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
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
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
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
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
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
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
with_o his_o creature_n in_o any_o way_n that_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o the_o creature_n 2._o in_o a_o right_a to_o impose_v what_o law_n he_o please_v upon_o his_o creature_n whether_o natural_a and_o reasonable_a or_o positive_a of_o trial_n of_o obedience_n provide_v they_o contradict_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o creature_n 3._o in_o a_o right_a to_o inflict_v due_a and_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o case_n of_o provocation_n 4._o in_o a_o right_a to_o afflict_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n so_o the_o evil_a he_o inflict_v be_v short_a of_o the_o benefit_n he_o have_v confer_v on_o they_o yea_o and_o far_o in_o a_o right_a when_o he_o please_v to_o annihilate_v the_o creature_n and_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o be_v if_o it_o shall_v so_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o though_o that_o creature_n have_v not_o offend_v he_o because_o what_o he_o give_v be_v his_o own_o and_o he_o may_v without_o injury_n take_v it_o away_o again_o when_o he_o please_v in_o these_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n second_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o this_o this_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n hence_o plato_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o tully_n omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la dominum_fw-la lord_n of_o all_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n do_v every_o where_o attribute_n to_o he_o call_z him_z lord_n of_o all_o king_n of_o king_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n to_o which_o we_o may_v refer_v all_o those_o doxology_n in_o which_o power_n and_o dominion_n and_o authority_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v that_o eminent_a confession_n of_o nabuchadnezzar_n a_o great_a king_n who_o when_o his_o understanding_n come_v to_o he_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v the_o most_o high_a dan._n 4.34_o 35._o i_o infer_v first_o negative_o we_o can_v from_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n infer_v a_o right_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n as_o do_v not_o plain_o and_o direct_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o horrid_a and_o dreadful_a blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v out_o of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n do_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n or_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o will_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o just_o and_o good_a god_n be_v not_o always_o regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o essential_a and_o indispensable_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n second_o positive_o we_o may_v infer_v from_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o we_o ought_v to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n for_o our_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n who_o by_o create_v we_o and_o give_v we_o all_o that_o we_o have_v do_v create_v to_o himself_o a_o right_n in_o we_o 2._o that_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o our_o love_n to_o love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o soul_n and_o strength_n because_o the_o soul_n that_o we_o have_v he_o give_v we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o love_v he_o be_v his_o gift_n and_o when_o we_o render_v these_o to_o he_o we_o do_v but_o give_v he_o of_o his_o own_o 3._o we_o owe_v to_o he_o all_o imaginable_a subjection_n and_o observance_n and_o obedience_n and_o be_v with_o all_o diligence_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o 4._o in_o case_n of_o offence_n and_o disobedience_n we_o be_v without_o murmur_v to_o submit_v to_o what_o he_o shall_v inflict_v upon_o we_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o iniquity_n and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o indignation_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o we_o have_v sin_v against_o he_o who_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o sovereign_n sermon_n viii_o vi_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n psalm_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o i_o be_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n and_o property_n of_o god_n particular_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n which_o i_o tell_v you_o be_v his_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o have_v finish_v the_o first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o last_o day_n i_o speak_v concern_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o general_a but_o there_o be_v three_o eminent_a argument_n and_o famous_a instance_n of_o god_n wisdom_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v for_o a_o more_o large_a and_o particular_a handle_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n of_o these_o three_o i_o shall_v speak_v several_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n wisdom_n which_o the_o creation_n do_v furnish_v we_o withal_o in_o this_o visible_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o behold_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o look_v we_o be_v encounter_v with_o ocular_a demonstration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v true_a likewise_o of_o his_o wisdom_n rom._n 1.20_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v now_o the_o creation_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o admirable_a counsel_n and_o wisdom_n as_o any_o curious_a work_n or_o rare_a engine_n do_v argue_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o artificer_n so_o the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o regularity_n and_o fitness_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n