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
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
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 world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v his_o wisdom_n direct_v his_o power_n he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n so_o that_o they_o be_v admirable_o fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o a_o wonderful_a beauty_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o visible_a to_o every_o discern_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n the_o low_a form_n of_o creature_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sense_n do_v all_o of_o they_o contribute_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o the_o use_n and_o conveniency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n above_o they_o which_o be_v endow_v with_o sense_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o delight_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v tho'it_v be_v not_o so_o discernible_a concern_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o when_o we_o survey_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a part_n we_o may_v well_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o god_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a to_o all_o of_o they_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v more_o degree_n of_o perfection_n they_o partake_v more_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o be_v more_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o every_o creature_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o a_o certain_a degree_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o it_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v have_v make_v nothing_o but_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o he_o can_v have_v make_v as_o many_o of_o these_o as_o there_o be_v individual_a creature_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wise_a architect_n to_o make_v several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o being_n and_o to_o display_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o all_o imaginable_a variety_n of_o creature_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n though_o far_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n and_o immortal_a spirit_n he_o that_o will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o all_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o which_o a_o house_n be_v capable_a can_v make_v it_o all_o foundation_n and_o great_a beam_n and_o pillar_n must_v not_o so_o contrive_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o all_o room_n of_o state_n and_o entertainment_n but_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o it_o mean_a material_n room_n and_o office_n for_o several_a use_n and_o purpose_n which_o however_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n in_o dignity_n and_o degree_n do_v yet_o contribute_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o in_o this_o great_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v variety_n and_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o both_o for_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n creature_n be_v good_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o rank_n of_o it_o and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v order_v and_o frame_v better_a though_o we_o can_v easy_o tell_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o and_o that_o if_o this_o or_o that_o have_v be_v want_v or_o have_v be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o good_a and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v all_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o good_a and_o notwithstanding_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v much_o less_o perfect_a than_o another_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a distance_n between_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o worm_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n yet_o consider_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v consider_v its_o nature_n and_o use_n and_o the_o place_n allot_v to_o it_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n between_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o scripture_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n where_o you_o find_v god_n represent_v as_o first_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v every_o day_n work_v by_o itself_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v good_a gen._n 1.4_o 10_o 12_o 18_o 21_o 24._o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o day_n work_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n see_v it_o and_o it_o be_v good_a but_o then_o when_o all_o be_v finish_v and_o he_o survey_v the_o whole_a together_o it_o be_v say_v v._o 31._o that_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a very_o good_a that_o be_v the_o best_a the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o other_o superlative_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o be_v good_a but_o take_v the_o whole_a together_o and_o they_o be_v very_o good_a the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v 3._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n further_o appear_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v his_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o several_a creature_n in_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o order_n those_o which_o have_v life_n in_o life_n to_o the_o period_n which_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o in_o his_o preserve_v the_o whole_a world_n his_o manage_n and_o govern_v this_o vast_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n no_o less_o of_o the_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o perform_v the_o office_n and_o work_n for_o which_o nature_n design_v they_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o the_o course_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n grow_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o out_o of_o repair_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o the_o main_a and_o support_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o preserve_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o considerable_a creature_n but_o even_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o overlook_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v nor_o despise_v any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o let_v they_o relapse_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o nothing_o through_o neglect_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o all_o psal_n 104.27_o 28._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o creature_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n these_o all_o say_v he_o wait_v upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o thou_o give_v they_o they_o gather_v thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o good_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 145.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o satisfie_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n the_o inanimate_a creature_n which_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o the_o brute_n creature_n which_o though_o they_o have_v sense_n be_v without_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o end_n and_o design_n of_o self-preservation_n god_n preserve_v they_o no_o less_o than_o man_n who_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o foresight_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o psal_n 36.7_o thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n and_o psal_n 147.9_o he_o give_v to_o the_o beast_n his_o food_n and_o to_o the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v and_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
wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v its_o obedience_n try_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o such_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v mutable_a and_o by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o its_o liberty_n capable_a of_o obey_v or_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o sin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v in_o that_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n and_o power_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n and_o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o let_v man_n be_v the_o creature_n he_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n make_v man_n good_a at_o first_o though_o mutable_a and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v continue_v so_o though_o he_o wilful_o determine_v himself_o to_o evil_a this_o acquit_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o find_v out_o to_o himself_o many_o invention_n 2._o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o creature_n as_o have_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n mutable_a there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o their_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n and_o in_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a state_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a whence_o then_o come_v evil_a the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o decree_a 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 and_o fault_n this_o seem_v not_o only_o notorious_o to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o least_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n indeed_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v only_o mean_v that_o god_n in_o his_o own_o infinite_a knowledge_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n determine_v in_o himself_o what_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n with_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v that_o god_n have_v not_o elect_v all_o mankind_n that_o be_v absolute_o decree_v to_o bring_v they_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o reprobation_n be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o may_v foresee_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o determine_v to_o punish_v it_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o all_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n if_o god_n please_v to_o bring_v any_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v transcendent_a goodness_n but_o if_o he_o put_v all_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o and_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o after_o all_o this_o any_o fall_n short_a of_o happiness_n through_o their_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o obstinacy_n these_o man_n be_v evil_a and_o cruel_a to_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o merciful_a to_o they_o but_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v either_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n their_o absolute_a ruin_n and_o misery_n or_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v inevitable_o sin_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o a_o reprobation_n as_o this_o do_v clear_o overthrow_v all_o possible_a notion_n of_o goodness_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o contrary_a to_o a_o disposition_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a than_o a_o absolute_a decree_n and_o a_o peremptory_a resolution_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o man_n a_o good_a man_n who_o shall_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o disinherit_v and_o destroy_v his_o child_n without_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o fault_n to_o be_v commit_v by_o they_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o devise_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n worse_o than_o this_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o it_o be_v say_v reprobation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o goodness_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o goodness_n and_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v such_o a_o sovereignty_n to_o god_n as_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n for_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n may_v break_v in_o at_o pleasure_n upon_o his_o other_o attribute_n than_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a if_o his_o sovereignty_n may_v at_o any_o time_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o perfection_n now_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o stand_v together_o the_o question_n be_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o another_o case_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n will_v equal_o hold_v concern_v his_o goodness_n let_v god_n be_v good_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o there_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o some_o great_a divine_n have_v hold_v this_o doctrine_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v together_o let_v they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o if_o they_o can_v rather_o let_v the_o school_n of_o the_o great_a divine_n be_v call_v in_o question_n than_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o eternal_a 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 this_o objection_n i_o have_v full_o answer_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o s._n matth._n 25.46_o and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o sundry_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o mankind_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v most_o know_v and_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_o remarkable_a with_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o history_n such_o be_v the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n especial_o the_o final_a ruin_n
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
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_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 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
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
do_v here_o below_o nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o humane_a affair_n sinner_n be_v as_o safe_a and_o free_a to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o ground_n the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o many_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o their_o wickedness_n psal_n 64.5_o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n private_o for_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o and_o more_o express_o psal_n 94.