divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o
god_n do_v strong_o incline_v he_o to_o desire_v our_o happiness_n and_o make_v he_o willing_a and_o ready_a to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o firm_a ground_n of_o our_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n it_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o both_o for_o our_o example_n and_o encouragement_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n ought_v always_o to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n of_o it_o and_o to_o remove_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v infinite_o more_o goodness_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatever_o we_o will_v not_o attribute_v to_o a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o vindicate_v god_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o envy_n and_o ill-will_a of_o cruelty_n and_o arbitrary_a deal_n with_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o can_v apprehend_v why_o man_n shall_v be_v averse_a from_o these_o so_o agreeable_a and_o delightful_a apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o man_n interest_n to_o lessen_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o most_o certain_o the_o better_a god_n be_v in_o himself_o the_o better_a and_o happy_a it_o will_v be_v for_o we_o all_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o own_o fault_n 3._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o may_v learn_v wherein_o our_o happiness_n must_v consist_v namely_o in_o the_o image_n and_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o of_o our_o happiness_n and_o in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n as_o a_o necessary_a inward_a disposition_n and_o qualification_n for_o it_o unless_o god_n love_v we_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o miserable_a be_v they_o who_o he_o hate_v for_o god_n to_o say_v of_o any_o man_n that_o his_o soul_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o import_v as_o great_a misery_n and_o as_o dreadful_a a_o curse_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o his_o soul_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o a_o bad_a man_n for_o he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_a dwell_v with_o he_o the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n nay_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v love_v and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o person_n that_o be_v unlike_a to_o he_o which_o be_v impossible_a yet_o that_o person_n can_v not_o be_v happy_a because_o he_o will_v want_v that_o inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o happiness_n for_o the_o very_a same_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n which_o make_v up_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n must_v in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n be_v find_v in_o we_o otherwise_o we_o can_v be_v happy_a no_o though_o a_o man_n be_v in_o heaven_n if_o he_o be_v still_o a_o bad_a man_n coelum_fw-la non_fw-la animum_fw-la mutavit_fw-la he_o have_v only_o change_v the_o climate_n and_o be_v go_v into_o another_o country_n but_o he_o bear_v himself_o still_o about_o he_o and_o his_o mind_n be_v not_o change_v which_o will_v signify_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o to_o his_o happiness_n than_o any_o place_n or_o outward_a circumstance_n whatsoever_o a_o bad_a man_n wheresoever_o he_o go_v have_v a_o root_n of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n within_o he_o and_o be_v miserable_a from_o himself_o he_o have_v a_o fiend_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o the_o fuel_n of_o hell_n in_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o much_o as_o any_o person_n depart_v from_o this_o temper_n so_o far_o he_o remove_v himself_o and_o run_v away_o from_o happiness_n and_o as_o sin_n be_v a_o departure_n from_o god_n so_o the_o punishment_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o he_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o curse_v depart_v from_o i_o all_o you_o that_o work_v iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o and_o this_o be_v one_o great_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o degenerate_a and_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n who_o be_v for_o ever_o banish_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n quite_o contrary_a to_o god_n wicked_a and_o impure_a envious_a and_o malicious_a mischievous_a and_o cruel_a and_o such_o a_o temper_n be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v and_o set_v right_a it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o limb_n that_o be_v out_o of_o joint_a to_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o local_a heaven_n if_o we_o can_v imagine_v such_o a_o person_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o and_o see_v all_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n of_o that_o state_n all_o this_o i_o say_v will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o make_v a_o bad_a man_n happy_a than_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o diamond_n and_o consort_n of_o the_o most_o delicious_a music_n and_o a_o well-spread_a table_n and_o a_o rich_a and_o costly_a bed_n will_v contribute_v to_o a_o man_n ease_n in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o in_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o the_o stone_n because_o the_o man_n have_v that_o within_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o till_o that_o be_v remove_v he_o can_v possible_o be_v at_o ease_n the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o toss_v from_o its_o centre_n and_o till_o that_o be_v set_v right_a and_o restore_v to_o its_o proper_a place_n and_o state_n by_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n the_o maâ—_n will_v be_v perpetual_o restless_a and_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o ease_n or_o peace_n in_o his_o mind_n for_o how_o can_v there_o be_v peace_n how_o can_v there_o be_v happiness_n to_o he_o who_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n direct_o opposite_a to_o it_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o prophet_n isa_n 57.20_o 21._o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v impurity_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o gild_n upon_o our_o conscience_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a the_o hebrew_n word_n which_o we_o translate_v peace_n signify_v all_o kind_n of_o happiness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o a_o bad_a man._n the_o consideration_n whereof_o shall_v put_v we_o upon_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o earnest_a endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o his_o favour_n and_o partaker_n of_o his_o felicity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o only_a perfect_a idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o but_o our_o conformity_n to_o it_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a i_o have_v be_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o argument_n on_o purpose_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n they_o understand_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o happiness_n who_o hope_v for_o it_o or_o imagine_v they_o can_v attain_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n the_o author_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o alone_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a can_v make_v we_o so_o in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o plant_v in_o we_o such_o a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o by_o endow_v we_o with_o such_o quality_n as_o be_v the_o necessary_a material_n and_o ingredient_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o partake_v of_o the_o felicity_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o but_o by_o become_v holy_a and_o righteous_a good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o seek_v after_o it_o and_o be_v as_o they_o think_v travel_v towards_o it_o but_o general_o they_o mistake_v their_o way_n many_o be_v eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n and_o greedy_o catch_v at_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n and_o honour_n as_o if_o
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
we_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o we_o for_o god_n be_v our_o friend_n we_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o a_o security_n that_o as_o occasion_n require_v they_o will_v all_o be_v employ_v for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v weak_a in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v strong_a in_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o might_n and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o he_o strengthen_v we_o and_o though_o we_o want_v wisdom_n we_o may_v have_v free_a recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o and_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o be_v next_o to_o have_v these_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o to_o know_v where_o to_o have_v they_o for_o ask_v whenever_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o though_o our_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o another_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o it_o and_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v real_o and_o in_o effect_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n care_n and_o protection_n of_o we_o as_o if_o we_o be_v sufficient_a for_o ourselves_o however_o this_o be_v the_o high_a happiness_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o have_v all_o our_o defect_n supply_v in_o so_o liberal_a a_o manner_n by_o the_o bounty_n of_o another_o and_o to_o have_v a_o free_a recourse_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o in_o who_o presence_n be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o at_o who_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o but_o to_o what_o purpose_n may_v some_o say_v be_v this_o long_a description_n and_o discourse_n of_o happiness_n how_o be_v we_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o better_a for_o it_o i_o answer_v very_o much_o in_o several_a respect_n 1._o this_o plain_o show_v we_o that_o atheism_n be_v a_o very_a melancholy_n and_o mischievous_a thing_n it_o will_v take_v away_o the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o only_a perfect_a pattern_n of_o it_o it_o endeavour_n at_o once_o to_o extinguish_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o life_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o form_v any_o idea_n of_o happiness_n or_o be_v in_o any_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a we_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o it_o of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v we_o so_o god_n be_v the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n than_o the_o sun_n itself_o which_o be_v but_o a_o dark_a shadow_n of_o that_o infinite_o more_o bright_a and_o glorious_a be_v the_o happy_a and_o only_a potentate_n as_o the_o apostle_n describe_v he_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o epistle_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n dwell_v in_o that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v meaning_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n so_o that_o the_o great_a enemy_n and_o most_o injurious_a of_o all_o other_o to_o mankind_n be_v those_o who_o will_v banish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n because_o this_o be_v to_o lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o at_o one_o blow_n to_o cut_v off_o all_o hope_n of_o happiness_n from_o mankind_n so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n indeed_o that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v that_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o because_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o wish_v worse_o to_o himself_o and_o more_o effectual_o to_o destroy_v his_o own_o happiness_n 2._o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v so_o infinite_o and_o complete_o happy_a this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o we_o by_o the_o sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v absolute_o and_o infinite_o perfect_a because_o our_o nature_n be_v but_o finite_a and_o limit_v but_o the_o bless_a god_n who_o be_v infinite_o happy_a himself_o can_v also_o make_v we_o happy_a according_a to_o our_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n for_o as_o he_o that_o be_v the_o first_o and_o original_a be_v can_v communicate_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n so_o he_o that_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n can_v derive_v and_o convey_v happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o we_o shall_v the_o more_o easy_o believe_v this_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o prime_a perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o chief_a felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o delight_n to_o communicate_v himself_o and_o shed_v abroad_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v to_o communicate_v happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o to_o be_v willing_a that_o they_o shall_v share_v and_o partake_v with_o he_o in_o it_o base_a and_o envious_a nature_n be_v narrow_a and_o contract_v and_o love_n to_o confine_v their_o enjoyment_n and_o good_a thing_n to_o themselves_o and_o be_v loath_a that_o other_o shall_v take_v part_n with_o they_o but_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o most_o generous_a mind_n be_v most_o free_a and_o enlarge_v and_o can_v be_v happy_a themselves_o unless_o they_o find_v or_o make_v other_o so_o this_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o the_o high_a contentment_n and_o the_o supreme_a delight_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o be_v to_o be_v most_o frequent_a and_o abundant_a in_o those_o act_n in_o which_o it_o find_v the_o great_a pleasure_n to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o supreme_a felicity_n of_o god_n himself_o therefore_o we_o may_v easy_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a by_o all_o the_o way_n that_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v also_o willing_a to_o make_v we_o abundant_o so_o and_o to_o advance_v we_o to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o felicity_n of_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o render_v ourselves_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o blessing_n by_o a_o obstinate_a refusal_n of_o it_o and_o utter_a indisposition_n for_o it_o this_o i_o say_v be_v very_o credible_a because_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n himself_o consist_v in_o that_o propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o nature_n which_o tend_v to_o make_v other_o happy_a and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o accession_n to_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a god_n himself_o find_v a_o new_a pleasure_n and_o felicity_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o glad_a of_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n because_o the_o sinner_n hereby_o become_v capable_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o god_n design_v for_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o confer_v upon_o they_o whenever_o they_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o and_o he_o can_v with_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n bestow_v it_o upon_o they_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o raise_v our_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o good_a from_o any_o person_n if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o what_o we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o now_o if_o any_o one_o can_v confer_v happiness_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o possess_v of_o it_o and_o have_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o it_o in_o himself_o and_o that_o god_n only_o be_v who_o as_o he_o be_v able_a so_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v we_o happy_a if_o we_o be_v qualify_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o impair_n of_o his_o happiness_n to_o make_v other_o happy_a for_o even_o that_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o communicate_v happiness_n to_o other_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o own_o felicity_n so_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v because_o i_o live_v you_o shall_v live_v also_o we_o may_v reason_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o because_o god_n be_v happy_a we_o shall_v be_v happy_a also_o if_o we_o do_v but_o sincere_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v to_o qualify_v ourselves_o for_o it_o the_o goodness_n of_o
to_o ourselves_o i._o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v that_o he_o always_o be_v and_o be_v and_o to_o all_o eternity_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o he_o undergo_v no_o change_n either_o of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v or_o of_o his_o property_n and_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v eternal_a incorruptible_a and_o only_o to_o have_v immortality_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o perfection_n he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o counsel_n his_o purpose_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o mutable_a in_o in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o being_n and_o in_o all_o those_o quality_n and_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o purpose_n resolution_n and_o action_n we_o be_v continual_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o this_o or_o that_o quality_n and_o do_v frequent_o change_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perfect_a to_o the_o contrary_a now_o know_v and_o then_o ignorant_a sometime_o wise_a and_o often_o foolish_a strong_a and_o weak_a better_a or_o worse_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o we_o order_v ourselves_o continual_o wax_v or_o wane_v in_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n we_o frequent_o change_v our_o mind_n and_o alter_v our_o purpose_n and_o break_v our_o promise_n and_o contradict_v our_o firm_a and_o most_o serious_a resolution_n and_o speak_v a_o thing_n and_o do_v it_o not_o say_v it_o and_o do_v not_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v but_o god_n be_v everlasting_o the_o same_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n constant_a to_o his_o intention_n steady_a to_o his_o purpose_n immutable_o fix_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o resolution_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o what_o he_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o argue_v great_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n than_o inconstancy_n and_o change_n this_o be_v the_o great_a vanity_n of_o all_o creature_n that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o do_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o one_o state_n this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o pass_v away_o and_o of_o man_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o natural_a change_n by_o age_n and_o disease_n and_o death_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v in_o his_o best_a estate_n altogether_o vanity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o moral_a change_n to_o be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v in_o his_o understanding_n and_o to_o alter_v his_o opinion_n so_o often_o to_o be_v so_o fickle_a in_o his_o will_n and_o to_o change_v so_o often_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n according_a to_o the_o alteration_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n we_o attribute_v change_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o person_n of_o the_o weak_a age_n and_o understanding_n as_o child_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 4.14_o now_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o change_v this_o will_v cast_v a_o universal_a cloud_n upon_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o obscure_v all_o other_o excellency_n and_o make_v they_o like_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n which_o how_o gay_a and_o glorious_a soever_o be_v fade_v and_o perish_v and_o the_o great_a the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n will_v mutability_n be_v for_o as_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a so_o the_o better_a any_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v it_o liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o change_n and_o as_o mutability_n in_o god_n will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n so_o will_v it_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n will_v be_v quite_o take_v away_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a honour_n or_o esteem_n for_o a_o be_v that_o be_v fickle_a and_o inconstant_a if_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n be_v uncertain_a his_o threating_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v their_o awe_n and_o force_n if_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n can_v fail_v no_o promise_n and_o declaration_n how_o gracious_a soever_o will_v be_v any_o security_n or_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o reason_v be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o clear_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o cite_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o burpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o natural_a light_n plato_n in_o his_o phoedo_n inquire_v whether_o the_o most_o perfect_a that_o be_v god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o or_o sometime_o thus_o and_o sometime_o otherwise_o that_o be_v say_v he_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v equality_n and_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n itself_o receive_v any_o the_o least_o change_n at_o any_o time_n and_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o uniform_a and_o of_o itself_o always_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v never_o in_o any_o wise_a upon_o any_o account_n subject_n to_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n whatsoever_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o and_o always_o alike_o and_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr repub._n where_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitutition_n of_o religion_n he_o mention_n these_o two_o which_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v he_o borrow_a from_o st._n james_n but_o that_o he_o live_v so_o long_o before_o he_o viz._n first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a of_o any_o evil_n answerable_o to_o what_o our_o apostle_n here_o assert_n that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o he_o second_o that_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o by_o make_v various_a representation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o sometime_o in_o one_o form_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o for_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o and_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pass_v out_o of_o his_o own_o idea_n or_o be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o he_o be_v which_o he_o further_o confirm_v by_o this_o excellent_a reason_v that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o alteration_n but_o such_o a_o be_v be_v god_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v weak_a and_o less_o perfect_a than_o himself_o and_o he_o can_v will_v to_o change_v himself_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o better_a for_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o all_o perfection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o accession_n of_o any_o to_o he_o by_o any_o change_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a be_v as_o god_n be_v that_o will_v change_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o goodly_a and_o best_a be_v that_o be_v possible_a he_o always_o continue_v simple_o the_o same_o seneca_n likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n l._n 6._o de_fw-fr benef._n statuerunt_fw-la say_v he_o quae_fw-la non_fw-la mutarent_fw-la neque_fw-la unquam_fw-la primi_fw-la consilii_fw-la deos_fw-la poenitet_fw-la the_o god_n make_v unchangeable_a decree_n and_o never_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o first_o counsel_n 2._o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o perfection_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_v in_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v exod._n 3.14_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o this_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o egyptian_n their_o oppressor_n psal_n 90.2_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n psal_n 102.27_o thou_o be_v
the_o holiness_n of_o good_a men._n and_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o be_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o this_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o primary_n notion_n of_o iâ—_n be_v negative_a and_o signify_v the_o absence_n and_o remotion_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o appear_v iâ—_n those_o explication_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o opposition_n to_o sin_n and_o impurity_n 2_o cor_fw-la 7.1_o let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o aâ—â—_n filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n where_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o filthiness_n sometime_o by_o the_o negation_n of_o sin_n and_o defilement_n so_o we_o find_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_v put_v together_o eph._n 1.4_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a heb._n 7.26_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o negative_a notion_n do_v imply_v something_o that_o be_v positive_a it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n but_o a_o contrariety_n to_o it_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o grace_n as_o take_v away_o crookedness_n from_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o immediate_o become_v straight_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a every_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o be_v supplant_v by_o the_o contrary_a grace_n now_o this_o habitual_a holiness_n of_o person_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o holiness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o it_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v separate_v and_o remove_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o malice_n or_o envy_n or_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n or_o impatience_n or_o cruelty_n or_o tyranny_n or_o injustice_n or_o falsehood_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o god_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o thing_n that_o signify_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o moral_a imperfection_n holiness_n signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o all_o these_o and_o possess_v of_o the_o contrary_a perfection_n therefore_o all_o those_o text_n that_o remove_v moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n and_o declare_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n jam._n 1.13_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n job_n 34.10_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o be_v there_o then_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v zeph._n 3.5_o the_o just_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o he_o will_v not_o do_v iniquity_n and_o so_o falsehood_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o inconstancy_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o holiness_n be_v join_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o put_v for_o they_o hos_fw-la 11.9_o i_o be_o the_o holy_a one_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a one_o psal_n 145.17_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n rom._n 7.12_o the_o commandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a psal_n 105.42_o he_o remember_v his_o holy_a promise_n holy_a that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o it_o isa_n 55.3_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a mercy_n of_o david_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v so_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o a_o universal_a perfection_n and_o run_v through_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n take_v away_o this_o and_o you_o bring_v a_o universal_a stain_n and_o blemish_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o holiness_n power_n will_v be_v oppression_n and_o wisdom_n subtilty_n and_o sovereignty_n tyranny_n and_o goodness_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o justice_n cruelty_n and_o mercy_n foolish_a pity_n and_o truth_n falsehood_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o god_n high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n ex._n 15.11_o holiness_n be_v call_v god_n throne_n psal_n 47.8_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v heaven_n isa_n 63.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o pro._n 9.10_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n holiness_n be_v equivalent_a expression_n 2_o pet._n 3.4_o heb._n 12.10_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n of_o god_n great_a therefore_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o swear_v by_o this_o psal_n 60.6_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n psal_n 89.35_o once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n the_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n they_o sum_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o this_o isa_n 6.3_o and_o one_o cry_v unto_o another_o and_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n rev._n 4.8_o and_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o attribute_n of_o god_n so_o often_o repeat_v as_o this_o in_o some_o copy_n it_o be_v nine_o time_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o philosopher_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o whatever_o sound_v like_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o holiness_n plato_n speak_v of_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 4.9_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n call_v god_n by_o this_o title_n i_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v in_o thou_o in_o a_o word_n whatever_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v any_o of_o god_n moral_a perfection_n prove_v his_o holiness_n second_o from_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o title_n more_o frequent_o give_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o so_o often_o ingeminated_a as_o this_o of_o his_o holiness_n he_o be_v call_v holiness_n itself_o isa_n 63.15_o where_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v of_o god_n his_o name_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a luke_n 1.49_o and_o holy_a be_v his_o name_n he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o isa_n 40.25_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa_n 41.20_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob._n 49.23_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o promise_v psal_n 105.42_o in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o work_n psal_n 145.17_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o each_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n to_o god_n the_o father_n in_o innumerable_a place_n to_o god_n the_o son_n dan._n 9.24_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy_a the_o devil_n can_v deny_v he_o this_o title_n luke_n 4.34_o i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v this_o title_n constant_o give_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o god_n 1_o sam._n 2.2_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n rev._n 15.4_o for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a holiness_n be_v a_o communicable_a perfection_n but_o no_o creature_n can_v
upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o simple_a quality_n than_o we_o will_v another_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o hundred_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o ten_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a man_n he_o be_v a_o vile_a person_n who_o deserve_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o a_o holy_a man_n he_o be_v the_o right_n honourable_a psal_n 15.4_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o vile_a person_n be_v oppose_v to_o he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o that_o be_v bold_a to_o affront_n god_n and_o sin_n against_o he_o be_v the_o base_a and_o ignoble_a person_n god_n himself_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o know_v best_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v value_v ourselves_o and_o other_o jer._n 9.23_o 24._o let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n neither_o let_v the_o mighty_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o might_n let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o know_v these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n signify_v here_o to_o understand_v they_o so_o as_o to_o imitate_v they_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o value_n of_o any_o that_o be_v advance_v in_o this_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o undervalue_v but_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o i_o will_v have_v those_o who_o have_v store_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o add_v religion_n to_o their_o riches_n and_o holiness_n to_o their_o honour_n that_o they_o may_v be_v current_n for_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o worth_n which_o the_o world_n have_v stamp_v upon_o they_o 3._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v holiness_n to_o mock_v and_o deride_v man_n under_o this_o very_a title_n the_o world_n be_v much_o blind_v that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o infatuate_v as_o to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o mistake_v thing_n of_o so_o vast_a difference_n as_o sin_n and_o holiness_n to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a that_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o vile_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o cherish_v and_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o excellency_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n shall_v be_v a_o name_n of_o hatred_n and_o disgrace_n to_o be_v contemn_v and_o persecute_v that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o most_o radiant_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v do_v you_o think_v the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n will_v put_v up_o these_o affront_v and_o indignity_n you_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v man_n but_o you_o despise_v god_n also_o you_o can_v contemn_v that_o which_o god_n account_v his_o glory_n without_o revile_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o malice_n reach_v heaven_n and_o be_v level_v against_o god_n whenever_o you_o slight_a holiness_n 4._o if_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o have_v such_o a_o repugnancy_n in_o his_o nature_n to_o sin_n than_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n the_o holy_a god_n can_v but_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o wickedness_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n be_v terrible_a we_o dread_v the_o hatred_n of_o a_o great_a man_n because_o where_o hatred_n be_v back_v with_o power_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v terrible_a but_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n be_v much_o more_o dreadful_a because_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o last_a than_o of_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o weak_a mortal_a man_n we_o know_v the_o utmost_a they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v but_o kill_v the_o body_n after_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v hurt_v our_o soul_n they_o can_v follow_v we_o beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o pursue_v we_o into_o another_o world_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o displeasure_n be_v mighty_a and_o last_a they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n who_o can_v tell_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n because_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o we_o be_v miserable_a if_o god_n do_v not_o love_v we_o those_o word_n my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o signify_v great_a misery_n and_o express_v a_o dreadful_a curse_n but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o positive_a expression_n of_o misery_n for_o god_n to_o hate_v we_o that_o signify_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o utmost_a psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o express_v less_o than_o be_v intend_v god_n be_v far_o from_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a negative_a temper_n towards_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n therefore_o the_o psalmist_n add_v thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n hatred_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v therefore_o sinner_n fear_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n holiness_n 5._o imitate_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o inference_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a holiness_n in_o one_o word_n contain_v all_o the_o imitable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v be_v you_o holy_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v you_o good_a and_o patient_n and_o merciful_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a for_o i_o be_o so_o therefore_o religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o prov._n 9.10_o and_o chap._n 30.3_o and_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n be_v express_v by_o our_o put_n on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.24_o see_v then_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n let_v we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a god_n endeavour_v to_o be_v habitual_o holy_a which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o actual_o holy_a which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o have_v press_v the_o imitation_n of_o these_o particular_a perfection_n goodness_n patience_n justice_z truth_n and_o faithfulness_n upon_o other_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o argument_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o holiness_n 1._o holiness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n holiness_n i_o tell_v you_o signify_v a_o separation_n from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o all_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o consequent_o do_v comprehend_v and_o take_v in_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o justice_n and_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o be_v the_o very_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v his_o goodness_n and_o those_o other_o attribute_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o it_o for_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o glory_n which_o result_v from_o his_o unite_a perfection_n especial_o from_o his_o goodness_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v akin_a to_o it_o separate_a from_o god_n these_o perfection_n which_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n several_a discourse_n upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n the_o happiness_n of_o god_n the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o wisdom_n glory_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n the_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o spital_n sermon_n of_o do_v good_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o six_z volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1699._o the_o content_n of_o the_o six_o volume_n serm._n i._n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a serm._n ii_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a p._n 27_o serm._n iii_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n 1_o tim_n i._o 11_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n p._n 67_o serm._n iu_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n james_n i._n 17_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o whole_a period_n run_v thus_o do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v p._n 97_o serm._n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n ii_o 3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n p._n 153_o 123_o serm._n vii_o the_o wisdom_n glory_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n judas_n 25._o to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n our_o saviour_n be_v glory_n and_o majesty_n dominion_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o p._n 187_o serm._n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n psal._n civ_o 24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o p._n 219_o serm._n ix_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n preach_v at_o kensington_n 1_o peter_z v._n 7_o cast_v all_o your_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o p._n 243_o serm._n x._o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n 1_o cor._n i._n 24_o christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n p._n 275_o serm._n xi_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n gen._n xviii_o 25_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a p._n 305_o serm._n xii_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n deut._n xxxii_o 4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n p._n 337_o serm._n xiii_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n i._n 16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a p._n 369_o advertisement_n the_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v contain_v in_o this_o volume_n be_v together_o with_o those_o of_o the_o remain_a attribute_n reserve_v for_o the_o next_o but_o to_o complete_a this_o here_o follow_v a_o single_a sermon_n upon_o another_o subject_a serm._n fourteen_o of_o do_v good_n be_v a_o spital_n sermon_n preach_v at_o christ-church_n on_o easter-tuesday_n april_n 14_o 1691._o gala_n vi_o 9_o 10._o let_v we_o not_o be_v weary_a in_o well_o do_v for_o in_o due_a season_n we_o shall_v reap_v if_o we_o faint_v not_o as_o we_o have_v therefore_o opportunity_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o they_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n p._n 401_o sermon_n i._o vi_o concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a these_o word_n be_v the_o conclusion_n which_o our_o saviour_n draw_v from_o those_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v give_v his_o disciple_n of_o great_a perfection_n than_o any_o law_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n before_o v._o 44._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o hereto_o he_o propound_v to_o they_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n tell_v they_o that_o be_v thus_o affect_v towards_o their_o enemy_n they_o shall_v resemble_v god_n v_o 45._o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n for_o he_o make_v the_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o affect_v towards_o our_o enemy_n and_o those_o that_o have_v be_v injurious_a to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v like_o god_n that_o we_o be_v but_o just_a level_n with_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n v_o 46_o 47._o for_o if_o you_o love_v they_o which_o love_v you_o what_o reward_n have_v you_o do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n the_o same_o and_o if_o you_o salute_v your_o brethren_n only_o what_o do_v you_o more_o than_o other_o do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n so_o and_o then_o conclude_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attain_v that_o perfection_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n design_n to_o advance_v man_n to_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o these_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a second_o it_o be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o our_o imitation_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a etc._n etc._n in_o handle_v of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n i._o consider_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n whereby_o we_o may_v govern_v and_o rectify_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a i._o i_o shall_v consider_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n 2._o by_o separate_v and_o remove_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o 1._o by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n absolute_a and_o universal_a perfection_n not_o limit_v to_o a_o certain_a kind_n or_o to_o certain_a particular_n but_o whatever_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o imagine_v to_o be_v a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o yea_o and_o beyond_o this_o whatever_o possible_a perfection_n there_o be_v or_o possible_a degree_n of_o any_o perfection_n which_o our_o short_a understanding_n can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o confine_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o our_o imagination_n as_o if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o believe_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v boundless_a and_o unlimited_a and_o infinite_o to_o exceed_v our_o high_a thought_n and_o apprehension_n more_o particular_o all_o kind_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o either_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n or_o do_v not_o argue_v some_o imperfection_n or_o be_v not_o
evident_o inconsistent_a with_o some_o other_o and_o great_a perfection_n some_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v perfection_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n as_o that_o what_o have_v once_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o power_n be_v make_v not_o to_o have_v be_v or_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o by_o its_o nature_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o one_o place_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o another_o these_o thing_n in_o reason_n be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v under_o any_o power_n how_o unlimited_a soever_o for_o if_o we_o once_o ascribe_v contradiction_n to_o god_n we_o destroy_v his_o be_v because_o then_o to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v power_n and_o no_o power_n will_v be_v all_o one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o perfection_n which_o do_v argue_v and_o suppose_v imperfection_n in_o they_o as_o motion_n the_o quickness_n and_o swiftness_n thereof_o in_o creature_n be_v a_o perfection_n but_o than_o it_o suppose_v a_o finite_a and_o limit_a nature_n for_o a_o boundless_a and_o immense_a be_v that_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o once_o have_v no_o need_n to_o move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o therefore_o though_o motion_n be_v a_o perfection_n in_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n because_o it_o suppose_v a_o great_a imperfection_n and_o there_o be_v also_o some_o imaginable_a degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o because_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o other_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o instance_n such_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v imagine_v as_o will_v quite_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o justice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o a_o strictness_n and_o a_o rigour_n of_o justice_n as_o will_v leave_v no_o room_n at_o all_o for_o patience_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o such_o degree_n be_v not_o real_o to_o be_v esteem_v perfection_n for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o evident_o clash_v with_o any_o other_o necessary_a and_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v so_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v accord_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o good_a and_o gracious_a as_o to_o encourage_v sin_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o reverence_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o goodness_n but_o easiness_n and_o weakness_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v perpetual_o injure_v and_o affront_v it_o be_v not_o patience_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v everlasting_o trample_v upon_o so_o likewise_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a as_o to_o smite_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o instant_n that_o he_o offend_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o refrain_v from_o punishment_n and_o to_o give_v time_n for_o repentance_n but_o whatever_o perfection_n be_v conceivable_a or_o possible_a and_o argue_v no_o imperfection_n nor_o be_v repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o necessary_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o easy_a conception_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v this_o natural_a light_n do_v first_o suggest_v and_o offer_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o will_n without_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o greek_n call_v god_n very_o often_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o best_a of_o being_n and_o the_o latin_a optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a beatissima_fw-la &_o perfectissima_fw-la natura_fw-la constans_fw-la &_o perfecta_fw-la ratio_fw-la the_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a nature_n immutible_a and_o absolute_a reason_n and_o many_o other_o such_o expression_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a thought_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n but_o this_o necessary_o involve_v or_o infer_v his_o goodness_n as_o seneca_n excellent_o reason_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la dein_fw-ge reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o be_v next_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o along_o in_o plato_n &_o tully_n and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o every_o where_o attribute_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o do_v steer_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n by_o this_o principle_n that_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascrbied_a to_o he_o and_o whenever_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o god_n they_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v they_o give_v it_o he_o as_o his_o due_n if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v every_o where_o find_v perfection_n ascribe_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n and_o law_n of_o god_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o or_o proceed_v from_o he_o job_n 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n and_o again_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n ps_n 18.30_o as_o for_o god_n his_o way_n be_v perfect_a ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v particular_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o draught_n of_o they_o whatever_o perfection_n can_v be_v imagine_v either_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o be_v or_o act_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o as_o to_o his_o nature_n we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o mere_a body_n or_o matter_n because_o that_o will_v exclude_v several_a other_o perfection_n for_o mere_a matter_n be_v incapable_a both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n be_v determine_v by_o necessary_a law_n of_o motion_n and_o yet_o without_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o goodness_n we_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o without_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o owe_v his_o be_v to_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n do_v not_o choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v or_o not_o nor_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o to_o suppose_v any_o thing_n to_o deliberate_v or_o consult_v about_o its_o own_o be_v be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v we_o must_v say_v of_o god_n likewise_o that_o he_o be_v immense_a and_o every_o where_o present_a because_o to_o be_v limit_v be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n than_o sometime_o not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n by_o a_o glance_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o mere_a beck_n and_o nod_n of_o his_o will_n without_o long_a study_n or_o deliberation_n without_o laborious_a pain_n and_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_o end_n all_o these_o perfection_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v possible_a we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o full_o and_o immutable_o possess_v of_o and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a degree_n than_o our_o finite_a understanding_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v or_o comprehend_v 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a
possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o separate_v and_o remove_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o we_o must_v not_o obscure_a or_o blemish_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o blot_v of_o imperfection_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v of_o this_o to_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n we_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n very_o careful_a to_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n gen._n 18.25_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v far_o be_v it_o from_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n holiness_n be_v so_o frequent_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o signify_v the_o purity_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o god_n be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o himself_o as_o may_v remove_v sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o because_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o imperfection_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o countenance_n sin_n the_o scripture_n acquit_v god_n of_o it_o psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o go_v from_o one_o word_n or_o to_o change_v one_o mind_n this_o likewise_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v or_o repent_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o want_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o thing_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n without_o one_o self_n for_o their_o happiness_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v set_v far_o from_o he_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o be_v it_o a_o gain_n to_o he_o that_o thou_o make_v thy_o way_n perfect_a job_n 35.6_o 7._o if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o tempt_v or_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n he_o can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n say_v st._n james_n chap._n 1.17_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n mutable_a this_o be_v deny_v of_o god_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o and_o removing_z all_o shadow_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o best_a i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o for_o a_o foundation_n and_o rectify_v all_o our_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o reason_v about_o he_o by_o these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v right_o apprehension_n and_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o will_v make_v it_o easy_o credible_a to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o for_o his_o goodness_n will_v dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o communicate_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n render_v he_o able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o difficulty_n and_o without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n or_o happiness_n as_o epicurus_n will_v seem_v vain_o to_o fear_v who_o in_o truth_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o pretend_v only_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lay_v so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o he_o vain_a man_n as_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o difficult_a to_o our_o weakness_n and_o folly_n may_v not_o be_v infinite_o easy_a to_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n particular_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v as_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v render_v they_o to_o many_o when_o we_o consider_v infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n we_o may_v easy_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n by_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o they_o there_o be_v something_o concern_v these_o that_o be_v unimaginable_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o something_o may_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o because_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o power_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o either_o the_o world_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o or_o that_o matter_n be_v eternal_o of_o itself_o which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o to_o imagine_v as_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o from_o nothing_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v how_o god_n can_v certain_o know_v future_a event_n which_o depend_v upon_o voluntary_a and_o uncertain_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a knowledge_n but_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v know_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n can_v imagine_v how_o a_o great_a mathematician_n can_v demonstrate_v his_o proposition_n only_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o no_o power_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o able_a perhaps_o to_o reconcile_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o universal_a goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n because_o we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n at_o one_o view_n and_o see_v every_o part_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o will_v appear_v very_o wise_a if_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o thing_n and_o see_v the_o entire_a design_n together_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v to_o who_o as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o all_o his_o way_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n be_v notion_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v these_o the_o whole_a bible_n will_v be_v insignificant_a to_o we_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v any_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v these_o and_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o can_v know_v what_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n in_o god_n be_v for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o whether_o god_n be_v good_a or_o not_o nor_o can_v we_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o make_v himself_o like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o idea_n of_o that_o to_o which_o he_o aim_v to_o be_v like_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a and_o settle_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o unintelligible_a be_v and_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o he_o will_v