argue_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o he_o who_o make_v they_o a_o work_n so_o beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a such_o a_o stately_a pile_n as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v so_o curious_a in_o the_o several_a piece_n of_o it_o so_o harmonious_a in_o all_o its_o part_n every_o part_n so_o fit_v to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o each_o part_n for_o the_o service_n of_o another_o be_v not_o this_o a_o plain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o this_o frame_n now_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o this_o frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o call_v the_o world_n or_o the_o creation_n be_v contrive_v after_o the_o best_a manner_n and_o have_v upon_o it_o evident_a impression_n of_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n i_o grant_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o his_o wisdom_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n seek_v to_o find_v out_o the_o work_n of_o god_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o exhaust_v all_o the_o various_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n which_o be_v in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n though_o the_o often_o and_o the_o near_o we_o meditate_v upon_o they_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v see_v to_o admire_v in_o they_o the_o more_o we_o study_v this_o book_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o author_n but_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o may_v discover_v something_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v infinite_a as_o the_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n may_v fall_v under_o our_o sense_n so_o the_o design_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n may_v fall_v under_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o when_o thing_n appear_v to_o our_o best_a reason_n plain_o to_o be_v order_v for_o the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v otherwise_o as_o they_o may_v have_v be_v a_o hundred_o
our_o affair_n and_o concernment_n after_o we_o have_v use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o be_v satisfy_v and_o refer_v the_o rest_n to_o god_n who_o providence_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o of_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o church_n and_o religion_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n we_o can_v but_o be_v convince_v that_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o leave_v the_o management_n of_o thing_n to_o he_o who_o make_v they_o and_o therefore_o understand_v best_o how_o to_o order_v they_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a curious_a and_o complicate_v thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v tamper_v with_o by_o every_o unskilful_a hand_n and_o therefore_o as_o a_o unskilful_a man_n after_o he_o have_v tamper_v a_o great_a while_n with_o a_o watch_n think_v to_o bring_v it_o into_o better_a order_n and_o be_v at_o last_o convince_v that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o it_o carry_v it_o to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o to_o mend_v it_o and_o put_v it_o into_o order_n so_o must_v we_o do_v after_o all_o our_o care_n and_o anxiety_n about_o our_o own_o private_a concernment_n or_o the_o public_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v give_v over_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o a_o business_n past_o our_o skill_n as_o a_o province_n too_o hard_o and_o a_o knowledge_n too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o and_o leave_v it_o to_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n to_o govern_v it_o and_o take_v care_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o affect_v and_o dispose_a we_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n whatever_o profession_n we_o make_v of_o it_o if_o we_o do_v it_o will_v have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o mind_n to_o free_v we_o from_o anxious_a care_n and_o discontent_n be_v we_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n we_o shall_v confident_o rely_v upon_o it_o and_o according_a to_o the_o apostle_n advice_n here_o in_o the_o text_n cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o because_o he_o care_v for_o we_o sermon_n ix_o vi_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 i_o have_v in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o my_o preach_v be_v treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o particular_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v finish_v and_o make_v some_o progress_n in_o the_o second_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o in_o general_a and_o have_v propound_v more_o particular_o to_o consider_v those_o famous_a instance_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o government_n of_o it_o and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v speak_v to_o namely_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iii_o instance_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o apostle_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n upon_o occasion_n of_o his_o mention_v the_o division_n and_o party_n that_o be_v among_o the_o corinthian_n where_o one_o say_v i_o be_o of_o paul_n another_o i_o be_o of_o apollo_n ask_v they_o whether_o paul_n be_v crucify_v for_o they_o or_o whether_o they_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o paul_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o can_v not_o pretend_v this_o that_o they_o be_v baptise_a into_o his_o name_n he_o tell_v they_o at_o the_o 14_o and_o 15_o the_o verse_n that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o baptize_v any_o of_o they_o except_z two_o or_o three_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o have_v baptise_a they_o into_o his_o own_o name_n and_o at_o the_o 17_o the_o verse_n he_o say_v that_o his_o work_n his_o principal_a work_n be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n which_o he_o have_v do_v not_o with_o humane_a eloquence_n not_o in_o wisdom_n of_o word_n but_o with_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n