Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
reason_n	believe_v	church_n	infallibility_n	2,347	5	12.1319	5	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62636	Several discourses upon the attributes of God viz. Concerning the perfection of God. Concerning our imitation of the divine perfections. The happiness of God. The unchangeableness of God. The knowledge of God. The wisdom, glory, and soveraignty of God. The wisdom of God, in the creation of the world. The wisdom of God, in his providence. The wisdom of God, in the redemption of mankind. The justice of God, in the distribution of rewards and punishments. The truth of God. The holiness of God. To which is annexed a spital sermon, of doing good. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury. Being the sixth volume; published from the originals, by Raph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.	1699 (1699)	Wing T1264; ESTC R219315	169,861	473

our_o lazy_a complaint_n that_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v so_o high_a that_o the_o endeavour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n can_v reach_v it_o when_o yet_o we_o have_v hardly_o make_v one_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o be_v so_o remiss_a and_o unconcern_v about_o it_o as_o if_o we_o can_v do_v it_o at_o any_o time_n with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o at_o a_o hour_n warning_n before_o we_o leave_v the_o world_n can_v fulfil_v this_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n of_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o yet_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o so_o far_o as_o any_o of_o we_o be_v from_o resemble_v our_o heavenly_a father_n in_o some_o good_a degree_n and_o measure_n so_o far_o be_v we_o distant_a from_o heaven_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o bless_a so_o far_o be_v we_o utter_o unqualify_v for_o the_o blissful_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v only_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o shall_v purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v dispatch_v the_o four_o thing_n i_o propound_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n namely_o how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o to_o give_v some_o rule_n to_o regulate_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o explain_v the_o extent_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o vindicate_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v make_v and_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o two_o i._o that_o the_o strong_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n ii_o that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o god_n i._o that_o the_o strong_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n so_o that_o even_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o do_v suppose_v these_o for_o its_o foundation_n and_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o unless_o these_o be_v first_o know_v and_o believe_v unless_o we_o be_v first_o persuade_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o man_n unless_o it_o be_v natural_o know_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v true_a what_o foundation_n be_v there_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n and_o what_o signify_v the_o law_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n unless_o natural_a light_n do_v first_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o faithfulness_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o reason_n nothing_o can_v be_v admit_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v his_o essential_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o if_o any_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o doctrine_n that_o god_n have_v from_o all_o eternity_n absolute_o decree_v the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n and_o demerit_n of_o man_n i_o be_o as_o certain_a that_o this_o doctrine_n can_v be_v of_o god_n as_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a because_o this_o grate_n upon_o the_o notion_n that_o mankind_n have_v of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n this_o be_v that_o which_o no_o good_a man_n will_v do_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v believe_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o apostle_n or_o angel_n from_o heaven_n teach_v any_o doctrine_n which_o plain_o overthrow_v the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n let_v he_o be_v accurse_v for_o every_o man_n have_v great_a assurance_n that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a than_o he_o can_v have_v of_o any_o subtle_a speculation_n about_o predestination_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o can_v believe_v upon_o the_o pretend_a authority_n or_o infallibility_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n will_v not_o have_v man_n understand_v their_o public_a prayer_n and_o the_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v read_v to_o they_o a_o lesson_n not_o to_o be_v understand_v be_v nonsense_n a_o lesson_n be_v something_o to_o be_v learn_v which_o how_o it_o can_v be_v without_o be_v understand_v be_v hard_o to_o comprehend_v and_o as_o little_o can_v i_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o person_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n with_o a_o design_n to_o have_v it_o hide_v and_o lock_v up_o from_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o much_o less_o can_v i_o believe_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o the_o save_a efficacy_n of_o the_o sacrament_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o though_o people_n believe_v and_o live_v never_o so_o well_o they_o may_v be_v damn_v by_o sholes_n and_o whole_a parish_n together_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o he_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o intend_v to_o save_v they_o can_v any_o man_n believe_v this_o that_o have_v any_o tolerable_a notion_n of_o god_n goodness_n may_v we_o not_o in_o this_o case_n appeal_v as_o abraham_n do_v to_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o expostulate_v with_o great_a reason_n than_o he_o do_v much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a for_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o damn_v the_o righteous_a for_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o righteous_a people_n shall_v lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o wicked_a priest_n to_o be_v damn_v or_o save_v at_o his_o pleasure_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o to_o imagine_v he_o shall_v deal_v with_o man_n after_o this_o manner_n if_o this_o be_v to_o do_v right_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o do_v wrong_n and_o to_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n whatsoever_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o last_o supper_n do_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n give_v away_o his_o own_o natural_a body_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o give_v his_o blood_n shed_v before_o it_o be_v shed_v that_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n shall_v main_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n the_o assurance_n of_o which_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o that_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o doctrine_n shall_v overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n i_o can_v never_o while_o i_o live_v believe_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o the_o last_o thing_n our_o saviour_n do_v before_o his_o death_n shall_v be_v to_o teach_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o believe_v their_o own_o sense_n as_o he_o must_v do_v if_o he_o teach_v they_o transubstantiation_n and_o that_o the_o very_o first_o thing_n he_o do_v after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a shall_v be_v to_o teach_v they_o the_o quite_o contrary_a by_o appeal_n to_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o when_o they_o doubt_v of_o his_o resurrection_n luke_n 24.38_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o be_v you_o trouble_v and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n behold_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v a_o real_a body_n which_o they_o see_v because_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v flesh_n and_o bone_n be_v it_o not_o as_o good_a a_o argument_n on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o what_o they_o see_v in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o his_o real_a and_o natural_a body_n because_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o handle_v flesh_n and_o bone_n so_o that_o i_o can_v believe_v transubstantiation_n unless_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o truth_n itself_o can_v contradict_v and_o destroy_v itself_o you_o see_v of_o what_o use_v it_o be_v to_o have_v right_a and_o steady_a apprehension_n of_o the_o