goodness_n of_o god_n be_v then_o great_a when_o it_o be_v exercise_v towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a those_o who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v it_o that_o they_o have_v give_v great_a and_o just_a provocation_n to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o affection_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a in_o god_n towards_o the_o unworthy_a and_o unthankful_a son_n of_o man_n our_o saviour_n recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n here_o in_o the_o text._n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v you_o therefore_o this_o particle_n of_o inference_n therefore_o have_v a_o plain_a relation_n to_o something_o speak_v before_o and_o if_o we_o look_v back_o to_o v_o 44._o we_o shall_v find_v our_o saviour_n there_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o love_v their_o enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v they_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v they_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o that_o despiteful_o use_v they_o and_o persecute_v they_o and_o by_o what_o other_o argument_n do_v he_o enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o difficult_a duty_n but_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n to_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o unthankful_a v_o 45._o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o heavenly_a father_n who_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o the_o good_a and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o exercise_v great_a mercy_n and_o patitience_n even_o towards_o the_o evil_a and_o unjust_a and_o then_o he_o conclude_v that_o if_o perfection_n itself_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o pattern_n we_o shall_v labour_v after_o these_o quality_n be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a so_o that_o though_o the_o universal_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v here_o suppose_v yet_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v here_o particular_o point_v at_o and_o propound_v to_o we_o for_o our_o pattern_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v discoursâ—â—â—_n of_o before_o viz._n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v undoubted_o so_o be_v evident_a from_o st._n luke_n render_v this_o precept_n ch._n 6.36_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d benefici_fw-la ready_a to_o do_v good_a full_a of_o kindness_n and_o benignity_n merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a that_o be_v endeavour_v you_o to_o be_v such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v god_n to_o be_v and_o this_o st._n matthew_n call_v perfection_n because_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v his_o great_a perfection_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o which_o reflect_v a_o lustre_n and_o beauty_n upon_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o take_v off_o the_o terror_n of_o they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a what_o those_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o particular_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n i_o come_v now_o in_o the_o iv._o and_o last_o place_n to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v and_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n when_o he_o say_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o three_o or_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n be_v certain_o restrain_v to_o the_o communicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o such_o as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o for_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o affect_v or_o attempt_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o his_o peculiar_a perfection_n that_o it_o be_v probable_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o apostate_n angel_n 2._o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o be_v communicable_a to_o creature_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o such_o degree_n of_o these_o perfection_n as_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o for_o no_o creature_n can_v ever_o be_v so_o perfect_o good_a as_o god_n be_v nor_o partake_v of_o any_o other_o excellency_n in_o that_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o 3._o but_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconvenience_n in_o have_v a_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o of_o so_o great_a perfection_n as_o be_v above_o our_o reach_n to_o attain_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v great_a advantage_n in_o it_o the_o way_n to_o excel_v in_o any_o kind_n be_v optima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la exempla_fw-la ad_fw-la imitandum_fw-la proponere_fw-la to_o propose_v the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a example_n to_o our_o imitation_n no_o man_n can_v write_v after_o too_o perfect_a and_o good_a a_o copy_n and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o reach_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o he_o be_v like_a to_o learn_v more_o than_o by_o one_o less_o perfect_a he_o that_o aim_v at_o the_o heaven_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v sure_a to_o come_v short_a of_o be_v like_a to_o shoot_v high_a than_o he_o that_o aim_v at_o a_o mark_n within_o his_o reach_n beside_o that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o pattern_n as_o it_o leave_v room_n for_o continual_a improvement_n so_o it_o kindle_v ambition_n and_o make_v man_n strain_v and_o contend_v to_o the_o utmost_a to_o do_v better_o and_o though_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o equal_v the_o example_n before_o he_o yet_o he_o will_v endeavour_v to_o come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o he_o can_v so_o that_o a_o perfect_a pattern_n be_v no_o hindrance_n but_o a_o advantage_n rather_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o any_o kind_n 4._o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o beyond_o our_o power_n a_o precept_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v instanced_a in_o because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o we_o do_v our_o best_a and_o be_v continnual_o press_v forward_o towards_o the_o mark_n though_o we_o can_v never_o reach_v it_o yet_o we_o do_v very_o commendable_o and_o whatever_o the_o law_n may_v require_v to_o try_v and_o raise_v our_o obedience_n yet_o in_o all_o equitable_a interpretation_n such_o a_o will_n and_o endeavour_n will_v be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n for_o the_o deed._n for_o if_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n do_v real_o exceed_v our_o ability_n and_o be_v beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o performance_n the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n goodness_n will_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o danger_n and_o prejudice_n upon_o on_o that_o account_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o to_o do_v all_o we_o can_v towards_o the_o fulfil_n of_o this_o precept_n will_v be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o as_o beneficial_a to_o ourselves_o as_o if_o our_o power_n have_v be_v great_a and_o we_o have_v perfect_o fulfil_v it_o if_o our_o heavenly_a father_n to_o try_v the_o readiness_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o our_o obedience_n bid_v we_o do_v that_o which_o he_o know_v we_o can_v do_v though_o we_o can_v do_v something_o towards_o it_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v be_v very_o well_o please_v when_o he_o see_v that_o in_o obedience_n to_o he_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o we_o can_v and_o we_o may_v in_o this_o case_n reason_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v if_o we_o that_o be_v evil_a will_v deal_v thus_o with_o our_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v our_o heavenly_a father_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n signify_v very_o little_a if_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v this_o that_o in_o any_o instance_n of_o real_a and_o unquestionable_a goodness_n god_n be_v much_o better_a than_o any_o father_n upon_o earth_n however_o at_o the_o worst_a that_o wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v supply_v on_o our_o part_n by_o a_o humble_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n and_o on_o god_n part_n by_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n of_o our_o bless_a redeemer_n this_o be_v the_o least_o benefit_n we_o can_v expect_v in_o this_o case_n from_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n and_o equity_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o and_o last_o which_o will_v full_o clear_v this_o matter_n this_o precept_n do_v not_o oblige_v we_o to_o come_v up_o to_o a_o perfect_a equality_n with_o the_o pattern_n propound_v to_o we_o but_o only_o import_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n
of_o it_o that_o we_o be_v perpetual_o ascend_v and_o climb_v up_o high_o still_o advance_v from_o one_o degree_n of_o goodness_n to_o another_o and_o continual_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o god_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v possible_a to_o we_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v as_o like_o god_n as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n whereas_o any_o equality_n with_o god_n even_o in_o the_o communicable_a attribute_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v not_o only_o impossible_a to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o imperfection_n but_o above_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n even_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o of_o the_o high_a angel_n in_o glory_n for_o their_o perfection_n be_v not_o absolute_a but_o in_o comparison_n with_o our_o present_a state_n and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n be_v still_o write_v after_o this_o copy_n which_o be_v here_o propound_v to_o we_o and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v perfect_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a still_o aspire_v after_o a_o near_o and_o more_o perfect_a resemblance_n of_o god_n who_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n be_v so_o far_o beyond_o and_o before_o that_o of_o any_o creature_n that_o they_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o approach_v near_o to_o it_o and_o yet_o never_o overtake_v it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a ingredient_n and_o enhancement_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o the_o holiness_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v the_o similitude_n of_o god_n be_v never_o at_o a_o stand_n nor_o at_o its_o full_a growth_n and_o period_n but_o that_o the_o glorify_a saint_n yea_o and_o bless_v angel_n too_o may_v be_v continual_o grow_v and_o improve_n and_o they_o themselves_o still_o become_v better_o and_o happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o this_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v no_o undervalue_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o perfect_a at_o first_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v afterward_o because_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o happiness_n of_o those_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v already_o in_o bliss_n shall_v be_v more_o perfect_a and_o complete_a at_o the_o resurrection_n and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o then_o be_v continual_o increase_v and_o be_v augment_v still_o more_o and_o more_o without_o any_o stint_n or_o final_a period_n of_o its_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o faint_v in_o a_o long_a course_n of_o goodness_n and_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o well_o do_v but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v strong_o bias_v to_o goodness_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o pull_v they_o back_o it_o will_v then_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o the_o bless_a to_o find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o their_o do_v good_a and_o become_a better_a for_o if_o conformity_n to_o god_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o happiness_n than_o our_o blessedness_n will_v advance_v proportionable_o as_o we_o grow_v more_o and_o more_o like_a to_o he_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o dismal_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o relapse_n to_o go_v backward_o or_o fall_v from_o that_o holy_a and_o happy_a state_n but_o this_o be_v a_o comfortable_a consideration_n that_o our_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n shall_v never_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n that_o it_o be_v secure_a so_o far_o as_o it_o go_v and_o that_o we_o can_v lose_v what_o we_o have_v once_o attain_v as_o we_o may_v do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o methinks_v shall_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o no_o man_n that_o as_o good_a and_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v at_o first_o he_o shall_v still_o be_v better_a and_o better_o more_o and_o more_o happy_a without_o end_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v and_o as_o god_n please_v for_o we_o do_v but_o talk_v in_o the_o dark_a about_o our_o future_a state_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o equality_n with_o god_n in_o any_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v by_o any_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n require_v be_v a_o vigorous_a imitation_n of_o this_o pattern_n that_o we_o have_v this_o example_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n always_o before_o we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v continual_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n that_o possible_o we_o can_v and_o if_o this_o be_v our_o sincere_a care_n and_o study_v we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o it_o will_v find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o esteem_v we_o for_o his_o child_n and_o if_o there_o need_v a_o pardon_n for_o it_o that_o god_n will_v forgive_v wherein_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o pattern_n which_o we_o can_v never_o imitate_v to_o perfection_n and_o happy_a be_v it_o for_o we_o if_o this_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trouble_v that_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v we_o must_v still_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n law_n and_o the_o duty_n therein_o lay_v upon_o we_o alas_o which_o of_o we_o do_v near_o so_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v through_o his_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unlike_o his_o heavenly_a father_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o he_o still_o partake_v in_o so_o great_a a_o measure_n of_o those_o not_o only_o unreasonable_a and_o brutish_a but_o even_o devilish_a passion_n of_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o impatience_n and_o implacable_a revenge_n and_o that_o these_o ungodlike_a quality_n do_v so_o frequent_o prevail_v upon_o we_o and_o have_v so_o much_o dominion_n over_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v what_o we_o ought_v in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o respect_n that_o we_o be_v far_o from_o what_o we_o may_v be_v if_o we_o will_v mind_v our_o duty_n with_o care_n and_o conscience_n and_o make_v it_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o subdue_v ourselves_o to_o a_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o to_o a_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o his_o fear_n will_v we_o but_o often_o set_v god_n before_o our_o eye_n and_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o those_o excellent_a and_o amiable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o comfortable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o to_o which_o we_o stand_v so_o infinite_o oblige_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n upon_o which_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n do_v depend_v and_o to_o which_o we_o be_v indebt_v that_o we_o be_v not_o miserable_a past_o recovery_n that_o goodness_n and_o patience_n which_o he_o continual_o exercise_v towards_o we_o for_o we_o provoke_v he_o every_o day_n and_o exercise_v towards_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o endear_v those_o perfection_n to_o we_o from_o which_o we_o reap_v so_o much_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n that_o by_o the_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n itself_o and_o the_o example_n of_o he_o who_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o so_o no_o way_n oblige_v to_o we_o nor_o tie_v by_o any_o interest_n to_o be_v concern_v for_o we_o and_o who_o be_v happy_a in_o himself_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n any_o thing_n from_o we_o i_o say_v by_o a_o example_n that_o have_v all_o these_o advantage_n we_o may_v be_v provoke_v to_o be_v so_o affect_v towards_o one_o another_o who_o have_v mutual_a obligation_n one_o to_o another_o and_o mutual_a expectation_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a one_o from_o another_o as_o we_o have_v always_o find_v god_n to_o be_v towards_o we_o and_o as_o we_o desire_v he_o shall_v still_o continue_v and_o miserable_a creature_n be_v we_o when_o ever_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v he_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o if_o this_o example_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o we_o do_v not_o transform_v we_o into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o prevail_v upon_o we_o to_o imitate_v those_o excellency_n which_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o approve_v and_o admire_v and_o be_v in_o love_n withal_o these_o consideration_n take_v both_o from_o ingenuity_n and_o interest_n shall_v awaken_v our_o sloth_n and_o stir_v up_o our_o most_o resolute_a and_o vigorous_a endeavour_n after_o that_o perfection_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o require_v and_o make_v we_o ashamed_a of_o
they_o do_v but_o serve_v god_n in_o their_o family_n and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o behave_v themselves_o there_o with_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n and_o at_o certain_a season_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o very_o good_a christian_n when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o improve_v themselves_o in_o real_a goodness_n by_o a_o inward_a conformity_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o god_n and_o the_o real_a reformation_n and_o amendment_n of_o their_o life_n by_o mortify_v their_o lust_n and_o subdue_a their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n by_o put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o kindness_n by_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a righteous_a and_o just_a patient_a and_o merciful_a as_o their_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v so_o and_o by_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o case_n of_o provocation_n and_o forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v we_o by_o purify_n themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n as_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o be_v holy_a when_o all_o this_o while_n they_o be_v as_o covetous_a and_o earthly_a mind_v and_o to_o serve_v their_o covetousness_n will_v strain_v a_o point_n of_o truth_n or_o justice_n and_o hardly_o do_v a_o act_n of_o charity_n in_o their_o whole_a life_n but_o what_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o mere_a importunity_n or_o some_o such_o urgent_a necessity_n in_o point_n of_o decency_n and_o reputation_n that_o for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o avoid_v it_o when_o their_o passion_n be_v as_o fierce_a and_o ungoverned_a their_o heart_n as_o full_a of_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n their_o tongue_n of_o slander_n and_o evil_n speak_v their_o humour_n as_o proud_a and_o surly_a and_o censorious_a as_o they_o can_v be_v who_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o seem_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v all_o religion_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o serve_v god_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o make_v a_o external_a appearance_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v good_a churchman_n and_o attend_v upon_o the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n they_o think_v they_o have_v discharge_v the_o whole_a business_n of_o religion_n admirable_o well_o and_o be_v very_o good_a child_n of_o god_n and_o in_o a_o state_n of_o great_a grace_n and_o favour_n with_o he_o whereas_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n and_o the_o use_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n separate_v from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n the_o conformity_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n in_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o abomination_n to_o he_o so_o god_n every_o where_o declare_v in_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o disdain_v to_o be_v praise_v by_o man_n of_o unhallowed_a lip_n and_o life_n and_o that_o unless_o with_o the_o praise_n we_o offer_v to_o he_o we_o order_v our_o conversation_n aright_o we_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o speak_v of_o this_o formal_a and_o external_a religion_n without_o the_o power_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n be_v not_o this_o the_o fast_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v to_o break_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a to_o deal_v thy_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o that_o thou_o bring_v the_o poor_a that_o be_v cast_v out_o to_o thy_o house_n when_o thou_o see_v the_o naked_a that_o thou_o cover_v he_o and_o that_o thou_o hide_v not_o thyself_o from_o thy_o own_o flesh_n nor_o be_v it_o hear_v of_o the_o word_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o unless_o we_o be_v doer_n of_o it_o bless_a be_v they_o say_v our_o saviour_n that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o he_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o shall_v be_v liken_v to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o have_v build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n nor_o will_v bare_v receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n recommend_v we_o to_o god_n but_o perform_v the_o obligation_n which_o thereby_o we_o take_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o obstain_v from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n otherwise_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o profane_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v sanctify_v as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o unholy_a thing_n can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o to_o be_v religion_n which_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o man_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v they_o to_o govern_v their_o word_n and_o action_n who_o read_v those_o plain_a word_n of_o st._n james_n if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n that_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n when_o religion_n produce_v these_o real_a effect_n than_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n do_v true_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o be_v not_o only_a hearer_n of_o the_o word_n but_o doer_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v bless_v in_o our_o deed_n so_o that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v institute_v with_o great_a care_n and_o conscience_n so_o we_o shall_v chief_o mind_v that_o which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o amiable_a and_o excellent_a quality_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n these_o because_o they_o be_v the_o primary_n perfection_n of_o god_n be_v the_o principal_a duty_n both_o of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n and_o of_o a_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n because_o they_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a and_o all_o positive_a institution_n when_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o these_o be_v to_o stoop_v and_o vail_v to_o they_o natural_a and_o moral_a duty_n especial_o those_o of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o charity_n be_v so_o strong_o bind_v upon_o we_o that_o nothing_o in_o any_o reveal_v religion_n can_v cancel_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o or_o justify_v the_o violation_n of_o these_o great_a and_o indispensable_a law_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o religion_n have_v declare_v nothing_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v straighten_a our_o obligation_n to_o they_o as_o much_o as_o be_v possible_a the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v not_o to_o destroy_v man_n life_n but_o to_o save_v they_o so_o that_o they_o know_v not_o what_o manner_n of_o spirit_n they_o be_v of_o who_o think_v to_o please_v god_n by_o hate_v man_n who_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n &_o by_o kill_v one_o another_o to_o do_v he_o good_a service_n who_o to_o advance_v his_o cause_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n will_v break_v through_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o civil_a society_n undermine_v government_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n whereas_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n in_o his_o religion_n design_n to_o alter_v the_o civil_a government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v and_o diminish_v the_o right_n of_o prince_n or_o to_o set_v man_n loose_a from_o allegiance_n to_o they_o or_o to_o make_v treason_n and_o rebellion_n bloody_a war_n and_o barbarous_a massacre_n lawful_a for_o the_o propagate_a of_o his_o faith_n he_o have_v as_o any_o one_o will_v imagine_v as_o much_o power_n as_o the_o pope_n but_o yet_o he_o depose_v no_o prince_n nor_o excommunicate_v and_o discharge_v their_o subject_n from_o their_o fidelity_n and_o obedience_n to_o they_o for_o their_o opposition_n to_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v assume_v no_o such_o power_n to_o himself_o by_o what_o authority_n then_o do_v his_o vicar_n do_v these_o thing_n and_o
who_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o plain_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o distinction_n of_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la and_o therefore_o he_o wrest_v no_o prince_n kingdom_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nor_o seize_v it_o as_o forfeit_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o power_n the_o pope_n claim_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v exercise_v it_o many_o a_o time_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o exercise_v the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o because_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v warrant_v man_n to_o do_v the_o very_o worst_a thing_n for_o its_o sake_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a and_o to_o make_v two_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o religion_n good_a for_o nothing_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n any_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o religion_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o church_n that_o can_v err_v for_o every_o church_n do_v certain_o err_v that_o teach_v any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v â—f_o natural_a religion_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o natural_o know_v but_o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o religion_n prompt_v man_n to_o sedition_n and_o cruelty_n do_v represent_v god_n as_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n and_o not_o of_o order_n therefore_o whatever_o man_n may_v through_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n or_o for_o ambitious_a end_n pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n let_v we_o place_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o let_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n be_v love_n so_o st._n john_n speak_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o these_o very_a quality_n of_o charity_n and_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n which_o we_o peculiar_o call_v humanity_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divinity_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n do_v transform_v we_o into_o wild_a beast_n and_o devil_n and_o yet_o as_o severe_o as_o i_o speak_v against_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v a_o hearty_a pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n and_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v make_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v seduce_v from_o humanity_n itself_o and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n by_o these_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o leave_v to_o be_v man_n be_v blind_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o blind_a they_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n such_o as_o be_v plain_o enough_o condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n in_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v our_o fault_n and_o our_o folly_n too_o and_o those_o god_n know_v too_o many_o and_o too_o visible_a we_o possess_v more_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peace_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o god_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o great_a light_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wanton_a and_o to_o quarrel_n and_o fall_v out_o we_o be_v full_a of_o heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v not_o know_v god_n grant_v that_o at_o last_o in_o this_o our_o day_n when_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n you_o see_v in_o what_o thing_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n main_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o without_o this_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o happiness_n we_o can_v see_v god_n unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n can_v administer_v no_o pleasure_n no_o felicity_n to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o temper_n to_o hate_v sin_n and_o delight_n in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n we_o can_v have_v no_o delightful_a communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o our_o passion_n be_v subdue_v and_o our_o soul_n dispossess_v of_o those_o devilish_a and_o ungodlike_a quality_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o revenge_n and_o impatience_n and_o till_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a company_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o temper_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a god_n and_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o sin_n thou_o can_v not_o change_v god_n therefore_o change_v thyself_o and_o rather_o think_v of_o put_v off_o thy_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n condescend_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o will_v not_o put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a sermon_n iii_o vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n 1_o tim_n 1.11_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n since_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v all_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o what_o job_n say_v of_o wisdom_n may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o happiness_n god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o he_o only_o who_o be_v perfect_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ingredient_n of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o happiness_n the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o contemplate_v and_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o original_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o felicity_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n of_o bessedness_n or_o happiness_n to_o god_n the_o bless_a god_n and_o though_o this_o be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n as_o any_o other_o of_o that_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o i_o no_o where_o find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o attribute_n of_o happiness_n give_v to_o god_n but_o only_o twice_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n be_v frequent_o give_v both_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o in_o another_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a notion_n as_o mark_v 14.61_o where_o the_o highpriest_n ask_v our_o
