o and_o set_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n on_o work_n to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o that_o variety_n of_o creature_n which_o we_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o probable_o to_o infinite_a more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n can_v have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o do_v this_o but_o pure_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o motive_n imaginable_a beside_o this_o must_v either_o be_v indigency_n and_o want_n or_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a goodness_n that_o move_v he_o to_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o therefore_o all_o creature_n have_v reason_n with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o mere_a goodness_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v 1._o indigency_n and_o want_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o god_n because_o he_o that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n have_v all_o plenty_n in_o himself_o from_o whence_o result_v all-sufficiency_n and_o complete_a happiness_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n need_v not_o look_v out_o of_o itself_o for_o happiness_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostri_fw-la we_o make_v thing_n for_o our_o use_n house_n to_o shelter_v we_o and_o clothes_n to_o keep_v we_o warm_a and_o we_o propagate_v our_o kind_a to_o perpetuate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o suppose_v imperfection_n and_o want_v and_o mortality_n to_o none_o of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o glory_n which_o make_v god_n to_o make_v the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n do_v herein_o appear_v and_o creature_n endow_v with_o understanding_n have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o with_o thankfulness_n praise_n and_o admiration_n but_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n redound_v to_o god_n
from_o it_o nor_o do_v he_o feed_v himself_o with_o any_o imaginary_a content_n and_o satisfaction_n such_o as_o vainglorious_a person_n have_v from_o the_o flutter_a applause_n of_o their_o creature_n and_o beneficiaries_n god_n be_v real_o above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n it_o be_v great_a condescension_n and_o goodness_n in_o he_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o benefit_n of_o our_o imperfect_a praise_n and_o ignorant_a admiration_n of_o he_o and_o be_v he_o not_o as_o wonderful_o good_a as_o he_o be_v great_a and_o glorious_a he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o sully_v his_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n by_o take_v it_o into_o our_o mouth_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o our_o advantage_n and_o happiness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v his_o benefit_n for_o any_o real_a happiness_n and_o glory_n that_o come_v to_o he_o by_o it_o he_o can_v well_o enough_o be_v without_o it_o and_o dispense_v with_o we_o for_o ever_o entertain_v one_o think_v of_o he_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o goodness_n may_v despise_v the_o praise_n of_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_o more_o reason_n than_o wise_a man_n do_v the_o applause_n of_o fool_n there_o be_v indeed_o one_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o god_n make_v all_o creature_n for_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v some_o need_n of_o they_o prov._n 16.4_o the_o lord_n have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o yea_o even_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n now_o if_o by_o god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o be_v mean_v that_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o but_o if_o we_o understand_v it_o so_o as_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n do_v not_o move_v he_o thereto_o but_o he_o have_v some_o design_n to_o serve_v end_n and_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v far_o from_o he_o but_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o neither_o of_o these_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n which_o may_v be_v render_v with_o much_o better_a sense_n and_o near_o to_o the_o hebrew_n thus_o god_n have_v ordain_v every_o thing_n to_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o he_o wicked_a have_v he_o ordain_v for_o the_o day_n of_o evil_n that_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v fit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o punishment_n to_o sin_n the_o evil_a day_n to_o the_o evil_a doer_n 2._o nor_o can_v necessity_n and_o constraint_n have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n when_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n yet_o make_v nothing_o in_o be_v but_o god_n himself_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o compel_v he_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n and_o to_o extort_v from_o he_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n neither_o be_v the_o creature_n necessary_a effect_n and_o emanation_n from_o the_o be_v of_o god_n flow_v from_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o water_n do_v from_o a_o spring_n and_o as_o light_a stream_n from_o the_o sun_n if_o so_o this_o indeed_o will_v have_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o not_o of_o the_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v matter_n of_o joy_n to_o we_o thaâ—_n we_o be_v but_o not_o a_o true_a ground_n oâ—_n thankfulness_n from_o we_o to_o god_n aâ—_n we_o rejoice_v and_o be_v glad_a that_o thâ—_n sunshine_n but_o we_o do_v not_o give_v it_o any_o thanks_o for_o shine_v because_o it_o shineâ—_n without_o any_o intention_n or_o design_n tâ—_n do_v we_o good_a it_o do_v not_o know_v thaâ—_n we_o be_v the_o better_a for_o its_o light_n nor_o diâ—_n intend_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o acknowledge_v its_o goodness_n to_o we_o but_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n do_v not_o act_v as_o natural_a and_o material_a cause_n do_v which_o act_n necessary_o and_o ignorant_o whereas_o he_o act_v know_o and_o voluntary_o with_o particular_a intention_n and_o design_n know_v that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o intend_v to_o do_v so_o free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o other_o constraint_n upon_o he_o but_o this_o that_o his_o goodness_n incline_v his_o will_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o to_o do_v good_a so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v under_o no_o necessity_n but_o such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o most_o perfect_a liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n not_o but_o that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o when_o he_o communicate_v his_o goodness_n he_o know_v what_o he_o do_v and_o will_n and_o choose_v to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o kind_n of_o necessity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n and_o praise_n of_o it_o the_o stoic_a philosopher_n mistake_v this_o do_v blasphemous_o advance_v their_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n above_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o reason_n thus_o a_o wiseman_n be_v good_a out_o of_o choice_n when_o he_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o god_n out_o of_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o when_o he_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a but_o if_o they_o have_v consider_v thing_n aright_o they_o may_v have_v know_v that_o this_o be_v a_o imperfection_n in_o their_o wise_a man_n that_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a for_o a_o power_n to_o be_v evil_a be_v impotency_n and_o weakness_n the_o high_a character_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o a_o man_n be_v that_o which_o velleius_n paterculus_n give_v of_o cato_n that_o he_o be_v vir_fw-la bone_fw-la quia_fw-la aliter_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la a_o good_a man_n because_o he_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o apply_v to_o a_o mortal_a man_n be_v a_o very_a extravagant_a and_o undue_a commendation_n but_o yet_o it_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o goodness_n be_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o the_o expression_n and_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v spontaneous_a and_o free_a design_v and_o direct_v by_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o second_o particular_a be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v all_o creature_n very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o propose_v to_o do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o to_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n and_o four_o to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v the_o two_o first_o and_o in_o speak_v to_o the_o three_o i_o propose_v the_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o more_o especial_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o appear_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o in_o his_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o his_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o speak_v large_o to_o i_o proceed_v to_o show_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n that_o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o make_v all_o these_o creature_n so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o number_n and_o variety_n the_o rank_n and_o order_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o all_o of_o they_o his_o goodness_n excite_a and_o set_v a_o work_n his_o power_n to_o make_v
this_o visible_a world_n man_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o behemoth_n or_o the_o elephant_n job_n 42._o in_o respect_n of_o his_o great_a strength_n and_o the_o vast_a bigness_n of_o his_o body_n be_v only_o true_a absolute_o of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v divini_fw-la opificii_fw-la caput_fw-la the_o chief_a of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o upon_o earth_n there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o the_o psalmist_n take_v particular_a notice_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o dignity_n of_o his_o be_v psal_n 8.5_o thou_o have_v make_v he_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o have_v crown_v he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o this_o advantage_n of_o our_o nature_n above_o other_o creature_n we_o ought_v thankful_o to_o acknowledge_v though_o most_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a as_o to_o overlook_v it_o as_o elihu_n complain_v job_n 35.10_o 11._o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n 2._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n appear_v in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o our_o use_n the_o beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o their_o plain_a subserviency_n to_o our_o necessity_n and_o benefit_n and_o delight_n be_v so_o many_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o we_o not_o only_o discernible_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o even_o palpable_a to_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o we_o may_v see_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a this_o david_n particular_o insist_o upon_o as_o a_o special_a ground_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n that_o he_o have_v subject_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o our_o dominion_n and_o use_n psal_n 8.6_o 7_o 8._o speak_v of_o man_n thou_o have_v make_v he_o to_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n thou_o have_v put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n all_o sheep_n and_o ox_n yea_o and_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o whatsoever_o pass_v through_o the_o path_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o a_o ininnumerable_a variety_n of_o creature_n be_v there_o in_o this_o inferior_a world_n which_o be_v either_o sole_o or_o principal_o make_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o serve_v for_o the_o necessity_n and_o support_n for_o the_o contentment_n and_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n how_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o refreshment_n and_o delight_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o excercise_n and_o employment_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o god_n have_v not_o make_v man_n for_o the_o service_n of_o other_o creature_n but_o other_o creature_n for_o the_o service_n of_o man_n epictetus_n do_v very_o ingenious_o argue_v from_o this_o observation_n that_o the_o creature_n below_o man_n the_o brute_n beast_n have_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o readiness_n nature_n have_v provide_v for_o they_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o lodging_n so_o that_o they_o have_v no_o absolute_a need_n that_o any_o shall_v build_v house_n or_o make_v clothes_n or_o store_n up_o provision_n or_o prepare_v and_o dress_v meat_n for_o they_o for_o say_v he_o be_v make_v for_o the_o service_n of_o another_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o may_v be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o serve_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v man_n and_o not_o man_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o to_o raise_v our_o thought_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o the_o son_n of_o man_n yet_o high_a as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o for_o our_o use_n and_o convenience_n so_o have_v he_o appoint_v the_o creature_n above_o we_o for_o our_o guard_n and_o protection_n not_o to_o say_v for_o our_o service_n psal_n 34.7_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n encamp_v round_o about_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o deliver_v they_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v o_o taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o psal_n 91.11_o 12._o