pride_n of_o evil_a man_n 3._o use_v trust_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o make_v the_o world_n to_o govern_v it_o and_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o the_o wisdom_n which_o have_v frame_v thy_o body_n in_o so_o curious_a and_o exquisite_a a_o manner_n and_o form_v thy_o spirit_n within_o thou_o and_o have_v make_v so_o many_o creature_n with_o reference_n to_o thy_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n trust_v he_o for_o thy_o future_a provision_n mat._n 6.25_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o take_v no_o thought_n for_o your_o life_n what_o you_o shall_v eat_v etc._n etc._n be_v not_o the_o life_n more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n he_o have_v give_v we_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v breathe_v into_o we_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o make_v these_o body_n without_o our_o care_n and_o thought_n he_o have_v do_v the_o great_a will_v he_o not_o do_v the_o less_o when_o thou_o be_v ready_a anxious_o and_o solicitous_o to_o say_v what_o shall_v i_o do_v for_o the_o necessary_n of_o life_n consider_v whence_o thou_o do_v receive_v thy_o life_n who_o make_v this_o body_n of_o thou_o thou_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o wisdom_n which_o have_v create_v these_o consider_v how_o to_o supply_v they_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n know_v that_o you_o will_v want_v all_o these_o and_o have_v according_o provide_v for_o they_o therefore_o fear_v not_o sermon_n viii_o vi_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n preach_v at_o kensington_n i_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 among_o the_o several_a duty_n which_o towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o epistle_n the_o apostle_n exhort_v christian_n to_o this_o be_v one_o not_o to_o be_v overmuch_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o may_v befall_v we_o but_o to_o refer_v ourselves_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v i._o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v which_o be_v to_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n ii_o the_o argument_n use_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o it_o because_o he_o care_v for_o we_o i._o for_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n here_o require_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v a_o anxious_a care_n about_o event_n a_o care_n that_o be_v accompany_v with_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v of_o mind_n about_o what_o may_v befall_v we_o about_o the_o good_a that_o we_o hope_v for_o and_o desire_n or_o about_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o fear_v may_v come_v upon_o we_o this_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o throw_v off_o and_o to_o leave_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n all_o those_o event_n which_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v so_o solicitous_a and_o disquiet_v about_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o psal_n 55.22_o cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o now_o that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v our_o duty_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v not_o here_o mean_v by_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o god_n and_o then_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o a_o provident_a care_n and_o diligence_n about_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n this_o be_v not_o only_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o many_o express_a precept_n and_o passage_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o diligence_n be_v recommend_v to_o we_o and_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a success_n of_o our_o affair_n promise_v thereto_o wherein_o we_o be_v command_v to_o provide_v for_o those_o of_o our_o family_n which_o can_v be_v do_v without_o some_o sort_n of_o care_n and_o wherein_o sloathfulness_n and_o negligence_n be_v condemn_v and_o threaten_v with_o poverty_n so_o that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n to_o take_v no_o care_n of_o ourselves_o to_o use_v no_o diligence_n and_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o good_a which_o we_o desire_v and_o the_o prevention_n of_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v this_o be_v to_o tempt_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v that_o burden_n upon_o he_o which_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v bear_v ourselves_o but_o by_o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n the_o apostle_n intend_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o after_o all_o prudent_a care_n and_o diligence_n have_v be_v use_v by_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v far_o solicitous_a nor_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o can_v will_v be_v out_o of_o our_o power_n and_o this_o certain_o be_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n when_o he_o bid_v we_o take_v no_o care_n for_o the_o morrow_n when_o we_o have_v do_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o for_o the_o present_a to_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o disquiet_v and_o torment_v ourselves_o about_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n 2._o cast_v our_o care_n upon_o god_n imply_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v the_o issue_n of_o thing_n to_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v continual_o vigilant_a over_o we_o and_o know_v how_o to_o dispose_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o best_a entire_o confide_v in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v order_v all_o thing_n for_o our_o good_a and_o in_o that_o confidence_n resolve_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v and_o content_v with_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n whatever_o they_o be_v you_o see_v then_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o exhort_v to_o viz._n that_o after_o all_o prudent_a care_n and_o diligence_n have_v be_v use_v on_o our_o part_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v disquiet_v in_o our_o mind_n about_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o all_o our_o concernment_n which_o be_v the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o speak_v to_o and_o which_o i_o intend_v chief_o to_o insist_v upon_o viz._n the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v to_o persuade_v we_o to_o this_o duty_n of_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o god_n because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o care_v for_o we_o and_o this_o imply_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o in_o general_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o concern_v itself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o 2._o more_o particular_o that_o this_o providence_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v for_o good_a man_n and_o that_o he_o take_v a_o special_a care_n of_o they_o and_o their_o concern_v he_o care_v for_o you_o the_o apostle_n speak_v this_o to_o they_o not_o only_o