never-failing_a principle_n of_o life_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o see_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n abundant_o shed_v abroad_o upon_o the_o whole_a creation_n yet_o be_v not_o god_n at_o all_o oblige_a to_o create_v man_n impeccable_a 2._o to_o determine_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o positive_a act_n the_o happiness_n of_o some_o 2._o prop._n 2._o and_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o and_o yet_o to_o decree_v the_o same_o upon_o condition_n of_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v both_o absolute_a and_o conditional_a be_v as_o great_a a_o contradiction_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o therefore_o to_o decree_v a_o benefit_n to_o any_o person_n absolute_o and_o without_o any_o respect_n whatever_o and_o yet_o to_o propose_v the_o same_o under_o certain_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o act_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o here_o that_o the_o asserter_n of_o god_n absolute_a decree_n concern_v the_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n of_o particular_a person_n may_v save_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o those_o absurdity_n it_o lie_v obnoxious_a to_o they_o have_v invent_v a_o pretty_a subterfuge_n and_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v irresistable_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o those_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o save_v and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o make_v god_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o act_v upon_o such_o arbitrarious_fw-la principle_n as_o every_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o see_v how_o man_n will_v labour_v and_o toil_n to_o support_v and_o keep_v up_o a_o ruinous_a fabric_n which_o if_o let_v fall_v will_v assure_o prove_v a_o advantage_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o sure_o god_n need_v no_o such_o patron_n to_o defend_v the_o righteousness_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o i_o may_v say_v to_o they_o as_o once_o job_n expostulate_v with_o his_o friend_n will_v you_o speak_v wicked_o for_o god_n or_o talk_v deceitful_o for_o he_o will_v you_o accept_v his_o person_n this_o be_v as_o he_o afterward_o tell_v they_o to_o mock_v god_n as_o one_o man_n mock_v another_o for_o if_o he_o determine_v salvation_n to_o man_n hypothetical_o that_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o their_o obedience_n and_o he_o himself_o work_v the_o condition_n in_o they_o by_o a_o supervenient_a and_o irresistible_a force_n how_o can_v they_o be_v say_v in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n to_o have_v perform_v it_o and_o how_o can_v their_o obedience_n if_o it_o can_v be_v call_v so_o be_v term_v a_o act_n of_o their_o duty_n which_o be_v always_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o superior_a when_o they_o themselves_o be_v whole_o passive_a wherefore_o according_a to_o this_o rate_n of_o speak_v god_n must_v be_v say_v to_o reward_v himself_o last_o he_o that_o promise_v a_o reward_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n suppose_v the_o person_n to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o disobey_v and_o the_o reward_n be_v add_v as_o a_o incitation_n to_o quicken_v and_o actuate_v his_o obedience_n otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o confer_v a_o benefit_n upon_o a_o man_n if_o he_o will_v breathe_v for_o the_o man_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o disobey_v than_o a_o stone_n not_o to_o fall_v downward_o or_o flame_v not_o to_o ascend_v now_o if_o god_n transact_v the_o whole_a business_n by_o his_o almighty_a and_o never-failing_a power_n without_o any_o the_o least_o attempt_n or_o offer_v of_o man_n towards_o it_o how_o be_v he_o leave_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o disobey_v and_o what_o need_v there_o any_o reward_n be_v adjudge_v to_o man_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v to_o perfection_n without_o his_o co-operation_n or_o endeavour_n so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strange_a dispensation_n and_o whole_o unworthy_a the_o god_n of_o truth_n thus_o to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n by_o tell_v they_o that_o tey_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o own_o obstinate_a and_o perverse_a will_n which_o deprive_v they_o of_o that_o blessedness_n he_o prepare_v for_o they_o and_o cause_v they_o to_o inherit_v bitterness_n and_o sorrow_n when_o he_o do_v by_o a_o antecedent_n and_o inconditionate_n decree_n destinate_a and_o mark_v they_o out_o to_o a_o eternal_a misery_n the_o true_o know_v spirit_n will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o pageantry_n and_o fair_a show_n but_o will_v look_v for_o something_o solid_a and_o substantial_a which_o may_v be_v indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o that_o excellent_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o bring_v into_o be_v the_o beautiful_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n if_o such_o shift_n therefore_o as_o these_o may_v pass_v for_o currant_n at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o god_n i_o can_v see_v how_o wicked_a man_n mouth_n can_v be_v stop_v and_o the_o whole_a unrighteous_a world_n become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d subject_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o they_o to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o punishment_n although_o they_o never_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o same_o absolute_a and_o peremptory_a will_n which_o of_o old_a design_v their_o destruction_n do_v likewise_o perfect_o disable_v they_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v conduce_v to_o their_o happiness_n and_o what_o be_v they_o that_o they_o can_v withstand_v god_n 3._o 3._o prop._n 3._o to_o command_v man_n to_o act_n according_a to_o a_o law_n under_o a_o certain_a and_o severe_a punishment_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o act_v according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o that_o law_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n that_o i_o may_v full_o clear_v this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v go_v by_o these_o gradation_n 1._o that_o man_n may_v reasonable_o come_v under_o any_o obligation_n by_o a_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o that_o law_n be_v promulgate_v otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o can_v it_o reach_v or_o have_v influence_n upon_o any_o man_n person_n for_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a qualification_n of_o a_o law_n according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n leges_fw-la constituuntur_fw-la cùm_fw-la promulgantur_fw-la law_n be_v then_o constitute_v when_o they_o be_v promulgate_v and_o that_o of_o the_o civilian_n leges_fw-la quae_fw-la constringunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitas_fw-la intelligi_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la debent_fw-la those_o law_n which_o have_v influence_n upon_o man_n life_n aught_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o all_o thus_o among_o the_o roman_n the_o manner_n of_o publish_v a_o law_n after_o it_o have_v be_v approve_v and_o record_v be_v by_o hang_v it_o up_o in_o table_n of_o brass_n in_o their_o market-place_n or_o at_o their_o church_n door_n as_o tacitus_n in_o his_o annal_n report_n whence_o legem_fw-la figere_fw-la be_v to_o enact_v and_o establish_v a_o law_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o jewish_a law_n have_v no_o obligation_n upon_o christian_n because_o it_o be_v promulgate_v only_o to_o they_o and_o so_o become_v peculiar_a to_o their_o nation_n audi_fw-la israel_n hear_v o_o israel_n and_o if_o any_o part_n of_o it_o have_v influence_n now_o upon_o the_o christian_a world_n it_o must_v be_v because_o it_o be_v repeat_v anew_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n for_o whatever_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o beside_o conformable_a to_o the_o law_n and_o dictate_v of_o nature_n oblige_v we_o not_o as_o give_v by_o moses_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o antecedent_n universal_a law_n common_a to_o all_o rational_a being_n nor_o be_v the_o heathen_a world_n at_o all_o concern_v in_o the_o jewish_a discipline_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n because_o it_o be_v restrain_v and_o confine_v to_o the_o judaical_a republic_n for_o have_v it_o be_v of_o a_o universal_a extent_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o pagan_n also_o and_o the_o jewish_a prophet_n when_o they_o reprehend_v the_o heathen_a king_n for_o their_o enormity_n will_v likewise_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o this_o in_o especial_a manner_n that_o they_o do_v not_o conform_v to_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o according_o sharp_o reprove_v they_o for_o it_o which_o we_o never_o find_v they_o do_v at_o any_o time_n 2._o that_o a_o law_n may_v have_v force_n and_o obligation_n upon_o man_n and_o they_o be_v reasonable_o punish_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o it_o
therefore_o i_o say_v though_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o intellectual_a be_v do_v not_o formal_o beget_v any_o new_a power_n in_o god_n which_o be_v not_o antecedent_o in_o he_o yet_o it_o beget_v a_o new_a mode_n and_o qualification_n of_o his_o power_n whereby_o the_o creature_n may_v just_o expect_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n which_o that_o infinite_a power_n place_v in_o it_o 2._o the_o collation_n of_o benefit_n invest_v the_o creature_n with_o a_o right_n or_o privilege_n of_o just_o hope_v for_o all_o such_o fair_a and_o equitable_a deal_n from_o god_n as_o shall_v best_o suit_v with_o those_o faculty_n he_o endue_v they_o withal_o for_o god_n very_a donation_n of_o be_v to_o the_o creature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o silent_a contract_n or_o promise_n that_o his_o whole_a oeconomy_n towards_o they_o shall_v be_v equal_a and_o righteous_a and_o that_o he_o will_v never_o take_v from_o they_o any_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o that_o felicity_n and_o beatitude_n he_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o confer_v upon_o they_o at_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o existence_n without_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o fault_n upon_o these_o ground_n our_o author_n may_v with_o great_a plausibility_n of_o reason_n have_v found_v god_n dominion_n upon_o the_o right_n of_o creation_n then_o upon_o god_n absolute_a and_o unlimited_a power_n which_o he_o confess_v page_n 24._o to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o internal_a principle_n of_o goodness_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o tie_v and_o restrain_v god_n not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o this_o principle_n of_o goodness_n so_o that_o if_o the_o exercise_n of_o power_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v by_o this_o precious_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n this_o be_v a_o more_o sure_a ground_n of_o god_n dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n in_o my_o apprehension_n then_o that_o which_o he_o have_v pitch_v upon_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o axiom_n iii_o and_o to_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o his_o goodness_n proceed_v from_o a_o circumscription_n set_v and_o choose_v by_o himself_o which_o he_o can_v transgress_v because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v to_o introduce_v a_o arbitrary_a deity_n and_o very_o much_o derogatory_n to_o his_o spotless_a nature_n who_o goodness_n justice_n and_o holiness_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o his_o existence_n therefore_o that_o god_n can_v act_v any_o thing_n indecorous_a and_o unbecoming_a himself_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o restraint_n or_o confinement_n arbitrary_o impose_v upon_o himself_o but_o from_o the_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o from_o those_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o moral_a be_v that_o i_o may_v therefore_o more_o full_o declare_v the_o weakness_n and_o invalidity_n of_o this_o conceit_n of_o our_o author_n viz._n that_o arbitrary_a power_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o his_o creature_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o enervate_v those_o proposition_n by_o which_o he_o will_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o 1._o first_o then_o say_v he_o page_v 5._o god_n have_v power_n either_o utter_o to_o destroy_v our_o being_n or_o to_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o many_o calamity_n as_o shall_v leave_v we_o in_o a_o condition_n only_o preferable_a to_o that_o of_o nonexistence_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v generous_a and_o noble_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o eternal_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n who_o never_o act_v any_o thing_n but_o in_o conformity_n to_o his_o own_o bless_a and_o righteous_a nature_n now_o that_o pregnant_a womb_n which_o bring_v forth_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v infinite_a goodness_n by_o axiom_n iii_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o same_o goodness_n be_v infinite_o concern_v to_o keep_v in_o be_v the_o production_n of_o its_o own_o fertile_a nature_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o our_o very_a being_n be_v the_o issue_n of_o infinite_a power_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o this_o power_n be_v surround_v with_o immense_a goodness_n which_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n will_v infallible_o do_v all_o that_o good_a which_o at_o any_o time_n lie_v in_o its_o power_n to_o do_v and_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n about_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v since_o then_o be_v be_v better_a than_o not-being_a and_o all_o creature_n capable_a of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n as_o well_o of_o continue_v one_o day_n or_o year_n infinite_a goodness_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v the_o further_a proof_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v show_v anon_o i_o may_v here_o likewise_o suggest_v to_o mr._n p._n that_o thing_n be_v the_o bless_a emanation_n of_o god_n exuberant_a goodness_n and_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o emanative_a effect_n upon_o their_o cause_n nor_o will_v this_o be_v invalidate_v by_o