saviour_n be_v thou_o the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o bless_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v celebrate_v and_o praise_v and_o 2_o cor._n 11.31_o the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v bless_v for_o evermore_o so_o likewise_o rom._n 1.25_o the_o creator_n bless_v for_o evermore_o which_o likewise_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n rom._n 9.5_o of_o who_o christ_n come_v who_o be_v over_o all_o god_n bless_v for_o evermore_o that_o be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o celebrate_v but_o in_o all_o these_o text_n the_o greek_a word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o though_o we_o translate_v bless_v yet_o it_o be_v a_o quite_o different_a notion_n from_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n which_o be_v give_v to_o god_n in_o the_o text_n where_o the_o word_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bless_a or_o the_o happy_a god_n and_o this_o title_n be_v not_o any_o where_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o i_o know_v of_o give_v to_o god_n but_o here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o chap._n 6._o v._n 15._o where_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o also_o be_v god_n be_v call_v the_o bless_a and_o the_o only_a potentate_n and_o whether_o this_o title_n of_o the_o bless_a or_o the_o happy_a god_n be_v here_o in_o the_o text_n give_v to_o god_n the_o father_n or_o to_o his_o eternal_a son_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n be_v not_o so_o much_o material_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o inquire_v for_o suppose_v it_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v here_o call_v the_o bless_a god_n this_o however_o be_v certain_a that_o blessedness_n or_o happiness_n be_v a_o title_n belong_v to_o god_n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o foundation_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n in_o speak_v of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o show_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o it_o ii_o that_o this_o title_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o bless_a and_o happy_a iii_o how_o far_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v then_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o argument_n i._o i_o will_v consider_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o blessedness_n or_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o be_v the_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o it_o now_o the_o notion_n of_o happiness_n take_v at_o its_o high_a pitch_n as_o we_o must_v necessary_o do_v when_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o god_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o fix_a and_o immovable_a state_n of_o contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n result_v from_o the_o secure_a possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o desirable_a that_o be_v of_o all_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o that_o these_o follow_a ingredient_n must_v go_v to_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n 1._o perfect_a knowledge_n to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v that_o constitute_v happiness_n and_o to_o know_v when_o one_o be_v real_o possess_v of_o it_o for_o as_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o be_v so_o only_o in_o imagination_n or_o a_o dream_n without_o any_o real_a foundation_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o may_v be_v please_v with_o his_o condition_n and_o yet_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v true_o happy_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o that_o have_v all_o other_o necessary_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n and_o only_o want_v this_o that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o so_o can_v be_v happy_a for_o this_o we_o often_o see_v in_o the_o imperfect_a felicity_n of_o this_o world_n that_o many_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o material_n and_o circumstance_n of_o a_o worldly_a happiness_n about_o they_o yet_o by_o the_o unskilful_a management_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o from_o a_o lightness_n and_o injudiciousness_n of_o mind_n not_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o they_o make_v a_o hard_a shift_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o as_o good_a circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v almost_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v very_o discontent_v and_o miserable_a in_o their_o own_o opinion_n but_o god_n perfect_o know_v both_o what_o make_v happiness_n and_o that_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o 2._o to_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v likewise_o require_v a_o full_a power_n to_o do_v whatever_o conduce_v to_o happiness_n and_o likewise_o to_o check_v and_o control_v whatever_o will_v be_v a_o hindrance_n and_o disturbance_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o no_o be_v be_v as_o happy_a as_o it_o can_v be_v that_o be_v not_o all-sufficient_a and_o have_v not_o within_o its_o power_n and_o reach_v whatever_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o happy_a condition_n and_o necessary_a to_o secure_v and_o continue_v that_o happiness_n against_o all_o attempt_n and_o accident_n whatsoever_o 3._o there_o be_v wisdom_n also_o require_v to_o direct_v this_o power_n and_o manage_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o it_o may_v effectual_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n and_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o mere_a power_n abstract_o consider_v for_o one_o may_v have_v all_o the_o material_n of_o happiness_n and_o yet_o want_v the_o wisdom_n and_o skill_n to_o put_v they_o so_o together_o as_o to_o frame_v a_o happy_a condition_n out_o of_o they_o and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o proper_a method_n and_o mean_n of_o compass_v and_o secure_v his_o own_o happiness_n 4._o another_o most_o considerable_a and_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n be_v goodness_n without_o which_o as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a majesty_n and_o greatness_n so_o neither_o can_v there_o be_v any_o felicity_n or_o happiness_n now_o goodness_n be_v a_o generous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o communicate_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o by_o make_v other_o partaker_n of_o its_o happiness_n in_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o as_o wisdom_n shall_v direct_v for_o he_o be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o he_o may_v be_v who_o have_v not_o the_o pleasure_n of_o make_v other_o so_o and_o of_o see_v they_o put_v into_o a_o happy_a condition_n by_o his_o mean_n which_o be_v the_o high_a pleasure_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v pride_n but_o i_o may_v true_o say_v glory_n of_o a_o good_a and_o great_a mind_n for_o by_o such_o communication_n of_o himself_o a_o immense_a and_o all-sufficient_a be_v do_v not_o lessen_v himself_o or_o put_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o power_n but_o do_v rather_o enlarge_v and_o magnify_v himself_o and_o do_v as_o i_o may_v say_v give_v great_a ease_n and_o delight_n to_o a_o full_a and_o fruitful_a be_v without_o the_o least_o diminution_n of_o his_o power_n or_o happiness_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o other_o being_n can_v make_v nothing_o so_o independent_a upon_o itself_o as_o not_o still_o to_o maintain_v his_o interest_n in_o it_o to_o have_v it_o always_o under_o his_o power_n and_o government_n and_o no_o be_v can_v rebel_v against_o his_o maker_n without_o extreme_a hazard_n to_o himself_o 5._o perfect_a happiness_n do_v imply_v the_o exercise_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o so_o perfect_a a_o be_v upon_o all_o proper_a and_o sit_v occasion_n that_o be_v that_o so_o perfect_a a_o be_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o or_o unbecoming_a his_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o perfect_a be_v and_o for_o such_o a_o be_v to_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o in_o any_o case_n will_v be_v to_o create_v disquiet_a and_o disturbance_n to_o itself_o for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n and_o never_o fail_v that_o nothing_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o reluctancy_n and_o displeasure_n which_o in_o moral_a agent_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v gild_n for_o gild_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v which_o arise_v in_o one_o mind_n from_o the_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v something_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o perfective_a principle_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v something_o that_o do_v not_o become_v he_o and_o which_o be_v what_o he_o be_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v which_o we_o can_v imagine_v ever_o to_o befall_v so_o perfect_a and_o immutable_a a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v 6._o perfect_a happiness_n imply_v in_o it_o the_o settle_a and_o secure_a possession_n of_o all_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n for_o if_o any_o of_o these_o be_v liable_a to_o fail_v or_o be_v diminish_v so_o much_o will_v be_v take_v
off_o from_o perfect_a and_o complete_a happiness_n if_o the_o deity_n be_v subject_a to_o any_o change_n or_o impairment_n of_o his_o condition_n so_o that_o either_o his_o knowledge_n or_o power_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o any_o other_o perfection_n can_v any_o way_n decline_v or_o fall_v off_o there_o will_v be_v a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o happiness_n and_o from_o all_o these_o do_v result_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o last_o place_n infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o happiness_n 1._o infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o condition_n and_o well_o may_v happiness_n be_v content_v with_o itself_o that_o be_v with_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o can_v neither_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v better_o nor_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v worse_o 2._o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v something_o more_o than_o contentment_n for_o one_o may_v be_v content_v with_o a_o affliction_n and_o painful_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o be_v far_o from_o take_v any_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n no_o affliction_n be_v joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o grievous_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 12._o but_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a happiness_n without_o pleasure_n in_o our_o condition_n full_a pleasure_n be_v a_o certain_a mixture_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n hard_o to_o be_v express_v in_o word_n but_o certain_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v according_a to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a work_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o particular_a citation_n of_o heathen_a author_n to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o deity_n beatissimam_fw-la &_o perfectissimam_fw-la naturam_fw-la the_o most_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o happy_a because_o felicity_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o perfection_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n out_o of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o they_o account_v happiness_n so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o take_v to_o find_v out_o what_o property_n be_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o what_o not_o to_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o happiness_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o whatever_o do_v signify_v happiness_n and_o be_v a_o perfection_n consistent_a with_o it_o they_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o a_o suitable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o whatever_o be_v otherwise_o they_o remove_v it_o from_o god_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2._o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o perfect_a felicity_n of_o it_o even_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o so_o bold_o attempt_v to_o strip_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o most_o of_o its_o perfection_n by_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n whereby_o he_o take_v away_o at_o once_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o his_o goodness_n likewise_o and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n or_o at_o least_o make_v all_o these_o useless_a by_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o man_n do_v frequent_o own_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o then_o out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o officious_a kindness_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o as_o he_o pretend_v for_o the_o security_n of_o his_o felicity_n do_v in_o effect_n take_v away_o his_o other_o perfection_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n put_v god_n to_o the_o trouble_v and_o burden_n of_o make_v the_o world_n or_o take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o lest_o this_o shall_v discompose_v the_o deity_n or_o be_v a_o interruption_n or_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n and_o felicity_n for_o thus_o lucretius_n the_o great_a disciple_n of_o epicurus_n describe_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la diuûm_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la natura_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la immortali_fw-la aevo_fw-la summâ_fw-la cum_fw-la pace_fw-la fruatur_fw-la semota_fw-la à _fw-la nostris_fw-la rebus_fw-la sejunctaque_fw-la longè_fw-la nam_fw-la privata_fw-la dolore_fw-la omni_fw-la privata_fw-la periclis_fw-la ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostrî_fw-la nec_fw-la benè_fw-la pro_fw-la meritis_fw-la capitur_fw-la nec_fw-la tangitur_fw-la irâ_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unconcern_v in_o our_o affair_n free_a from_o all_o grief_n and_o danger_n sufficient_a for_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o body_n neither_o please_v with_o our_o good_a action_n nor_o provoke_v by_o our_o fault_n this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a notion_n both_o of_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n to_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v to_o my_o present_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v universal_o own_v and_o that_o blessedness_n be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o whoever_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a as_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o text_n wherein_o this_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o happy_a or_o bless_a be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o by_o consequence_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n wherever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o these_o and_o of_o the_o infinite_a delight_n and_o complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o perfection_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n how_o far_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n because_o that_o result_v from_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o creature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a in_o a_o finite_a and_o limit_a degree_n by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o his_o favour_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v creature_n of_o a_o finite_a power_n and_o limit_v understanding_n and_o a_o mutable_a nature_n we_o do_v necessary_o want_v many_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n of_o a_o perfect_a happiness_n we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o be_v neither_o so_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o so_o by_o our_o own_o power_n for_o neither_o be_v we_o wise_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o direction_n nor_o good_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v by_o communication_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v by_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n these_o do_v immediate_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o we_o and_o his_o friendship_n and_o goodwill_n to_o
these_o can_v make_v they_o happy_a but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o embrace_v they_o they_o find_v that_o they_o be_v but_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a and_o substantial_a felicity_n in_o they_o many_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a mean_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n but_o will_v thou_o be_v happy_a indeed_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o the_o pattern_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o address_v thyself_o to_o he_o in_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o psalmist_n lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o upon_o i_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n and_o that_o shall_v put_v more_o joy_n and_o gladness_n into_o my_o heart_n than_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n can_v have_v when_o their_o corn_n and_o their_o wine_n increase_v many_o say_v lo_o here_o and_o lo_o there_o that_o happiness_n be_v in_o a_o great_a place_n or_o in_o a_o plentiful_a estate_n or_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n but_o believe_v they_o not_o happiness_n be_v something_o that_o be_v near_a and_o more_o intimate_a to_o we_o than_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v within_o thou_o in_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o very_a inward_a frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o thy_o mind_n in_o a_o word_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v happy_a we_o must_v be_v like_o the_o bless_a god_n we_o must_v be_v holy_a and_o merciful_a and_o good_a and_o just_a as_o he_o be_v and_o then_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o his_o favour_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n will_v behold_v the_o upright_a then_o we_o shall_v be_v qualify_v for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n be_v a_o similitude_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n every_o thing_n natural_o affect_v its_o own_o likeness_n and_o move_v towards_o it_o and_o greedy_o catch_v at_o it_o and_o glad_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n of_o it_o god_n and_o man_n must_v be_v like_o one_o another_o before_o they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o one_o another_o if_o we_o be_v unlike_a to_o god_n it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n impossible_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v a_o change_n either_o in_o god_n or_o we_o to_o bring_v about_o this_o likeness_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v inflexible_a fix_v and_o unchangeable_a therefore_o change_v thyself_o sinner_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n for_o since_o he_o can_v depart_v from_o his_o holiness_n and_o purity_n thou_o must_v leave_v thy_o sin_n and_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a if_o ever_o thou_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o he_o be_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o must_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a now_o to_o this_o happy_a and_o only_a potentate_n king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n and_o dwell_v in_o that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v to_o he_o be_v honour_n and_o power_n everlasting_a amen_n sermon_n iu._n vi_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n james_n i._n 17_o with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o whole_a period_n run_v thus_o do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o these_o word_n upon_o the_o former_a be_v brief_o this_o the_o apostle_n have_v assert_v before_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o evil_a v_o 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v untemptable_a by_o evil_n neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v aside_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n he_o assert_n that_o god_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o all_o good_a do_v not_o err_v my_o belove_a brethren_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v do_v not_o mistake_v i_o though_o sin_n and_o evil_a be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o from_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a heart_n yet_o all_o good_a be_v from_o god_n and_o not_o from_o ourselves_o though_o we_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o commit_v yet_o we_o be_v not_o so_o of_o the_o good_a that_o we_o do_v that_o be_v from_o god_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o and_o come_v down_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o evil_a and_o imperfection_n be_v not_o from_o god_n but_o whole_o from_o ourselves_o but_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_a be_v not_o from_o ourselves_o but_o from_o god_n we_o be_v neither_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a nor_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o perform_v it_o both_o the_o inclination_n and_o the_o power_n be_v from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n and_o perfection_n and_o can_v never_o be_v otherwise_o and_o can_v never_o change_v nor_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o for_o with_o he_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n all_o that_o goodness_n and_o all_o those_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a angel_n or_o saint_n in_o the_o best_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n or_o happiness_n in_o any_o of_o they_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v from_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o that_o perfect_a good_a and_o glorious_a be_v who_o the_o apostle_n here_o call_v the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o allusion_n to_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o universal_a benefactor_n to_o the_o world_n and_o liberal_o dispense_v his_o light_n and_o heat_n and_o influence_n upon_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o then_o there_o be_v this_o difference_n the_o sun_n change_v its_o habitude_n and_o position_n in_o reference_n to_o we_o and_o vary_v its_o shadow_n it_o rise_v and_o set_v come_v near_a to_o we_o and_o go_v far_a from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o with_o this_o intellectual_a and_o immaterial_a sun_n the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v all_o astronomical_a word_n the_o first_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o various_a habitude_n and_o position_n wherein_o the_o sun_n appear_v to_o we_o every_o day_n at_o its_o rise_n in_o the_o meridian_n and_o when_o it_o set_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o word_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o daily_a but_o to_o the_o yearly_a course_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v near_o to_o we_o or_o far_o from_o we_o as_o he_o approach_v near_a towards_o the_o northern_a or_o southern_a tropic_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o it_o cast_v several_a shadow_n to_o people_n in_o several_a country_n and_o agreeable_o to_o this_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cast_v of_o shadow_n be_v join_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v the_o variation_n of_o the_o shadow_n according_a to_o the_o course_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a spring_n of_o light_n which_o never_o rise_v or_o set_v which_o have_v no_o mixture_n of_o shadow_n nor_o darkness_n have_v no_o change_n nor_o variation_n but_o be_v always_o the_o same_o free_a and_o liberal_a dispenser_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v which_o word_n signify_v the_o immutable_a perfection_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o immutability_n or_o unchangeableness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n essential_a to_o god_n to_o be_v immutable_o what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v good_a and_o perfect_a three_o i_o shall_v answer_v a_o objection_n which_o lie_v against_o it_o from_o the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n repent_v himself_o and_o four_o apply_v the_o consideration_n of_o it_o
the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n fail_v not_o mat._n 3.6_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v so_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o he_o swear_v by_o this_o as_o denote_v not_o only_a his_o eternity_n but_o his_o unchangeableness_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n hither_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a god_n rom._n 1.23_o the_o immortal_a king_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o and_o be_v say_v only_o to_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 1.16_o and_o he_o be_v immutable_a likewise_o in_o his_o perfection_n hence_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o the_o psalm_n that_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o his_o righteousness_n likewise_o be_v say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o psal_n 111.3_o and_o psal_n 36.6_o to_o be_v like_o the_o great_a mountain_n not_o only_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a but_o firm_a and_o immovable_a and_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v say_v of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 117.2_o his_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o of_o his_o power_n esa·_n 26.4_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_n psal_n 33.11_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n esa_n 14.24_o sure_o as_o i_o have_v think_v so_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o as_o i_o have_v purpose_v so_o shall_v it_o stand_v numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o he_o have_v make_v any_o promise_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v firm_a and_o immutable_a psal_n 89.33_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n his_o covenant_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o themselves_o immutable_a but_o for_o our_o further_a assurance_n god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o oath_n the_o high_a sign_n of_o immutability_n so_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o chap._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n viz_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o oath_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o lie_v against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n repent_v himself_o as_o gen._n 6.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o repent_v god_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n 1_o sam._n 15.11_o that_o he_o repent_v that_o he_o have_v make_v saul_n king_n and_o 2_o sam._n 24.16_o when_o the_o angel_n have_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o psal_n 135.14_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o that_o he_o will_v repent_v himself_o concern_v his_o servant_n to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o as_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o out_o of_o levity_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n he_o do_v alter_v his_o mind_n but_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v that_o he_o make_v man_n or_o that_o he_o make_v saul_n king_n the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o they_o and_o it_o signify_v not_o that_o god_n be_v absolute_o deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n but_o that_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o all_o reasonable_a expectation_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n clothes_v god_n with_o the_o humane_a passion_n of_o repent_v and_o grieve_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v when_o they_o be_v great_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o expectation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v he_o of_o evil_n threaten_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o peremptory_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n that_o be_v he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o derogate_a from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n for_o when_o god_n do_v threaten_v he_o speak_v what_o he_o do_v real_o purpose_n and_o intend_v if_o something_o do_v not_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o inward_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n and_o unknown_a to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o urge_v we_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o god_n usual_o reserve_v such_o condition_n not_o only_o in_o his_o threaten_n but_o sometime_o also_o in_o his_o promise_n appear_v from_o that_o remarkable_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o the_o evil_a i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n than_o i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o and_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n the_o same_o prophet_n encourage_v the_o people_n to_o repenpentance_n jer._n 26.13_o therefore_o now_o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v pronounce_v against_o you_o and_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n the_o destruction_n whereof_o within_o forty_o day_n after_o god_n have_v open_o proclaim_v by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n jonah_n 3.10_o the_o man_n of_o niniveh_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o several_a good_a purpose_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o bad_a and_o good_a men._n first_o in_o regard_n to_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a men._n and_o 1_o st_z the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n let_v but_o the_o sinner_n consider_v what_o god_n be_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a nature_n must_v need_v terrify_v he_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n hab._n 1.12_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o just_a god_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a exod._n 34.7_o he_o be_v also_o omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o execute_v the_o vengeance_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n psal_n 90.11_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o