he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o thou_o to_o keep_v thou_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n they_o shall_v bear_v thou_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n nay_o the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o if_o their_o whole_a business_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o attend_v upon_o and_o be_v serviceable_a to_o good_a man_n heb._n 1.14_o be_v they_o not_o all_o minister_a spirit_n send_v forth_o to_o minister_v for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n appear_v in_o his_o tender_a love_n and_o peculiar_a care_n of_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v ready_a to_o impart_v and_o dispense_v to_o we_o the_o good_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o condition_n and_o concern_v to_o exempt_v we_o from_o those_o manifold_a evil_n of_o want_n and_o pain_n to_o which_o we_o be_v obnoxious_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v a_o absolute_a exemption_n from_o all_o sort_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o evil_a and_o a_o perpetual_a tenor_n of_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n this_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a state_n and_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o we_o be_v in_o among_o the_o creature_n nor_o will_v it_o be_v best_a for_o we_o all_o thing_n consider_v but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o above_o other_o creature_n be_v proportionable_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n above_o they_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n in_o another_o case_n do_v god_n take_v care_n for_o ox_n and_o shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o extend_v his_o care_n to_o man_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n reason_n mat._n 6._o behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v and_o yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n take_v care_n of_o they_o be_v not_o you_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o v._o 30._o wherefore_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o and_o chap._n 10.29_o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v a_o special_a care_n of_o his_o people_n and_o servant_n above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o our_o saviour_n use_v these_o argument_n to_o his_o disciple_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o as_o man_n and_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o other_o creature_n and_o indeed_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n more_o destitute_a and_o helpless_a than_o other_o creature_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v reserve_v we_o for_o his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o the_o scripture_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n express_v it_o to_o we_o by_o the_o name_n of_o love_n so_o that_o what_o effect_n of_o care_n the_o great_a and_o tender_a affection_n in_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o produce_v towards_o one_o another_o that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o and_o this_o affection_n of_o god_n be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n though_o of_o all_o creature_n we_o have_v lest_o deserve_v it_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o diffuse_v and_o shed_v abroad_o itself_o wherever_o man_n be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o duty_n and_o obedience_n and_o do_v not_o obstruct_v and_o stop_v the_o emanation_n of_o it_o by_o their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n and_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v evil_a yet_o this_o do_v not_o whole_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o his_o goodness_n though_o it_o cause_v many_o abatement_n of_o it_o and_o hinder_v many_o good_a thing_n from_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o the_o evil_a and_o undutifulness_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v please_v still_o to_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o society_n of_o man_n from_o run_v into_o utter_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n notwithstanding_o the_o violence_n and_o irregularity_n of_o man_n will_n and_o passion_n the_o community_n of_o man_n subsist_v upon_o tolerable_a term_n and_o notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o craft_n of_o evil_a man_n poor_a and_o unarmed_a innocence_n and_o virtue_n be_v usual_o protect_v and_o
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
brute_n creature_n those_o suffering_n which_o nature_n inflict_v upon_o they_o be_v very_o few_o the_o great_a they_o meet_v withal_o be_v from_o man_n or_o upon_o their_o account_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o be_v chief_o make_v and_o to_o who_o reasonable_a use_n and_o gentle_a dominion_n they_o be_v consign_v it_o be_v necessary_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o these_o creature_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v passive_a and_o liable_a to_o pain_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v either_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v such_o creature_n because_o all_o these_o pain_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n full_o recompense_v by_o the_o pleasure_n these_o creature_n find_v in_o life_n and_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n in_o life_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o all_o creature_n notwithstanding_o the_o misery_n they_o endure_v be_v still_o fond_a of_o life_n and_o unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o it_o no_o creature_n but_o man_n who_o only_o have_v pervert_v his_o nature_n ever_o seek_v the_o destruction_n of_o itself_o and_o since_o all_o brute_n creature_n be_v so_o loath_a to_o go_v out_o of_o be_v we_o may_v probable_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o can_v deliberate_v whether_o they_o will_v be_v or_o not_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o come_v into_o be_v even_o upon_o these_o hard_a condition_n but_o however_o that_o be_v this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o that_o they_o suffer_v chief_o from_o we_o and_o upon_o our_o account_n we_o who_o be_v their_o natural_a lord_n have_v deprave_v ourselves_o first_o be_v become_v cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a to_o they_o nay_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o that_o the_o whole_a creation_n groan_v and_o be_v in_o bondage_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o this_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a that_o be_v make_v principal_o for_o man_n they_o shall_v suffer_v upon_o his_o account_n as_o a_o part_n of_o his_o good_n and_o estate_n not_o as_o a_o punishment_n to_o they_o which_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o punishment_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o but_o as_o a_o punishment_n to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o lord_n and_o owner_n of_o they_o they_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n become_v more_o weak_a and_o frail_a and_o less_o useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o he_o for_o who_o they_o be_v make_v so_o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o creature_n below_o we_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o be_v charge_v up-us_a under_o who_o dominion_n god_n have_v put_v they_o 2_o dly_z as_o for_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n which_o befall_v man_n these_o be_v not_o natural_a and_o of_o god_n make_v but_o the_o result_n and_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o do_n the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o ill_a use_n of_o our_o own_o liberty_n and_o free_a choice_n and_o god_n do_v not_o willing_o send_v they_o upon_o we_o but_o we_o wilful_o pull_v they_o down_o upon_o ourselves_o for_o he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o lam._n 3.33_o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n chap._n 1.12_o 13._o god_n make_v not_o death_n neither_o have_v he_o pleasure_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o live_n but_o man_n pull_v destruction_n upon_o themselves_o with_o the_o work_n of_o their_o own_o hand_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v either_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n as_o poverty_n and_o disgrace_n pain_n disease_n and_o death_n which_o be_v sometime_o more_o immediate_o inflict_v upon_o man_n by_o a_o visible_a providence_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o be_v usual_o bring_v upon_o we_o by_o ourselves_o in_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n or_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n bring_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n by_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o other_o and_o these_o evil_n though_o they_o be_v procure_v and_o cause_v by_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v deserve_v by_o ourselves_o and_o though_o they_o be_v immediate_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v far_o and_o consider_v they_o as_o direct_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o david_n do_v when_o shimei_n curse_v he_o god_n say_v he_o have_v bid_v he_o curse_n david_n though_o it_o immediate_o proceed_v from_o shimei_n insolence_n and_o ill_a nature_n now_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o sin_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v good_a because_o they_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o and_o serve_v to_o very_o good_a end_n and_o purpose_n i._o as_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o sin_n evil_n be_v good_a to_o they_o that_o do_v evil_a that_o be_v it_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a just_a and_o due_a psal_n 107.17_o fool_n because_o of_o their_o transgression_n and_o because_o of_o their_o iniquity_n be_v afflict_v and_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v so_o crooked_a to_o crooked_a be_v straight_o and_o right_o a_o rod_n for_o the_o back_n of_o fool_n say_v solomon_n and_o elsewhere_o god_n have_v make_v every_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a for_o it_o and_o the_o evil_a day_n for_o the_o wicked_a man_n 2_o dly_z as_o they_o be_v the_o prevention_n and_o remedy_n of_o great_a evil_n evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffer_v be_v good_a for_o wicked_a man_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o and_o thereby_o to_o prevent_v great_a temporal_a evil_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o eternal_a misery_n and_o not_o only_o good_a to_o the_o person_n that_o suffer_v but_o likewise_o to_o other_o to_o deter_v and_o affright_v they_o from_o the_o like_a sin_n to_o prevent_v the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o progress_n of_o iniquity_n upon_o which_o great_a guilt_n and_o worse_a mischief_n may_v ensue_v and_o they_o be_v good_a to_o good_a man_n to_o awaken_v and_o rouse_v they_o out_o of_o their_o security_n to_o make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o themselves_o better_a they_o be_v almost_o a_o necessary_a discipline_n for_o the_o best_a of_o man_n much_o more_o for_o evil_n and_o deprave_a disposition_n and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o rod_n in_o a_o school_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n in_o the_o world_n 3_o dly_z as_o they_o be_v the_o occasion_n and_o matter_n of_o many_o virtue_n god_n teach_v man_n temperance_n by_o want_n and_o patience_n by_o reproach_n and_o suffering_n charity_n by_o persecution_n and_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o other_o by_o grievous_a pain_n upon_o ourselves_o the_o benefit_n of_o affliction_n to_o they_o that_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o be_v unspeakable_a they_o be_v grievous_a in_o themselves_o nevertheless_o say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v therewith_o david_n give_v a_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o mighty_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o from_o his_o own_o experience_n psal_n 119.76_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o have_v i_o keep_v thy_o word_n and_o v._o 71._o it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v that_o i_o may_v learn_v thy_o statute_n 4_o thly_a the_o evil_n of_o suffer_v patient_o submit_v to_o and_o decent_o bear_v do_v great_o contribute_v to_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o happiness_n all_o the_o persecution_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n do_v work_n for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o if_o they_o contribute_v to_o our_o great_a good_a and_o happiness_n at_o last_o they_o be_v good_a the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o the_o suffering_n which_o we_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o this_o life_n will_v in_o the_o next_o clear_v up_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n from_o all_o those_o mist_n and_o cloud_n which_o be_v now_o upon_o it_o and_o full_o acquit_v it_o from_o all_o those_o objection_n which_o be_v now_o raise_v against_o it_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n which_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o they_o iii_o as_o for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o this_o to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o desire_v these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v the_o