object_v that_o then_o god_n can_v not_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v create_v the_o world_n for_o beside_o that_o aquinas_n himself_o define_v creation_n by_o actus_fw-la emanativus_n there_o be_v no_o incongruity_n say_v they_o to_o affirm_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o emanative_a effect_n of_o god_n pregnant_a goodness_n because_o to_o create_v be_v nothing_o but_o to_o give_v be_v or_o existence_n to_o thing_n and_o this_o be_v true_a though_o every_o thing_n be_v a_o emanative_a effect_n of_o god_n life_n and_o essential_a vigour_n this_o i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v as_o rational_a and_o concinnous_a a_o hypothesis_n as_o that_o wherein_o mr._n p._n attribute_n such_o a_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n the_o basis_n of_o which_o be_v unlimited_a power_n as_o that_o he_o may_v at_o any_o time_n either_o annihilate_v they_o or_o inflict_v upon_o they_o so_o many_o calamity_n as_o shall_v render_v their_o condition_n only_o preferable_a to_o nonexistence_n 2._o his_o second_o proposition_n be_v only_o a_o further_a enlargement_n and_o explication_n of_o his_o first_o for_o if_o god_n say_v he_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o a_o innocent_a person_n life_n and_o all_o it_o be_v appendant_a privilege_n to_o take_v they_o away_o he_o may_v certain_o do_v the_o same_o upon_o any_o occasion_n thus_o he_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n by_o bring_v their_o posterity_n into_o those_o evil_a circumstance_n into_o which_o he_o may_v have_v bring_v they_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n though_o not_o only_a themselves_o but_o their_o progenitor_n have_v be_v faultless_a to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o instance_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n punish_v a_o innocent_a person_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o supreme_a dominion_n it_o be_v true_a when_o god_n inflict_v calamity_n upon_o the_o child_n for_o their_o parent_n fault_n the_o posterity_n be_v innocent_a of_o those_o particular_a crime_n of_o their_o progenitor_n which_o cause_v the_o judgement_n or_o calamity_n but_o they_o be_v criminal_a otherwise_o and_o therefore_o if_o god_n take_v away_o their_o life_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o have_v render_v themselves_o obnoxious_a by_o their_o personal_a fault_n and_o by_o that_o oeconomy_n serve_v other_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n wherefore_o when_o god_n take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o virtuous_a son_n to_o punish_v a_o wicked_a father_n it_o be_v not_o proper_o to_o be_v account_v a_o evil_a to_o the_o son_n because_o god_n righteous_a providence_n compensate_v it_o with_o a_o great_a good_n see_v axiom_n vi_o from_o these_o particular_a instance_n he_o descend_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o original_a sin_n which_o he_o place_n in_o nothing_o but_o in_o the_o evil_a and_o irregular_a crasis_n and_o temperament_n of_o our_o body_n which_o punishment_n may_v have_v be_v inflict_v upon_o we_o though_o adam_n have_v never_o sin_v but_o 1._o can_v this_o suit_n with_o the_o eternal_a righteousness_n of_o the_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o create_v intellectual_a being_n holy_a and_o good_a and_o then_o without_o any_o fault_n of_o they_o to_o thrust_v they_o into_o such_o cadaverous_a body_n where_o they_o shall_v be_v almost_o necessitate_v to_o trade_n with_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o it_o may_v be_v never_o recover_v themselves_o from_o that_o lethargic_a state_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n or_o regain_v their_o ancient_a and_o virtuous_a freedom_n and_o though_o mr._n p._n shift_v this_o off_o upon_o adam_n prevarication_n and_o transgression_n yet_o he_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n will_v warrant_v such_o a_o act_n upon_o guiltless_a person_n sure_a mr._n p._n have_v a_o very_a mean_a conceit_n of_o god_n most_o bless_a nature_n if_o he_o think_v
be_v excogitated_a more_o infallible_a for_o the_o exploration_n of_o whatever_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o likewise_o put_v a_o certain_a stop_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o dissemination_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o run_v and_o be_v glorious_a and_o to_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o nation_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o we_o will_v imagine_v man_n so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_o devotional_a that_o they_o will_v embrace_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o disagree_v with_o the_o native_a sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o give_v any_o real_a and_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o such_o dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n as_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o author_n but_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o discriminative_a sense_n and_o perception_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o they_o can_v make_v they_o to_o appear_v so_o and_o though_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n irrational_a yet_o if_o we_o give_v absurd_a and_o inconcinnous_a explication_n of_o they_o there_o will_v be_v as_o small_a hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o false_a such_o be_v the_o intellectual_a fabric_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o they_o can_v believe_v or_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o will_v but_o there_o be_v certain_a law_n and_o principle_n interweave_v in_o the_o essential_a frame_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o the_o great_a architect_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v up_o and_o limit_v and_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n whether_o natural_a moral_a or_o metaphysical_a and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o think_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o alone_o work_v constant_o and_o even_o and_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o measure_n of_o creature_n shall_v now_o in_o this_o grand_a mystery_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o world_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o like_a that_o high_a and_o incomprehensible_a intellect_n which_o give_v birth_n unto_o it_o so_o deviate_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o it_o be_v own_o be_v as_o to_o propound_v such_o article_n and_o proposition_n to_o the_o world_n which_o without_o the_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o violation_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n they_o can_v never_o full_o credit_v or_o believe_v and_o questionless_a such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n of_o proceed_v will_v so_o miserable_o confound_v the_o beautiful_a order_n and_o symmetry_n of_o thing_n that_o beside_o it_o must_v necessary_o engage_v the_o divine_a power_n to_o the_o production_n of_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n for_o the_o beget_n faith_n and_o assent_n in_o man_n it_o likewise_o lay_v they_o open_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o inevitable_a error_n falsity_n and_o delusion_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o mean_n leave_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o little_a probability_n or_o plausibility_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o whether_o positive_o declare_v so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o the_o perverse_a gloss_n and_o paraphrastical_a exposition_n of_o other_o shall_v win_v and_o gain_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o effect_v that_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n x._o 32._o that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o greek_a whereby_o to_o alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o obstruct_v the_o diffusion_n of_o any_o principle_n or_o dogmata_fw-la be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v as_o when_o they_o contain_v something_o which_o may_v administer_v just_a cause_n of_o scruple_n and_o beget_v a_o aversion_n to_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v bring_v over_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n whether_o jew_n or_o heathen_a to_o christianity_n must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o assert_v nothing_o dogmatical_o or_o positive_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o indispensable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o the_o other_o can_v reject_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o reason_n for_o assure_o no_o part_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n therefore_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o jew_n who_o take_v just_a exception_n against_o many_o dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v in_o common_a vogue_n among_o we_o but_o particular_o digust_v that_o harsh_a and_o rigid_a doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n express_v his_o dislike_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o such_o like_a term_n as_o these_o that_o god_n give_v statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o deliver_v a_o law_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n sinai_n i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o our_o father_n and_o that_o i_o be_o equal_o oblige_v to_o perform_v due_a obedience_n to_o it_o be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o truth_n as_o indubitable_a as_o the_o other_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v desert_v the_o religion_n of_o my_o ancestor_n and_o embrace_v a_o novel_a doctrine_n whole_o repugnant_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a not_o only_o with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prophetic_a write_n and_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o eversion_n and_o extirpation_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o will_v put_v his_o trust_n in_o that_o god_n who_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o destroy_v than_o in_o save_v of_o his_o creature_n will_v argue_v as_o great_a impiety_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v fantastickness_n and_o imprudence_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n god_n like_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a legislator_n make_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o menace_n to_o be_v the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o benefit_n be_v not_o confer_v but_o hypothetical_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o they_o nor_o punishment_n execute_v but_o upon_o the_o actual_a breach_n and_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o beside_o this_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v he_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n such_o a_o religion_n and_o service_n as_o will_n most_o suit_n with_o our_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a nature_n such_o as_o may_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o inward_a and_o divine_a sense_n as_o true_o excellent_a and_o lovely_a comprehend_v the_o flower_n and_o sum_n of_o whatever_o be_v worthy_a noble_a and_o generous_a which_o you_o say_v be_v most_o lively_o depaint_v and_o set_v out_o to_o we_o in_o that_o which_o you_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o mystery_n of_o which_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o your_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v eternal_o elect_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n to_o inherit_v blessedness_n with_o he_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o publish_v this_o his_o decree_n but_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o either_o therefore_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v upon_o rational_a ground_n yet_o expect_v or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v already_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n your_o religion_n be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o ever_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spurious_a result_v and_o effux_n of_o fanciful_a person_n obtrude_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o believe_v that_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o universe_n who_o in_o our_o law_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o who_o so_o often_o forget_v the_o crime_n and_o apostasy_n of_o our_o forefather_n when_o they_o return_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n shall_v now_o so_o change_v his_o nature_n and_o suspend_v the_o ray_n and_o benign_a emanation_n of_o his_o communicative_a life_n in_o this_o which_o you_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o