thou_o be_v angry_a psal_n 76.7_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v rev._n 18.8_o and_o which_o give_v a_o sad_a accent_n to_o all_o this_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a continue_v for_o ever_o the_o same_o and_o will_v never_o alter_v or_o put_v off_o any_o of_o these_o property_n will_v never_o cease_v to_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o let_v all_o obstinate_a sinner_n hear_v this_o and_o tremble_v you_o can_v be_v more_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o continue_v in_o your_o wicked_a way_n than_o god_n be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v you_o miserable_a if_o you_o be_v determine_v upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n god_n be_v also_o determine_v how_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o that_o his_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o you_o and_o that_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v light_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n he_o have_v confirm_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o this_o immutable_a sign_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v sinner_n may_v have_v strong_a terror_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o fly_v to_o any_o in_o hope_n of_o refuge_n 2_o lie_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n shall_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o urge_v sinner_n to_o repententance_n if_o they_o will_v but_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o he_o they_o will_v find_v he_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o submission_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o but_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n nothing_o then_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v they_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o they_o he_o be_v at_o a_o point_n he_o can_v change_v his_o nature_n nor_o will_v he_o alter_v the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v happy_a till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v and_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a by_o change_v god_n or_o by_o change_v ourselves_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o pure_a nature_n therefore_o we_o must_v depart_v from_o our_o sinful_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n can_v quit_v his_o holiness_n therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v our_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o change_n god_n therefore_o we_o must_v change_v ourselves_o rectify_v sinner_n thy_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v thy_o lust_n do_v not_o venture_v upon_o impossibility_n rather_o think_v of_o alter_v thy_o sinful_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_o immutable_a with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n have_v once_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o can_v go_v no_o low_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a second_o in_o reference_n to_o good_a man_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o the_o world_n their_o main_a comfort_n and_o hope_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.4_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n all_o who_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o truth_n and_o certainty_n all_o other_o support_n and_o hope_n may_v fail_v we_o but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n as_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal_n 89.33_o man_n may_v break_v their_o word_n and_o be_v less_o than_o their_o promise_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o change_n in_o god_n it_o be_v usual_o on_o the_o merciful_a side_n as_o when_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinful_a nation_n as_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o jer._n 18.7_o 8._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o when_o his_o faithful_a people_n and_o servant_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o appear_v for_o their_o rescue_n deut._n 32.36_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n and_o repent_v himself_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v that_o their_o power_n be_v go_v thus_o we_o shall_v comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v mutable_a and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o constant_a as_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o sure_a foundation_n as_o the_o earth_n yet_o these_o shall_v be_v change_v psal_n 102.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o old_a have_v thou_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v all_o of_o they_o shall_v wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o change_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n from_o whence_o the_o psalmist_n infer_v this_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n v_o 28_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v establish_v before_o thou_o nothing_o that_o be_v mutable_a can_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n man_n be_v inconstant_a and_o riches_n be_v uncertain_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o trust_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n he_o only_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o confidence_n when_o god_n will_v comfort_v the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n under_o their_o great_a oppression_n he_o bid_v moses_n only_o to_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o immutability_n exod._n 3.14_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o same_o saviour_n and_o their_o hope_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o all_o duration_n the_o same_o we_o be_v
continual_o change_v and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o we_o be_v some_o of_o we_o be_v young_a and_o now_o be_v old_a once_o perhaps_o flourish_v in_o great_a prosperity_n but_o now_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a be_v once_o strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o now_o sickly_a and_o weak_a it_o shall_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o these_o change_n that_o god_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o support_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n fail_v we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n youth_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o friend_n may_v forsake_v we_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o be_v old_a nor_o forsake_v we_o when_o our_o strength_n fail_v when_o our_o strength_n fail_v and_o our_o heart_n fail_v then_o be_v he_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o our_o great_a change_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o comfort_n the_o lord_n live_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n immutability_n shall_v keep_v we_o fix_v and_o unmoved_a in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o accident_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o surprise_v at_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o constant_a to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v sermon_n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o will_v and_o manner_n and_o power_n of_o act_v knowledge_n consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o wisdom_n consider_v the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n only_o imply_v his_o bare_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o his_o wisdom_n imply_v the_o skill_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n these_o word_n signify_v god_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o himself_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n second_o show_v the_o perfection_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n three_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o first_o because_o unless_o this_o be_v establish_v all_o divine_a revelation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unless_o natural_a reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o inquire_v after_o divine_a revelation_n for_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n credible_a two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o revealer_n ability_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o unless_o our_o reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o first_o condition_n be_v evident_o want_v viz._n ability_n and_o consequent_o the_o second_o integrity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v goodness_n and_o veracity_n without_o knowledge_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o such_o argument_n as_o our_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o we_o i_o have_v former_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o deny_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v attribute_v many_o other_o imperfection_n to_o god_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o these_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o god_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o knowledge_n excel_v ignorance_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n now_o whatever_o be_v perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 2._o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n the_o creator_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o our_o very_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v in_o god_n if_o he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n if_o he_o communicate_v this_o perfection_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o himself_o be_v much_o more_o possess_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o use_v this_o argument_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o as_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n do_v suggest_v to_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o men._n psal_n 94.8_o 9_o 10._o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v 3._o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n nothing_o will_v more_o eclipse_v the_o divine_a nature_n than_o to_o take_v away_o this_o perfection_n from_o it_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o universal_a obscurity_n upon_o god_n other_o perfection_n this_o will_v be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o morning_n into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o remove_v this_o perfection_n from_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v how_o to_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n to_o fit_a or_o suit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o we_o weaken_v his_o power_n what_o a_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n will_v power_n be_v without_o knowledge_n what_o irregular_a thing_n
his_o eye_n be_v always_o open_a and_o every_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o view_n of_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v more_o power_n than_o act_n it_o be_v not_o much_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o there_o be_v very_o little_a that_o we_o do_v actual_o know_v it_o be_v but_o one_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v fix_v our_o thought_n upon_o at_o once_o and_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o we_o can_v remove_v they_o to_o another_o object_n but_o then_o we_o must_v take_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o former_a and_o quit_v the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o actual_a and_o steady_a comprehension_n of_o thing_n he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a and_o all_o eye_n nothing_o can_v escape_v his_o sight_n but_o all_o object_n be_v at_o once_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n heb._n 4.13_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n but_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_v unto_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v 2._o god_n knowledge_n be_v a_o intimate_a and_o thorough_a knowledge_n whereby_o he_o know_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n it_o be_v but_o in_o part_n but_o outward_a and_o superficial_a our_o knowledge_n glide_v upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o thing_n but_o do_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o intimate_a nature_n of_o they_o it_o seldom_o reach_v further_a than_o the_o skin_n and_o outward_a appearance_n of_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o know_v thing_n in_o their_o reality_n but_o as_o they_o appear_v and_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o with_o all_o their_o mask_n and_o disguise_n but_o god_n know_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v 1_o sam._n 16.7_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n god_n know_v thing_n throughout_o all_o that_o can_v be_v know_v of_o they_o the_o quick_a and_o pierce_a eye_n of_o god_n penetrate_v into_o every_o thing_n the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n lay_v all_o thing_n open_a and_o naked_a heb._n 4.13_o in_o which_o expression_n the_o apostle_n allude_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n which_o be_v flay_v and_o cleave_v down_o the_o back_n bone_n that_o the_o priest_n may_v look_v into_o they_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v without_o blemish_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n most_o object_n be_v close_o and_o have_v their_o skin_n upon_o they_o but_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v uncover_v and_o dissect_v and_o he_o open_v to_o his_o view_n 3._o god_n knowledge_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a our_o understanding_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o great_a confusion_n we_o be_v often_o deceive_v with_o the_o near_a likeness_n and_o resemblance_n of_o thing_n and_o mistake_v one_o thing_n for_o another_o our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o a_o twilight_n which_o do_v not_o sufficient_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n from_o one_o another_o we_o see_v thing_n many_o time_n together_o and_o in_o a_o heap_n and_o do_v but_o know_v they_o in_o gross_a but_o there_o be_v no_o confusion_n in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n that_o be_v a_o clear_a light_n which_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a nearness_n and_o resemblance_n god_n have_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n luke_n 12.7_o even_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o the_o least_o consideration_n and_o have_v the_o great_a likeness_n to_o one_o another_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v several_o and_o distinct_o know_v to_o god_n 4._o god_n knowledge_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a we_o be_v subject_a to_o doubt_v and_o error_n in_o our_o understanding_n of_o thing_n every_o thing_n almost_o impose_v upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o tincture_n our_o mind_n and_o make_v we_o look_v on_o thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v our_o temper_n and_o complexion_n our_o education_n and_o prejudice_n our_o interest_n and_o advantage_n our_o humour_n and_o distemper_n these_o all_o misrepresent_v thing_n and_o darken_v our_o mind_n and_o seduce_v our_o judgement_n and_o betray_v we_o to_o error_n and_o mistake_n but_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v a_o clear_a fix_v constant_a and_o undisturbed_a light_n a_o pure_a mirror_n that_o receive_v no_o stain_n from_o affection_n or_o interest_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n man_n be_v many_o time_n confident_a and_o apt_a to_o impose_v upon_o other_o as_o if_o they_o be_v infallible_a but_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n the_o privilege_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v secure_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o error_n it_o be_v god_n only_o that_o can_v lie_v tit._n 1.2_o because_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v the_o infallibility_n of_o god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o veracity_n 5._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v easy_a and_o without_o difficulty_n we_o must_v dig_v deep_a for_o knowledge_n take_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n to_o know_v a_o little_a we_o do_v not_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n without_o search_n and_o study_v and_o great_a intention_n of_o mind_n we_o strive_v to_o comprehend_v some_o thing_n but_o they_o be_v so_o vast_a that_o we_o can_v other_o thing_n be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n that_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o discern_v they_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o little_a and_o small_a and_o nice_a that_o our_o understanding_n can_v lay_v hold_n of_o they_o we_o can_v contract_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o fasten_v upon_o they_o but_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o it_o nothing_o too_o great_a and_o vast_a for_o its_o comprehension_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n so_o little_a that_o it_o can_v escape_v his_o knowledge_n and_o animadversion_n the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o solomon_n be_v compare_v to_o the_o sand_n on_o the_o sea_n shore_n the_o shore_n be_v vast_a but_o the_o sand_n be_v little_a say_v one_o to_o signify_v that_o the_o vast_a mind_n of_o solomon_n do_v comprehend_v the_o least_o thing_n it_o be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o god_n his_o understanding_n be_v a_o vast_a comprehension_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a and_o all_o this_o god_n do_v without_o difficulty_n or_o pain_n he_o know_v all_o thing_n without_o study_n and_o his_o understanding_n be_v in_o continual_a exercise_n without_o weariness_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o which_o we_o can_v find_v out_o without_o search_n without_o look_v narrow_o into_o and_o bend_v our_o mind_n to_o understand_v they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v obvious_a to_o god_n and_o lie_v open_a to_o his_o view_n he_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o scripture_n to_o search_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o try_v the_o reins_o and_o to_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n but_o these_o expression_n do_v not_o signify_v the_o painfulness_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n that_o he_o know_v those_o thing_n as_o perfect_o as_o we_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n about_o which_o we_o use_v the_o great_a diligence_n and_o exactness_n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v universal_a and_o extend_v to_o all_o object_n we_o know_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n our_o ignorance_n be_v great_a than_o our_o knowledge_n maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la scimus_fw-la est_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la que_fw-la nescimus_fw-la but_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v vast_a and_o comprehensive_a and_o by_o a_o imperious_a view_n command_v all_o object_n he_o be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n he_o know_v himself_o and_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n 1_o cor._n 2.11_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n search_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n he_o know_v all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o all_o difference_n of_o time_n their_o power_n and_o quality_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a psal_n 147.5_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a he_o know_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v all_o infinite_a now_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a be_v incapable_a of_o any_o addition_n or_o diminution_n or_o change_n our_o finite_a understanding_n be_v liable_a to_o alteration_n they_o may_v grow_v or_o decline_v but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o full_a constant_a light_n it_o be_v always_o the_o same_o not_o liable_a to_o any_o eclipse_n nor_o capable_a of_o any_o exaltation_n or_o improvement_n but_o remain_v for_o ever_o the_o
same_o three_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n from_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n i._o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n 1._o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n call_v for_o our_o veneration_n every_o excellency_n command_v reverence_n and_o raise_v our_o admiration_n and_o none_o more_o than_o knowledge_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o value_v ourselves_o or_o other_o more_o by_o than_o this_o the_o high_a knowledge_n of_o man_n the_o most_o glorious_a understanding_n that_o ever_o any_o one_o of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o as_o a_o glow-worm_n to_o the_o sun_n if_o we_o admire_v these_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o shine_v so_o imperfect_o in_o the_o dark_a if_o we_o reverence_v a_o little_a knowledge_n compass_v about_o with_o ignorance_n how_o shall_v we_o admire_v the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o who_o be_v no_o darkness_n at_o all_o that_o knowledge_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o blemish_n or_o imperfection_n in_o it_o 2._o we_o may_v hence_o learn_v humility_n and_o that_o on_o this_o double_a account_n as_o we_o have_v all_o our_o knowledge_n from_o he_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v and_o as_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a when_o compare_v with_o the_o divine_a understanding_n we_o be_v blind_a and_o ignorant_a it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o we_o know_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o of_o those_o thing_n we_o do_v know_v our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v slight_a and_o superficial_a attend_v with_o much_o difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o attain_n of_o it_o and_o error_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o the_o clear_a reason_n and_o the_o bright_a understanding_n of_o man_n have_v many_o flaw_n and_o defect_n in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o know_v of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o the_o more_o humble_a we_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v a_o empty_a knowledge_n and_o false_o so_o call_v that_o puff_v up_o as_o the_o empty_a ear_n of_o corn_n be_v pert_a and_o raise_v up_o themselves_o but_o those_o which_o be_v big_a and_o full_a droop_v and_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n so_o it_o be_v only_a ignorance_n that_o be_v proud_a and_o lift_v man_n up_o but_o true_a knowledge_n make_v man_n humble_a 3._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n he_o know_v our_o want_n and_o weakness_n and_o will_v lay_v no_o more_o upon_o we_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v for_o he_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o dust_n he_o know_v the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o can_v when_o he_o please_v put_v a_o hook_n in_o their_o nose_n and_o his_o bridle_n in_o their_o lip_n as_o he_o do_v to_o senacherib_n 2_o king_n 19.28_o 1._o from_o god_n know_v our_o secret_a action_n i_o infer_v 1._o if_o god_n see_v our_o most_o secret_a action_n this_o discover_v and_o confute_v the_o secret_a atheism_n of_o many_o he_o that_o commit_v the_o most_o secret_a sin_n deny_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n thus_o david_n describe_v the_o atheism_n of_o some_o in_o his_o day_n he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v god_n be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n as_o deny_v that_o it_o shine_v and_o enlighten_v the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o relic_n of_o this_o even_a in_o the_o best_a man_n which_o do_v at_o sometime_o discover_v themselves_o psal_n 73.10_o 11._o therefore_o his_o people_n return_v hither_o and_o water_n of_o a_o full_a cup_n be_v wring_v out_o to_o they_o and_o they_o say_v how_o do_v god_n know_v be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n come_v to_o this_o when_o they_o be_v come_v to_o a_o afflict_a state_n and_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o wicked_a man_n they_o come_v to_o this_o to_o question_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n whether_o he_o take_v knowledge_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o atheism_n reign_v in_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n they_o live_v in_o the_o denial_n of_o god_n omniscience_n for_o do_v man_n real_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v in_o secret_a that_o his_o eye_n perceive_v the_o darkness_n and_o lay_v open_a and_o naked_a all_o thing_n before_o it_o how_o dare_v they_o lie_v and_o steal_v and_o swear_v false_o vain_a man_n why_o do_v thou_o seek_v darkness_n and_o retirement_n how_o be_v thou_o alone_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v every_o where_o how_o can_v thou_o retire_v from_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o shut_v he_o out_o if_o thou_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v light_a what_o security_n be_v darkness_n to_o thou_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o thou_o who_o be_v the_o great_a and_o best_a person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v thy_o sovereign_n thy_o judge_n thy_o father_n and_o thy_o master_n and_o thy_o best_a friend_n for_o we_o use_v to_o reverence_v person_n under_o these_o notion_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v vile_a and_o unseemly_a before_o they_o if_o he_o who_o be_v all_o this_o look_v upon_o thou_o why_o be_v thou_o not_o ashamed_a why_o do_v not_o thy_o blood_n rise_v in_o thy_o face_n why_o shall_v not_o shame_n and_o fear_v work_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n see_v we_o as_o if_o man_n do_v behold_v we_o for_o this_o that_o god_n see_v thou_o be_v a_o great_a surprise_n and_o discovery_n and_o threaten_v thou_o with_o more_o danger_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n stand_v by_o thou_o 2._o live_v as_o those_o that_o believe_v this_o be_v continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a and_o exact_a notice_n of_o all_o thy_o action_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o will_v have_v a_o double_a influence_n upon_o we_o it_o will_v encourage_v we_o in_o well-doing_n and_o be_v a_o restraint_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o sin_n sic_fw-la vivamus_fw-la tanquam_fw-la in_o conspectu_fw-la vivamus_fw-la sen._n it_o be_v well_o if_o man_n will_v live_v as_o if_o any_o body_n see_v they_o but_o to_o live_v as_o if_o some_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a person_n be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o and_o do_v observe_v we_o this_o will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a curb_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n of_o that_o ugliness_n and_o deformity_n that_o a_o man_n will_v not_o commit_v they_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o any_o one_o of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n and_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o such_o worth_a and_o reverence_n quorum_fw-la interventu_fw-la perditi_fw-la quoque_fw-la homines_fw-la vitia_fw-la supprimerent_fw-la epicurus_n have_v this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v advise_v other_o so_o to_o act_v as_o if_o he_o stand_v by_o fac_fw-la omne_fw-la tanquam_fw-la spectet_fw-la epicurus_n but_o seneca_n instance_v much_o better_a in_o cato_n or_o scipio_n or_o laelius_n ut_fw-la sic_fw-la tanquam_fw-la illo_fw-la spectante_fw-la vivamus_fw-la and_o shall_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v a_o eternal_a restraint_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v david_n course_n to_o keep_v himself_o from_o sin_n psal_n 39.1_o i_o will_v take_v heed_n to_o my_o way_n while_o the_o wicked_a be_v before_o i_o how_o much_o more_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n i_o have_v keep_v thy_o precept_n and_o thy_o testimony_n for_o all_o my_o way_n be_v before_o thou_o psal_n 119.168_o and_o it_o be_v wise_o advise_v by_o seneca_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o live_v when_o we_o be_v among_o man_n as_o believe_v god_n see_v we_o and_o when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o he_o see_v we_o let_v we_o behave_v ourselves_o before_o he_o as_o if_o man_n do_v stare_v upon_o we_o iii_o god_n knowledge_n of_o the_o heart_n teach_v we_o 1._o the_o folly_n of_o hypocrisy_n how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o that_o outward_o which_o inward_o and_o in_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v not_o to_o put_v on_o a_o mask_n of_o religion_n and_o paint_v ourselves_o beautiful_o without_o when_o inward_o we_o be_v full_a of_o rottenness_n and_o uncleanness_n to_o honour_n god_n with_o our_o lip_n when_o our_o heart_n be_v far_o from_o he_o if_o we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a wise_a way_n for_o there_o be_v danger_n of_o discovery_n even_o from_o they_o
of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o contrary_a be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n therefore_o wisdom_n belong_v to_o god_n among_o man_n folly_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a defect_n it_o be_v account_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o disgrace_n than_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v of_o so_o ill_a a_o report_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v account_v knave_n than_o fool_n but_o in_o a_o true_a esteem_n and_o value_v of_o thing_n it_o be_v next_o to_o wickedness_n the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wisdom_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n next_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v usual_o more_o cry_v up_o in_o the_o world_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n eccl._n 2.13_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v eccl._n 8.1_o wisdom_n be_v a_o defence_n 7.12_o and_o v_o 19_o wisdom_n strengthen_v the_o wise_a more_o than_o ten_o mighty_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n it_o will_v be_v a_o universal_a blemish_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o god_n how_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a will_v power_n be_v without_o wisdom_n what_o irregular_a thing_n will_v it_o produce_v what_o untoward_a combination_n of_o effect_n will_v there_o be_v if_o infinite_a power_n shall_v act_v without_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n it_o will_v eclipse_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wheel_n as_o the_o prophet_n represent_v god_n providence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counsel_n no_o forecast_a no_o orderly_a government_n of_o the_o world_n without_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v not_o shine_v with_o that_o lustre_n be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o wisdom_n which_o do_v illustrate_v these_o with_o so_o much_o advantage_n i_o need_v not_o bring_v testimony_n from_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v this_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o expression_n of_o their_o admiration_n of_o god_n wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o quotation_n of_o particular_a testimony_n epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a wise_a be_v because_o he_o make_v he_o happy_a which_o can_v be_v without_o wisdom_n though_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o other_o evidence_n of_o his_o wisdom_n aristotle_n seem_v to_o have_v suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a result_n and_o emanation_n from_o god_n but_o then_o the_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n do_v suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o free_a product_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o from_o scripture_n job_n 9.4_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n 36.5_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n dan._n 2.20_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o wisdom_n and_o might_n be_v he_o hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n rom._n 16.27_o and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o who_o communicate_v and_o bestow_v it_o upon_o his_o creature_n dan._n 2.21_o james_n 1.5_o and_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o jer._n 10.12_o who_o have_v establish_v the_o world_n by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n by_o his_o discretion_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n dan._n 2.20_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n be_v his_o and_o he_o change_v time_n and_o season_n he_o remove_v king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.24_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.10_o if_o then_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a the_o original_a and_o only_a fountain_n of_o it_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v first_o to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o conceit_a man_n that_o think_v they_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o want_v wisdom_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o so_o proud_a and_o conceit_a that_o they_o think_v that_o they_o lack_v nothing_o those_o be_v stark_a fool_n and_o god_n resist_v such_o foolish_a and_o proud_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n come_v to_o god_n he_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n of_o man_n lest_o they_o shall_v contemn_v and_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o folly_n man_n be_v envious_a and_o unwilling_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v as_o wise_a as_o themselves_o but_o god_n goodness_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o impart_v wisdom_n he_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o get_v wisdom_n wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n it_o be_v better_a than_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o high_a value_n among_o man_n as_o solomon_n often_o make_v the_o comparison_n now_o because_o it_o come_v down_o from_o above_o we_o shall_v look_v up_o for_o it_o it_o be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o wise_a counsel_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n therefore_o we_o shall_v beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o eph._n 1.17_o 2._o if_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a in_o such_o a_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n then_o let_v we_o be_v humble_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o boast_v see_v we_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o low_a instance_n the_o least_o specimen_fw-la of_o divine_a wisdom_n outshine_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n 1_o cor._n 1.25_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n jer._n 9.29_o of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v proud_a of_o wisdom_n the_o proud_a man_n throw_v down_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n by_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v it_o no_o such_o evidence_n of_o our_o folly_n as_o as_o a_o conceit_n that_o we_o be_v wise_a sapientis_fw-la animus_n nunquam_fw-la turgescit_fw-la nunquam_fw-la tumet_fw-la cic._n to_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o wisdom_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o folly_n make_v manifest_a god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o wisdom_n into_o foolishness_n 3._o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v communicable_a the_o great_a wisdom_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v wise_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 16.19_o that_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a in_o time_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o eternity_n to_o think_v of_o our_o latter_a end_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o obey_v he_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a to_o receive_v instruction_n and_o to_o win_v soul_n these_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o wisdom_n when_o job_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v by_o man_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o wisdom_n be_v which_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o worldly_a end_n and_o purpose_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o wise_a to_o get_v riches_n and_o to_o ascend_v to_o honour_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o we_o be_v to_o