upon_o necessity_n and_o in_o case_n of_o just_a provocation_n and_o to_o be_v otherwise_o not_o to_o punish_v insolent_a impiety_n and_o incorrigible_a wickedness_n in_o a_o severe_a and_o remarkable_a manner_n will_v not_o be_v goodness_n but_o a_o fond_a indulgence_n not_o patience_n but_o stupidity_n not_o mercy_n to_o mankind_n but_o cruelty_n because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o they_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n and_o to_o bring_v great_a misery_n upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o if_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o just_a as_o well_o as_o good_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o of_o these_o instance_n but_o what_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o we_o can_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o a_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a governor_n who_o be_v a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o sin_n and_o be_v resolve_v to_o give_v all_o fit_a discountenance_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o some_o shall_v be_v make_v remarkable_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o few_o may_v be_v a_o warning_n to_o all_o that_o they_o may_v hear_v and_o fear_n and_o by_o avoid_v the_o like_a sin_n may_v prevent_v the_o like_a severity_n upon_o themselves_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v fruitful_a of_o many_o excellent_a and_o useful_a inference_n in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o our_o duty_n but_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n iu._n vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n i_o have_v make_v several_a discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n show_v what_o it_o be_v on_o what_o account_v we_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n what_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o more_o particular_o to_o mankind_n and_o in_o the_o last_o place_n consider_v the_o several_a objection_n which_o seem_v to_o lie_v against_o it_o i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o excellent_a argument_n the_o considederation_n whereof_o be_v so_o fruitful_a of_o useful_a inference_n in_o relation_n both_o to_o our_o comfort_n and_o duty_n and_o i._o this_o show_v we_o the_o prodigious_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n most_o of_o the_o atheism_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o so_o much_o consist_v in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o in_o vain_a wish_n and_o desire_n that_o there_o be_v none_o bad_a man_n think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o much_o better_a condition_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n than_o if_o there_o be_v one_o nemo_fw-la deum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la credit_n nisi_fw-la cvi_fw-la deum_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la expedit_fw-la no_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n but_o he_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o if_o we_o can_v see_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o wicked_a man_n we_o shall_v find_v this_o lie_n at_o the_o bottom_n that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o be_v just_a and_o will_v punish_v sin_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n and_o not_o to_o be_v resist_v and_o therefore_o kill_v they_o with_o his_o terror_n so_o often_o as_o they_o think_v of_o he_o hence_o they_o apprehend_v it_o their_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n and_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o and_o thence_o be_v apt_a to_o cherish_v in_o their_o mind_n a_o vain_a hope_n that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o at_o last_o endeavour_n to_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o by_o vain_a reason_n and_o to_o suppress_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o stifle_v their_o natural_a apprehension_n and_o fear_n of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o primus_fw-la in_o orbe_fw-la deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v that_o first_o make_v god_n but_o the_o fear_n which_o bad_a man_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o justice_n that_o first_o tempt_v they_o to_o the_o disbelief_n of_o he_o but_o be_v not_o these_o man_n as_o foolish_a as_o they_o be_v wicked_a they_o will_v wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a to_o believe_v so_o and_o the_o psalmist_n give_v they_o their_o true_a character_n who_o can_v entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n or_o wish_n psal_n 14.1_o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o be_v fool_n who_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o consult_v their_o true_a interest_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a which_o i_o have_v say_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n if_o this_o be_v his_o nature_n to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n whoever_o understand_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o own_o true_a interest_n can_v but_o wish_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o be_v glad_a of_o any_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o rejoice_v to_o find_v it_o true_a as_o child_n be_v glad_a of_o a_o kind_n and_o tender_a father_n and_z as_o subject_n rejoice_v in_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a prince_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v we_o so_o lovely_a a_o character_n of_o he_o make_v he_o so_o good_a a_o father_n so_o gracious_a a_o governor_n of_o man_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v infinite_o desirable_a to_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o qualem_fw-la omnes_fw-la cuperent_fw-la si_fw-la deesset_fw-la as_o if_o he_o be_v want_v all_o man_n ought_v to_o wish_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v so_o comfortable_a so_o convenient_a so_o necessary_a to_o the_o felicity_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o tully_n admirable_o say_v dij_fw-la immortales_fw-la ad_fw-la usum_fw-la hominum_fw-la fabricati_fw-la penè_fw-la videantur_fw-la if_o god_n be_v not_o a_o necessary_a be_v of_o himself_o he_o may_v almost_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o man_n so_o that_o atheism_n be_v not_o only_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o horrible_a impiety_n but_o of_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o for_o man_n to_o glory_n in_o their_o disbelief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v like_o the_o rejoice_v and_o triumph_n of_o a_o furious_a and_o besotted_a multitude_n in_o the_o murder_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a prince_n the_o great_a calamity_n and_o confusion_n that_o can_v possible_o have_v befall_v they_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v yet_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n ought_v to_o check_v all_o inclination_n to_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o if_o he_o be_v as_o good_a as_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o both_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o he_o be_v so_o as_o sure_a as_o he_o be_v if_o he_o tender_v our_o welfare_n and_o desire_v our_o happiness_n as_o much_o as_o we_o ourselves_o can_v do_v and_o use_v all_o wise_a way_n and_o proper_a mean_n to_o bring_v it_o about_o than_o it_o be_v plain_o every_o man_n interest_n even_o thou_o o_o sinner_n to_o who_o after_o all_o thy_o provocation_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v and_o when_o ever_o thou_o come_v to_o thyself_o thou_o will_v be_v sensible_a of_o thy_o want_n of_o he_o and_o thy_o soul_n will_v thirst_v for_o god_n even_o the_o live_a god_n and_o pant_v after_o he_o as_o the_o hart_n pant_v after_o the_o water_n brook_v in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o thou_o thou_o will_v fly_v to_o god_n for_o refuge_n and_o shelter_v thyself_o under_o his_o protection_n and_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o it_o to_o help_v and_o deliver_v thou_o deos_fw-la nemo_fw-la sanus_fw-la timet_fw-la say_v seneca_n furor_fw-la est_fw-la metuere_fw-la salutaria_fw-la no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v afraid_a there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o fear_v that_o which_o be_v so_o much_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n humane_a nature_n be_v conscious_a to_o itself_o of_o its_o own_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o of_o its_o necessary_a dependence_n upon_o something_o without_o itself_o for_o its_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o in_o great_a extremity_n and_o distress_n the_o atheist_n himself_o have_v natural_o recourse_n to_o he_o and_o he_o who_o deny_v and_o reject_v he_o in_o his_o prosperity_n cling_v to_o he_o in_o
another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n and_o walk_v in_o love_n we_o can_v in_o any_o thing_n resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o mercy_n and_o in_o a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v those_o who_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o let_v we_o then_o often_o contemplate_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o represent_v it_o to_o our_o mind_n that_o by_o the_o frequent_a contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o may_v be_v transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n with_o how_o much_o great_a reason_n shall_v we_o be_v so_o to_o our_o fellow_n creature_n be_v god_n good_a to_o we_o let_v we_o imitate_v his_o universal_a goodness_n by_o endeavour_v the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n what_o god_n be_v to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o still_o be_v to_o we_o that_o let_v we_o be_v to_o other_o we_o be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o this_o perfection_n of_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o all_o that_o we_o expect_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o admire_v and_o imitate_v it_o let_v this_o pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v continual_o before_o we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v still_o fashion_v ourselves_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o a_o likeness_n and_o conformity_n to_o it_o last_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n shall_v excite_v our_o praise_n and_o thankfulness_n this_o be_v a_o great_a duty_n to_o the_o performance_n whereof_o we_o shall_v summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n do_v psal_n 103._o bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n and_o we_o shall_v invite_v all_o other_o to_o the_o same_o work_n as_o the_o same_o devout_a psalmist_n frequent_o do_v psal_n 106._o o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o psal_n 107._o o_o that_o man_n will_v therefore_o praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n and_o for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o we_o have_v need_v to_o be_v often_o call_v upon_o to_o this_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o have_v a_o peculiar_a backwardness_n necessity_n drive_v we_o to_o prayer_n and_o send_v we_o to_o god_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n but_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n be_v a_o duty_n which_o depend_v upon_o our_o gratitude_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o nothing_o soon_o wear_v off_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o kindness_n and_o benefit_n we_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o forget_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n not_o so_o much_o from_o a_o bad_a memory_n as_o from_o a_o bad_a nature_n to_o forget_v the_o great_a blessing_n the_o continuance_n whereof_o shall_v continual_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o the_o blessing_n of_o our_o being_n so_o god_n complain_v of_o his_o people_n deut._n 32._o of_o the_o god_n that_o form_v thou_o thou_o have_v be_v unmindful_a the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o being_n above_o all_o the_o creature_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n job_n 35.10_o 11._o none_o say_v where_o be_v god_n my_o maker_n who_o teach_v we_o more_o than_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v we_o wise_a than_o the_o fowl_n of_o heaven_n the_o daily_a comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o can_v continual_o receive_v without_o almost_o ever_o look_v up_o to_o the_o hand_n that_o give_v they_o so_o god_n complain_v by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n 2.8_o 9_o she_o know_v not_o that_o i_o give_v her_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o multiply_v her_o gold_n and_o silver_n and_o be_v it_o not_o shameful_a to_o see_v how_o at_o the_o most_o plentiful_a table_n the_o give_v of_o god_n thanks_o be_v almost_o grow_v out_o of_o fashion_n as_o if_o man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o from_o whence_o these_o blessing_n come_v when_o thanks_o be_v all_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o can_v we_o not_o afford_v to_o give_v he_o that_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o take_v away_o his_o blessing_n from_o we_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o this_o easy_a tribute_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n be_v unfit_a for_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v backward_o to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n and_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o therefore_o as_o ever_o we_o hope_v to_o come_v thither_o let_v we_o begin_v this_o work_n here_o and_o inure_v ourselves_o to_o that_o which_o will_v be_v the_o great_a business_n of_o all_o eternity_n let_v we_o with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n fall_v down_o before_o he_o that_o sit_v on_o the_o throne_n and_o worship_v he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o and_o cast_v our_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n that_o be_v cast_v ourselves_o and_o ascribe_v all_o glory_n to_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v to_o he_o therefore_o the_o infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o goodness_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n who_o give_v we_o such_o excellent_a being_n have_v make_v make_v we_o little_a low_o than_o the_o angel_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o stamp_v upon_o we_o the_o image_n of_o his_o