as_o man_n but_o as_o christian_n and_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n from_o who_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v take_v do_v apply_v and_o limit_v this_o promise_n cast_v thy_o burden_n upon_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o shall_v sustain_v thou_o he_o shall_v never_o suffer_v the_o righteous_a to_o be_v move_v 1._o that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o we_o imply_v in_o general_a that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o concern_v itself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o a_o large_a proof_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o be_v too_o large_a and_o intricate_a a_o argument_n for_o a_o short_a discourse_n and_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o nicety_n and_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v be_v almost_o general_o entertain_v and_o believe_v by_o mankind_n and_o that_o upon_o very_o good_a reason_n yet_o because_o the_o vindication_n of_o many_o particular_a appearance_n of_o providence_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o a_o full_a view_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o refer_v ourselves_o for_o full_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o several_a difficulty_n and_o objection_n to_o the_o other_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n work_n together_o with_o the_o relation_n of_o every_o part_n to_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o then_o many_o particular_a passage_n which_o may_v now_o seem_v odd_a and_o crooked_a as_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o by_o themselves_o will_v in_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a appear_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n and_o regularity_n in_o they_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o brief_o and_o in_o the_o general_n show_v that_o it_o be_v very_o credible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o interest_n itself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o man_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o and_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v observe_v

god_n may_v upon_o repentance_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o knowledge_n or_o power_n either_o defer_v or_o abate_v or_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n appear_v clear_o from_o that_o know_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o the_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v not_o false_a but_o when_o they_o have_v clear_a perception_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o err_v and_o mistake_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v be_v under_o a_o constant_a delusion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o this_o be_v our_o make_n and_o temper_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v then_o most_o of_o all_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o hence_o because_o veracity_n and_o truth_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o unless_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n we_o need_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o whatever_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a assent_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o and_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n therefore_o whoever_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v give_v we_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v who_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a and_o who_o word_n be_v true_a we_o ought_v upon_o this_o high_a and_o superior_a reason_n to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o dishonour_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o this_o essential_a property_n his_o veracity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believeh_n not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v we_o glorify_v this_o perfection_n of_o he_o and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o his_o veracity_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3.33_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v his_o testimony_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a three_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithful_a in_o perform_v his_o promise_n than_o here_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a we_o may_v hold_v fast_o our_o hope_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n isa_n 55.3_o we_o attribute_v much_o to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n as_o very_o good_a security_n but_o man_n may_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n shall_v prove_v liar_n man_n be_v fickle_a and_o murable_a but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v he_o can_v fail_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o when_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o may_v plead_v it_o with_o he_o and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o faithfulness_n so_o we_o find_v david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 7.25_o etc._n etc._n only_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n heb._n 4.1_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o that_o do_v release_v and_o discharge_v he_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v but_o upon_o condition_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o say_v before_o that_o if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v god_n will_v bestow_v the_o blessing_n promise_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o also_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o also_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o curse_n threaten_v will_n then_o take_v place_n and_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o and_o god_n be_v not_o unfaithful_a in_o do_v this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o assurance_n we_o may_v trust_v he_o with_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n with_o he_o psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v rely_v upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a improbability_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o do_v abraham_n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v also_o make_v we_o patient_a in_o hope_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o speedy_o accomplish_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v deject_v or_o disquiet_v david_n challenge_v himself_o upon_o this_o account_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n four_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a evil_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v because_o their_o sin_n deserve_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n employ_v in_o they_o upon_o which_o thou_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o the_o avoid_n or_o abate_v of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v but_o of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o threaten_n thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o bless_v thyself_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o thou_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o this_o very_a thing_n thou_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o spare_v thou_o and_o make_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o jealousy_n to_o smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o continue_v impenitent_a however_o he_o may_v defer_v the_o execution_n of_o temporal_a evil_n his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o such_o shall_v no_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n five_o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o imitation_n will_v you_o be_v like_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v divine_a perfection_n but_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o predominant_a quality_n of_o hell_n the_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n

divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o