labour_v after_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short-witted_n prudence_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n without_o any_o prospect_n to_o the_o future_a without_o regard_n to_o the_o next_o world_n and_o the_o eternity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o live_v in_o this_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o a_o moment_n and_o fool_n for_o ever_o 4._o if_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a then_o put_v your_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o who_o shall_v we_o trust_v rather_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o manage_v and_o direct_v infinite_a goodness_n and_o power_n in_o all_o case_n of_o difficulty_n trust_v he_o for_o direction_n acknowledge_v he_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n that_o he_o may_v direct_v thy_o step_n commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o wisdom_n that_o will_v prove_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o as_o our_o own_o wisdom_n be_v a_o break_a reed_n so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o other_o man_n isa_n 31.1_o 2._o god_n curse_v they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n but_o look_v not_o to_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n neither_o seek_v the_o lord_n yet_o he_o also_o be_v wise_a say_v the_o prophet_n 5._o let_v we_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n and_o with_o daniel_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o wisdom_n and_o might_n be_v he_o veneration_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n we_o reverence_v any_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o wisdom_n in_o man_n but_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v perfect_a and_o infinite_a be_v matter_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o blessing_n and_o praise_n thanksgiving_n respect_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v but_o we_o bless_v god_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v any_o excellency_n for_o as_o god_n blessing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v we_o good_a so_o our_o blessing_n he_o be_v to_o speak_v good_a of_o he_o and_o as_o all_o god_n perfection_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o blessing_n so_o more_o especial_o his_o wisdom_n be_v of_o our_o praise_n for_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wise_a design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o other_o particular_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o wise_a god_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v style_v our_o saviour_n which_o some_o understand_v of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bring_v this_o place_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v his_o divinity_n and_o if_o that_o be_v so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o dominion_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a be_v but_o although_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o part_v with_o any_o place_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n yet_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o plain_a text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o stretch_v doubtful_a place_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o title_n of_o saviour_n be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n the_o father_n beside_o that_o in_o a_o very_a ancient_n and_o authentic_a copy_n we_o find_v the_o word_n read_v somewhat_o otherwise_o and_o so_o as_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n have_v premise_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v first_o god_n glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o then_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n first_o god_n glory_n and_o majesty_n by_o majesty_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o greatness_n or_o eminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o result_v from_o his_o perfection_n and_o whereby_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v set_v and_o place_v infinite_o above_o all_o other_o being_n i_o say_v the_o eminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o result_v from_o his_o perfection_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o great_a perfection_n his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o holiness_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o a_o just_a acknowledgement_n and_o due_a opinion_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o power_n and_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n and_o his_o goodness_n be_v call_v his_o glory_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n glory_n and_o majesty_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o these_o belong_v to_o god_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o heathen_n do_v constant_o ascribe_v greatness_n to_o god_n and_o that_o as_o result_v chief_o from_o his_o goodness_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o frequent_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o attribute_n goodness_n and_o greatness_n opt._n max._n be_v their_o most_o familiar_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v that_o know_a place_n of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la dein_fw-ge reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la 2._o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o produce_v all_o those_o text_n wherein_o greatness_n and_o glory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o deut._n 10.17_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o great_a god_n psal_n 24.10_o he_o be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n 104_o 1._o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o honour_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o doxology_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n wherein_o greatness_n and_o glory_n and_o majesty_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o person_n great_a and_o glorious_a and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o majesty_n viz._n real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o particular_o that_o kind_n of_o excellency_n which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o a_o very_a eminent_a degree_n and_o that_o be_v goodness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o advance_v a_o person_n and_o give_v he_o a_o pre-eminency_n above_o all_o other_o this_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v aristotle_n tell_v we_o that_o honour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o esteem_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o person_n for_o his_o goodness_n for_o say_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o high_a glory_n god_n goodness_n be_v his_o high_a glory_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o glorious_a in_o any_o creature_n as_o herein_o to_o be_v like_o god_n 2._o let_v we_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n deut._n 32.3_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o power_n psal_n 29.1_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n call_v for_o our_o esteem_n and_o honour_n our_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o spirit_n by_o a_o inward_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o thought_n of_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o he_o his_o excellency_n shall_v make_v we_o afraid_a and_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o saucy_a boldness_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o reverence_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o meanness_n and_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n with_o outward_a worship_n and_o adoration_n that_o be_v by_o all_o external_a signification_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n and_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n the_o high_a glory_n a_o creature_n can_v give_v to_o god_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o satis_fw-la illos_fw-la coluit_fw-la quisquis_fw-la imitatus_fw-la est_fw-la sen._n hereby_o we_o manifest_a and_o show_v forth_o his_o excellency_n to_o the_o world_n when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o in_o case_n of_o
sin_n and_o provocation_n we_o be_v to_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n by_o repentance_n which_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o holiness_n who_o hate_v sin_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n which_o will_v punish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o pardon_v it_o for_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o pass_v by_o a_o provocation_n 3._o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n of_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o glory_n by_o give_v it_o to_o any_o creature_n by_o ascribe_v those_o title_n or_o that_o worship_n to_o any_o creature_n which_o be_v due_a to_o god_n alone_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o second_o commandment_n i_o the_o lord_n be_o a_o jealous_a god_n god_n be_v jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o glory_n to_o another_o nor_o his_o praise_n to_o grave_a image_n isa_n 42.8_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n reprove_v the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_n because_o thereby_o they_o debase_v the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o do_v show_v they_o have_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o he_o rom._n 1.21_o 23._o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n hereby_o they_o deny_v the_o glorious_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o so_o incapable_a of_o be_v represent_v by_o any_o material_a or_o sensible_a image_n second_o i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n by_o these_o we_o mean_v the_o full_a and_o absolute_a right_n and_o title_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v to_o and_o over_o all_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o creature_n and_o make_v by_o he_o and_o this_o right_n result_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o goodness_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v make_v from_o whence_o there_o do_v accrue_v to_o god_n a_o sovereign_n right_a and_o title_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o a_o full_a and_o absolute_a authority_n over_o they_o that_o be_v such_o a_o right_n and_o authority_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o superior_a nor_o be_v subject_a and_o accountable_a to_o any_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v to_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v summum_fw-la imperium_fw-la because_o there_o be_v no_o power_n above_o it_o to_o check_v or_o control_v it_o and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o this_o and_o it_o be_v absolute_a because_o all_o the_o creature_n have_v what_o they_o have_v from_o god_n and_o all_o depend_v upon_o his_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o they_o owe_v all_o possible_a duty_n and_o perpetual_a subjection_n so_o long_o as_o they_o continue_v in_o be_v because_o it_o be_v sole_o by_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o continue_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o right_o or_o title_n any_o one_o can_v pretend_v to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v to_o all_o thing_n in_o deo_fw-la omnes_fw-la tituli_fw-la omne_fw-la jura_fw-la concurrunt_fw-la so_o that_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n signify_v a_o full_a right_n and_o title_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o they_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o deal_v with_o they_o in_o any_o way_n he_o please_v that_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o his_o essential_a dignity_n and_o perfection_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o for_o our_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o the_o prevent_n of_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o fall_v into_o about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n i_o will_v show_v i._n wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v and_o ii_o wherein_o it_o do_v consist_v i._o wherein_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v 1._o not_o in_o a_o right_a to_o gratify_v and_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o extreme_a misery_n of_o innocent_a and_o undeserving_a creature_n i_o say_v not_o in_o a_o right_a for_o the_o right_n that_o god_n have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v found_v in_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o obligation_n they_o have_v to_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n now_o there_o be_v none_o who_o because_o he_o have_v do_v a_o benefit_n can_v have_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o a_o right_a to_o do_v a_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o good_a which_o he_o have_v do_v amount_n to_o and_o i_o think_v it_o next_o to_o madness_n to_o doubt_v whether_o extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n be_v not_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o simple_a be_v be_v a_o good_n i_o know_v they_o call_v it_o physical_a 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in_o the_o entrance_n upon_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o question_n concern_v providence_n do_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n as_o principle_n already_o know_v and_o grant_v before_o we_o come_v to_o dispute_v of_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o argue_v about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o those_o who_o question_n his_o be_v and_o whether_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o but_o suppose_v these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o make_v the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o credible_a that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o one_o of_o the_o noble_a part_n of_o it_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n for_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o who_o employ_v so_o much_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o raise_n of_o this_o great_a and_o magnificent_a pile_n and_o furnish_v every_o part_n of_o it_o with_o such_o variety_n of_o creature_n so_o exquisite_o and_o so_o wise_o fit_v for_o the_o use_n and_o service_n of_o one_o another_o shall_v so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v perfect_v it_o forsake_v his_o own_o workmanship_n and_o take_v no_o far_o care_n of_o it_o especial_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v to_o he_o either_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o or_o to_o interpose_v for_o the_o regulate_v of_o any_o disorder_n that_o may_v happen_v for_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n can_v do_v this_o with_o all_o imaginable_a ease_n know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o its_o own_o happiness_n and_o this_o have_v always_o be_v the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n and_o observe_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o he_o please_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o epicurean_o do_v deny_v 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saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n providence_n extend_v to_o the_o least_o and_o most_o inconsiderable_a creature_n to_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n mat._n 6.30_o to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o that_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o even_o to_o the_o sparrow_n two_o of_o which_o be_v sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o god_n mat._n 10.29_o much_o more_o do_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o man_n which_o be_v creature_n far_o more_o considerable_a and_o to_o the_o very_a lest_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o we_o to_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n which_o be_v all_o number_v the_o low_a instance_n that_o can_v be_v think_v on_o so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n own_v a_o more_o general_a providence_n and_o divine_a revelation_n have_v rectify_v those_o imperfect_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v about_o it_o and_o have_v satisfy_v we_o that_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o particular_n and_o even_o to_o the_o least_o thing_n and_o most_o inconsiderable_a and_o this_o be_v no_o way_n incredible_a consider_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o god_n can_v with_o as_o much_o and_o great_a ease_n take_v care_n of_o every_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v do_v of_o any_o one_o thing_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n man_n therefore_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o the_o good_a they_o want_v and_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o evil_n they_o fear_v because_o they_o believe_v that_o he_o always_o regard_v and_o hear_v they_o man_n therefore_o make_v conscience_n of_o their_o duty_n because_o they_o believe_v god_n observe_v they_o and_o will_v reward_v and_o punish_v their_o good_a and_o evil_a deed_n so_o that_o take_v away_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o we_o pull_v down_o one_o of_o the_o main_a pillar_n upon_o which_o religion_n stand_v we_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a comfort_n and_o best_a refuge_n in_o the_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o of_o all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n the_o most_o irregular_a and_o intractable_a piece_n of_o god_n creation_n yet_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n make_v man_n a_o free_a creature_n and_o capable_a of_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o intend_v this_o present_a life_n for_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n in_o order_n to_o another_o where_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o their_o action_n here_o and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o many_o of_o the_o evil_n and_o disorder_n which_o god_n permit_v to_o happen_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v overrule_v by_o he_o to_o a_o great_a good_a and_o be_v make_v many_o time_n to_o serve_v wise_a and_o excellent_a purpose_n and_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o visible_o and_o remarkable_o interpose_v for_o the_o prevention_n and_o remedy_n of_o great_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n i_o say_v consider_v all_o this_o it_o be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o permit_v many_o of_o those_o irregularity_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o suffer_v the_o fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n to_o be_v so_o cross_a and_o unequal_a in_o this_o life_n for_o suppose_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o man_n shall_v come_v to_o a_o account_n and_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o his_o action_n there_o will_v then_o be_v a_o proper_a season_n and_o full_a opportunity_n of_o set_v all_o thing_n straight_o and_o no_o man_n shall_v have_v reason_n then_o either_o to_o glory_n in_o his_o wickedness_n or_o to_o complain_v of_o his_o suffering_n in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o first_o that_o god_n providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o interest_n itself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v cast_v our_o particular_a care_n upon_o he_o who_o have_v undertake_v the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v more_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o he_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a and_o especial_a care_n of_o they_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o to_o christian_n cast_v all_o your_o care_n on_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o you_o and_o this_o david_n limit_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o good_a man_n cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o
of_o this_o design_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o fit_a mean_n to_o end_n and_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o end_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o find_v out_o suitable_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o end_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o redemption_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n and_o what_o fit_n and_o proper_a and_o suitable_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n which_o be_v very_o sad_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o man_n who_o be_v make_v holy_a and_o upright_a by_o god_n have_v by_o his_o voluntary_a transgression_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n fall_v from_o he_o do_v present_o sink_v into_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a and_o curse_a condition_n of_o which_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n man_n be_v become_v a_o sinner_n be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o his_o justice_n here_o be_v his_o misery_n 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o man_n can_v not_o recover_v himself_o and_o raise_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o own_o ruin_n no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o our_o help_n be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v our_o ruin_n nor_o delight_n in_o our_o destruction_n but_o suppose_v his_o mercy_n never_o so_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o will_v not_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n check_v those_o forward_a inclination_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n have_v not_o he_o declare_v his_o infinite_a hatred_n of_o it_o have_v not_o he_o threaten_v it_o with_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o say_v that_o the_o sinner_n shall_v die_v that_o he_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a shall_v he_o now_o without_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o offend_a justice_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n remit_v his_o punishment_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o favour_n will_v this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n will_v this_o become_v the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o order_n who_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o discountenance_v sin_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o conflict_n of_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n pity_v our_o misery_n and_o will_v recover_v we_o will_v open_v paradise_n to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o flame_a sword_n that_o keep_v we_o out_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o god_n that_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o if_o he_o take_v vengeance_n of_o we_o we_o be_v eternal_o ruin_v if_o he_o spare_v we_o how_o shall_v mercy_n and_o justice_n meet_v together_o how_o shall_v god_n at_o once_o express_v his_o love_n to_o the_o sinner_n and_o his_o hatred_n to_o sin_n here_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o case_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v what_o mean_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n use_v for_o our_o recovery_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v this_o expedient_a to_o accommodate_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v undertake_v this_o work_n and_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o repair_v the_o ruine_a nature_n of_o man._n he_o shall_v bring_v god_n and_o man_n together_o make_v up_o this_o gulf_n and_o renew_v the_o commerce_n and_o correspondence_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o be_v break_v off_o by_o sin_n the_o work_n that_o god_n design_n be_v the_o redemption_n of_o man_n that_o be_v his_o recovery_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o engage_v in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o so_o as_o to_o purchase_v our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o so_o as_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o open_v of_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o person_n his_o dearness_n to_o his_o father_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o undertake_v this_o work_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o two_o head_n his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o these_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n i._o the_o humiliation_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n his_o incarnation_n his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n 1._o his_o incarnation_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o several_a expression_n his_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o john_n 1.14_o his_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 1.3_o his_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4.4_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o his_o take_a part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n heb._n 2.14_o his_o take_n on_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2.16_o 17._o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o john_n 2.2_o all_o which_o signify_v his_o take_n upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v real_o a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n take_v our_o nature_n that_o be_v assume_v a_o real_a soul_n and_o body_n into_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o this_o person_n who_o be_v real_o both_o god_n and_o man_n be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o general_n this_o make_v he_o a_o fit_a mediator_n a_o equal_a and_o middle_a person_n to_o interpose_v in_o this_o difference_n and_o take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o man._n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n he_o be_v concern_v for_o both_o party_n and_o interest_v both_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o both_o and_o to_o procure_v the_o one_o by_o such_o way_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o other_o more_o particular_o his_o incarnation_n do_v fit_v he_o for_o those_o two_o office_n which_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o his_o humiliation_n of_o prophet_n and_o priest_n 1._o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n to_o teach_v we_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n by_o his_o doctrine_n his_o be_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n this_o make_v he_o more_o familiar_a to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n raise_v up_o from_o among_o his_o brethren_n as_o moses_n speak_v and_o he_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o shall_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v he_o and_o live_v god_n condescend_v to_o we_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o and_o then_o his_o be_v god_n do_v add_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v he_o can_v confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v by_o miracle_n of_o his_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v present_o 2._o for_o the_o office_n of_o priest_n he_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v our_o priest_n because_o he_o be_v take_v from_o among_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v fit_a to_o suffer_v as_o be_v man_n have_v a_o body_n prepare_v as_o it_o be_v heb._n 10.5_o and_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v by_o his_o suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o man_n as_o be_v god_n which_o put_v a_o infinite_a dignity_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o offence_n do_v