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o how_o long_o shall_v the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n boast_v themselves_o they_o break_v in_o piece_n thy_o people_n o_o lord_n and_o afflict_v thy_o heritage_n and_o slay_v the_o widow_n and_o the_o stranger_n and_o murder_v the_o fatherless_a and_o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o well_o may_v they_o encourage_v themselves_o if_o it_o be_v true_a which_o epicurus_n say_v that_o god_n take_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o he_o be_v far_o remove_v from_o we_o and_o content_v with_o himself_o and_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v in_o what_o we_o do_v if_o this_o be_v true_a the_o inference_n which_o lucretius_n make_v be_v very_o just_a quare_fw-la relligio_fw-la pedibus_fw-la subjecta_fw-la vicissim_fw-la obteritur_fw-la man_n may_v trample_v religion_n under_o their_o foot_n and_o live_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o it_o but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o they_o infer_v this_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n that_o he_o neglect_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n because_o they_o see_v the_o ungodly_a to_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n equal_o with_o other_o that_o be_v strict_o devout_a and_o virtuous_a yea_o many_o time_n to_o be_v in_o a_o more_o prosperous_a and_o flourish_a condition_n they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n like_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v like_o other_o man_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o seem_v say_v they_o that_o he_o connive_n at_o the_o crime_n of_o man_n and_o look_v on_o upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o hold_v his_o peace_n whilst_o the_o wicked_a devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o himself_o as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o hab._n 1.13_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o give_v this_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a account_n of_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o this_o life_n which_o not_o only_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o but_o the_o heathen_a be_v able_a to_o give_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n namely_o that_o this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n wherein_o god_n suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o visible_a check_n and_o restraint_n and_o do_v not_o usual_o inflict_v present_a and_o remarkable_a punishment_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o evil_a deed_n because_o this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v rather_o the_o proper_a season_n of_o patience_n than_o of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n reserve_v sinner_n for_o a_o solemn_a and_o public_a trial_n at_o the_o great_a assize_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o will_v open_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o the_o despiser_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a when_o he_o will_v make_v his_o judgement_n to_o break_v forth_o as_o the_o light_n and_o his_o righteousness_n as_o the_o noon_n day_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_a give_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o justice_n upon_o great_a and_o notorious_a offender_n in_o this_o life_n as_o a_o pledge_n and_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o these_o sometime_o more_o general_a as_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o universal_a deluge_n when_o he_o see_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o such_o be_v that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o be_v pour_v down_o upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o which_o as_o st._n judas_n tell_v we_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n that_o be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a destruction_n by_o fire_n 3_o dly_z another_o gross_a and_o atheistical_a inference_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o be_v pretend_v because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o man_n difference_v in_o their_o reward_n because_o divine_a justice_n do_v not_o present_o manifest_v itself_o and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n do_v not_o immediate_o receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n therefore_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o difference_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n sometime_o make_v between_o they_o in_o this_o life_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n whether_o they_o do_v not_o secret_o and_o inward_o acknowledge_v a_o clear_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n apt_a to_o conceive_v better_a hope_n of_o success_n when_o they_o be_v about_o a_o just_a and_o honest_a undertake_n than_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o wicked_a design_n do_v not_o bad_a man_n feel_v a_o secret_a shame_n and_o horror_n when_o no_o eye_n see_v they_o and_o the_o wickedness_n they_o be_v about_o to_o commit_v do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o cognisance_n and_o censure_n of_o any_o human_a court_n or_o tribunal_n have_v they_o not_o many_o check_n and_o rebuke_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n much_o disturbance_n and_o confusion_n of_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v enterprise_v a_o wicked_a thing_n and_o do_v not_o this_o plain_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v guilty_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o be_v about_o something_o which_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o most_o man_n be_v more_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o a_o action_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o it_o but_o yet_o the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v so_o deep_o impress_v upon_o humane_a nature_n that_o i_o think_v no_o man_n remain_v a_o man_n can_v quite_o deface_v and_o blot_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o attend_v to_o the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n they_o can_v possible_o infer_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n but_o because_o those_o who_o argue_v thus_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n there_o be_v not_o many_o in_o the_o world_n arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o blindness_n and_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o i_o think_v none_o have_v attain_v to_o that_o perfect_a conquest_n of_o conscience_n as_o to_o have_v lose_v all_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a therefore_o i_o shall_v rather_o insist_v ii_o upon_o those_o kind_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v more_o ordinary_a and_o common_a among_o bad_a man_n and_o whereby_o they_o cheat_v themselves_o into_o everlasting_a perdition_n and_o they_o be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil._n 2._o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o so_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v by_o it_o or_o 3._o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o his_o own_o nature_n as_o he_o be_v common_o represent_v 4._o therefore_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o so_o certain_a 5._o or_o however_o it_o be_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o may_v be_v prevent_v time_n enough_o by_o a_o future_a repentance_n in_o our_o old_a age_n or_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n by_o some_o such_o false_a reason_n as_o these_o which_o man_n think_v may_v probable_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n they_o harden_v and_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n 1._o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v defer_v therefore_o they_o conclude_v it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a they_o do_v not_o feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o at_o present_a all_o thing_n go_v well_o and_o prosperous_o with_o they_o no_o less_o