lest_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v use_v any_o artifice_n the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v be_v less_o powerful_a and_o indeed_o his_o preach_a be_v affect_o plain_a and_o therefore_o the_o gospel_n do_v seem_v to_o very_o many_o to_o be_v a_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n the_o story_n which_o they_o tell_v of_o christ_n crucify_a be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n the_o jew_n who_o expect_v another_o kind_n of_o messiah_n that_o shall_v come_v in_o great_a pomp_n and_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o mighty_a temporal_a prince_n they_o be_v angry_a at_o the_o story_n of_o a_o crucify_a christ_n the_o greek_n the_o philosopher_n who_o expect_v some_o curious_a theory_n adorn_v with_o eloquence_n and_o deliver_v and_o lay_v down_o according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o art_n they_o deride_v this_o plain_a and_o simple_a relation_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o this_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n appear_v silly_a and_o foolish_a to_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o prejudice_v mind_n yet_o to_o they_o that_o be_v call_v to_o they_o that_o do_v believe_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n christ_n the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n christ_n that_o be_v the_o way_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o so_o 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 this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v to_o you_o i._o by_o general_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o ii_o by_o a_o more_o particular_a enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o design_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v i._o by_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n you_o know_v i_o have_v all_o along_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n use_v this_o method_n of_o prove_v they_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o scripture_n but_o now_o i_o must_v forsake_v my_o wont_a method_n for_o here_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n leave_v i_o the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n the_o work_n of_o god_n do_v preach_v and_o set_v forth_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n but_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n do_v not_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o wisdom_n of_o redemption_n be_v wisdom_n in_o a_o mystery_n hide_a wisdom_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n or_o philosopher_n of_o this_o world_n know_v the_o sharp_a wit_n and_o the_o high_a and_o most_o raise_a understanding_n among_o the_o heathen_n can_v say_v nothing_o of_o this_o here_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prudent_a be_v pose_v and_o we_o may_v make_v the_o apostle_n challenge_v v_o 20._o of_o this_o chapter_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a light_n discover_v christ_n the_o wise_a man_n can_v find_v he_o out_o unless_o a_o star_n be_v create_v on_o purpose_n to_o lead_v and_o direct_v to_o he_o therefore_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n 1_o cor._n 2.7_o 8._o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n unto_o our_o glory_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v eph._n 1.7_o 8._o in_o who_o we_o have_v redemption_n through_o his_o blood_n the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n according_a to_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v abound_v towards_o we_o in_o all_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n eph._n 3.10_o 11._o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n which_o he_o purpose_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n this_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o various_a and_o admirable_a that_o it_o be_v not_o below_o the_o angel_n to_o know_v and_o understand_v it_o to_o the_o intent_n that_o unto_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n ii_o by_o inquire_v more_o particular_o into_o the_o nature_n
and_o to_o dispense_v reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o soon_o as_o there_o be_v object_n for_o they_o this_o be_v not_o think_v necessary_a among_o man_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o determine_v the_o time_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o exercise_v of_o his_o justice_n and_o we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v unjust_a if_o he_o do_v not_o bestow_v reward_n and_o inflict_v punishment_n just_o when_o we_o think_v he_o shall_v 2._o if_o god_n intend_v this_o life_n for_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n wherein_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o obedience_n of_o man_n and_o their_o free_a inclination_n to_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v follow_v man_n with_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o that_o will_v lay_v too_o great_a a_o force_n upon_o man_n so_o that_o there_o will_v hardly_o be_v any_o opportunity_n of_o try_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o presume_v that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n with_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n and_o suffer_v bad_a man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o a_o while_n and_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o continual_a check_n by_o frequent_a and_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o they_o so_o often_o as_o they_o offend_v 3._o if_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o wherein_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n than_o this_o objection_n vanish_v for_o that_o great_a day_n will_v set_v all_o thing_n straight_o which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v so_o crooked_a and_o irregular_a the_o defer_v of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o most_o convenient_a season_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v high_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o it_o what_o claudian_n say_v of_o ruffinus_n a_o very_a 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withal_o ii_o