minister_n of_o god_n say_v he_o must_v be_v without_o house_n and_o harbour_n and_o worldly_a accommodation_n must_v be_v arm_v with_o such_o patience_n for_o the_o great_a suffering_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n and_o devoid_a of_o sense_n he_o must_v be_v a_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a heathen_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o improper_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o serve_v a_o further_a end_n which_o they_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n second_o his_o exaltation_n the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o sit_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o perfect_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o design_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v rom._n 1.4_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o great_a miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o exaltation_n they_o do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n the_o expectation_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n act_n 17.30_o 31._o and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o design_n of_o admirable_a wisdom_n the_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o uunreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impenitency_n first_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n luke_n 7.30_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o a_o design_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o can_v disbelieve_v it_o be_v desperate_a person_n devote_v to_o ruin_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n carry_v so_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o any_o but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o look_v narrow_o into_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o nay_o shall_v discover_v in_o it_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o believe_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o advantage_n now_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o do_v at_o once_o high_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o i._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a and_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n have_v incomparable_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o advance_v piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n among_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o religion_n advance_v these_o the_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a incitement_n and_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n now_o the_o gospel_n represent_v all_o these_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 1._o it_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n especial_o those_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n 1._o his_o justice_n the_o gospel_n represent_v it_o inflexible_a in_o its_o right_n and_o inexorable_a and_o that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n that_o when_o god_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v punish_v sin_n so_o severe_o in_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v the_o surety_n now_o what_o can_v more_o tend_v to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o 2._o his_o mercy_n this_o dispensation_n be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o in_o save_v we_o by_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v he_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n rom._n 5.8_o but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n now_o this_o representation_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o melt_v our_o heart_n into_o love_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o have_v make_v clear_a and_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o have_v open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n wrath_n so_o that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n hell_n be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o engine_n to_o destroy_v sin_n rom._n 1.16_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n 3._o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o former_a render_v the_o gospel_n the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v once_o awaken_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o way_n to_o encourage_v obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v hope_n of_o
reward_n now_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o retreat_n and_o draw_v back_o from_o sin_n the_o gospel_n promise_v pardon_n and_o indemnity_n to_o we_o and_o as_o a_o incitement_n to_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n open_v heaven_n to_o we_o and_o set_v before_o we_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a in_o that_o it_o do_v eminent_o and_o direct_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n ii_o this_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o unbelief_n this_o design_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o desirable_a to_o we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o because_o of_o the_o eminent_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o we_o by_o it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o deliver_v from_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o satan_n to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o by_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o real_a advantage_n which_o be_v not_o comprehend_v in_o this_o be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o every_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o way_n whereby_o our_o guilty_a conscience_n may_v be_v quiet_v and_o appease_v whereby_o we_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o hell_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o slavery_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o rescue_v from_o the_o tyranny_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a destroyer_n of_o soul_n be_v it_o not_o desirable_a to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n who_o be_v the_o best_a friend_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a enemy_n and_o to_o be_v secure_v that_o when_o we_o leave_v this_o world_n we_o shall_v be_v unspeakable_o happy_a for_o ever_o now_o the_o gospel_n convey_v these_o benefit_n to_o we_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a and_o exceed_o for_o our_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v so_o averse_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o why_o shall_v unbelief_n be_v count_v a_o piece_n of_o wit_n be_v it_o wit_n to_o set_v ourselves_o against_o reason_n and_o to_o oppose_v our_o best_a interest_n it_o be_v wickedness_n and_o prejudice_n and_o inconsiderateness_n which_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n those_o who_o do_v consider_v thing_n welcome_v this_o good_a news_n and_o embrace_v these_o glad_a tiding_n wisdom_n be_v justify_v of_o her_o child_n to_o they_o who_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o willing_a to_o accept_v of_o reasonable_a evidence_n this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o true_a say_n but_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n second_o this_o do_v convince_v man_n of_o the_o madness_n and_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v contrive_v such_o a_o way_n of_o our_o recovery_n and_o by_o the_o declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n have_v give_v we_o such_o argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o by_o discover_v a_o way_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n have_v give_v we_o such_o encouragement_n to_o repentance_n how_o great_a must_v the_o folly_n of_o impenitency_n be_v for_o consider_v 1._o that_o impenitency_n direct_o set_v itself_o against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n we_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o ourselves_o we_o despise_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o charge_n that_o with_o folly_n and_o we_o do_v it_o against_o ourselves_o to_o our_o own_o injury_n and_o ruin_n if_o we_o live_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o cherish_v our_o lust_n we_o direct_o oppose_v the_o end_n of_o our_o redemtion_n we_o contradict_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o contemn_v the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o god_n wisdom_n who_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v sin_n for_o we_o uphold_v that_o which_o he_o come_v to_o destroy_v 1_o john_n 3.5_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n now_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n when_o we_o know_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o sin_n god_n can_v but_o take_v it_o very_o ill_a at_o our_o hand_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v out_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o this_o design_n for_o we_o to_o go_v about_o to_o defeat_v he_o in_o it_o this_o be_v at_o once_o to_o be_v unthankful_a to_o god_n and_o injurious_a to_o ourselves_o it_o be_v such_o a_o madness_n as_o if_o a_o condemn_a man_n shall_v despise_v a_o pardon_n as_o if_o a_o prisoner_n shall_v be_v fond_a of_o his_o fetter_n and_o refuse_v deliverance_n as_o if_o a_o man_n desperate_o sick_a shall_v fight_v with_o his_o physician_n and_o put_v away_o health_n from_o he_o if_o we_o do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o have_v contrive_v our_o recovery_n we_o forsake_v our_o own_o mercy_n and_o neglect_v a_o great_a salvation_n we_o love_v death_n and_o hate_v our_o own_o soul_n prov._n 8.14_o 15_o 16._o 2._o consider_v we_o can_v expect_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o for_o our_o recovery_n than_o have_v be_v already_o do_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v not_o try_v any_o further_a mean_n mat._n 21.37_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v his_o son_n if_o we_o despise_v this_o way_n if_o we_o tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n there_o will_v remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n heb._n 10.26_o 29._o what_o can_v expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o what_o shall_v take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n what_o shall_v sanctify_v we_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v ineffectual_a we_o resist_v our_o last_o remedy_n and_o make_v void_a the_o best_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n if_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o continue_v in_o our_o sin_n 3._o if_o we_o frustrate_v this_o design_n of_o god_n wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n our_o ruin_n will_v be_v the_o more_o dreadful_a and_o certain_a impenitency_n under_o the_o gospel_n will_v increase_v our_o misery_n if_o christ_n have_v not_o come_v we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o now_o have_v but_o now_o our_o sin_n remain_v and_o there_o be_v no_o cloak_n for_o our_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o preface_n any_o thing_n by_o way_n of_o excuse_n or_o apology_n for_o our_o impenitency_n what_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n when_o that_o shall_v condemn_v we_o who_o reject_v his_o wisdom_n which_o will_v have_v save_v we_o we_o will_v all_o be_v save_v but_o we_o will_v be_v save_v without_o repentance_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v not_o find_v out_o any_o other_o way_n to_o save_v we_o from_o hell_n but_o by_o save_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o thou_o that_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o method_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n take_v thy_o course_n and_o let_v we_o see_v how_o thou_o will_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n i_o will_v conclude_v all_o with_o those_o dreadful_a word_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n pronounce_v against_o those_o that_o despise_v she_o and_o refuse_v to_o hearken_v to_o her_o voice_n prov._n 1.24_o 25_o 26._o because_o i_o have_v call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o have_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o have_v set_v at_o naught_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n i_o will_v mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v they_o who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n for_o their_o happiness_n they_o shall_v inherit_v the_o condition_n which_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n sermon_n x._o vi_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n gen._n xviii_o 25_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a in_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o
promiscuous_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a it_o will_v not_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o sin_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o they_o fall_v likewise_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o example_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n upon_o all_o these_o account_v you_o see_v that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_v as_o to_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o in_o these_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v immediate_o and_o miraculous_o inflict_v by_o god_n he_o have_v always_o make_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o deluge_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n be_v so_o universal_a because_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v because_o in_o this_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n he_o alone_o be_v righteous_a thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n so_o likewise_o in_o that_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n when_o god_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v they_o up_o none_o perish_v but_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n the_o rest_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o wicked_a men._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n reason_n concern_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v very_o firm_a and_o conclude_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o discourse_n upon_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v yet_o want_v we_o have_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o vast_a and_o admirable_a frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o we_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v receive_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v the_o one_o and_o to_o discountenance_v the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n of_o his_o like_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o one_o and_o of_o his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o other_o which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o however_o the_o heathen_a reason_v about_o this_o matter_n whatever_o premise_n they_o lay_v they_o firm_o believe_v the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v just_o plato_n lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a unjust_a but_o as_o righteous_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o can_v resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o this_o quality_n and_o disposition_n so_o likewise_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o receive_v a_o injury_n nor_o of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unjust_a antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v doubtful_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n or_o remain_v afterward_o if_o it_o be_v just_a say_v he_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o just_a you_o may_v certain_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o be_v so_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o all_o moral_a precept_n that_o god_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o qui_fw-la secus_fw-la faxit_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la vindex_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o any_o man_n do_v contrary_a to_o they_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v it_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a awe_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o will_v overtake_v offender_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o will_v more_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o those_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n either_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o general_a or_o such_o as_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o which_o declare_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o that_o either_o by_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o he_o or_o by_o remove_v the_o contrary_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o 1._o those_o which_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o many_o psal_n 129.4_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a dan._n 9.7_o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o this_o good_a man_n have_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n ezra_n 9.15_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o this_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o own_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o extremity_n ex._n 9.27_o then_o pharaoh_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a this_o have_v be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o jer._n 12.1_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v the_o prophet_n notwithstanding_o he_o see_v the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n yet_o before_o he_o will_v so_o much_o as_o reason_n about_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n to_o this_o head_n likewise_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n as_o god_n dwell_v place_n and_o his_o throne_n of_o his_o delight_n in_o justice_n and_o of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o which_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o recite_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o text_n which_o remove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o there_o be_v to_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n nor_o accept_v of_o person_n nor_o take_v of_o gift_n job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n which_o be_v a_o vehement_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n job_n 34.10_o 11_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n for_o the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v he_o render_v unto_o he_o and_o cause_v every_o man_n to_o find_v according_a to_o his_o way_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v second_o there_o be_v other_o text_n which_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v not_o constant_o appear_v in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o time_n
in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o however_o man_n may_v bear_v up_o themselves_o now_o upon_o their_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n certain_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o great_a person_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o overturn_v kingdom_n and_o lay_v waste_a country_n and_o oppress_v and_o ruin_v million_o of_o mankind_n for_o the_o gratify_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o ambition_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o even_o these_o as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o other_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n rev._n 6.15_o and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o den_n and_o in_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o mountain_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n will_v treat_v the_o great_a and_o the_o mean_a person_n alike_o rev._n 20.12_o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n all_o judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o those_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o impeach_v it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o satisfy_v one_o question_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v how_o far_o justice_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o lay_v down_o these_o proposition_n first_o i_o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o every_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o perfection_n second_o the_o actual_a constant_a exercise_n of_o those_o divine_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v without_o himself_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o god_n be_v essential_o powerful_a and_o good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v always_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n because_o these_o be_v perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o something_o without_o himself_o three_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n wherever_o he_o see_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o world_n or_o reasonable_a creature_n in_o it_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o god_n make_v such_o creature_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o reward_v goodness_n and_o to_o punish_v sin_n four_o as_o for_o those_o reward_n which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v and_o the_o punishment_n which_o it_o threaten_v there_o be_v some_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o reward_v and_o punish_v justice_n of_o god_n 1._o as_o for_o that_o abundant_a reward_n god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v to_o good_a man_n the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n in_o his_o justice_n for_o it_o be_v justice_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v though_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a and_o abundant_a a_o reward_n be_v mere_a goodness_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o punish_a justice_n of_o god_n about_o which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a question_n whether_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n or_o not_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v inflict_v those_o judgement_n which_o he_o threaten_v because_o he_o have_v threaten_v they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o person_n to_o perform_v their_o threaten_n that_o there_o be_v to_o perform_v their_o promise_n because_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n become_v a_o debtor_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o make_v the_o promise_n but_o when_o he_o threaten_v he_o be_v the_o creditor_n and_o we_o be_v debtor_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o as_o a_o creditor_n he_o may_v remit_v the_o punishment_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o love_a goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o concern_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n to_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o discountenance_v sin_n under_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o to_o punish_v sin_n at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o move_v by_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o punish_a justice_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n than_o he_o must_v punish_v the_o sinner_n immediate_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v offend_v and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n because_o whatever_o act_v natural_o act_v necessary_o and_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v such_o a_o justice_n essential_a to_o god_n as_o act_n necessary_o but_o such_o a_o justice_n which_o as_o to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o its_o act_n be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n likewise_o of_o his_o goodness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v take_v partly_o from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o first_o as_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n object_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n i._o the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n ii_o the_o translation_n of_o punishment_n punish_v one_o man_n sin_n upon_o another_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o objection_n the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n in_o this_o life_n thing_n happen_v promiscuous_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a if_o the_o wicked_a suffer_v and_o be_v afflict_v so_o be_v the_o righteous_a if_o the_o righteous_a sometime_o flourish_n so_o do_v the_o wicked_a and_o be_v not_o this_o unjust_a that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unequal_a as_o to_o their_o desert_n shall_v be_v equal_o deal_v withal_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inequality_n it_o be_v usual_o the_o wrong_a way_n the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n prosper_v more_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o righteous_a be_v frequent_o more_o afflict_v this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o old_a against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o answer_v nay_o it_o do_v often_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n job_n 12.6_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o robber_n prosper_v and_o they_o that_o provoke_v god_n be_v secure_a into_o who_o hand_n god_n bring_v abundant_o and_o chap._n 21.7_o 8_o 9_o he_o expostulate_v the_o same_o matter_n again_o and_o david_n say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o he_o psal_n 73.2_o 3._o and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 12.1_o and_o hab._n 1.13_o this_o objection_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o very_o brief_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justice_n to_o show_v itself_o immediate_o
some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n nay_o the_o scripture_n go_v further_a do_v not_o only_o remove_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o inconstancy_n from_o god_n but_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o thing_n impossible_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_a attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o do_v more_o particular_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o he_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o word_n be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o mind_n god_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o remove_v this_o jealousy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v a_o secret_a design_n to_o ruin_v man_n therefore_o he_o interpose_v his_o oath_n for_o our_o great_a assurance_n ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_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 way_n and_o live_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o design_n to_o circumvent_v and_o possess_v we_o with_o error_n and_o delusion_n if_o he_o offer_v life_n and_o happiness_n we_o may_v believe_v he_o be_v real_a and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a glory_n he_o will_v not_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 14.2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n so_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o prediction_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prediction_n and_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o use_v this_o proverbial_a speech_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o mat._n 24.35_o for_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n the_o scripture_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o deut._n 7.9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n psal_n 89.33_o 34._o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n the_o scripture_n do_v record_n god_n punctual_a and_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n particular_o of_o that_o promise_n to_o abraham_n after_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o inheritance_n gen._n 15.13_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n you_o have_v record_v ex._n 12.41_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n even_o the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n see_v likewise_o jos_n 21.44_o 45._o and_o 23.14_o 1_o king_n 8.56_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v the_o god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n 1_o king_n 8.23_o neh._n 1.5.9.32_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o prediction_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v god_n be_v true_a in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 15._o â—9_n when_o the_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v saul_n to_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o he_o add_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v iii_o i_o come_v to_o remove_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n first_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o plain_a deal_n that_o he_o be_v sometime_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o inspire_v prophet_n with_o false_a message_n 1_o king_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 4.10.20.7_o ezek._n 14.9_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o three_o of_o these_o text_n it_o be_v a_o know_a hebraism_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o imperative_fw-it and_o active_a form_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o permissive_o so_o where_o the_o devil_n beseech_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v mat._n 8.31_o he_o do_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v they_o and_o so_o john_n 13.27_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o judas_n what_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o betray_v he_o though_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o form_n so_o likewise_o here_o where_o a_o evil_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o this_o only_a signify_v a_o permission_n not_o a_o command_n and_o so_o jer._n 4.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v great_o deceive_v the_o people_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n when_o the_o sword_n reach_v to_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o deceive_v they_o by_o prophesy_v peace_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n ezek._n 14.9_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n that_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n as_o a_o just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o true_a prophet_n this_o he_o threaten_v at_o the_o 5_o the_o v_o i_o will_v take_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n because_o they_o be_v all_o estrange_v from_o i_o through_o their_o idol_n because_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o false_a god_n i_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n appear_v by_o the_o threaten_v add_v and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n now_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o text_n jer._n 20.7_o thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o when_o he_o give_v he_o his_o commission_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o by_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o no_o evil_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o and_o now_o he_o be_v become_v a_o derision_n and_o the_o people_n mock_v he_o and_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o weakness_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o expression_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o it_o be_v his_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o scorn_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n seconâ—_o objection_n against_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n all_o the_o land_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o abraham_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.19_o 20._o with_o josh_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o judg._n 2.20_o 21._o gen._n 15.18_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o a_o land_n the_o bound_n whereof_o he_o describe_v josh_n 13.1_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o there_o remain_v very_o much_o land_n yet_o unconquered_a which_o they_o have_v not_o get_v the_o possession_n of_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o