letter_n without_o admit_v any_o trope_n or_o figure_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v or_o else_o show_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o other_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o i_o think_v never_o can_v do_v but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o argue_v if_o we_o grant_v in_o one_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v contradiction_n to_o we_o may_v be_v possible_a why_o not_o in_o all_o case_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n of_o distinguish_v between_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o and_o if_o we_o grant_v all_o contradiction_n possible_a then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o exempt_v these_o from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o grant_v that_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n aught_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o i_o to_o be_v possible_a unless_o i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o example_n suppose_v it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o two_o body_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v not_o nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o then_o have_v a_o revelation_n for_o this_o and_o no_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o consequent_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o though_o in_o case_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v no_o contradiction_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o great_a necessity_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o reason_n and_o affront_v the_o faculty_n of_o understade_v which_o god_n have_v endow_v i_o withal_o by_o entertain_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n which_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o without_o necessity_n 2._o but_o if_o this_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o because_o i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n if_o that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o when_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v a_o thing_n i_o may_v be_v bind_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o all_o thing_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o assurance_n and_o of_o all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n will_v be_v take_v away_o the_o ii_o objection_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o make_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o now_o say_v the_o objector_n this_o seem_v as_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o ans_fw-fr to_o we_o indeed_o who_o converse_v with_o material_a thing_n and_o never_o see_v any_o thing_n make_v but_o out_o of_o pre-existent_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v create_v that_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o but_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v strange_a be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o and_o hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o spirit_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n but_o matter_n and_o yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v spirit_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v but_o out_o of_o matter_n and_o yet_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n pre-existent_a can_v be_v make_v of_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o those_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o every_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o must_v assent_v to_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v creation_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o free_a from_o contradiction_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o creation_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o something_o into_o be_v which_o before_o have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o for_o the_o phrase_n of_o make_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o out_o of_o no_o pre-existent_a matter_n do_v mislead_v our_o understanding_n into_o odd_a conceit_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o something_o or_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v what_o be_v material_a 2._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v for_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n be_v however_o they_o come_v to_o be_v 3._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o whether_o matter_n or_o that_o be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n 4._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v always_o for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o 5._o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o thing_n that_o once_o be_v not_o may_v sometime_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v by_o another_o than_o how_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v always_o of_o itself_o for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v something_o before_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v make_v though_o not_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o that_o which_o be_v always_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o or_o out_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v make_v and_o why_o can_v a_o thing_n come_v into_o a_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v as_o well_o as_o a_o thing_n be_v always_o when_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v second_o i_o exempt_v those_o thing_n from_o the_o extent_n of_o omnipotence_n which_o imply_v imperfection_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n both_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n for_o these_o also_o destroy_v power_n because_o they_o be_v not_o argument_n of_o power_n but_o of_o impotence_n natural_a imperfection_n as_o to_o die_v to_o be_v sick_a to_o be_v in_o want_n to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v to_o forget_v etc._n etc._n moral_a imperfection_n those_o which_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n and_o vice_n or_o to_o compel_v any_o to_o sin_n which_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n as_o to_o be_v cruel_a which_o contradict_v his_o truth_n as_o to_o lie_v to_o deceive_v to_o break_v his_o promise_n to_o deny_v himself_o tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o jam._n 1.13_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contrary_n to_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o change_v his_o decree_n to_o repent_v contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n as_o for_o ever_o to_o spare_v and_o to_o pardon_v obstinate_a sinner_n eternal_o to_o punish_v innocent_a and_o good_a man_n for_o these_o be_v moral_a imperfection_n and_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o distinction_n between_o god_n absolute_a and_o ordinate_a power_n that_o be_v that_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n of_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o yet_o upon_o supposition_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o promise_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n he_o can_v do_v be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a unless_o man_n mean_v by_o it_o only_o this_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o argue_v a_o imperfection_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v most_o true_a but_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o and_o equal_o impossible_a to_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a title_n which_o the_o