own_o goodness_n and_o thereby_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o the_o perfection_n itself_o to_o he_o who_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n rich_o to_o enjoy_v which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n and_o have_v make_v such_o abundant_a provision_n not_o only_o for_o our_o comfort_n and_o convenience_n in_o this_o present_a life_n but_o for_o our_o unspeakable_a happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n to_o he_o who_o design_v this_o happiness_n to_o we_o from_o all_o eternity_n and_o who_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n to_o we_o endure_v for_o ever_o who_o when_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n we_o have_v plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o have_v forfeit_v that_o happiness_n which_o we_o be_v design_v to_o be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o it_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o take_v our_o nature_n with_o the_o misery_n and_o infirmity_n of_o it_o to_o live_v among_o we_o and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o in_o a_o word_n to_o he_o who_o be_v infinite_o good_a to_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o our_o desert_n but_o beyond_o our_o hope_n who_o renew_v his_o mercy_n upon_o we_o every_o morning_n and_o be_v patient_a though_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n who_o preserve_v and_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o continual_o who_o be_v always_o willing_a always_o watchful_a and_o never_o weary_a to_o do_v we_o good_a to_o he_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o honour_n adoration_n and_o praise_n love_n and_o obedience_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n v._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long_o suffer_v and_o of_o great_a mercy_n i_o have_v consider_v god_n goodness_n in_o general_n there_o be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n of_o it_o his_o patience_n and_o mercy_n the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v miserable_a it_o be_v the_o last_o of_o these_o two_o i_o design_v to_o discourse_v of_o at_o this_o time_n in_o do_v which_o i_o shall_v inquire_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n second_o show_v you_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o degree_n of_o it_o that_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n i_o tell_v you_o it_o be_v his_o goodness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
beginning_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o any_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o this_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o these_o scoffer_n though_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v wit_n do_v betray_v great_a ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o talk_v very_o ignorant_o concern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o when_o so_o remarkable_a a_o change_n have_v already_o happen_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o water_n and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o fire_n before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o way_n incredible_a and_o they_o show_v themselves_o likewise_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o be_v eternal_o the_o same_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o one_o day_n be_v all_o one_o and_o if_o god_n make_v good_a his_o word_n some_o thousand_o of_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v make_v no_o sensible_a difference_n consider_v his_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n when_o a_o duration_n begin_v which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v a_o end_n v._n 8._o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n no_o finite_a duration_n bear_v any_o proportion_n and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n or_o one_o day_n the_o psalmist_n have_v a_o expression_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 90.4_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a and_o as_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n and_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n likewise_o ecclus._n 18.10_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o sand_n to_o the_o sea_n shore_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o like_a expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a writer_n to_o the_o god_n no_o time_n be_v long_o say_v pythagoras_n and_o plutarch_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o the_o god_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o slowness_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o very_a argument_n st._n peter_n be_v here_o upon_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n that_o a_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o a_o indivisible_a point_n to_o a_o infinite_a duration_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o delay_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o force_n against_o either_o the_o certainty_n or_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o for_o to_o eternity_n all_o time_n be_v equal_o short_a and_o it_o matter_n not_o when_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n begin_v if_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o come_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v long_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o clear_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n admit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n delay_v judgement_n for_o a_o great_a while_n yet_o this_o give_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o judgement_n will_v never_o be_v but_o it_o show_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o so_o long_o a_o space_n of_o repentace_n that_o so_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n whenever_o it_o come_v and_o escape_v that_o dreadful_a ruin_n which_o will_v certain_o overtake_v soon_o or_o late_a all_o impenitent_a sinner_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n as_o some_o man_n account_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o argument_n it_o will_v never_o come_v this_o be_v a_o false_a inference_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o a_o ill_a interpretation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n who_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o delay_n judgement_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v man_n time_n to_o repent_v and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o eternal_a ruin_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o because_o our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n so_o long_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o come_v god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n three_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n iii_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v one_o that_o keep_v his_o anger_n long_o or_o that_o be_v long_o before_o he_o be_v angry_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sometime_o express_v by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n forbearance_n and_o patient_a wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n some_o time_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n hold_v in_o his_o wrath_n and_o restrain_v himself_o from_o punish_v and_o sometime_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sinner_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n the_o defer_v of_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n which_o if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v proper_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o the_o moderate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v a_o instance_n likewise_o of_o god_n patience_n and_o not_o only_o the_o defer_v and_o moderate_v of_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o the_o adjourn_v of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o principal_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n take_v in_o all_o that_o space_n of_o repentance_n which_o god_n afford_v to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n nay_o all_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n which_o befall_v sinner_n in_o this_o life_n and_o be_v short_a of_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o hell_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n whenever_o god_n punish_v it_o be_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o patience_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o due_a to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v due_a to_o the_o
than_o with_o those_o who_o be_v so_o strict_a and_o conscientious_a and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a evil_n in_o sin_n as_o melancholy_a people_n be_v apt_a to_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o consider_v serious_o what_o sin_n be_v and_o then_o thou_o will_v see_v reason_n enough_o to_o call_v it_o a_o great_a evil._n to_o sin_n against_o god_n be_v to_o contemn_v the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o contradict_v the_o great_a holiness_n and_o purity_n to_o abuse_v the_o great_a goodness_n and_o to_o provoke_v almighty_a justice_n to_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o thou_o and_o to_o make_v thou_o as_o miserable_a as_o thou_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v to_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o thy_o sovereign_n and_o unthankful_a to_o thy_o best_a benefactor_n and_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o great_a obligation_n against_o thy_o best_a reason_n and_o true_a interest_n to_o disoblige_v thy_o kind_a friend_n and_o to_o gratify_v thy_o worst_a and_o bitter_a enemy_n it_o be_v to_o disorder_v thyself_o to_o create_v perpetual_a disquiet_n to_o thy_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n possible_a to_o thyself_o to_o deprive_v thyself_o of_o the_o great_a happiness_n and_o to_o draw_v down_o upon_o thyself_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o what_o do_v we_o call_v a_o great_a evil_n if_o this_o be_v not_o which_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o kind_n and_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v and_o have_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n in_o it_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v 2._o what_o ever_o sin_n be_v in_o itself_o yet_o from_o hence_o we_o can_v in_o no_o wise_n conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o great_a evil_n because_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v defer_v for_o a_o while_n from_o hence_o indeed_o it_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n that_o sin_n be_v not_o very_a evil._n the_o reprieve_n of_o a_o traitor_n do_v indeed_o argue_v the_o goodness_n and_o clemency_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o abate_v of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o the_o crime_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sentence_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n have_v forbid_v it_o and_o declare_v his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o it_o and_o threaten_v it_o with_o most_o severe_a and_o direful_a punishment_n but_o that_o god_n respite_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v due_a to_o sin_n and_o do_v not_o immediate_o take_v vengeance_n upon_o sinner_n but_o afford_v they_o a_o space_n and_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o repentance_n this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o lessen_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n but_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o it_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o patient_a and_o long-suffering_a towards_o we_o so_o very_o loath_a to_o bring_v those_o evil_n upon_o we_o which_o we_o be_v so_o rash_a and_o forward_o to_o pull_v down_o upon_o ourselves_o 2._o if_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o punish_v sin_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o and_o instant_o let_v fly_v at_o the_o sinner_n this_o they_o will_v construe_v to_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o if_o he_o be_v he_o will_v manifest_v his_o displeasure_n against_o it_o by_o the_o sudden_a and_o violent_a effusion_n of_o his_o wrath._n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o desire_v these_o two_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o word_n every_o where_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o his_o great_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n the_o word_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o less_o be_v speak_v than_o be_v mean_v and_o intend_v viz._n that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v high_o displease_v at_o they_o and_o bear_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n against_o they_o and_o do_v not_o the_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v high_o offend_v at_o it_o when_o he_o say_v that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o render_v vengeance_n to_o all_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n can_v we_o think_v that_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n and_o all_o those_o direful_a curse_n which_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v return_v empty_a without_o do_v any_o execution_n thou_o that_o now_o flatter_v thyself_o with_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n that_o none_o of_o these_o evil_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o when_o thou_o come_v to_o stand_v before_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o behold_v the_o kill_a frown_n of_o his_o countenance_n and_o to_o hear_v those_o bitter_a word_n of_o eternal_a displeasure_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n himself_o depart_v you_o curse_v into_o everlasting_a fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n thou_o will_v then_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v