be_v that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o john_n 8.44_o one_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o contradict_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o high_a sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a false_a and_o treacherous_a without_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o guilt_n because_o these_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n lie_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o heathen_a because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o than_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n and_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a reproach_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o imperfection_n and_o baseness_n he_o that_o tell_v a_o lie_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v at_o once_o bold_a towards_o god_n and_o base_a towards_o men._n upon_o these_o account_n god_n express_v himself_o high_o offend_v with_o those_o that_o practise_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o to_o have_v a_o detestation_n of_o they_o pro._n 12.22_o lie_v lip_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o render_v we_o unlike_a to_o he_o eph._n 4.24_o 25._o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o infer_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o col._n 3.9.10_o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o that_o be_v because_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n 1._o towards_o god_n in_o our_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o covenant_n in_o our_o oath_n when_o we_o swear_v in_o any_o matter_n we_o tell_v god_n that_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v truth_n and_o invoke_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o to_o falsify_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a affront_n that_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o in_o our_o vow_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o he_o that_o regard_v truth_n will_v neither_o be_v rash_a in_o make_v a_o vow_n nor_o careless_a to_o perform_v it_o eccles_n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n not_o to_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v vow_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o folly_n either_o of_o rashness_n in_o the_o make_n of_o it_o or_o of_o inconstancy_n in_o not_o keep_v it_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v strict_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o performance_n of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o solemn_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n nor_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o engagement_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n of_o our_o being_n but_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n solemn_o upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n strengthen_v the_o obligation_n and_o make_v our_o unfaithfulness_n the_o great_a sin_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v found_v in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v false_a to_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o but_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o thou_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o if_o thou_o break_v the_o covenant_n thou_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o neglegcte_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n thou_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n on_o his_o part_n 2._o towards_o man_n we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o our_o promise_n it_o become_v we_o who_o worship_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o use_v plainness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n to_o abhor_v falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o those_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o lie_v by_o equivocation_n of_o word_n and_o secret_a reservation_n of_o our_o mind_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v those_o that_o plead_v for_o these_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o complaint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n among_o man_n psal_n 12.1.2_o isa_n 59.13_o 14_o 15._o jer._n 7.2_o 8_o 9.2.4_o 5_o 6._o hos_fw-la 4.1_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n now_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a light_n which_o do_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a this_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v no_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o little_a power_n and_o influence_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o we_o than_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a regard_n have_v by_o christian_n to_o these_o moral_a duty_n which_o because_o moral_a however_o man_n may_v slight_v that_o word_n be_v therefore_o of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v all_o that_o man_n that_o can_v dispense_v with_o himself_o as_o to_o moral_a duty_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n or_o break_v his_o word_n what_o badge_n soever_o he_o may_v wear_v what_o title_n soever_o he_o may_v call_v himself_o by_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n sermon_n xiii_o vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n i._n 16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o inquire_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o fix_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o â—t_a for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o property_n more_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n than_o this_o of_o holiness_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o god_n attribute_n which_o divine_n have_v speak_v more_o spare_o of_o than_o this_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a to_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v applicable_a either_o to_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o thing_n thus_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o vestment_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n holiness_n oâ—_n person_n be_v twofold_a either_o relative_n and_o external_n which_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a relation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n such_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d priest_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o else_o habitual_a and_o inherent_a such_o be_v
partake_v of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o degree_n as_o the_o divine_a nature_n possess_v it_o god_n be_v eternal_o holy_a the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n the_o creature_n be_v derivative_o and_o by_o participation_n holy_a god_n be_v eminent_o and_o transcendent_o so_o the_o creature_n in_o a_o finite_a degree_n god_n be_v immutable_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o no_o creature_n be_v out_o of_o a_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 4.18_o that_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o charge_v with_o folly_n and_o chap._n 15.15_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o his_o sight_n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o holiness_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o property_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n there_o be_v include_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n a_o eternal_a repugnance_n to_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a and_o evil_n in_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o mutable_a and_o inconstant_a and_o arbitrary_a principle_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a eternal_a and_o indispensable_a therefore_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v so_o safe_o who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n precise_o and_o abstract_o consider_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v therefore_o good_a or_o evil_n because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v not_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o accidental_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a for_o if_o these_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o essential_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v that_o he_o can_v be_v unrighteous_a if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n have_v now_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v just_o and_o good_a and_o faithful_a and_o now_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o change_v not_o this_o be_v to_o grant_v the_o thing_n for_o this_o suppose_v the_o veracity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n to_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o why_o not_o justice_n and_o goodness_n as_o well_o i_o say_v it_o suppose_v veracity_n and_o immutability_n to_o be_v essential_a perfection_n and_o not_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o if_o he_o can_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v but_o that_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o to_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o i_o will_v only_o use_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o no_o be_v can_n will_v its_o own_o nature_n and_o essential_a perfection_n that_o be_v choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v and_o before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v to_o deliberate_v about_o its_o own_o nature_n therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v then_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n do_v not_o depend_v up-the_a will_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n such_o notion_n antecedent_o to_o any_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o this_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v necessary_o good_a and_o just_o and_o true_a and_o a_o liberty_n or_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v impotency_n and_o imperfection_n for_o liberty_n no_o where_o speak_v perfection_n but_o be_v the_o thing_n and_o action_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v indifferent_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o immutable_a and_o fix_v and_o necessary_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o swerve_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v his_o holiness_n 2._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o show_v we_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o every_o privation_n by_o the_o habit_n for_o they_o bear_v a_o exact_a proportion_n one_o to_o another_o light_a and_o darkness_n be_v oppose_v as_o habit_n and_o privation_n if_o light_n be_v pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a than_o darkness_n be_v dismal_a and_o horrid_a and_o so_o holiness_n and_o sin_n be_v oppose_v if_o holiness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o any_o nature_n than_o sin_n be_v the_o grand_a imperfection_n and_o the_o low_a debasement_n of_o any_o be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o that_o and_o at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n this_o shall_v rectify_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n we_o admire_v and_o esteem_v riches_n and_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o we_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v poverty_n and_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n yea_o grace_n and_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o these_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reverence_n and_o and_o value_v the_o great_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o mighty_a of_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a man_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o respect_n that_o aught_o to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n but_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bestow_v our_o respect_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n what_o st._n james_n say_v of_o respect_n of_o person_n i_o may_v apply_v in_o this_o case_n jam._n 2.4_o be_v you_o not_o then_o partial_a in_o yourselves_o and_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n we_o be_v extreme_o partial_a we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n and_o reason_n ill_o concern_v thing_n when_o we_o admire_v gild_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n exalt_v to_o high_a place_n i_o mean_v ungodly_a rich_a man_n and_o ungodly_a great_a man_n for_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v proper_o ungodly_a unlike_a to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o contemn_v poor_a and_o mean_v and_o afflict_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v but_o our_o eye_n open_a and_o our_o judgement_n clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a we_o shall_v see_v a_o beauty_n and_o resplendency_n in_o goodness_n even_o when_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n when_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o rag_n and_o sit_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o will_v shine_v through_o all_o these_o mist_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o native_a light_n and_o beauty_n in_o it_o throw_v the_o darkness_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v wickedness_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a thing_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o gallantry_n and_o bravery_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a righteous_a man_n as_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o profane_a gallant_a as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v a_o man_n that_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n we_o shall_v esteem_v any_o one_o more_o
holiness_n include_v in_o it_o and_o what_o will_v be_v leave_v but_o a_o omnipotent_a evil_n a_o eternal_a be_v infinite_o know_v and_o infinite_o able_a to_o do_v mischief_n which_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o notorious_a a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o impossible_a a_o thing_n as_o can_v be-imagined_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o spark_n of_o ambition_n in_o we_o we_o can_v but_o aspire_v after_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n himself_o there_o be_v a_o vulgar_a prejudice_n against_o holiness_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o poor_a mean_a thing_n and_o below_o a_o great_a and_o generous_a spirit_n whereas_o holiness_n be_v the_o only_a true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n the_o most_o genuine_a nobility_n and_o the_o high_a gallantry_n of_o spirit_n and_o however_o it_o be_v despise_v by_o man_n it_o be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a extraction_n and_o divine_a original_a holiness_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o jam._n 3.17_o the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n 2._o holiness_n be_v a_o essential_a and_o principal_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n holiness_n be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o happiness_n and_o without_o it_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o will_v be_v imperfect_a so_o it_o will_v be_v miserable_a if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v capapable_a of_o envy_n or_o malice_n or_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n or_o impatience_n or_o cruelty_n or_o injustice_n or_o unfaithfulness_n it_o will_v be_v liable_a to_o vexation_n and_o discontent_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o happiness_n so_o that_o holiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o felicity_n and_o contentment_n not_o only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n but_o to_o our_o present_a peace_n and_o contentment_n if_o reasonable_a creature_n can_v be_v happy_a as_o brute_n beast_n be_v in_o their_o degree_n by_o enjoy_v their_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o sense_n and_o fancy_n god_n will_v not_o have_v bind_v we_o up_o to_o a_o law_n and_o rule_n but_o have_v leave_v we_o as_o he_o have_v do_v unreasonable_a creature_n to_o satisfy_v our_o lust_n and_o appetite_n without_o check_n and_o control_v but_o angel_n and_o man_n which_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o right_a and_o wrong_n of_o comeliness_n and_o filthiness_n so_o weave_v and_o twist_v into_o their_o very_a nature_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o their_o being_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o creature_n shall_v be_v happy_a otherwise_o than_o by_o comply_v with_o these_o notion_n and_o obey_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o if_o they_o neglect_v and_o go_v against_o they_o will_v natural_o feel_v remorse_n and_o torment_n in_o their_o own_o spirit_n their_o mind_n will_v be_v uneasy_a and_o unquiet_a and_o they_o will_v be_v inward_o grieve_v and_o displease_v with_o themselves_o for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1._o that_o even_o the_o most_o degenerate_a heathen_n have_v conscience_n which_o do_v accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o according_a as_o they_o obey_v or_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n god_n therefore_o who_o know_v our_o frame_n have_v so_o adapt_v his_o law_n to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o holiness_n that_o if_o we_o live_v up_o to_o it_o we_o shall_v avoid_v the_o unspeakable_a torment_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n whereas_o if_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v at_o discord_n with_o ourselves_o and_o in_o a_o perpetual_a disquiet_n of_o mind_n for_o nothing_o can_v do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o its_o be_v that_o be_v to_o its_o own_o nature_n without_o displeasure_n and_o reluctancy_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v gild_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o trouble_v and_o disquiet_v which_o arise_v in_o one_o mind_n from_o consciousness_n of_o have_v do_v some_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o perfective_a principle_n of_o his_o be_v that_o be_v something_o which_o do_v not_o become_v he_o and_o which_o be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v so_o that_o in_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n that_o be_v necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o it_o be_v the_o great_a felicity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v one_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o wicked_a and_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n and_o of_o unholy_a man_n that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o temper_n contrary_a to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o wicked_a that_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o till_o that_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o holiness_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o wicked_a man_n to_o be_v happy_a and_o content_v in_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o external_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o local_a heaven_n will_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o make_v a_o wicked_a man_n happy_a and_o content_v than_o heap_n of_o gold_n and_o consort_n of_o music_n and_o a_o well_o spread_v table_n and_o a_o rich_a bed_n will_v contribute_v to_o a_o man_n ease_n in_o the_o paroxysm_n of_o a_o fever_n or_o in_o a_o violent_a fit_n of_o the_o stone_n if_o a_o sensual_a or_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a man_n be_v in_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v like_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n he_o will_v be_v torment_v with_o a_o continual_a thirst_n and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n of_o his_o own_o ardent_a desire_n and_o will_v not_o meet_v with_o the_o least_o drop_n of_o suitable_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n to_o quench_v and_o allay_v the_o heat_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v sin_n be_v the_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a and_o uneasy_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n every_o wicked_a man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o till_o the_o man_n be_v put_v into_o a_o right_a frame_n by_o holiness_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v have_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n fit_o describe_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o a_o person_n isa_n 57.20_o 21._o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v forth_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n be_v unholy_a so_o long_o as_o filthiness_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o his_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restlesty_n work_v like_o wine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n nothing_o be_v more_o turbulent_a and_o unquiet_a than_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v like_o the_o sea_n when_o it_o roar_v and_o rage_n through_o the_o strength_n of_o contrary_a wind_n it_o be_v the_o scene_n of_o furious_a lust_n and_o wild_a passion_n which_o as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o holiness_n so_o they_o maintain_v perpetual_a contest_v and_o feud_n among_o themselves_o all_o sin_n separate_v we_o from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o limit_a nature_n and_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o being_n will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n to_o be_v his_o own_o happiness_n but_o man_n because_o he_o be_v finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v self-sufficient_a be_v carry_v forth_o by_o a_o innate_a desire_n of_o happiness_n to_o seek_v his_o felicity_n in_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n a_o spring_n of_o restless_a motion_n which_o with_o great_a impatience_n force_v he_o out_o of_o himself_o and_o toss_v he_o to_o and_o fro_o till_o he_o come_v to_o rest_v in_o something_o that_o be_v self-sufficient_a our_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n like_o the_o unclean_a spirit_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v cast_v out_o they_o
for_o he_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o consideration_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o after_o all_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o humanity_n ought_v for_o that_o time_n to_o prevail_v over_o all_o objection_n against_o the_o man_n and_o to_o prefer_v he_o to_o our_o charity_n before_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o like_a extremity_n in_o other_o case_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o relieve_v our_o friend_n and_o those_o that_o have_v deserve_v well_o of_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o if_o our_o enemy_n be_v in_o extremity_n than_o that_o divine_a precept_n take_v place_n if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o to_o drink_v second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n do_v challenge_v a_o preference_n for_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n if_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a that_o we_o shall_v consider_v and_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o our_o blood_n and_o kindred_n and_o member_n of_o our_o family_n before_o the_o necessity_n of_o stranger_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o we_o there_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o and_o another_o obligation_n beside_o that_o of_o charity_n to_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n and_o regard_v for_o they_o in_o this_o case_n not_o only_a christianity_n but_o nature_n tie_v this_o duty_n upon_o we_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o if_o any_o man_n provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o for_o his_o domestic_n for_o they_o that_o be_v of_o his_o family_n he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n but_o against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o nature_n which_o prevail_v even_o among_o the_o infidel_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o parent_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o relief_n it_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o employ_v our_o estate_n that_o way_n than_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o he_o and_o his_o immediate_a service_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n to_o consecrate_v that_o to_o god_n whereby_o our_o parent_n may_v be_v profit_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o their_o necessity_n three_o the_o obligation_n of_o kindness_n and_o benefit_n lay_v the_o next_o claim_n to_o our_o charity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o want_n who_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o their_o former_a kindness_n and_o charity_n both_o justice_n and_o charity_n do_v challenge_v from_o we_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o their_o case_n and_o proportionable_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v oblige_v to_o their_o family_n or_o to_o any_o that_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o they_o four_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a mystery_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o strict_a bond_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n these_o fall_n under_o a_o very_a particular_a consideration_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o my_o text_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n god_n have_v a_o special_a love_n and_o regard_v for_o such_o and_o those_o who_o god_n love_v aught_o to_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o this_o perhaps_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n in_o those_o time_n when_o christian_n live_v among_o heathen_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o continual_a want_n and_o suffering_n but_o it_o signify_v much_o less_o now_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o general_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o be_v too_o often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o very_o uncharitable_a purpose_n to_o confine_v man_n bounty_n and_o benefit_n to_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o party_n as_o if_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n a_o principle_n which_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o have_v more_o of_o judaisme_n or_o of_o popery_n in_o it_o five_o after_o these_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v and_o consider_v and_o we_o be_v according_o to_o proportion_n our_o charity_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o a_o prudent_a man_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n those_o who_o labour_n in_o a_o honest_a call_n but_o yet_o be_v oppress_v with_o their_o charge_n or_o disable_v for_o a_o time_n by_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o casualty_n these_o many_o a_o time_n need_v as_o much_o and_o certain_o deserve_v much_o better_a than_o common_a beggar_n for_o these_o be_v useful_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o we_o can_v place_v our_o charity_n better_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o support_v themselves_o those_o likewise_o who_o be_v fall_v from_o a_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a condidion_n without_o any_o fault_n or_o prodigality_n of_o their_o own_o mere_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o some_o general_a calamity_n these_o be_v more_o especial_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o liberal_a relief_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v charitable_a and_o have_v liberal_o relieve_v other_o when_o they_o be_v in_o condition_n to_o do_v it_o or_o the_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n do_v deserve_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o our_o charity_n mankind_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v bind_v in_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o preserve_v such_o from_o extreme_a necessity_n and_o last_o those_o who_o visible_a want_v and_o great_a age_n and_o infirmity_n do_v plead_v for_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pity_n and_o do_v at_o first_o sight_n convince_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o beg_v out_o of_o laziness_n but_o of_o necessity_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o support_n and_o subsistence_n there_o be_v innumerable_a circumstance_n more_o which_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o reckon_v up_o but_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o by_o proportion_n to_o these_o we_o may_v direct_v ourselves_o in_o other_o case_n six_o those_o who_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o before_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o we_o and_o who_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o know_v yea_o though_o in_o common_a charity_n we_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o because_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o prefer_v those_o who_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o we_o since_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v many_o cheat_n and_o counterfeit_v beggar_n who_o can_v tell_v a_o fair_a story_n and_o carry_v about_o testimonial_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o likewise_o because_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o misplace_v our_o charity_n when_o there_o be_v object_n enough_o beside_o where_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v place_v it_o right_o and_o charity_n misplace_v as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n no_o charity_n in_o its_o self_n so_o it_o be_v hardly_o any_o in_o we_o when_o we_o squander_v it_o so_o imprudent_o as_o to_o pass_v by_o a_o certain_a and_o real_a object_n and_o give_v it_o to_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v true_a object_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o blind_a way_n a_o man_n may_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o think_v and_o yet_o do_v no_o real_a charity_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o use_v our_o best_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o observe_v this_o rule_n so_o strict_o as_o to_o shut_v out_o all_o who_o we_o do_v not_o know_v without_o exception_n because_o their_o case_n if_o it_o be_v true_a may_v sometime_o be_v much_o more_o pitiable_a and_o of_o great_a extremity_n than_o the_o case_n of_o many_o who_o we_o do_v know_v and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v uncharitable_a to_o reject_v such_o and_o to_o harden_v our_o heart_n so_o far_o against_o they_o as_o utter_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o