hearer_n in_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o many_o time_n disputable_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o unprofitable_a opinion_n while_o they_o neglect_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o more_o serious_a and_o weighty_a matter_n of_o justice_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n from_o hence_o come_v it_o that_o in_o their_o catechism_n and_o confession_n of_o faith_n they_o crowd_v so_o many_o unnecessary_a and_o fruitless_a doctrine_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o indubitable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n such_o as_o be_v the_o position_n concern_v god_n decree_n of_o election_n and_o reprobation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o with_o all_o due_a regard_n and_o honour_n commend_v the_o great_a prudence_n of_o the_o compiler_n as_o of_o the_o whole_a liturgy_n and_o service_n so_o particular_o of_o the_o catechism_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o instruct_v of_o the_o young_a sort_n in_o the_o rudiment_n and_o principle_n of_o christianity_n wherein_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o propound_v as_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v undoubted_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n they_o modest_o content_v themselves_o in_o insert_v only_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v by_o all_o the_o reform_a part_n of_o christendom_n look_v upon_o as_o unquestionable_o true_a and_o the_o contrary_n condemn_v as_o false_a and_o adulterate_a so_o that_o i_o may_v say_v of_o it_o as_o david_n of_o goliahs_n sword_n there_o be_v none_o like_o it_o thus_o reader_n i_o have_v give_v thou_o a_o full_a account_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o such_o way_n and_o method_n of_o instruct_v the_o people_n as_o i_o have_v here_o describe_v which_o certain_o be_v not_o to_o fill_v their_o brain_n with_o puffie_v opinion_n and_o jejune_n disputation_n but_o a_o zealous_a caution_v they_o against_o all_o vice_n and_o immorality_n whatever_o and_o a_o serious_a exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n justice_n and_o equity_n obedience_n to_o their_o lawful_a prince_n and_o to_o all_o inferior_a magistrate_n to_o do_v good_a and_o communicate_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o indigent_a and_o calamitous_a and_o when_o the_o case_n require_v a_o further_a instruction_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n such_o a_o full_a and_o easy_a explication_n of_o the_o several_a article_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o as_o may_v best_o suit_v with_o their_o capacity_n and_o the_o plain_a text_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o as_o it_o be_v recommend_v as_o most_o useful_a for_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n by_o our_o mother_n the_o church_n of_o england_n so_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o god_n goodness_n vindicated_n against_o absolute_a reprobation_n chap._n i._o inconditionate_n reprobation_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n maintain_v in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o never_o so_o monstrous_a and_o irrational_a but_o plead_v scripture_n to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v it_o and_o though_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o every_o sect_n and_o faction_n claim_v a_o interest_n in_o it_o and_o that_o error_n may_v pass_v more_o free_o disguise_v and_o undiscerned_a among_o man_n it_o be_v now-become_a a_o fashion_n to_o allege_v the_o divinely-inspired_n write_n as_o a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n for_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o truth_n of_o whatever_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a conceit_n man_n please_v to_o divulge_v in_o the_o world_n such_o be_v the_o hypothesis_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n we_o have_v in_o hand_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v peruse_v the_o write_n of_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o maintain_v it_o and_o consider_v with_o what_o wonderful_a confidence_n they_o assert_v it_o and_o how_o thick-set_a the_o margin_n of_o their_o treatise_n be_v with_o citation_n of_o scripture_n to_o patronize_v and_o defend_v it_o and_o yet_o how_o little_a or_o nothing_o there_o be_v in_o that_o sacred_a volume_n that_o in_o good_a earnest_n look_v that_o way_n will_v be_v soon_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n rather_o than_o any_o probability_n of_o truth_n which_o make_v they_o such_o pertinacious_a adherent_n to_o so_o ill-framed_n a_o doctrine_n and_o that_o i_o may_v make_v good_a what_o i_o have_v affirm_v i_o shall_v begin_v with_o divine_a revelation_n wherein_o god_n declare_v his_o gracious_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n with_o mankind_n and_o vindicate_v the_o glory_n and_o honour_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n from_o the_o aspersion_n and_o imputation_n of_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n assert_v his_o rule_n and_o dominion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v righteous_a and_o equal_a and_o perfect_o agreeable_a to_o the_o high_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o that_o none_o of_o his_o creature_n unless_o it_o be_v such_o who_o be_v desperate_o forlorn_a and_o wicked_a can_v possible_o wish_v his_o not-being_a in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o proclaim_v himself_o to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n 6._o exod._n xxxiv_o 6._o merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o this_o name_n god_n have_v verify_v in_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o the_o lapse_v world_n 29._o deut._n v._n 29._o oh_o that_o my_o people_n have_v such_o a_o heart_n in_o they_o say_v he_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n but_o why_o do_v god_n wish_v this_o not_o for_o any_o self_n design_n or_o particular_a interest_n for_o our_o goodness_n extend_v not_o unto_o he_o nor_o can_v our_o sin_n detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o sedate_n and_o compose_a happiness_n of_o his_o everbless_v nature_n but_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o their_o child_n for_o ever_o behold_v here_o the_o flagrant_a love_n and_o intense_a affection_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n to_o a_o stiff-necked_a and_o disobedient_a people_n do_v not_o these_o passionate_a strain_n proceed_v from_o his_o whole_a heart_n and_o be_v they_o not_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a seriousness_n how_o then_o can_v he_o unfeigned_o desire_v that_o they_o shall_v walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o life_n when_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n from_o the_o out-going_n of_o eternity_n have_v irresistible_o determine_v their_o motion_n into_o the_o path_n of_o destruction_n can_v a_o tender_a mother_n expose_v her_o innocent_a babe_n to_o be_v devour_v by_o wild_a beast_n or_o saw_v asunder_o before_o her_o eye_n 15._o isai_n xlix_o 15._o can_v she_o forget_v her_o suck_a child_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o have_v compassion_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o her_o womb_n suppose_v there_o may_v be_v some_o so_o obdurate_a and_o unrelenting_a that_o their_o bowel_n will_v not_o yern_v over_o such_o a_o dismal_a spectacle_n yet_o they_o be_v but_o few_o that_o have_v degenerate_v so_o deep_o into_o this_o more_o than_o brutish_a stupidity_n and_o can_v we_o think_v the_o compassionate_a father_n of_o spirit_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o pitiful_a in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o intention_n and_o extension_n than_o the_o best_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v betray_v his_o own_o dear_a offspring_n or_o prove_v so_o unnatural_a to_o design_v they_o to_o the_o most_o acute_a torment_n the_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n of_o man_n or_o devil_n can_v invent_v and_o that_o to_o eternal_a age_n before_o ever_o their_o existence_n give_v they_o the_o least_o opportunity_n of_o offend_v he_o 16._o 1_o joh._n four_o 16._o god_n be_v love_n itself_o who_o nature_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v diffusive_a and_o communicative_a to_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o being_n and_o therefore_o glory_v not_o in_o this_o that_o he_o be_v powerful_a to_o slay_v to_o damn_v and_o excruciate_v in_o unheard_a and_o perpetual_a torment_n 1._o isa_n lxiii_o 1._o but_o that_o he_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n and_o be_v mighty_a to_o save_v and_o that_o he_o may_v full_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o this_o gracious_a property_n of_o he_o he_o have_v pronounce_v judgement_n to_o be_v his_o strange_a work_n and_o his_o strange_a act_n which_o man_n impenitency_n only_o force_v he_o to_o for_o he_o will_v not_o that_o any_o perish_v but_o that_o every_o creature_n shall_v be_v happy_a in_o its_o measure_n and_o capacity_n and_o lest_o we_o son_n of_o darkness_n shall_v entertain_v any_o such_o thought_n of_o the_o god_n of_o light_n as_o if_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o our_o ruin_n he_o have_v join_v a_o oath_n to_o it_o 11._o ezek._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o have_v swear_v as_o he_o live_v he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o
sinner_n of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o offend_a god_n and_o that_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o sin_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o mercy_n but_o that_o now_o while_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n if_o they_o will_v hear_v the_o god_n of_o love_n speak_v to_o their_o conscience_n and_o gentle_o mollify_a their_o obdurate_a heart_n they_o shall_v run_v unto_o he_o by_o a_o speedy_a repentance_n and_o he_o will_v melt_v and_o thaw_v their_o freeze_a spirit_n into_o a_o pliable_a ductility_n by_o the_o warm_a gleam_n of_o his_o eternal_a love_n loosen_v the_o wing_n of_o their_o entangle_a soul_n and_o secure_v their_o flight_n into_o the_o quiet_a region_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n when_o this_o son_n of_o love_n who_o be_v always_o go_v about_o do_v good_a see_v the_o multitude_n scatter_v abroad_o like_o sheep_n that_o have_v no_o shepherd_n it_o be_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 36._o mat._n ix_o 36._o he_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n on_o they_o which_o word_n say_v a_o learned_a critic_n denote_v summam_fw-la &_o vehementem_fw-la commiscrationem_fw-la ex_fw-la intimis_fw-la visceribus_fw-la profectam_fw-la such_o a_o inward_a feel_n and_o yern_v of_o the_o heart_n and_o soul_n as_o melt_v the_o very_a bowel_n into_o a_o pitiful_a commiseration_n of_o the_o object_n they_o be_v affect_v with_o which_o intense_a affection_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bowel_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n luk._n i._n 78._o and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n how_o do_v he_o weep_v over_o she_o and_o moisten_v his_o fresh_a laurel_n with_o a_o shower_n of_o tear_n o_o jerusalem_n 37._o matth._n xxiii_o 37._o jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o ston_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o his_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o grief_n that_o it_o can_v hold_v no_o long_o but_o must_v empty_v itself_o in_o a_o sympathize_v flood_n of_o tear_n over_o that_o incorrigible_a city_n soften_a that_o ground_n with_o his_o watery_a eye_n which_o short_o after_o shall_v be_v bedew_v with_o blood_n oh_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n sure_o there_o be_v no_o man_n so_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o think_v christ_n weep_v tear_n of_o deceit_n and_o treachery_n no_o they_o be_v the_o very_a breathe_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o a_o people_n that_o be_v go_v into_o inevitable_a destruction_n for_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v of_o as_o tender_a and_o passive_a a_o constitution_n as_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v any_o cognizance_n of_o and_o in_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o be_v christ_n last_n solemn_a visit_n for_o the_o recovery_n of_o those_o rebellious_a jew_n he_o have_v leave_v upon_o record_n to_o all_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o fervency_n of_o his_o love_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n he_o ride_v in_o triumph_n the_o child_n sang_fw-fr hosanna_n to_o he_o and_o he_o cure_v many_o impotent_a and_o disease_a person_n that_o at_o least_o that_o miraculous_a and_o wonder-working_a power_n reside_v in_o he_o may_v extort_v this_o confession_n from_o they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o after_o all_o this_o he_o weep_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o pity_v they_o with_o tear_n and_o have_v his_o heart_n and_o spirit_n full_a of_o love_n that_o be_v strong_a than_o death_n he_o leave_v no_o way_n untried_a but_o spend_v the_o whole_a day_n among_o they_o and_o look_v round_o about_o he_o towards_o evening_n to_o see_v if_o any_o will_v invite_v he_o home_o be_v unwilling_a to_o depart_v till_o their_o ingratitude_n force_v he_o away_o and_o now_o that_o he_o be_v exalt_v in_o glory_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o his_o father_n invest_v with_o majesty_n and_o power_n his_o compassion_n be_v no_o whit_n abate_v nor_o be_v that_o benign_a care_n and_o providence_n which_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o condescent_n he_o exercise_v over_o the_o fall_v generation_n of_o man_n at_o all_o lessen_v by_o the_o augmentation_n of_o his_o blessedness_n and_o felicity_n but_o daily_a woe_n and_o beseech_v we_o by_o his_o minister_n and_o servant_n to_o enter_v upon_o term_n of_o amity_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n who_o in_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o reconcile_v the_o world_n unto_o himself_o shall_v we_o now_o cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o fabric_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a engine_n that_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v contrive_v for_o the_o wind_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n of_o man_n from_o their_o too_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o gratification_n of_o the_o low_a life_n and_o work_v they_o up_o to_o those_o noble_a and_o high_a purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v and_o doubtless_o there_o be_v no_o man_n in_o who_o prejudice_n do_v not_o outbalance_v reason_n but_o will_v ready_o set_v his_o seal_n to_o this_o truth_n there_o appear_v in_o the_o gospel_n such_o sweet_a condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n and_o compliance_n with_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o condition_n such_o infinite_a averseness_n to_o our_o misery_n and_o destruction_n and_o such_o powerful_a endearment_n and_o attractive_n to_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n that_o he_o can_v judge_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o any_o other_o than_o a_o principle_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n love_n and_o wisdom_n i_o may_v here_o further_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v design_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o quality_n and_o so_o adapt_v to_o our_o rational_a power_n and_o in_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a even_o to_o the_o most_o illiterate_a capacity_n divine_a wisdom_n can_v not_o but_o high_o approve_v of_o it_o and_o by_o a_o favourable_a benediction_n suffer_v it_o to_o have_v that_o universal_a effect_n it_o pretend_v to_o that_o be_v the_o full_a and_o complete_a renovation_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o will_v not_o wilful_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o and_o the_o perfect_a every_o one_o without_o exception_n or_o limitation_n that_o will_v faithful_o and_o cordial_o to_o his_o utmost_a power_n adhere_v unto_o it_o chap._n ii_o absolute_a reprobation_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n wherein_o be_v set_v out_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o good_a and_o evil_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o this_o second_o argument_n make_v good_a in_o four_o proposition_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v lay_v any_o claim_n or_o pretence_n to_o the_o decision_n of_o question_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n and_o import_n but_o will_v appear_v very_o lame_a and_o ineffectual_a without_o the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o be_v so_o noble_a and_o generous_a a_o principle_n that_o if_o we_o take_v a_o serious_a view_n of_o it_o it_o will_v soon_o discover_v to_o we_o it_o be_v royal_a pedigree_n and_o divine_a extraction_n there_o be_v a_o near_a alliance_n and_o consanguinity_n between_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o that_o eternal_a goodness_n which_o at_o first_o seal_v it_o as_o a_o impression_n of_o his_o nature_n upon_o our_o soul_n and_o therefore_o there_o need_v be_v no_o such_o distance_n between_o true_a christianity_n and_o it_o for_o assure_o that_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o at_o our_o first_o production_n implant_v in_o we_o the_o apprehension_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n do_v so_o order_v the_o business_n that_o if_o we_o use_v our_o discriminative_a faculty_n aright_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o conception_n of_o they_o then_o what_o do_v real_o and_o significant_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o such_o as_o be_v eternal_o lodge_v in_o the_o all-comprehensive_a intellect_n of_o the_o deity_n there_o be_v then_o no_o judge_n on_o earth_n who_o dictate_v and_o determination_n may_v be_v credit_v as_o authentic_a and_o infallible_a and_o every_o man_n be_v command_v to_o prove_v all_o thing_n to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o look_v careful_o and_o diligent_o to_o himself_o that_o he_o fall_v not_o nor_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n if_o right_o manage_v be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n it_o will_v follow_v