hearty_o angry_a and_o offend_v with_o thou_o for_o thy_o sin_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o that_o day_n that_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n word_n which_o we_o now_o hear_v so_o secure_o and_o without_o terror_n have_v a_o full_a signification_n or_o rather_o that_o no_o word_n can_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v of_o the_o happiness_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v true_a also_o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n those_o terrible_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n but_o above_o all_o the_o direful_a suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o sin_n be_v but_o impute_v to_o he_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n implacable_a hatred_n of_o sin_n for_o that_o rather_o than_o sin_n shall_v go_v unpunished_a god_n be_v please_v to_o subject_v his_o own_o son_n to_o the_o suffering_n due_a to_o it_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o hate_v sin_n as_o much_o as_o he_o love_v his_o own_o son_n but_o 2_o dly_n god_n may_v conceive_v a_o very_a great_a displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v high_o incense_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o defer_v the_o punishment_n of_o it_o for_o a_o great_a while_n and_o to_o imagine_v otherwise_o argue_v a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o our_o not_o consider_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o consistency_n with_o one_o another_o when_o we_o consider_v one_o attribute_n of_o god_n single_o and_o separate_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o to_o exclude_v his_o other_o perfection_n we_o have_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o mistake_n be_v because_o among_o man_n a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v common_o shut_v out_o other_o because_o in_o our_o narrow_a and_o finite_a nature_n many_o perfection_n can_v stand_v together_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v meet_v and_o consist_v together_o one_o perfection_n do_v not_o hinder_v and_o exclude_v another_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o take_v great_a heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o raise_v any_o one_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o false_a imagination_n of_o god_n when_o we_o so_o attribute_v justice_n or_o anger_n to_o he_o as_o to_o exclude_v his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a for_o god_n be_v not_o impotent_a in_o his_o anger_n as_o we_o be_v every_o thing_n that_o provoke_v he_o do_v not_o present_o put_v he_o out_o of_o patience_n so_o that_o he_o can_v contain_v his_o wrath_n and_o forbear_v immediate_o to_o revenge_v himself_o upon_o sinner_n in_o this_o sense_n god_n say_v of_o himself_o isa_n 27.4_o fury_n be_v not_o in_o i_o
there_o be_v nothing_o of_o a_o rash_a and_o ungoverned_a passion_n in_o the_o wise_a and_o just_a god_n every_o sin_n indeed_o kindle_v his_o anger_n and_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n against_o we_o and_o by_o our_o repeat_v and_o continue_v offence_n we_o still_o add_v fuel_n to_o his_o wrath_n but_o it_o do_v not_o of_o necessity_n instant_o break_v forth_o like_o a_o consume_a fire_n and_o a_o devour_a flame_n the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a nature_n of_o god_n make_v he_o necessary_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o as_o to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o anger_n his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v regulate_v and_o determine_v the_o proper_a time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o punishment_n 3._o from_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o his_o nature_n as_o he_o be_v common_o represent_v it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v declare_v his_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o threaten_v it_o with_o dreadful_a punishment_n which_o he_o may_v do_v in_o great_a wisdom_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n but_o great_a thing_n be_v likewise_o speak_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o wonderful_a delight_n he_o take_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o sin_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o when_o sentence_n come_v to_o be_v past_a and_o judgement_n to_o be_v execute_v god_n will_v remember_v mercy_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o mercy_n will_v triumph_v over_o judgement_n and_o that_o as_o now_o his_o patience_n stay_v his_o hand_n and_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n so_o at_o the_o last_o the_o mild_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n will_v interpose_v and_o moderate_v the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o this_o his_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o sinner_n for_o the_o present_a seem_v to_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n he_o that_o be_v so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o loath_a to_o execute_v punishment_n may_v probable_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o his_o own_o pity_n and_o goodness_n to_o remit_v it_o at_o the_o last_o and_o this_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o execute_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n he_o that_o promise_v pass_v a_o right_a to_o another_o but_o he_o that_o threaten_v keep_v the_o right_a and_o power_n of_o do_v what_o he_o please_v in_o his_o own_o hand_n i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o full_o to_o this_o because_o it_o be_v almost_o incredible_a how_o much_o man_n bear_v up_o themselves_o upon_o vain_a and_o groundless_a hope_n of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n and_o bless_v themselves_o in_o their_o heart_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n that_o be_v though_o they_o still_o persist_v in_o their_o vice_n and_o add_v one_o degree_n of_o sin_n to_o another_o now_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o a_o bare_a threaten_n do_v not_o necessary_o infer_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n and_o that_o the_o thing_n threaten_v shall_v infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v no_o person_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o he_o be_v his_o promise_n the_o threaten_n of_o god_n declare_v what_o sin_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o sinner_n may_v just_o expect_v if_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o repentance_n be_v the_o only_a condition_n that_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o will_v effectual_o hinder_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o speak_v say_v god_n concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n and_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o now_o if_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o do_v good_a to_o a_o people_n sin_n will_v hinder_v the_o blessing_n promise_v and_o bring_v down_o judgement_n upon_o they_o much_o more_o when_o it_o be_v particular_o threaten_v but_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o final_a impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n god_n that_o he_o may_v strengthen_v his_o threaten_n have_v add_v a_o sign_n of_o immutability_n to_o they_o have_v confirm_v they_o with_o a_o oath_n i_o have_v swear_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n which_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n apply_v it_o to_o final_a unbelief_n and_o impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o israelite_n be_v a_o type_n and_o figure_n now_o though_o god_n may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n yet_o his_o oath_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n that_o he_o will_v not_o because_o it_o signify_v the_o firm_a and_o immutable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n and_o thereby_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o doubt_n and_o controversy_n concern_v the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o threaten_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_o much_o the_o wise_a and_o safe_a way_n to_o believe_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n in_o the_o strictness_n and_o rigour_n of_o they_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o tacit_a condition_n evident_o employ_v in_o they_o because_o if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o and_o the_o thing_n prove_v otherwise_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o mistake_n be_v fatal_a and_o dreadful_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o god_n by_o his_o threaten_n do_v intend_v to_o keep_v sinner_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n but_o if_o he_o have_v any_o where_o reveal_v that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v rigorous_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o these_o threaten_n such_o a_o revelation_n will_v quite_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n and_o terror_n of_o they_o and_o contradict_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o threaten_n signify_v very_o little_a but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n they_o will_v be_v execute_v and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o it_o 3._o as_o for_o those_o large_a declaration_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v of_o the_o boundless_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n we_o be_v to_o limit_v they_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v do_v to_o the_o time_n and_o season_n of_o mercy_n which_o be_v this_o life_n and_o while_o we_o be_v in_o the_o way_n this_o be_v the_o day_n of_o mercy_n and_o salvation_n and_o when_o this_o life_n be_v end_v the_o opportunity_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n be_v past_a and_o the_o day_n of_o recompense_n and_o vengeance_n will_v begin_v now_o god_n try_v we_o and_o offer_v mercy_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o obstinate_o refuse_v it_o judgement_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o then_o we_o must_v limit_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o offer_v it_o which_o be_v repentance_n for_o sin_n past_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n for_o the_o future_a but_o if_o man_n continue_v obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n from_o the_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o a_o case_n that_o admit_v of_o mercy_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o justice_n will_v triumph_v in_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o embrace_v the_o offer_v of_o his_o mercy_n do_v despise_v and_o abuse_v they_o he_o will_v laugh_v at_o their_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v when_o their_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o their_o destruction_n as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o they_o then_o they_o may_v call_v upon_o he_o but_o he_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o may_v seek_v he_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v he_o if_o we_o despise_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n he_o know_v how_o to_o handle_v we_o and_o will_v do_v it_o to_o purpose_n with_o the_o froward_a he_o will_v show_v himself_o froward_a and_o
upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o well_o may_v the_o psalmist_n ask_v that_o question_n have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n but_o their_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o their_o perverseness_n and_o disingenuity_n be_v great_a to_o sin_n because_o god_n be_v long-suffering_a be_v to_o be_v evil_a because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o to_o provoke_v he_o because_o he_o spare_v we_o it_o be_v to_o strive_v with_o god_n and_o to_o contend_v with_o his_o goodness_n as_o if_o we_o be_v resolve_v to_o try_v the_o utmost_a length_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o because_o god_n be_v loath_a to_o punish_v therefore_o to_o urge_v and_o importune_v he_o to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o his_o inclination_n ii_o this_o may_v serve_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o danger_n of_o thus_o abuse_v the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o provocation_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n because_o it_o be_v to_o trample_v upon_o his_o dear_a attribute_n those_o which_o he_o most_o delight_n and_o glory_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n for_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o the_o guilty_a and_o his_o mercy_n to_o those_o who_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a nothing_o make_v our_o ruin_n more_o certain_a more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a than_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n after_o god_n have_v bear_v long_o with_o that_o rebellious_a people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o murmur_n all_o their_o infidelity_n and_o impenitency_n have_v spare_v they_o ten_o time_n at_o last_o he_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o their_o ruin_n heb._n 3.8_o 9_o harden_n not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n this_o be_v a_o high_a provocation_n indeed_o to_o harden_v their_o heart_n under_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n after_o forty_o year_n trial_n and_o experience_n of_o it_o v._n 10._o wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o be_v a_o people_n that_o do_v err_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n and_o what_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o all_o this_o upon_o this_o god_n take_v up_o a_o fix_a resolution_n to_o bear_v no_o long_o with_o they_o but_o to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o blessing_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o he_o swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o or_o as_o the_o word_n may_v be_v render_v to_o they_o that_o be_v disobedient_a that_o be_v