objection_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o punishment_n the_o punish_v of_o one_o man_n sin_n upon_o another_o as_o of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o god_n threaten_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n and_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n fulfil_v in_o ahab_n in_o bring_v the_o evil_n he_o have_v threaten_v he_o withal_o in_o his_o son_n day_n 1_o king_n 21.19_o the_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o one_o person_n upon_o a_o people_n as_o that_o of_o achan_n upon_o the_o whole_a congregation_n josh_n 22.20_o do_v not_o achan_n the_o son_n of_o zerah_n commit_v a_o trespass_n in_o the_o accurse_a thing_n and_o wrath_n fall_v on_o all_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n and_o that_o man_n perish_v not_o alone_o in_o his_o iniquity_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o david_n upon_o the_o people_n 2_o sam._n 24._o when_o seventy_o thousand_o die_v of_o the_o plague_n for_o david_n sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n now_o how_o be_v this_o agreeable_a to_o justice_n be_v it_o not_o a_o know_a rule_n noxa_fw-la caput_fw-la sequitur_fw-la mischief_n pursue_v the_o sinner_n what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a quam_fw-la ut_fw-la peccata_fw-la suos_fw-la teneant_fw-la authores_fw-la than_o that_o man_n fault_n shall_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o author_n and_o punishment_n fall_v upon_o the_o guilty_a for_o answer_v to_o this_o 1._o it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a that_o one_o man_n shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o another_o fault_n if_o he_o be_v willing_a and_o content_a to_o bear_v it_o volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a injuria_fw-la there_o be_v no_o wrong_n do_v to_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v it_o though_o they_o be_v innocent_a which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n suffer_v for_o we_o the_o just_a for_o the_o unjust_a as_o the_o scripture_n express_v it_o 2._o where_o the_o person_n upon_o who_o the_o punishment_n be_v trasfer_v be_v likewise_o a_o sinner_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o injustice_n because_o he_o have_v deserve_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o account_n and_o god_n may_v take_v what_o occasion_n he_o please_v to_o punish_v they_o that_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v 3._o in_o punish_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n the_o guilty_a person_n that_o be_v the_o father_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o calamity_n of_o his_o child_n for_o a_o man_n child_n be_v himself_o multiply_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o the_o second_o commandment_n god_n promise_v to_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o generation_n of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o he_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n but_o to_o the_o three_o and_o four_o generation_n that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o a_o man_n may_v live_v to_o see_v they_o punish_v and_o suffer_v in_o their_o punishment_n 4._o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o people_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o governor_n and_o one_o part_n of_o a_o community_n for_o another_o suppose_v all_o of_o they_o to_o be_v sinner_n which_o be_v the_o true_a case_n god_n may_v lay_v the_o punishment_n where_o he_o please_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o injustice_n than_o when_o a_o man_n be_v whip_v on_o the_o back_n for_o the_o theft_n which_o his_o hand_n commit_v a_o community_n be_v one_o body_n beside_o the_o prince_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o people_n the_o glory_n of_o a_o king_n consist_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o subject_n the_o objection_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o other_o world_n the_o punishment_n of_o temporal_a evil_n with_o eternal_a be_v elsewhere_o answer_v the_o use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v first_o if_o god_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a let_v we_o acknowledge_v it_o in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n even_o in_o those_o the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v most_o hide_a and_o obscure_a neh._n 9.33_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a affliction_n that_o have_v befall_v god_n own_a people_n yet_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n howbeit_o thou_o be_v just_a in_o all_o that_o be_v bring_v upon_o we_o second_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n god_n do_v now_o exercise_v his_o mild_a attribute_n towards_o sinner_n his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o goodness_n but_o if_o we_o despise_v these_o that_o terrible_a attribute_n of_o his_o justice_n will_v desplay_v itself_o and_o this_o the_o scripture_n describe_v in_o a_o severe_a manner_n the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n three_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o good_a man_n that_o the_o righteous_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o will_v judge_v it_o the_o lord_n reign_v let_v the_o earth_n rejoice_v psal_n 97.1_o and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o v_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o throne_n though_o he_o be_v omnipotent_a we_o need_v not_o fear_v for_o his_o power_n be_v always_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o eternal_a righteousness_n four_o let_v we_o imitate_v this_o righteousness_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a let_v we_o give_v to_o god_n the_o love_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o and_o in_o all_o our_o deal_n what_o be_v just_a and_o due_a to_o men._n this_o duty_n have_v a_o immutable_a reason_n found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n sermon_n xii_o vi_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n deut._n xxxii_o 4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o show_v you_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n iii_o answer_v