that_o it_o must_v determine_v of_o whatever_o dictate_v shall_v be_v propound_v to_o he_o he_o therefore_o that_o consider_v we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o eternal_a mind_n that_o the_o original_n of_o our_o being_n be_v from_o a_o all-prefect_a author_n who_o at_o our_o first_o creation_n stamp_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o nature_n upon_o we_o and_o every_o thing_n that_o derive_v from_o he_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o degree_n like_o himself_o will_v without_o any_o hesitancy_n assent_v to_o this_o truth_n viz._n that_o whatever_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o rational_a nature_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n be_v infallible_a so_o and_o we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o unless_o we_o grant_v this_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o any_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n now_o that_o those_o idea_n which_o thus_o offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o that_o be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n be_v certain_o so_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o doubt_v of_o because_o veracity_n be_v a_o essential_a mode_n and_o attribute_n of_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v deceive_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v a_o evident_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o cognizance_n of_o and_o further_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o that_o power_n in_o we_o which_o discriminate_v between_o the_o being_n and_o mode_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o arrian_n in_o this_o make_v the_o bold_a stoic_a affirm_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n god_n and_o participate_v of_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o ray_n and_o beam_n let_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o who_o light_n we_o discover_v and_o apprehend_v the_o various_a kind_n of_o object_n whether_o moral_a physical_a or_o metaphysical_a according_a to_o that_o of_o epicharmus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v so_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_v must_v be_v attribute_v to_o ourselves_o not_o that_o we_o want_v those_o faculty_n which_o shall_v give_v we_o a_o faithful_a and_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n but_o because_o we_o abuse_v they_o whether_o by_o a_o inadvertency_n and_o anticipation_n in_o judgement_n or_o by_o a_o inveterate_a prejudice_n contract_v from_o a_o evil_a education_n or_o by_o what_o other_o mean_n soever_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v reason_n therefore_o be_v the_o vicarious_a power_n of_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o refuse_v its_o authority_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o of_o right_o belong_v unto_o it_o to_o judge_v of_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v within_o we_o as_o hierocles_n excellent_o discourse_n pythag._n in_o carm._n pythag._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o obey_v god_n for_o the_o rational_a nature_n be_v once_o raise_v to_o the_o possession_n of_o its_o native_a brightness_n will_n and_o act_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o holy_a soul_n that_o thus_o participate_v of_o the_o deity_n become_v in_o every_o thing_n conformable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o frame_v the_o whole_a system_n and_o comprehension_n of_o its_o action_n by_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o that_o eternal_a splendour_n all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o this_o our_o state_n of_o degeneracy_n and_o imperfction_n may_v not_o unfit_o be_v call_v according_a to_o the_o platonist_n a_o reminiscency_n or_o a_o awaken_n those_o multifarious_a idea_n either_o by_o she_o own_o internal_a energy_n or_o by_o the_o occursion_n of_o sensible_a phantasm_n which_o be_v treasure_v up_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o soul_n herself_o for_o now_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v send_v into_o this_o world_n and_o rouse_v out_o of_o her_o long_a sleep_n and_o state_n of_o inactivity_n she_o act_v over_o again_o her_o former_a life_n and_o recal_n those_o idea_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n which_o upon_o occasion_n she_o exert_v somewhere_o else_o but_o whether_o we_o give_v heed_n to_o this_o hypothesis_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o soul_n as_o they_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v not_o like_o transparent_a globe_n of_o pellucid_a crystal_n or_o fair_a and_o white_a sheet_n wherein_o nothing_o be_v write_v but_o essential_o store_v and_o fill_v with_o the_o indelible_a character_n and_o idea_n of_o truth_n to_o who_o light_n so_o long_o as_o we_o faithful_o attend_v though_o we_o wander_v in_o abstruse_a rugged_a and_o dark_a path_n we_o need_v not_o question_v but_o that_o at_o last_o by_o their_o safe_a conduct_n we_o shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o region_n of_o light_n where_o all_o the_o mist_n and_o difficulty_n which_o before_o envelop_v we_o shall_v vanish_v into_o perfect_a day_n and_o all_o thing_n appear_v in_o their_o own_o proper_a dress_n and_o essential_a character_n but_o when_o we_o neglect_v to_o give_v heed_n to_o these_o sure_a and_o infallible_a guide_n we_o be_v distract_v and_o miserable_o confound_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n and_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n where_o to_o bottom_n or_o settle_v ourselves_o which_o the_o forementioned_a author_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o these_o word_n pythag._n hierocles_n in_o carm._n pythag._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o essential_a form_n and_o idea_n of_o thing_n be_v central_o co-unit_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o then_o first_o beget_v when_o bring_v into_o actual_a existence_n upon_o the_o several_a emergence_n of_o life_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o innate_a and_o pregnant_a fecundity_n the_o kind_n and_o liberal_a hand_n of_o god_n bestow_v upon_o she_o be_v a_o noematical_a truth_n and_o can_v but_o appear_v so_o to_o those_o who_o attentive_o consider_v and_o weigh_v the_o various_a animadversive_a act_n and_o discriminative_a judgement_n the_o soul_n make_v of_o thing_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o those_o relative_a notion_n of_o similitude_n and_o proportion_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o universals_z which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o any_o thing_n beside_o the_o mind_n itself_o what_o be_v it_o that_o can_v conclude_v the_o true_a magnitude_n of_o object_n for_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v some_o picture_n or_o representation_n of_o the_o object_n draw_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o eye_n yet_o that_o be_v far_o less_o than_o the_o real_a proportion_n and_o magnitude_n of_o the_o external_a object_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o the_o soul_n exert_v some_o innate_a idola_fw-la whereby_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n of_o it_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o first_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n and_o of_o all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n and_o whatever_o affect_v we_o from_o without_o do_v but_o administer_v several_a instance_n and_o due_a occasion_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o work_v and_o unravel_v she_o own_o uniform_a essence_n for_o the_o bring_n into_o actual_a existence_n this_o or_o the_o other_o phantasm_n wherefore_o in_o this_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n resemble_v that_o ancient_a fountain_n of_o blessedness_n which_o bring_v she_o into_o be_v and_o as_o he_o by_o his_o almighty_a fiat_n give_v actual_a be_v to_o the_o multifarious_a form_n and_o idea_n eternal_o comprehend_v in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o the_o humane_a soul_n by_o the_o energy_n of_o her_o will_n command_v from_o her_o central_a pregnancy_n and_o fecundity_n such_o image_n and_o idea_n as_o by_o their_o gentle_a light_n fair_o lead_v she_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o herself_o and_o the_o whole_a creation_n these_o be_v the_o glass_n which_o represent_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o their_o convenience_n or_o disconvenience_n to_o these_o common_a notion_n arise_v their_o several_a difference_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o example_n the_o denomination_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a pulchritude_n and_o deformity_n and_o all_o those_o moral_a entity_n spring_v not_o from_o any_o arbitrarious_fw-la power_n which_o upon_o the_o impulse_n of_o humour_n and_o will_n can_v make_v they_o cease_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v nor_o do_v their_o nature_n change_n and_o correspond_v to_o the_o different_a mode_n of_o our_o conception_n but_o remain_v eternal_o and_o immutable_o what_o we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v for_o if_o they_o be_v so_o only_o to_o appearance_n and_o not_o real_o and_o substantial_o as_o some_o philosopher_n of_o old_a affirm_v all_o moral_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n will_v vanish_v into_o empty_a name_n and_o word_n and_o wickedness_n and_o evil_n will_v have_v nothing_o but_o a_o pyrrhonis_n
they_o and_o will_v you_o think_v this_o worthy_a and_o become_v the_o majesty_n of_o that_o good_a and_o just_a god_n who_o have_v take_v such_o strange_a and_o unimaginable_a way_n to_o make_v his_o creature_n happy_a and_o who_o daily_a woe_n the_o son_n of_o man_n with_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o seriousness_n to_o accept_v his_o offer_a salvation_n i_o can_v but_o speak_v and_o it_o be_v a_o crime_n to_o be_v silent_a when_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n thus_o lie_v at_o stake_n the_o honour_n of_o my_o creator_n trample_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o the_o spotless_a purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o impure_a conception_n of_o unhallowed_a judgement_n hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n while_o i_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n against_o the_o ignorant_a zeal_n of_o inconsiderate_a person_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o do_v honour_n to_o his_o name_n do_v real_o render_v that_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v ever_o communicate_v to_o the_o world_n more_o full_a of_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o most_o unreasonable_a project_n in_o the_o choice_a part_n of_o it_o that_o ever_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n among_o the_o son_n of_o man_n do_v you_o think_v the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la or_o reason_n of_o god_n will_v declare_v a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n that_o shall_v be_v in_o all_o point_n of_o all_o his_o numerous_a issue_n only_o unlike_o the_o father_n that_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o among_o all_o the_o projection_n and_o contrivance_n of_o that_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n shall_v be_v find_v unreasonable_a reflect_v a_o while_n upon_o the_o heroic_a generosity_n and_o innate_a nobility_n of_o your_o own_o spirit_n and_o let_v not_o your_o conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n dwindle_v away_o into_o childish_a word_n and_o name_n nor_o stifle_v and_o suppress_v any_o noble_a sentiment_n by_o perverse_a altercation_n about_o term_n but_o let_v a_o manly_a spirit_n possess_v your_o breast_n and_o look_v upon_o man_n as_o rational_a creature_n the_o composure_n of_o who_o soul_n i_o mean_v their_o intellectual_a frame_n be_v such_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o congruous_a and_o proportionate_a object_n of_o their_o inward_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o receive_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n alike_o but_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o sun_n itself_o so_o neither_o can_v the_o soul_n without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o molestation_n and_o regreat_a embrace_v what_o be_v not_o congenerous_a to_o it_o be_v rational_a nature_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n every_o plant_n be_v not_o adapt_v to_o entertain_v every_o particle_n that_o come_v to_o nourish_v it_o but_o admit_v only_o such_o as_o be_v consimilar_v to_o it_o be_v own_o pore_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v rational_a in_o all_o the_o duct_n and_o lineament_n