to_o they_o who_o go_v on_o in_o their_o rebellion_n against_o he_o after_o he_o have_v suffer_v their_o manner_n forty_o year_n and_o as_o the_o abuse_n of_o god_n patience_n render_v our_o destruction_n more_o certain_a so_o more_o speedy_a and_o more_o intolerable_a we_o think_v that_o because_o god_n suffer_v long_o he_o will_v suffer_v always_o and_o because_o punishment_n be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o will_v never_o come_v but_o it_o will_v come_v the_o soon_o for_o this_o so_o our_o lord_n tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o when_o the_o servant_n say_v his_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n the_o lord_n of_o that_o servant_n shall_v come_v in_o a_o day_n that_o he_o look_v not_o for_o he_o and_o at_o a_o hour_n when_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a and_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sunder_o and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o the_o hypocrite_n none_o so_o like_a to_o be_v surprise_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n as_o those_o who_o trespass_n so_o bold_o upon_o his_o patience_n iii_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o merciful_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n therein_o 1._o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n long-suffering_a to_o give_v we_o a_o space_n of_o repentance_n be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n have_v this_o design_n and_o reasonable_a expectation_n from_o we_o he_o will_v not_o reprieve_v a_o sinner_n for_o one_o moment_n but_o will_v execute_v judgement_n upon_o he_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o he_o have_v offend_v this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o figtree_n luke_n 13.6_o be_v it_o not_o that_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o the_o fruit_n of_o repentance_n he_o will_v cut_v we_o down_o and_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o cumber_v the_o ground_n after_o he_o have_v wait_v three_o year_n seek_v fruit_n and_o find_v none_o he_o spare_v it_o one_o year_n more_o to_o see_v if_o it_o will_v bear_v fruit_n 2._o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o repentance_n we_o see_v by_o his_o patience_n that_o he_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o take_v advantage_n against_o we_o that_o he_o spare_v we_o when_o we_o offend_v be_v a_o very_a good_a sign_n that_o he_o will_v forgive_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v thus_o natural_a light_n will_v reason_n and_o so_o the_o king_n of_o nineveh_n a_o heathen_a reason_n who_o can_v tell_v if_o god_n will_v turn_v and_o repent_v but_o we_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o this_o by_o the_o gracious_a declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n which_o be_v therein_o establish_v through_o faith_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n therefore_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o break_v off_o our_o sin_n by_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n patience_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v turn_v from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v god_n every_o where_o express_v a_o vehement_a desire_n and_o earnest_a expectation_n of_o our_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n jer._n 4.14_o o_o jerusalem_n wash_v thy_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v save_v and_o chap._n 13.27_o woe_n unto_o thou_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v he_o who_o be_v so_o patient_a as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v almost_o impatient_a of_o our_o repentance_n for_o they_o will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v and_o can_v we_o stand_v out_o against_o his_o earnest_a desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n who_o we_o have_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_o provoke_v to_o make_v we_o miserable_a let_v we_o then_o return_v into_o ourselves_o and_o think_v serious_o what_o our_o case_n and_o condition_n be_v how_o we_o have_v live_v and_o how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n have_v suffer_v our_o manner_n and_o wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n and_o how_o inevitable_a and_o intolerable_a the_o misery_n of_o those_o must_v be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o contempt_n and_o abuse_n of_o it_o let_v we_o hearty_o repent_v of_o our_o wicked_a life_n and_o say_v what_o have_v we_o do_v how_o careless_a have_v we_o be_v of_o our_o own_o happiness_n and_o what_o pain_n have_v we_o take_v to_o undo_v ourselves_o let_v we_o speedy_o set_v about_o this_o work_n because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o long_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n may_v last_v and_o the_o opportunity_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v continue_v to_o we_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n will_v have_v a_o end_n therefore_o as_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v isa_n 55.6_o seek_v the_o lord_n while_o he_o may_v be_v find_v and_o call_v upon_o he_o while_o he_o be_v near_o now_o god_n gracious_o invite_v sinner_n to_o come_v to_o he_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v they_o nay_o if_o they_o do_v but_o move_v towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o go_v forth_o and_o meet_v they_o half_a way_n but_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o when_o they_o shall_v cry_v lord_n lord_n open_a unto_o we_o and_o the_o door_n of_o mercy_n shall_v be_v shut_v against_o they_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o delay_v this_o necessary_a work_n thou_o venture_v thy_o immortal_a soul_n and_o put_v thy_o eternal_a salvation_n upon_o a_o desperate_a hazard_n and_o shall_v god_n snatch_v thou_o sudden_o away_o in_o a_o impenitent_a state_n what_o will_v become_v of_o thou_o thou_o be_v yet_o in_o the_o way_n and_o god_n be_v yet_o reconcileable_a but_o death_n be_v not_o far_o off_o and_o perhaps_o
great_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o the_o suppose_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a matter_n or_o body_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o another_o kind_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n so_o that_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n who_o do_v more_o than_o once_o express_o affirm_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o position_n be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o i_o doubt_v he_o do_v see_v it_o and_o be_v content_a with_o the_o consequence_n and_o willing_a the_o world_n shall_v entertain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o by_o suppose_v the_o divine_a essence_n to_o consist_v of_o matter_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v take_v away_o and_o it_o be_v also_o so_o utter_o unimaginable_a how_o mere_a matter_n shall_v understand_v and_o be_v endow_v with_o liberty_n and_o consequent_o with_o goodness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o vehement_o suspect_v the_o man_n who_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v a_o spirit_n either_o to_o have_v a_o gross_a and_o faulty_a understanding_n or_o a_o very_a ill_a will_n against_o god_n and_o a_o evil_a design_n to_o root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o come_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o objection_n 1_o obj._n why_o then_o be_v god_n represent_v to_o we_o so_o often_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o man_n body_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o all_o these_o description_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o make_v to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n 2_o obj._n how_o be_v it_o say_v that_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o the_o image_n of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o likeness_n nor_o resemblance_n ans_fw-fr man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a shape_n and_o feature_n of_o his_o body_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n or_o of_o his_o faculty_n as_o understanding_n and_o will_n or_o which_o the_o text_n seem_v most_o to_o favour_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o the_o two_o former_a respect_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n now_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v peculiar_o of_o man_n gen._n 1.26_o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o own_o image_n after_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o let_v they_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n etc._n etc._n iv_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n or_o corollary_n from_o hence_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v partly_o speculative_a partly_o practical_a first_o speculative_a inference_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a the_o proper_a object_n of_o sight_n be_v colour_n and_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o various_a disposition_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o cause_n several_a reflection_n of_o light_n now_o a_o spirit_n have_v no_o part_n nor_o matter_n and_o therefore_o be_v invisible_a 1_o tim._n 1.17_o unto_o the_o eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n heb._n 11.27_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o see_v he_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a by_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v when_o moses_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n and_o jacob_n to_o have_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n exod._n 2.9_o gen._n 32.30_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o angel_n cover_v with_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o compare_v these_o with_o other_o text_n when_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v familiar_o and_o so_o micaiah_n 1_o king_n 22.19_o be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o all_o israel_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o this_o be_v in_o a_o vision_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n that_o be_v have_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n as_o to_o see_v good_a day_n be_v to_o enjoy_v they_o those_o text_n where_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n and_o live_v exod._n 33.20_o and_o john_n 1.18_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n do_v not_o intimate_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a though_o we_o can_v see_v he_o but_o see_v be_v metaphorical_o use_v for_o know_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o understanding_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o create_v desire_n in_o we_o too_o great_a for_o frail_a mortality_n to_o bear_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v often_o put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v immortal_a this_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o king_n immortal_a invisible_a 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n this_o also_o flow_v from_o god_n spirituality_n a_o spiritual_a nature_n have_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o perish_v or_o decay_n or_o die_v now_o this_o do_v so_o eminent_o agree_v to_o god_n either_o because_o he_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o possible_o no_o creature_n be_v or_o else_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o immortal_a in_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o by_o any_o other_o because_o he_o have_v a_o original_a and_o independent_a immortality_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v attribute_v it_o to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n second_o practical_a inference_n 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o have_v a_o body_n or_o any_o corporeal_a shape_n or_o member_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a conceit_n of_o the_o anthropomorphites_n of_o old_a and_o of_o some_o socinian_o of_o late_a which_o they_o ground_n upon_o the_o gross_a and_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o many_o figurative_a speech_n in_o scripture_n concern_v god_n as_o where_o it_o speak_v of_o his_o face_n and_o hand_n and_o arm_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n if_o we_o abuse_v this_o condescension_n to_o the_o blemish_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o stoop_v to_o our_o weakness_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o level_v he_o to_o our_o infirmity_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o any_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o liken_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a we_o be_v not_o to_o represent_v he_o by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o that_o be_v of_o any_o bird_n or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o that_o be_v of_o any_o beast_n or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v of_o any_o fish_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o can_v liken_v god_n to_o isa_n 40_o 18._o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v god_n or_o what_o likeness_n will_v you_o compare_v to_o he_o we_o debase_v his_o spiritual_a and_o incorruptible_a nature_n when_o we_o compare_v he_o to_o corruptible_a creature_n rom._n 1.22_o 23._o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n who_o profess_v themselves_o wise_a become_v fool_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o to_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n they_o become_v fool_n this_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o idolatry_n to_o liken_v a_o spirit_n which_o have_v no_o bodily_a shape_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a so_o that_o however_o some_o be_v please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o worship_v god_n by_o or_o towards_o some_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o without_o very_o just_a cause_n challenge_v the_o romish_a