heathen_n give_v to_o their_o supreme_a deity_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la next_o to_o his_o goodness_n they_o place_v his_o greatness_n which_o do_v chief_o appear_v in_o his_o power_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o attribute_v a_o great_a power_n to_o he_o but_o a_o omnipotence_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la deus_fw-la efficere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la say_v tully_n de_fw-fr diu._n now_o their_o natural_a reason_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o this_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n by_o these_o three_o argument_n 1._o from_o those_o two_o great_a instance_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o power_n creation_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o heathen_n do_v general_o acknowledge_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o power_n determine_v by_o goodness_n and_o regulate_v by_o wisdom_n hence_o they_o give_v those_o title_n to_o god_n of_o opifex_fw-la rerum_fw-la and_o rector_n mundi_fw-la i_o say_v general_o i_o except_o aristotle_n who_o suppose_v the_o world_n not_o to_o have_v be_v make_v but_o to_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o epicurus_n with_o his_o follower_n who_o ascribe_v the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o happy_a casualty_n and_o fortunate_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o general_o the_o wise_a do_v look_v upon_o the_o vast_a frame_n of_o nature_n this_o stately_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v of_o it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 2._o because_o all_o other_o perfection_n without_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a and_o ineffectual_a or_o else_o can_v not_o be_v at_o all_o without_o this_o goodness_n will_v be_v a_o empty_a piece_n of_o good_a meaning_n and_o not_o able_a to_o give_v any_o demonstration_n of_o itself_o knowledge_n will_v be_v a_o idle_a speculation_n and_o wisdom_n to_o contrive_v thing_n without_o power_n to_o effect_v they_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a thing_n there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justice_n if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v without_o a_o power_n to_o reward_v and_o punish_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faithfulness_n if_o he_o have_v not_o a_o power_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v no_o providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o that_o have_v no_o power_n to_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o govern_v and_o to_o intermeddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n 3._o without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o trust_n no_o reason_n for_o fear_n all_o argument_n from_o hope_n and_o fear_n will_v be_v take_v away_o we_o can_v not_o expect_v any_o good_a nor_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o a_o impotent_a be_v that_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n will_v be_v take_v away_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o law_n there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o right_a to_o command_v but_o power_n to_o back_o those_o command_n the_o grand_a security_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o all_o government_n and_o authority_n be_v power_n james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v none_o can_v be_v a_o lawgiver_n but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o power_n to_o reward_v and_o punish_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o miserable_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v man_n will_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n nor_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o strait_n nec_fw-la in_o hunc_fw-la furorem_fw-la omnes_fw-la mortales_fw-la consensissent_fw-la alloquendi_fw-la surda_fw-la numina_fw-la &_o inefficaces_fw-la deos_fw-la sen._n there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o welfare_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o malicious_a spirit_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o their_o happiness_n ii_o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n in_o produce_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o take_v notice_n of_o those_o which_o in_o general_n ascribe_v power_n and_o may_v and_o strength_n to_o god_n psal_n 24.8_o the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a so_o gird_v with_o power_n the_o mighty_a god_n thou_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o place_n which_o call_v upon_o all_o creature_n to_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n 2._o those_o which_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n job_n 9.4_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o strength_n excellent_a in_o power_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n 3._o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v such_o a_o power_n as_o transcend_v any_o human_a or_o create_a power_n such_o as_o those_o which_o express_v all_o the_o power_n which_o man_n have_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n john_n 19.11_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o and_o those_o which_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o god_n above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n luke_o 18.27_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v eph._n 3.20_o 2_o chron._n 20.6_o job_n 9.4_o according_a to_o his_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o dan._n 4.35_o those_o which_o declare_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o nothing_o difficult_a there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o thou_o jer._n 32.17_o 2_o chron._n 14.11_o 1_o sam._n 14.6_o 4._o those_o which_o ascribe_v all_o power_n to_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o almighty_a alsufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o rev._n 4.8_o 11.15.3.16.7.19.26_o job_n 42.2_o thou_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n matth._n 19.6_o mark_n 10.27_o luke_n 1.37_o i_o have_v dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v upon_o this_o argument_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v all_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n use_v first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n may_v cause_v terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n all_o this_o power_n which_o i_o have_v describe_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o i_o can_v describe_v it_o be_v engage_v against_o sinner_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o all_o that_o forsake_v he_o ezra_n 8.22_o and_o who_o know_v what_o those_o word_n signify_v psal_n 99.11_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n as_o be_v thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n more_o infinite_a than_o our_o fear_n it_o trouble_v we_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o utmost_a that_o may_v happen_v but_o when_o we_o have_v extend_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o utmost_a the_o power_n of_o god_n wrath_n reach_v further_a whenever_o we_o sin_v we_o challenge_v the_o almighty_a and_o dare_v infinite_a power_n to_o do_v its_o worst_a to_o we_o job_n 15.25_o speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a man_n he_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o god_n and_o strengthen_v himself_o against_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v thou_o fear_v if_o not_o he_o who_o can_v make_v thou_o extreme_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o will_v you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o because_o he_o do_v nothing_o against_o thou_o for_o the_o present_a think_v thou_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o nah._n 1.3_o he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n second_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n shall_v check_v the_o pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n of_o men._n what_o have_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v where_o then_o be_v cause_n of_o boast_v who_o may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n shall_v remember_v whence_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o render_v back_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o the_o fountain_n