of_o its_o moral_a structure_n can_v acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v irrational_a nor_o receive_v any_o doctrine_n but_o what_o be_v homogeneal_a to_o its_o inward_a temper_n consider_v this_o i_o say_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o doctrine_n you_o so_o earnest_o contend_v for_o by_o this_o index_n and_o rule_n and_o remember_v that_o so_o often_o as_o you_o propound_v any_o of_o the_o dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n either_o as_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o or_o make_v they_o appear_v so_o to_o other_o by_o your_o unwary_a and_o irrational_a explication_n of_o they_o you_o become_v treacherous_a to_o your_o saviour_n by_o hinder_v as_o much_o as_o in_o you_o lie_v those_o good_a effect_n he_o intend_v by_o the_o propogation_n of_o the_o gospel_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o you_o likewise_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n by_o impose_v upon_o they_o what_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a thereto_o but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v be_v too_o luxuriant_a in_o this_o sudden_a though_o not_o whole_o impertinent_a excursion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o immediate_o fall_v upon_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v 4._o 4._o prop._n 4._o that_o to_o create_v and_o bring_v into_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v and_o make_v miserable_a be_v most_o irrational_a there_o be_v no_o be_v whither_o mere_o sensitive_a or_o rational_a too_o but_o by_o a_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o propension_n love_n and_o take_v care_n for_o its_o own_o offspring_n the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n bear_v a_o tenderness_n and_o affection_n towards_o their_o young_a and_o never_o cast_v of_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o they_o till_o time_n have_v enable_v they_o to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o the_o hyrcanian_a tiger_n never_o discover_v the_o fierceness_n of_o their_o cruel_a nature_n more_o vehement_o and_o passionate_o than_o when_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v bereave_v of_o their_o whelp_n thus_o have_v i_o see_v a_o serpent_n pull_v down_o the_o nest_n and_o devour_v the_o young_a one_o of_o a_o little_a bird_n before_o her_o eye_n while_o the_o innocent_a damn_n not_o dare_v to_o come_v nigh_o and_o yet_o unwilling_a to_o fly_v away_o suffer_v a_o pretty_a controversy_n between_o love_n and_o fear_n within_o her_o breast_n continual_o environ_v her_o more_o powerful_a adversary_n by_o many_o circular_a flight_n and_o pour_v out_o in_o vain_a her_o pitiful_a complaint_n into_o those_o insensible_a ear_n till_o the_o cruel_a beast_n have_v eat_v up_o her_o love_a care_n and_o charge_n and_o then_o she_o mourn_v and_o make_v the_o tree_n participate_v of_o her_o grief_n and_o often_o with_o sad_a note_n visit_v the_o place_n where_o lie_v the_o tragic_a scene_n of_o her_o late_a sorrow_n shall_v we_o ascend_v to_o man_n who_o bear_v the_o similitude_n of_o heaven_n even_o the_o most_o barbarous_a not_o except_v they_o all_o have_v a_o more_o regular_a care_n and_o love_n to_o their_o offspring_n than_o brute_n animal_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o partake_v of_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o life_n and_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n seat_v in_o they_o and_o can_v any_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a father_n behold_v without_o a_o relent_a and_o bleed_a heart_n his_o only_a son_n rack_v or_o massacre_v before_o his_o eye_n to_o satisfy_v the_o brutish_a passion_n of_o some_o bloodthirsty_a tyrant_n shall_v frail_a man_n than_o be_v a_o precedent_n of_o love_n and_o tenderness_n to_o his_o maker_n shall_v god_n who_o love_n be_v always_o amiable_a and_o serene_a without_o the_o least_o disturbance_n or_o cloud_n of_o passion_n be_v less_o pitiful_a to_o what_o he_o have_v bring_v into_o be_v then_o frail_a and_o imperfect_a mortal_n it_o be_v a_o prevalent_a argument_n which_o moses_n use_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o the_o murmur_a and_o discontent_a israelite_n that_o if_o god_n proceed_v against_o they_o in_o fury_n to_o their_o utter_a undo_n 16._o numb_a 14.15_o 16._o the_o nation_n which_o have_v hear_v his_o fame_n will_v say_v because_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bring_v his_o people_n into_o the_o land_n which_o he_o swear_v unto_o they_o therefore_o he_o have_v slay_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o may_v not_o the_o same_o infamous_a obloquy_n with_o a_o far_o more_o specious_a pretext_n be_v cast_v upon_o the_o righteous_a providence_n of_o god_n while_o in_o displeasure_n he_o persecute_v to_o the_o death_n his_o innocent_a progeny_n that_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o maintain_v they_o in_o that_o happiness_n he_o design_v they_o for_o he_o have_v by_o a_o unalterable_a law_n fix_v their_o eternal_a misery_n and_o destruction_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n pherecides_n teach_v that_o god_n transform_v himself_o into_o love_n when_o he_o bring_v into_o be_v the_o whole_a creation_n and_o sure_o that_o love_n which_o move_v he_o first_o to_o act_v can_v be_v think_v to_o degenerate_v so_o far_o from_o its_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v busy_v in_o contrive_v the_o ruin_n of_o what_o be_v so_o new_o bring_v forth_o and_o though_o the_o ancient_n do_v veil_v and_o obscure_v their_o choice_a mystery_n in_o fable_n and_o enigmatical_a symbol_n yet_o the_o intelligent_a inquirer_n may_v gather_v many_o substantial_a truth_n from_o they_o which_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o coherent_a with_o the_o divine_a oracle_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o firm_a indication_n of_o god_n love_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o that_o providence_n be_v never_o exclude_v from_o any_o time_n or_o place_n do_v in_o all_o age_n and_o part_n of_o the_o world_n raise_v up_o such_o considerable_a person_n and_o every_o way_n furnish_v they_o with_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o may_v serve_v as_o instrument_n in_o her_o hand_n to_o
their_o order_n wait_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o scatter_v his_o bounty_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o by_o a_o provident_a care_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o tend_v all_o his_o charge_n so_o that_o not_o a_o sparrow_n close_v its_o wing_n on_o earth_n but_o that_o watchful_a eye_n observe_v its_o fall_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o arm_n which_o fold_n and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o exert_v any_o faculty_n and_o degree_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o plunge_v humane_a soul_n while_o innocent_a and_o undefiled_a into_o woe_n and_o misery_n 〈◊〉_d misery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d porphyr_n l._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o to_o eternal_a age_n where_o be_v that_o love_n and_o pity_n which_o all_o creature_n proclaim_v to_o be_v in_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o almighty_a goodness_n that_o bring_v they_o into_o be_v sure_o the_o same_o goodness_n be_v never_o disjoin_v from_o a_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n which_o behold_v the_o nature_n mutual_a relation_n and_o dependence_n of_o all_o creature_n will_v have_v judge_v it_o fit_a never_o to_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v perpetual_o unhappy_a so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v create_v to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n our_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o high_o reasonable_a as_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a nature_n in_o who_o there_o be_v manifest_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o eternal_a verity_n and_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o seal_v upon_o they_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o in_o their_o power_n to_o obliterate_v nor_o without_o great_a reluctancy_n receive_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o they_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n as_o some_o pretend_v chap._n iii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o be_v deduce_v such_o legitimate_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n as_o diametral_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n to_o speak_v worthy_o and_o becoming_o of_o that_o adorable_a be_v to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o creature_n else_o owe_v not_o only_o our_o existence_n but_o our_o present_a subsistence_n and_o conservation_n in_o the_o several_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d nature_n this_o be_v make_v by_o epictetus_n â—…p_n 38._o a_o prolepsis_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o it_o spirit_n and_o invigorate_n our_o mind_n to_o manly_a and_o generous_a attempt_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a theory_n in_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o exuberant_a plenitude_n and_o fecundity_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o can_v but_o communicate_v itself_o to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o fathomless_a depth_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o have_v frame_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o such_o curious_a and_o exquisite_a artifice_n that_o the_o most_o perspicacious_a wit_n can_v find_v the_o least_o flaw_n in_o that_o beauteous_a structure_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o after_o another_o manner_n beyond_o our_o conception_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v or_o whether_o we_o weigh_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n that_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n in_o natural_n or_o deformity_n in_o moral_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o contemplate_v the_o vast_a fetch_n and_o circuit_n of_o providence_n which_o though_o to_o the_o low_a and_o contract_a spirit_n seem_v to_o clash_n and_o interfeer_n yet_o to_o the_o noble_a and_o capacious_a soul_n be_v all_o concentric_a and_o harmonious_a and_o make_v that_o still_o and_o sweet_a music_n in_o his_o ear_n which_o the_o mistake_a vulgar_a thought_n pythagoras_n hear_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sphere_n whereas_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o reality_n but_o that_o admirable_a and_o enravish_a consent_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n the_o great_a harmostes_n order_n in_o such_o tuneable_a and_o methodical_a proportion_n whether_o i_o say_v we_o attend_v to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o can_v but_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v that_o which_o be_v the_o flower_n and_o summity_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o mean_v their_o intellectual_a nature_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o such_o raise_v and_o sublime_a notion_n and_o idea_n that_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o miss_v of_o find_v out_o some_o material_a truth_n which_o shall_v be_v worthy_a the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o gratify_v and_o reward_v our_o diligent_a inquisition_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o genuine_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o we_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudice_n and_o anticipation_n of_o judgement_n and_o purge_v they_o throughout_o from_o the_o gross_a and_o impure_a steam_n of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n lest_o when_o we_o think_v we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o it_o be_v only_o a_o image_n of_o our_o unclean_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n but_o as_o that_o holy_a one_o be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a so_o must_v our_o apprehension_n of_o he_o be_v spiritualise_v and_o remove_v as_o far_o from_o the_o vile_a commerce_n with_o matter_n as_o possible_o we_o can_v that_o our_o eye_n be_v free_v from_o the_o dust_n and_o soil_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o may_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v as_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a for_o he_o that_o thus_o judge_n of_o that_o everblessed_n be_v not_o only_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n but_o invest_v he_o in_o the_o most_o infinite_a manner_n with_o whatever_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v rational_o repute_v to_o be_v a_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o whatever_o the_o profane_a atheist_n may_v object_v who_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v god_n with_o the_o title_n of_o incomprehensible_a remove_v he_o so_o far_o that_o he_o profess_v he_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a conception_n of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o and_o perverse_o laugh_v all_o incorporeal_a substance_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a term_n yet_o he_o that_o will_v discard_v the_o perplex_a dictate_v of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sure_a deduction_n of_o free_a and_o solid_a reason_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v perpetual_o envelop_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n can_v behold_v the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o that_o glorious_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n or_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o yet_o decipher_v he_o to_o the_o world_n by_o such_o strange_a character_n as_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v believe_v to_o be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o indubitable_a truth_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o thing_n be_v best_a know_v by_o that_o which_o be_v most_o analogical_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o it_o have_v some_o picture_n and_o resemblance_n of_o the_o sun_n draw_v in_o it_o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o he_o be_v make_v godlike_a and_o partake_v of_o his_o image_n and_o similitude_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a congruity_n and_o harmony_n between_o truth_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o that_o ancient_a league_n by_o our_o unhappy_a lapse_n come_v to_o be_v violate_v and_o break_v yet_o still_o there_o be_v some_o stroke_n and_o impress_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o claim_v a_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n wherever_o they_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o those_o few_o spark_n which_o yet_o remain_v after_o the_o extinction_n of_o that_o great_a fire_n of_o divine_a life_n who_o harmless_a and_o innoxious_a flame_n burn_v bright_a within_o we_o and_o by_o it_o we_o see_v ourselves_o and_o behold_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o thing_n till_o we_o suffocate_v and_o choke_v it_o by_o cast_v a_o heap_n of_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n upon_o it_o these_o i_o say_v though_o faint_a and_o glimmer_a yet_o retain_v their_o alliance_n with_o heaven_n and_o god_n own_v they_o as_o the_o projection_n and_o ray_n of_o his_o own_o good_a life_n and_o whoever_o sincere_o