come_v to_o answer_v objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v two_o objection_n against_o this_o 1._o from_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n 1._o obj._n reason_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o tie_v his_o presence_n to_o this_o vile_a dunghill_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o fordo_v sink_v of_o hell_n this_o be_v a_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o measure_n of_o he_o by_o ourselves_o indeed_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o injury_n and_o suffer_v and_o offence_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o as_o we_o be_v than_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o strength_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o he_o be_v a_o bless_a and_o pure_a be_v mens_fw-la segregata_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la concretione_fw-la mortali_fw-la a_o mind_n free_a from_o all_o mortal_a composition_n or_o mixture_n tully_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disentangle_v from_o every_o thing_n passable_a as_o plut._n those_o thing_n that_o be_v nauseous_a to_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o affect_v he_o darkness_n be_v uncomfortable_a to_o we_o but_o the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o multiply_v our_o transgression_n we_o do_v nothing_o to_o god_n as_o elihu_n speak_v job_n 35.6_o nothing_o can_v disquiet_v or_o discompose_v his_o happy_a and_o bless_a nature_n but_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o this_o dark_a and_o trouble_a world_n with_o less_o danger_n of_o disturbance_n or_o any_o impure_a contagion_n than_o the_o sunbeam_n 2._o obj._n do_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o dwell_v on_o high_a that_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o hear_v in_o heaven_n his_o dwelling-place_n be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.27_o put_v it_o as_o a_o strange_a question_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o come_v down_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v afar_o off_o from_o we_o now_o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o his_o immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o must_v distinguish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v 1_o st_z his_o glorious_a presence_n that_o be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o be_v especial_o and_o chief_o confine_v to_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v call_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n some_o degree_n of_o this_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o solomon_n admiration_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o earth_n 2_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o gracious_a presence_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n and_o assistance_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n and_o with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n isa_n 57.15_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o he_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o this_o to_o be_v far_o from_o we_o 3_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o essential_a presence_n which_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n and_o this_o be_v not_o exclude_v by_o those_o former_a expression_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n four_o to_o make_v some_o inference_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n here_o take_v notice_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n immensity_n i._o inf._n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o necessary_o flow_v from_o his_o immensity_n for_o if_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o diffuse_v the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v spiritual_a otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v body_n and_o matter_n be_v but_o must_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o i_o speak_v more_o large_o to_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v here_o where_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n we_o may_v go_v from_o he_o and_o hide_v ourselves_o from_o his_o presence_n ii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a that_o which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v it_o iii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a if_o god_n be_v every_o where_o than_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n yea_o even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o a_o infinite_a eye_n he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o thought_n intimate_v to_o our_o heart_n and_o reins_o this_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 12_o verse_n iu_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n distance_n limit_n the_o power_n of_o creature_n and_o make_v their_o hand_n short_a but_o god_n be_v every_o where_o nothing_o be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n intimate_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 10._o even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n hold_v i_o five_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o 2._o to_o encourage_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v awe_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n yea_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o just_a god_n strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n wherever_o we_o be_v god_n be_v with_o we_o we_o always_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o live_v continual_o in_o his_o presence_n now_o a_o heathen_a can_v say_v cum_fw-la diis_fw-la verecunaè_fw-la agendum_fw-la we_o must_v behave_v ourselves_o modest_o because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o have_v offend_v he_o fear_n be_v the_o most_o wakeful_a passion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o we_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n nature_n we_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_a and_o horror_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v hurt_v we_o and_o endanger_v our_o be_v or_o happiness_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n for_o where_o we_o be_v clear_o overmatched_a we_o can_v hope_v to_o make_v opposition_n nor_o resistance_n with_o security_n and_o success_n to_o râ—bel_v with_o safety_n now_o he_o that_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v near_o he_o and_o present_a to_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o be_v to_o stand_v by_o he_o as_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o infinite_a and_o irresistible_a power_n and_o will_v vindicate_v all_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n if_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o fear_n will_v continual_o take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o every_o place_n as_o jacob_n do_v of_o bethel_n sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n when_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n provoke_v god_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o just_a god_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o revenge_v himself_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n we_o shall_v say_v with_o david_n psa_n 76.7_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v angry_a psa_fw-la 119.120_o my_o flesh_n tremble_v because_o of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n sinner_n consider_v
they_o must_v die_v and_o that_o very_a day_n their_o thought_n perish_v but_o thy_o throne_n o_o god_n be_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o 2._o for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o our_o obedience_n we_o serve_v the_o god_n who_o can_v give_v we_o a_o everlasting_a reward_n the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v call_v eternal_a life_n a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n 2_o cor._n 4.17_o eternal_a salvation_n heb._n 5.9_o .._o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n heb._n 9.15_o that_o place_n where_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v be_v call_v everlasting_a habitation_n luke_n 16.9_o a_o house_n eternal_a in_o the_o heaven_n 2_o cor._n 5.1_o as_o the_o promise_n of_o our_o future_a reward_n be_v found_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o in_o his_o power_n so_o the_o duration_n of_o it_o in_o his_o eternity_n now_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o we_o that_o we_o serve_v he_o and_o suffer_v for_o he_o who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o when_o we_o serve_v the_o great_a man_n of_o this_o world_n though_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o their_o affection_n yet_o we_o be_v uncertain_a of_o their_o life_n and_o this_o discourage_v many_o and_o make_v man_n worship_v the_o rise_a sun_n and_o many_o time_n take_v off_o man_n eye_n from_o the_o king_n to_o his_o successor_n but_o he_o that_o serve_v god_n serve_v the_o king_n everlasting_a as_o the_o apostle_n call_v he_o who_o will_v live_v to_o dispense_v reward_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o 3._o for_o the_o terror_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o sentence_n which_o shall_v be_v pass_v upon_o man_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v call_v eternal_a judgement_n heb._n 6.2_o because_o it_o decide_v man_n eternal_a state_n the_o punishment_n that_o shall_v follow_v this_o sentence_n which_o shall_v pass_v upon_o the_o wicked_a be_v call_v everlasting_a punishment_n matt._n 25.46_o everlasting_a fire_n matt._n 25.41_o everlasting_a 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usque_fw-la ad_fw-la ultima_fw-la to_o the_o very_a last_o and_o utmost_a of_o he_o so_o as_o thou_o can_v say_v after_o a_o thorough_a search_n and_o enquiry_n there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o god_n beyond_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o he_o now_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v know_v this_o he_o be_v and_o no_o other_o that_o he_o be_v and_o no_o otherwise_o this_o he_o can_v do_v and_o no_o more_o hither_o do_v his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n reach_v and_o no_o further_o can_v thou_o do_v this_o these_o interrogation_n have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o vehement_a negation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v no_o thou_o can_v not_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a he_o be_v incomprehensible_a the_o two_o question_n in_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o be_v only_o two_o several_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o first_o question_n be_v undoubted_o general_a concern_v the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o general_a can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v 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of_o description_n and_o not_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o instance_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v god_n to_o perfection_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o take_v the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a we_o may_v ground_v this_o observation_n upon_o they_o that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a this_o term_n or_o attribute_n be_v a_o relative_a term_n and_o speak_v a_o relation_n between_o a_o object_n and_o a_o faculty_n between_o god_n and_o a_o create_a understanding_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o be_v plain_o this_o that_o no_o create_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v god_n that_o be_v have_v a_o perfect_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o he_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o be_v adequate_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n or_o thus_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n
be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v only_o his_o own_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o can_v frame_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n god_n know_v himself_o his_o own_o understanding_n commprehend_v his_o own_o perfection_n but_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o his_o creature_n indeed_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o obvious_a than_o god_n for_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v there_o need_v no_o great_a search_n to_o find_v out_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o eternal_a power_n and_o deity_n be_v clear_o see_v in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o be_v and_o proproperty_n and_o perfection_n of_o this_o god_n these_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o a_o finite_a understanding_n i_o shall_v prove_v the_o doctrine_n and_o then_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o 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contain_v he_o the_o eternity_n of_o his_o duration_n from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a he_o be_v god_n we_o can_v imagine_v any_o limit_n of_o his_o presence_n nor_o bound_n of_o his_o duration_n the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o knowledge_n psal_n 147.5_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a when_o we_o think_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n our_o best_a way_n be_v to_o fall_v into_o admiration_n rom._n 11.33_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n where_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o the_o creature_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n partake_v of_o as_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n and_o immortality_n it_o attribute_n they_o in_o such_o a_o peculiar_a and_o divine_a manner_n to_o god_n as_o do_v exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o the_o creature_n from_o any_o claim_n or_o share_n or_o title_n to_o they_o matt._n 19.16_o 17._o why_o call_v thou_o i_o good_a there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n 1_o tim._n 6.15_o 16._o who_o be_v the_o bless_a and_o only_a