can_v no_o way_n doubt_v but_o that_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o our_o being_n be_v infinite_o veracious_a this_o most_o precious_a attribute_n of_o he_o will_v be_v sufficient_a security_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o make_v perpetual_o and_o inevitable_o fallible_a but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o due_a proportion_n and_o harmony_n between_o our_o faculty_n and_o those_o object_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o plausible_a pretence_n we_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o 〈…〉_o arise_v from_o impotency_n and_o weakne_v 〈…〉_o in_o we_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o sickness_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v so_o to_o work_v a_o deceit_n in_o the_o intimate_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v delude_v in_o what_o we_o imagine_v we_o have_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o wherefore_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faculty_n from_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o have_v a_o sure_a guide_n to_o lead_v we_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o may_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o they_o from_o what_o we_o find_v in_o ourselves_o from_o these_o forego_n consideration_n we_o may_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o natural_a deduction_n infer_v that_o god_n never_o destinate_a any_o of_o mankind_n to_o destruction_n but_o that_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o misery_n they_o undergo_v either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o be_v the_o proper_a issue_n and_o product_v of_o their_o wilful_a apostasy_n and_o defection_n from_o he_o for_o god_n be_v infinite_a love_n and_o this_o love_n the_o most_o precious_a attribute_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o design_n or_o projection_n be_v intend_v in_o reference_n to_o mankind_n they_o must_v spring_v and_o derive_v from_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v best_o so_o it_o can_v but_o act_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o behooveful_a to_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o it_o act_n i_o confess_v though_o this_o way_n of_o argumentation_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o i_o as_o convictive_a as_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o i_o feel_v a_o more_o irresistible_a and_o captivate_a force_n in_o it_o than_o in_o any_o other_o way_n of_o argue_v whatever_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v require_v a_o peculiar_a crast_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o so_o many_o look_n upon_o it_o as_o weak_a and_o invalid_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o full_o believe_v that_o shall_v god_n by_o his_o absolute_a will_n and_o pleasure_n place_v any_o such_o conception_n of_o himself_o within_o my_o mind_n as_o that_o he_o hate_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o will_v it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o credit_v those_o strange_a guest_n to_o be_v send_v from_o he_o who_o name_n be_v love_n and_o glory_n most_o of_o all_o in_o that_o fair_a and_o noble_a title_n for_o those_o apprehension_n have_v no_o affinity_n or_o alliance_n with_o the_o ancient_a and_o first_o inscription_n of_o heaven_n upon_o my_o soul_n will_v grow_v there_o but_o as_o strange_a plant_n in_o a_o force_a and_o unnatural_a soil_n be_v destitute_a of_o that_o proper_a and_o radicate_a moisture_n which_o shall_v dispread_v they_o in_o a_o flourish_a and_o kindly_a growth_n there_o be_v some_o indeed_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o penury_n and_o straitness_n of_o this_o noble_a and_o heroic_a qualification_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o love_n within_o their_o own_o breast_n and_o confine_v themselves_o to_o particular_a interest_n and_o engagement_n shape_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o suitable_a to_o and_o resemble_v their_o contract_a spirit_n as_o they_o can_v and_o therefore_o attribute_v love_n to_o he_o only_o secundum_fw-la effectum_fw-la not_o affectum_fw-la whereby_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o real_a propriety_n or_o affection_n as_o love_n exist_v and_o live_v in_o the_o deity_n but_o only_o a_o bare_a indication_n of_o it_o by_o certain_a effect_n which_o because_o our_o short_a and_o sterile_a understanding_n know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v otherwise_o we_o give_v they_o the_o denomination_n of_o love_n or_o goodness_n now_o although_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o those_o variable_a passion_n which_o in_o ourselves_o we_o style_v love_n and_o hatred_n and_o which_o be_v seldom_o ground_v but_o upon_o humour_n and_o fancy_n yet_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n real_o and_o formal_o in_o god_n as_o love_n and_o goodness_n such_o a_o principle_n as_o carry_v he_o out_o to_o the_o production_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n and_o whereby_o he_o take_v a_o eternal_a complacency_n and_o delight_n in_o whatever_o act_n regular_o within_o its_o sphere_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o a_o groundless_a fancy_n for_o that_o belove_a disciple_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n st._n john_n who_o lean_v on_o a_o breast_n never_o void_a of_o love_n and_o pity_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o this_o divine_a passion_n within_o he_o when_o he_o will_v set_v out_o and_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o the_o most_o significant_a and_o yet_o evangelical_n and_o attractive_a manner_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v love_n which_o doubtless_o denote_v something_o real_a and_o certain_a not_o a_o bare_a notion_n or_o airy_a idea_n and_o fantastic_a dream_n know_v only_o by_o some_o effect_n be_v something_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o conclusion_n that_o the_o divine_a estimate_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n be_v according_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o their_o respective_a nature_n and_o that_o when_o god_n make_v judgement_n of_o intellectual_a creature_n he_o do_v it_o by_o view_v their_o moral_a frame_n and_o constitution_n and_o according_o stand_v more_o or_o less_o affect_v towards_o they_o we_o fond_a mortal_n be_v prone_a to_o love_n and_o hate_n at_o our_o pleasure_n behold_v thing_n through_o the_o vitiate_a and_o corrupt_a medium_fw-la of_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o false_a representation_n of_o they_o by_o dress_v they_o up_o in_o the_o filthy_a shape_n of_o our_o own_o distort_a fancy_n like_o icterical_a person_n who_o imagine_v all_o the_o approximate_a object_n of_o sight_n tincture_v with_o yellow_a when_o as_o the_o colour_n be_v all_o the_o while_n in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o make_v only_o by_o the_o motion_n or_o strike_v of_o certain_a vapour_n upon_o the_o optic_a nerve_n thus_o many_o contaminate_v and_o defile_v their_o reason_n by_o a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o set_v their_o own_o self-will_a in_o the_o throne_n and_o transact_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o their_o religion_n upon_o the_o stage_n of_o fancy_n never_o look_v high_o than_o to_o the_o gratification_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o animal_n power_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n make_v vice_n connatural_a to_o they_o and_o lose_v the_o true_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a call_v good_a evil_a and_o evil_a good_a put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a they_o frame_v a_o image_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o a_o idolum_fw-la of_o their_o own_o and_o think_v that_o god_n have_v the_o same_o good_a apprehension_n of_o their_o person_n and_o the_o same_o conception_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v but_o that_o immutable_a goodness_n which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o humour_n and_o partiality_n but_o pervade_v the_o essence_n of_o all_o create_a being_n and_o feel_v all_o the_o intrigue_n and_o mystery_n of_o each_o of_o they_o by_o a_o stable_n and_o omnipresent_v knowledge_n judge_n of_o they_o according_a to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o capacity_n as_o suppose_v this_o man_n righteous_a and_o holy_a at_o present_a shall_v afterward_o apostate_n from_o that_o perfect_a state_n albeit_o his_o future_a lapse_n be_v a_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n yet_o be_v he_o not_o denominate_v from_o that_o but_o from_o the_o exigency_n and_o import_n of_o his_o present_a condition_n and_o from_o hence_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o under_o the_o decree_n of_o life_n and_o happiness_n but_o when_o he_o actual_o prevaricate_v and_o commit_v iniquity_n he_o fall_v under_o the_o decree_n of_o death_n and_o damnation_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o former_a righteousness_n there_o be_v some_o
thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o immutable_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n and_o be_v eternal_o unalterable_a even_o by_o god_n himself_o such_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o evil_a justice_n and_o injustice_n and_o all_o moral_a rectitude_n and_o deformity_n and_o according_a to_o the_o importance_n of_o these_o so_o be_v god_n estimate_n of_o all_o rational_a agent_n without_o respect_n to_o any_o external_a qualification_n or_o natural_a endowment_n and_o wherever_o he_o find_v the_o least_o measure_n of_o his_o own_o good_a life_n spring_v up_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v it_o that_o he_o uphold_v and_o nourish_v it_o by_o the_o vital_a stream_n of_o his_o immense_a plenitude_n and_o quicken_v and_o cause_v it_o to_o distend_a itself_o through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o a_o gentle_a and_o divine_a heat_n and_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o own_o genuine_a offspring_n by_o those_o sacred_a hieroglyphic_n and_o impression_n it_o bear_v upon_o it_o he_o can_v never_o forsake_v or_o cast_v it_o of_o as_o a_o contemptible_a and_o worthless_a thing_n but_o embrace_v it_o as_o that_o which_o have_v the_o true_a and_o most_o undoubted_a right_n to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o take_v the_o great_a pleasure_n in_o dispread_v it_o throughout_o all_o the_o lapse_v creation_n as_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o blameless_a nature_n display_v and_o take_a hold_n of_o so_o many_o several_a subject_n to_o unite_v they_o to_o itself_o as_o to_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o self-originated_n good_n and_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o sacred_a writ_n give_v its_o suffrage_n for_o 35._o act._n 10.34_o 35._o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o as_o our_o growth_n and_o increase_n be_v in_o the_o life_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o do_v we_o proportionable_o come_v under_o his_o favour_n and_o acceptance_n for_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o so_o soon_o as_o ever_o this_o potent_a and_o divine_a principle_n begin_v to_o set_v we_o free_a from_o that_o heavy_a slavery_n and_o captivity_n we_o be_v detain_v under_o by_o our_o tyrannous_a self-wil_n that_o we_o be_v immediate_o so_o far_o advance_v into_o the_o divine_a favour_n as_o will_v admit_v we_o into_o the_o sacred_a adytum_fw-la or_o holy_a of_o holies_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n to_o see_v and_o enjoy_v the_o glory_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a schehinah_n and_o recreate_v and_o refresh_v ourselves_o with_o that_o adorable_a splendour_n but_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v ourselves_o so_o far_o under_o the_o benign_a aspect_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o holy_a life_n of_o god_n rule_n and_o bear_v sway_n within_o the_o empire_n of_o our_o mind_n heaven_n be_v not_o take_v with_o the_o grandeur_n and_o blandishment_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v a_o man_n so_o account_v in_o the_o balance_n of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n and_o approbation_n as_o he_o be_v value_v in_o the_o fallacious_a estimate_n of_o frail_a mortal_n for_o god_n see_v not_o as_o we_o see_v nor_o be_v his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n but_o such_o be_v the_o man_n as_o be_v the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o his_o spirit_n unbare_v from_o that_o swell_a pride_n and_o ostentation_n and_o the_o paint_a gloss_n and_o varnish_n of_o hypocrisy_n which_o set_v he_o off_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n there_o be_v nothing_o god_n take_v great_a joy_n and_o contentment_n in_o than_o the_o expansion_n and_o dilatation_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n and_o he_o never_o suffer_v his_o bless_a life_n solitary_o to_o contest_v with_o the_o rebellious_a and_o gygantick_a lust_n in_o man_n soul_n and_o then_o to_o be_v vanquish_v and_o die_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o enemy_n for_o want_n of_o his_o powerful_a assistance_n but_o perpetual_o aide_n and_o succour_v it_o make_v it_o victorious_a to_o the_o cast_v down_o principality_n and_o power_n and_o evert_v and_o conquer_a the_o whole_a kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o oppose_v its_o crown_n and_o dignity_n lead_v the_o soul_n as_o a_o glorious_a spoil_n take_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o airy-apostate_n legion_n who_o be_v but_o usurper_n and_o intruder_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o propriety_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o light_n into_o its_o native_a country_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o land_n of_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n all_o sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n be_v direct_o contrary_a and_o opposite_a to_o the_o eternal_a rectitude_n of_o god_n bless_a nature_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v reconcile_v to_o it_o or_o cast_v a_o favourable_a aspect_n upon_o it_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v chase_v pursue_v and_o beat_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o suffer_v it_o to_o rest_v any_o where_n in_o peace_n but_o will_v always_o lay_v siege_n against_o it_o and_o will_v at_o length_n prevail_v and_o settle_v his_o own_o life_n upon_o its_o rightful_a throne_n and_o put_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n and_o darkness_n under_o his_o foot_n these_o be_v the_o two_o mighty_a empire_n which_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o the_o revolt_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n from_o god_n and_o be_v still_o contend_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o industrious_o promote_a the_o amplitude_n and_o enlargement_n of_o their_o respective_a dominion_n and_o to_o one_o of_o these_o every_o man_n associate_n and_o adjoyne_v himself_o in_o this_o life_n either_o by_o a_o manly_a courage_n and_o resolution_n in_o the_o way_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n or_o a_o pusillanimous_a declension_n to_o iniquity_n and_o vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v well_o and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o christianity_n 2._o porphyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o extirpation_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o exorbitance_n the_o strong_a hold_n have_v the_o unrighteous_a nature_n upon_o we_o and_o the_o near_a be_v we_o conjoin_v with_o it_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o god_n look_v upon_o and_o judge_a man_n according_a to_o their_o moral_a habitude_n and_o capacity_n and_o behold_v they_o all_o upright_a and_o perfect_a as_o the_o workmanship_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n before_o our_o great_a protoplast_n adam_n transgress_v in_o paradise_n can_v not_o but_o intend_v gracious_o to_o they_o and_o treat_v they_o according_a to_o the_o innocent_a purity_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o never_o conceive_v any_o such_o dismal_a purpose_n of_o damnation_n against_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o then_o in_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n object_n of_o his_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n nor_o can_v they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n till_o they_o have_v actual_o violate_v some_o law_n and_o command_n 4._o conclusion_n that_o all_o the_o result_v operation_n and_o design_n of_o the_o deity_n relate_v to_o and_o terminate_v upon_o something_o without_o he_o be_v the_o emanation_n and_o effect_n of_o absolute_a and_o complete_a goodness_n it_o be_v not_o any_o benefit_n or_o addition_n to_o his_o stable_a glory_n and_o felicity_n which_o man_n or_o angel_n may_v contribute_v that_o first_o move_v and_o incite_v the_o great_a creator_n or_o the_o universe_n to_o bring_v all_o thing_n into_o be_v but_o it_o be_v to_o communicate_v his_o nature_n and_o display_v his_o goodness_n in_o the_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n capable_a of_o exist_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n depend_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o uphold_v it_o in_o the_o circle_n of_o his_o benign_a arm_n and_o his_o exuberant_a love_n like_o a_o eternal_a spring_n be_v perpetual_o send_v abroad_o its_o stream_n and_o water_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n with_o a_o divine_a influx_n god_n be_v not_o like_o ambitious_a man_n who_o act_n that_o he_o may_v make_v himself_o great_a and_o purchase_v a_o few_o swell_a title_n by_o suck_v in_o the_o airy_a breath_n of_o popular_a applause_n and_o like_o proud_a haman_n contrive_v and_o design_v the_o ruin_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v not_o bend_v the_o knee_n and_o adore_v with_o humble_a prostration_n the_o vain_a image_n of_o a_o more_o conceit_a majesty_n or_o like_o those_o self-willed_a aspire_a spirit_n of_o who_o it_o be_v affirm_v 37._o porphyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 2._o sect._n 37._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o will_v do_v mischief_n if_o once_o they_o be_v incense_v by_o neglect_n of_o their_o due_a worship_n and_o service_n but_o will_v present_o become_v beneficial_a if_o flatter_v and_o collogue_v by_o prayer_n supplication_n sacrifice_n and_o other_o accustom_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n he_o never_o act_v out_o of_o such_o scant_a and_o
confident_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o her_o future_a happiness_n and_o immortality_n and_o though_o for_o the_o present_a she_o be_v clothe_v and_o entomb_v in_o a_o earthly_a body_n yet_o be_v she_o whole_o and_o perfect_o divine_a bear_v about_o with_o her_o the_o regenerate_v character_n and_o impress_n of_o the_o bless_a image_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n a_o indissoluble_a union_n with_o who_o she_o incessant_o breathe_v after_o and_o be_v thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mortal_a god_n she_o be_v no_o soon_o disengage_v and_o set_v free_a by_o the_o divine_a providence_n from_o the_o weight_n and_o burden_n of_o terrestrial_a encumbrance_n but_o she_o pass_v secure_a through_o the_o caliginous_a fume_n of_o this_o low_a world_n into_o the_o flowery_a tract_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o from_o this_o state_n there_o be_v only_o leave_v a_o possibility_n of_o lapse_v the_o divine_a life_n be_v so_o full_o and_o complete_o settle_v and_o repossess_v of_o its_o ancient_a throne_n that_o it_o will_v maugre_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n undoubted_o instate_v the_o soul_n in_o all_o that_o happiness_n god_n make_v she_o for_o some_o reflection_n on_o a_o late_a discourse_n of_o mr._n parker_n concern_v the_o divine_a dominion_n and_o goodness_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n but_o that_o i_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o position_n of_o this_o ingenious_a author_n which_o seem_v to_o interfere_v and_o clash_v with_o what_o i_o have_v write_v in_o pursuance_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o subsequent_a axiom_n or_o moral_a truth_n which_o will_v need_v no_o probation_n but_o appear_v full_a of_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o evidence_n to_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o by_o they_o i_o shall_v examine_v the_o main_a thing_n contain_v in_o his_o discourse_n axiom_n i._o that_o there_o be_v something_o immutable_o and_o eternal_o good_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a i_o have_v declare_v elsewhere_o and_o therefore_o shall_v only_o in_o brief_a add_v that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o agreeableness_n harmony_n or_o convenience_n so_o that_o thing_n be_v then_o moral_o good_a when_o they_o correspond_v and_o unite_v with_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o our_o soul_n that_o be_v with_o our_o intellectual_a or_o rational_a nature_n which_o congruity_n when_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o we_o call_v those_o thing_n good_a and_o whatever_o be_v real_o and_o true_o good_a be_v immutable_o and_o eternal_o so_o not_o make_v so_o by_o any_o positive_a sanction_n of_o command_n but_o the_o result_n of_o god_n own_o moral_a be_v which_o he_o can_v no_o more_o swarve_v from_o then_o destroy_v himself_o this_o be_v call_v a_o eternal_a law_n and_o be_v nothing_o but_o right_a reason_n whence_o god_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n he_o be_v call_v by_o aristotle_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la cap._n 6._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o tully_n phil._n 1._o say_v lex_fw-la nihil_fw-la aliud_fw-la est_fw-la quam_fw-la recta_fw-la &_o à _fw-la numine_fw-la deorum_fw-la ratio_fw-la imperans_fw-la honesta_fw-la prohibensque_fw-la contrari_fw-la and_o by_o this_o there_o be_v a_o affinity_n between_o god_n and_o all_o his_o intellectual_a production_n forasmuch_o as_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o we_o as_o in_o he_o and_o tully_n intimate_v lib._n 1_o de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la it_o be_v that_o eternal_a law_n which_o be_v common_a to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o beget_v the_o similitude_n between_o god_n and_o they_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la dicam_fw-la in_o homine_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o omni_fw-la coelo_fw-la atque_fw-la terra_fw-la ratione_fw-la divinius_fw-la quae_fw-la cùm_fw-la adolevit_fw-la atque_fw-la perfecta_fw-la est_fw-la nominatur_fw-la ritè_fw-la sapientia_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la ratione_fw-la melius_fw-la eáque_fw-la est_fw-la in_o homine_fw-la &_o in_fw-la deo_fw-la prima_fw-la homini_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la rationis_fw-la societas_fw-la quae_fw-la cùm_fw-la sit_fw-la lex_fw-la lege_fw-la quoque_fw-la consociati_fw-la homines_fw-la cum_fw-la diis_fw-la putandi_fw-la sumus_fw-la this_o harmony_n therefore_o and_o agreeableness_n of_o moral_a object_n to_o our_o intellectual_a part_n be_v antecedent_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o good_a because_o god_n for_o example_n command_v they_o but_o therefore_o they_o be_v enjoin_v because_o there_o be_v a_o innate_a goodness_n in_o they_o as_o that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n i_o learn_v indeed_o from_o sense_n but_o more_o perfect_o from_o that_o innate_a idea_n which_o i_o have_v in_o my_o own_o mind_n which_o will_v certain_o have_v conclude_v so_o though_o it_o have_v never_o be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o sense_n axiom_n ii_o that_o of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a one_o be_v better_a than_o another_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o difference_n and_o gradual_a declension_n of_o life_n from_o the_o first_o root_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o being_n there_o be_v no_o life_n so_o languid_a and_o unactive_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a because_o be_v simple_o consider_v be_v better_a and_o more_o desirable_a than_o not_o be_v although_o the_o more_o noble_a any_o be_v be_v so_o much_o the_o better_a it_o be_v account_v and_o as_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n in_o respect_n of_o being_n themselves_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o felicity_n both_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o magnitude_n and_o duration_n thus_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n be_v better_a than_o that_o of_o brute_n animal_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n consist_v in_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n and_o exercise_n of_o its_o natural_a faculty_n and_o endowment_n and_o the_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensive_a the_o the_o faculty_n and_o capacity_n of_o any_o be_v be_v the_o great_a be_v its_o felicity_n as_o to_o duration_n that_o a_o long_o be_v better_a than_o a_o short_a duration_n it_o be_v so_o palpable_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_o mention_v and_o this_o rule_n hold_v good_a in_o moral_a quality_n and_o affection_n power_n itself_o be_v a_o perfection_n though_o as_o to_o its_o exercise_n it_o be_v indifferent_a either_o to_o good_a or_o evil_a but_o wisdom_n be_v more_o excellent_a than_o power_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o direct_v guide_v and_o steer_v the_o result_v of_o power_n otherwise_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n will_v include_v no_o more_o perfection_n than_o the_o force_n of_o a_o thunderbolt_n or_o the_o furious_a agitation_n of_o a_o whirlwind_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o excellent_a and_o precious_a than_o wisdom_n for_o wisdom_n without_o goodness_n degenerate_v into_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n moreover_o the_o property_n and_o effect_n of_o goodness_n be_v more_o diffusive_a and_o desirable_a than_o knowledge_n and_o more_o perfective_a of_o the_o subject_n they_o reside_v in_o axiom_n iii_o that_o the_o best_a or_o high_a quality_n mode_n or_o attribute_n in_o any_o be_v will_v obtain_v the_o first_o place_n in_o operation_n from_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o platonist_n consider_v goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n as_o distinct_a quality_n in_o create_a being_n and_o discern_v so_o great_a a_o inequality_n between_o they_o they_o grow_v confident_a they_o will_v likewise_o retain_v their_o essential_a difference_n when_o exalt_v into_o substantial_a life_n and_o therefore_o the_o supreme_a deity_n the_o first_o root_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o thing_n julian_n cyril_n lib._n 8._o advers._fw-la julian_n they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o second_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o last_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d each_o one_o abate_v something_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o we_o need_v not_o ascend_v so_o high_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o axiom_n for_o if_o we_o do_v but_o look_v into_o ourselves_o we_o may_v plain_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o all_o the_o power_n of_o any_o be_v be_v not_o alike_o some_o be_v more_o capacious_a and_o lively_a other_o sterile_a narrow_a and_o contract_v but_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v the_o most_o precious_a and_o sovereign_a have_v always_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a place_n in_o act_v man_n as_o aristotle_n observe_v consist_v of_o a_o double_a nature_n 15._o moral_a eudem_fw-la l._n 7._o c._n 15._o according_a to_o which_o his_o whole_a life_n be_v govern_v and_o frame_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o call_v that_o which_o the_o stoic_n express_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o sovereign_n and_o imperatorial_n power_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ferine_n and_o brutish_a part_n with_o the_o