potentate_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n rev._n 15.4_o for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a in_o so_o inconceivable_a a_o manner_n do_v god_n possess_v these_o perfection_n which_o he_o communicate_v and_o we_o can_v only_o understand_v they_o as_o he_o communicate_v they_o and_o not_o as_o he_o possess_v they_o so_o that_o when_o we_o consider_v any_o of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n we_o must_v not_o frame_v notion_n of_o they_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n nor_o must_v we_o limit_v they_o by_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n but_o say_v the_o goodness_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v all_o this_o which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o much_o more_o which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o transcendent_a degree_n and_o the_o singularity_n of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a be_v beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v the_o work_n of_o god_n they_o be_v likewise_o unsearchable_a the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o redemption_n job_n 5.9_o which_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a marvellous_a thing_n past_o find_v out_o and_o then_o he_o instance_v in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n job_n 26.14_o lo_o these_o be_v part_n of_o his_o way_n but_o how_o little_a a_o portion_n be_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o voice_n who_o can_v understand_v so_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o express_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n of_o god_n we_o do_v but_o know_v part_n of_o they_o the_o question_n which_o he_o put_v job_n 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n can_v only_o be_v answer_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n in_o this_o there_o shine_v forth_o such_o wisdom_n mercy_n and_o love_n as_o our_o understanding_n can_v reach_v this_o work_n be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 2.7_o the_o mercy_n and_o grace_n and_o love_n of_o it_o be_v call_v the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n eph._n 2.4_o 7._o now_o riches_n be_v when_o you_o can_v tell_v the_o utmost_a of_o they_o pauperis_fw-la est_fw-la numerare_fw-la eph._n 3.18_o 19_o that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v with_o all_o saint_n what_o be_v the_o breadth_n and_o length_n and_o depth_n and_o height_n and_o to_o know_v the_o love_n of_o christ_n which_o pass_v knowledge_n when_o we_o have_v the_o large_a apprehension_n of_o this_o love_n so_o that_o we_o think_v we_o comprehend_v it_o and_o know_v it_o it_o pass_v knowledge_n yea_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n power_n and_o love_n which_o he_o manifest_v in_o believer_n be_v unspeakable_a for_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o abundant_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v according_a to_o the_o power_n which_o work_v in_o we_o eph._n 3.20_o the_o peace_n which_o guard_v their_o soul_n pass_v all_o understanding_n phil._n 4.7_o those_o joy_n which_o fill_v their_o heart_n be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v 1_o pet._n 1.8_o we_o read_v of_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n the_o happiness_n which_o they_o hope_v for_o be_v inconceivable_a it_o be_v that_o which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o we_o the_o way_n of_o god_n providence_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v trace_v psal_n 77.19_o thy_o way_n be_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o thy_o path_n in_o the_o great_a water_n and_o thy_o footstep_n be_v not_o know_v eccles_n 3.11_o no_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o god_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n we_o be_v but_o of_o yesterday_o and_o know_v nothing_o when_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n providence_n we_o take_v a_o part_n from_o the_o whole_a and_o consider_v it_o by_o itself_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o dispensation_n we_o can_v see_v the_o whole_a of_o god_n providence_n at_o one_o view_n and_o never_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n to_o the_o end_n therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o full_a of_o mistake_n and_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v by_o our_o petty_a and_o shortsighted_a design_n judge_v of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n for_o our_o way_n be_v not_o as_o his_o way_n nor_o our_o thought_n as_o his_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n isa_n 55.8_o 9_o the_o way_n of_o god_n mercy_n psal_n 103._o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o great_a be_v god_n mercy_n psal_n 139.17_o 18._o how_o precious_a be_v thy_o thought_n unto_o i_o how_o great_a be_v the_o sum_n of_o they_o if_o i_o shall_v count_v they_o they_o be_v more_o in_o number_n than_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o way_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o severity_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v not_o know_v psal_n 90._o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n and_o who_o may_v stand_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v angry_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a psal_n 36.6_o thy_o judgement_n be_v a_o great_a deep_a rom._n 11.35_o how_o
unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o these_o be_v the_o instance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n 2._o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o person_n capable_a of_o know_v god_n in_o any_o measure_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v above_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v understanding_n wicked_a man_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o full_a of_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v this_o description_n of_o they_o they_o be_v those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v god_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o have_v hardly_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o for_o as_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v so_o will_v god_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o he_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v but_o the_o picture_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n to_o a_o true_a knowledge_n there_o be_v require_v likeness_n a_o man_n mind_n must_v be_v like_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v understand_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o because_o his_o mind_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o they_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o body_n and_o he_o can_v relish_v spiritual_a thing_n even_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v of_o god_n they_o be_v strange_o tincture_v and_o obscure_v by_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man_n they_o be_v lux_fw-la sepulta_fw-la in_o opacâ_fw-la materiâ_fw-la light_n bury_v and_o hide_v in_o matter_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o blackness_n of_o a_o soul_n and_o impure_a heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o they_o whither_o they_o comprehend_v god_n or_o not_o but_o good_a man_n they_o can_v find_v out_o god_n they_o have_v some_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o all_o their_o apprehension_n be_v dark_a have_v much_o of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o they_o know_v god_n to_o salvation_n but_o not_o to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n we_o do_v but_o know_v god_n in_o part_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o i_o will_v instance_n yet_o high_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a though_o they_o have_v true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o arrive_v to_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o can_v pervestigare_fw-la ultima_fw-la know_v the_o utmost_a of_o god_n the_o cherubim_v themselves_o be_v continual_o look_v at_o the_o mercy_n seat_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v 1_o pet._n 1.12_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o in_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o be_v our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v perfect_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v finite_a when_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v have_v a_o immediate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v not_o have_v our_o understanding_n tincture_v by_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n that_o may_v darken_v our_o mind_n or_o misrepresent_v the_o object_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v short_a and_o unadequate_a apprehension_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v still_o retain_v our_o limit_a nature_n and_o finite_a understanding_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n do_v thou_o know_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a spirit_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o angel_n how_o be_v immaterial_a they_o can_v act_v upon_o matter_n and_o move_v that_o which_o can_v make_v no_o resistance_n to_o a_o spirit_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o they_o can_v move_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a distance_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o dart_v themselves_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o do_v thou_o know_v how_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o and_o the_o curious_a frame_n of_o our_o body_n be_v wrought_v from_o such_o rude_a principle_n in_o so_o dark_a a_o shop_n can_v thou_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o what_o band_n or_o hold_v a_o spirit_n be_v so_o close_o and_o intimate_o conjoin_v to_o matter_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o thyself_o understand_v any_o thing_n and_o can_v retain_v the_o distinct_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o so_o many_o object_n without_o confusion_n do_v thou_o know_v the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n how_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o and_o by_o what_o cement_n they_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v separate_v now_o if_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o creator_n of_o they_o much_o more_o incomprehensible_a who_o possess_v all_o these_o perfection_n which_o he_o communicate_v and_o many_o which_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o a_o creature_n if_o in_o natural_a and_o sensible_a thing_n maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la scimus_fw-la est_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la nescimus_fw-la how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o true_a of_o god_n that_o our_o ignorance_n be_v more_o than_o our_o knowledge_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o he_o isa_n 40.15_o 17._o behold_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o as_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n all_o nation_n before_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o be_v account_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o iii_o by_o show_v you_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v this_o the_o disproportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n the_o finiteness_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o know_v more_o than_o we_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o so_o he_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v know_v by_o we_o he_o be_v too_o vast_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n to_o entertain_v for_o our_o mind_n to_o receive_v thou_o may_v as_o well_o meet_v out_o the_o heaven_n with_o a_o span_n and_o measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o thy_o hand_n and_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o little_a urn_n and_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o some_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o little_a balance_n as_o think_v to_o circumscribe_v god_n in_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o thy_o thought_n or_o to_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o vastness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o glory_n and_o resplendency_n of_o it_o do_v so_o dazzle_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v perfect_o see_v it_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o he_o dwell_v in_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v as_o god_n be_v too_o big_a so_o he_o be_v too_o bright_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n overpower_n our_o mind_n and_o bear_v down_o our_o faculty_n and_o conquer_v our_o understanding_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o past_o find_v out_o i._o it_o call_v for_o our_o admiration_n and_o veneration_n and_o reverence_n these_o be_v the_o best_a apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a a_o silent_a veneration_n of_o his_o excellency_n be_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o we_o must_v admire_v what_o we_o can_v apprehend_v or_o express_v zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o beauty_n the_o best_a way_n to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o nehemiah_n use_v nehem._n 9.5_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n when_o ever_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o god_n we_o necessary_o detract_v from_o his_o perfection_n but_o even_o this_o necessity_n be_v glorious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o speak_v his_o perfection_n that_o the_o high_a finite_a understanding_n must_v have_v imperfect_a thought_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v make_v up_o in_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n what_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o in_o knowledge_n reverence_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o