those_o beautiful_a daughter_n of_o heaven_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v be_v thus_o murder_v by_o those_o benign_a hand_n that_o first_o give_v they_o life_n have_v he_o consider_v that_o glorious_a beauty_n wherewith_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v once_o possess_v and_o of_o which_o now_o that_o she_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n she_o retain_v but_o a_o very_a slender_a memory_n converse_v with_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dream_n and_o behold_v a_o glimpse_n of_o it_o through_o the_o cranny_n of_o mortality_n and_o have_v he_o behold_v this_o eternal_a pulchritude_n throw_v from_o its_o celestial_a mansion_n and_o all_o those_o live_a ray_n of_o virtue_n and_o efflorescence_n of_o divinity_n plunge_v into_o a_o obscure_a and_o dull_a piece_n of_o earth_n and_o that_o by_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n he_o can_v not_o but_o infinite_o resent_v such_o a_o harsh_a act._n 2._o be_v not_o all_o our_o faculty_n very_o much_o deprave_v and_o vitiate_a insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a proclivity_n to_o vice_n and_o we_o daily_o make_v choice_n of_o forbid_a instance_n be_v not_o our_o understanding_n very_o dark_a and_o blind_a our_o will_n refractory_a and_o stubborn_a and_o our_o affection_n violent_a and_o headstrong_a for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o base_a and_o unworthy_a object_n and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o case_n as_o we_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o certain_o it_o be_v and_o much_o worse_o original_a sin_n must_v be_v a_o real_a depravity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o not_o a_o ill_a temperament_n of_o our_o body_n the_o author_n have_v determine_v the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o god_n sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n according_a to_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o humour_n he_o endeavour_v page_n 25._o to_o frame_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o divine_a goodness_n as_o may_v correspond_v with_o the_o notion_n he_o have_v pitch_v upon_o of_o god_n dominion_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n consist_v main_o in_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o he_o in_o scripture_n never_o refer_v to_o his_o essence_n but_o always_o to_o his_o power_n and_o empire_n but_o he_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o take_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o reject_v so_o bold_a a_o assertion_n that_o he_o do_v in_o obtrude_a it_o upon_o the_o world_n however_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o fair_a and_o candid_a to_o he_o as_o not_o to_o contradict_v what_o he_o say_v without_o show_v he_o a_o reason_n for_o it_o the_o most_o consistent_a idea_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v endue_v with_o absolute_a perfection_n now_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n in_o the_o deity_n but_o what_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o three_o infinite_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o be_v not_o of_o equal_a worth_n and_o excellency_n by_o axiom_n ii_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v most_o precious_a be_v likewise_o most_o active_a and_o energetical_a and_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o axiom_n iii_o and_o iv_o wherefore_o when_o we_o frame_v any_o notion_n or_o make_v any_o representation_n of_o god_n reason_n itself_o will_v tell_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o express_v he_o by_o that_o which_o be_v most_o precious_a and_o sovereign_a in_o he_o which_o be_v not_o will_n and_o power_n but_o perfect_a goodness_n and_o methinks_v the_o scripture_n mighty_o favour_v this_o 1_o john_n four_o 16._o god_n be_v love_n say_v the_o apostle_n which_o notion_n if_o it_o refer_v not_o to_o god_n moral_a essence_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o his_o power_n and_o empire_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o jew_n dwell_v under_o a_o theocracy_n and_o god_n go_v forth_o as_o their_o captain_n against_o their_o enemy_n he_o own_v the_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n majesty_n and_o dominion_n be_v more_o frequent_a but_o when_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n be_v set_v on_o forth_o god_n lay_v aside_o these_o title_n and_o now_o he_o express_v himself_o by_o no_o other_o attribute_n but_o what_o carry_v abundance_n of_o sweetness_n along_o with_o they_o and_o whole_o refer_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o flower_n and_o summity_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v love_n therefore_o i_o may_v subjoin_v mr._n p_n own_o word_n with_o a_o little_a transposition_n 26._o pag._n 26._o that_o no_o property_n which_o comply_v not_o with_o goodness_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o consequent_o that_o that_o be_v a_o false_a notion_n of_o his_o dominion_n that_o interfere_n with_o his_o goodness_n let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o he_o confute_v the_o platonist_n with_o who_o he_o be_v very_o angry_a for_o assert_v that_o god_n be_v infnite_a goodness_n will_v necessary_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a page_n 27._o his_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o falsity_n of_o this_o position_n he_o set_v down_o page_n 29_o 30._o etc._n etc._n the_o sum_n of_o which_o in_o brief_a be_v this_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a take_v away_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o arbitrary_a indifferency_n of_o act_v or_o not_o act_v but_o in_o act_v always_o suitable_o and_o conformable_o to_o his_o own_o infinite_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n as_o the_o true_a excellency_n and_o freedom_n of_o our_o will_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o indifferency_n or_o dubious_a suspension_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o this_o be_v a_o debility_n and_o imperfection_n in_o we_o but_o in_o a_o constant_a election_n of_o that_o which_o right_a reason_n and_o intellect_n propound_v to_o they_o as_o best_o so_o that_o when_o once_o that_o eternal_a providence_n which_o send_v we_o down_o upon_o earth_n shall_v reinstate_v we_o in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o native_a glory_n our_o will_n which_o shall_v then_o obtain_v their_o freedom_n in_o its_o great_a latitude_n and_o dimension_n yet_o shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o a_o bare_a indifferency_n but_o will_v as_o certain_o adhere_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a man_n will_v always_o give_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n wherefore_o to_o answer_v in_o short_a i_o say_v that_o god_n action_n be_v not_o so_o fatal_a and_o necessary_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o automaton_n or_o engine_n because_o he_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o energetical_a power_n of_o reason_n and_o intellect_n but_o be_v free_a and_o unconstrained_a by_o any_o external_a principle_n but_o because_o his_o nature_n be_v infinite_o good_a it_o will_v always_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a because_o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a and_o first_o active_a principle_n in_o it_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o lie_v in_o axiom_n ii_o iii_o iu._n his_o second_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o divine_a goodness_n or_o beneficence_n be_v necessary_a it_o will_v then_o destroy_v it_o be_v own_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o beneficence_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o free_a and_o elective_a principle_n page_n 33._o i_o suppose_v this_o argument_n be_v only_o cast_v in_o as_o a_o surplusage_n and_o not_o with_o any_o intent_n to_o convince_v any_o of_o his_o reader_n unless_o mr._n p._n imagine_v they_o so_o unwary_a and_o credulous_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o fallacy_n and_o sophism_n for_o if_o by_o god_n bounty_n and_o beneficence_n he_o mean_v his_o gracious_a donation_n and_o benefit_n above_o what_o may_v render_v his_o creature_n happy_a in_o their_o several_a state_n and_o capacity_n then_o i_o say_v it_o be_v most_o free_a because_o when_o any_o being_n have_v forfeit_v their_o felicity_n god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o reinstate_v they_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o again_o but_o if_o we_o take_v bounty_n or_o goodness_n for_o the_o eternal_a perfection_n of_o god_n bless_a nature_n whereby_o he_o communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o capable_a receptacle_n this_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o his_o be_v and_o against_o this_o mr._n p._n aught_o proper_o to_o have_v level_v his_o argument_n nor_o do_v this_o make_v the_o divine_a goodness_n ever_o a_o whit_n the_o less_o moral_a because_o than_o none_o of_o god_n action_n will_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v moral_o good_a for_o this_o impossible_a and_o blasphemous_a to_o assert_v that_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v indifferent_a either_o to_o good_a or_o evil_a god_n do_v necessary_o love_n himself_o as_o the_o high_a and_o most_o absolute_a good_a and_o can_v but_o
embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v like_o himself_o nor_o be_v the_o divine_a will_n indifferent_a either_o to_o love_n or_o hate_v it_o be_v own_o image_n and_o similitude_n and_o if_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o such_o being_n as_o bear_v his_o impress_n upon_o they_o and_o never_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o least_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o necessary_a than_o he_o be_v leave_v free_a to_o destroy_v they_o and_o consequent_o he_o can_v destroy_v something_o of_o his_o own_o life_n and_o nature_n which_o no_o sober_a person_n will_v affirm_v and_o if_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o his_o be_v true_a i_o know_v no_o ground_n mankind_n can_v have_v set_v aside_o those_o declaration_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o their_o happiness_n after_o death_n but_o we_o find_v the_o sober_a and_o wise_a heathen_n who_o believe_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o hermes_n and_o plato_n speak_v constant_o rely_v upon_o the_o almighty_a goodness_n of_o god_n which_o they_o confident_o believe_v do_v always_o that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o thence_o become_v assure_v and_o raise_v a_o strong_a foundation_n for_o their_o hope_n that_o it_o shall_v go_v well_o with_o they_o in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o that_o that_o eternal_a providence_n will_v take_v their_o better_a part_n into_o its_o tutelage_n and_o care_n when_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o body_n in_o their_o bed_n of_o earth_n i_o hasten_v now_o to_o dispatch_v his_o last_o argument_n which_o be_v this_o if_o the_o exertion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v necessary_a god_n can_v never_o act_v otherwise_o but_o that_o he_o frequent_o do_v be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o his_o anger_n and_o severity_n which_o not_o only_o reason_n but_o scripture_n oppose_v to_o benignity_n to_o which_o i_o return_v that_o god_n anger_n and_o severity_n be_v only_o several_a modification_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v not_o always_o display_v and_o manifest_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n because_o of_o the_o different_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v exercise_v and_o have_v no_o other_o distinction_n then_o that_o of_o divers_a modes_n of_o the_o same_o subject_a between_o one_o another_o and_o when_o god_n make_v use_v of_o those_o sharp_a dispensation_n they_o be_v as_o necessary_a result_v of_o his_o goodness_n as_o his_o mild_a and_o gentle_a oeconomy_n so_o that_o i_o can_v see_v what_o mr._n p._n will_v evince_v from_o this_o i_o have_v now_o sufficient_o tire_v myself_o in_o so_o prolix_a a_o refutation_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o altogether_o unnecessary_a consider_v that_o if_o those_o position_n be_v true_a which_o mr._n p._n have_v lay_v down_o they_o will_v enervate_v all_o those_o argument_n i_o have_v make_v use_n of_o and_o render_v my_o design_n useless_a which_o be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o beget_v in_o man_n mind_n the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a conception_n of_o god_n to_o promote_v real_a piety_n and_o religion_n by_o show_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o declare_v the_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o that_o hypocritical_a and_o artificial_a kind_n of_o religion_n which_o many_o frame_n to_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o palliate_v their_o sin_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o conscience_n the_o end_n the_o content_n chap._n i._o inconditionate_n reprobation_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n in_o holy_a scripture_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o absolute_a reprobation_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n wherein_o be_v set_v out_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o reference_n to_o good_a and_o evil_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o this_o second_o argument_n make_v good_a in_o four_o proposition_n page_n 15._o chap._n iii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o be_v deduce_v such_o legitimate_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n as_o diametral_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n page_n 64._o chap._n iu._n a_o four_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n take_v from_o the_o evangelical_n dispensation_n wherein_o be_v show_v the_o purport_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v to_o reinstate_v all_o man_n into_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o that_o rigid_a doctrine_n be_v destructive_a of_o so_o high_a and_o glorious_a a_o end_n page_z 115._o chap._n v._o a_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n wherein_o be_v show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irrespective_a reprobation_n take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o consequent_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o reward_n of_o virtue_n or_o punishment_n of_o vice_n page_n 171._o chap._n vi_o a_o explication_n of_o several_a citation_n of_o scripture_n suborn_v to_o attest_v the_o doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n decree_n together_o with_o a_o brief_a examination_n of_o some_o position_n of_o the_o contra-remonstrants_a page_n 189._o some_o reflection_n on_o a_o late_a discourse_n of_o mr._n parker_n concern_v the_o divine_a dominion_n and_o goodness_n page_n 253._o finis_fw-la