Selected quad for the lemma: saint_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
saint_n angel_n creature_n worship_n 1,497 5 7.5205 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61251 A vindication of the divine perfections illustrating the glory of God in them, by reason and revelation: methodically digested into several meditations. By a person of honour. Stair, James Dalrymple, Viscount of, 1619-1695. 1695 (1695) Wing S5181; ESTC R221836 207,616 368

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v fellow-servant_n none_o of_o these_o do_v insist_v with_o a_o distinguo_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o worship_v they_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v there_o any_o precept_n or_o one_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n of_o pray_v to_o a_o absent_a creature_n i_o know_v nothing_o can_v be_v pretend_v but_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v publish_v there_o be_v no_o canonise_a of_o saint_n and_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o evidence_n that_o all_o who_o be_v canonize_v be_v true_o saint_n much_o less_o that_o their_o suppose_a relic_n be_v true_a if_o then_o man_n be_v worship_v some_o damn_a spirit_n if_o that_o be_v not_o idolatry_n i_o know_v what_o can_v be_v but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o confidence_n that_o no_o pope_n have_v err_v in_o canonise_a which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v infallibility_n in_o it_o i_o wish_v these_o man_n will_v serious_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o shun_v the_o attribute_v of_o the_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n to_o creature_n the_o same_o hour_n of_o public_a devotion_n be_v common_a through_o that_o whole_a saint-worshipping_a church_n if_o some_o million_o be_v at_o once_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o saint_n can_v mere_a human_a nature_n be_v raise_v to_o that_o height_n to_o hear_v all_o those_o at_o once_o when_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v hear_v any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o suppose_v their_o groundless_a invention_n that_o they_o see_v all_o in_o speculo_fw-la trinitatis_fw-la yet_o they_o cease_v not_o to_o be_v such_o a_o multitude_n reflect_v to_o their_o knowledge_n at_o once_o so_o that_o they_o must_v make_v they_o god_n or_o else_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v themselves_o idolater_n and_o on_o their_o own_o ground_n it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a that_o they_o whole_o neglect_v abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n job_n samuel_n and_o daniel_n who_o god_n have_v single_v out_o as_o the_o strong_a intercessor_n and_o moses_n and_o aaron_n who_o god_n have_v canonize_v the_o scripture_n call_v he_o the_o saint_n of_o god_n if_o any_o creature_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o absence_n there_o be_v most_o to_o be_v say_v for_o worship_v angel_n which_o yet_o be_v express_o forbid_v and_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n all_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v not_o require_v as_o the_o heathen_n divide_v among_o their_o god_n the_o several_a office_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o man_n so_o they_o do_v exceed_v they_o in_o attribute_v to_o particular_a saint_n their_o several_a office_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o to_o beast_n to_o all_o the_o part_n of_o man_n and_o all_o their_o disease_n without_o the_o least_o pretext_n of_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v even_o by_o their_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o god_n have_v declare_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o these_o saint_n have_v so_o declare_v so_o that_o they_o must_v not_o only_o order_v all_o the_o saint_n upon_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n if_o the_o saint_n be_v adorable_a how_o come_v it_o that_o every_o one_o adore_v what_o saint_n he_o please_v and_o neglect_v the_o rest_n and_o by_o what_o warrant_n do_v they_o assign_v they_o their_o task_n if_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o worship_v all_o as_o they_o do_v some_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n be_v a_o small_a matter_n to_o they_o the_o singularity_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o encroach_v upon_o by_o the_o bless_a trinity_n be_v in_o unity_n in_o one_o individual_a god_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v full_o express_v it_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o inbred_a principle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o many_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o the_o way_n of_o science_n by_o a_o rational_a deduction_n from_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o the_o exact_a harmony_n between_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v a_o mutual_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o both_o yet_o both_o be_v rather_o science_n than_o faith_n until_o god_n by_o his_o free_a grace_n endue_v man_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v discern_v because_o by_o nature_n he_o have_v not_o that_o sense_n by_o which_o they_o be_v perceivable_a there_o may_v have_v be_v other_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o other_o sense_n of_o these_o object_n and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n give_v a_o new_a inward_a sense_n to_o the_o regenerate_v only_o by_o which_o they_o believe_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o covenant_n of_o redemption_n and_o grace_n the_o mediator_n willing_a and_o free_a submission_n of_o himself_o to_o suffer_v in_o his_o human_a nature_n even_o to_o death_n for_o man_n that_o god_n justice_n may_v so_o be_v satisfy_v and_o his_o purity_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o sin_n vindicate_v that_o free_a elect_a love_n may_v take_v place_n in_o which_o the_o elect_n can_v attribute_v nothing_o to_o themselves_o but_o all_o unto_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v or_o may_v persuade_v all_o man_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v also_o essential_o just_a and_o if_o it_o can_v have_v consist_v with_o his_o justice_n without_o satisfaction_n thereto_o to_o pardon_v one_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o to_o pardon_v one_o more_o than_o another_o and_o therefore_o god_n may_v have_v be_v without_o punitive_a justice_n justice_z also_o differ_v from_o benignity_n that_o it_o keep_v a_o just_a proportion_n between_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o if_o all_o sinner_n deserve_v exclusion_n from_o god_n favour_n none_o of_o they_o can_v satisfy_v for_o himself_o much_o less_o can_v any_o one_o receive_v pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n but_o here_o the_o sharp_a natural_a reason_n be_v confound_v and_o leave_v in_o the_o dark_a till_o revelation_n and_o faith_n step_v in_o discover_v the_o mediator_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o humanity_n make_v he_o capable_a to_o suffer_v and_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o person_n give_v his_o suffer_v a_o infinite_a value_n and_o the_o outward_a revelation_n of_o it_o may_v induce_v a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o suppose_v god_n have_v so_o do_v the_o consequence_n be_v good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o he_o have_v so_o do_v but_o to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n and_o full_a persuasion_n of_o it_o upon_o tradition_n write_v or_o unwritten_a require_v more_o than_o reason_v can_v infer_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o compulsion_n be_v adhibit_v for_o religion_n so_o far_o as_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o nature_n go_v because_o there_o be_v the_o strong_a evidence_n beyond_o any_o other_o natural_a duty_n in_o which_o none_o be_v spare_v from_o coaction_n and_o punishment_n but_o they_o be_v rather_o heighten_v by_o pretend_v the_o want_n of_o persuasion_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v full_a and_o clear_a and_o the_o divert_v the_o thought_n or_o shut_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v no_o more_o excuse_n than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v light_n at_o midday_n because_o he_o will_v not_o open_v his_o eye_n to_o let_v it_o enter_v but_o we_o be_v not_o in_o that_o capacity_n as_o to_o supernatural_a light_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v both_o against_o religion_n and_o humanity_n to_o compel_v man_n to_o supernatural_a and_o institute_v religion_n where_o they_o believe_v not_o these_o reveal_v principle_n from_o which_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v refuse_v clear_a inference_n which_o require_v not_o long_a deduction_n those_o who_o pretend_v the_o unity_n against_o the_o trinity_n of_o the_o deity_n because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v it_o must_v deny_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o god_n which_o his_o word_n so_o often_o assert_n yea_o the_o whole_a tenor_n of_o the_o word_n and_o their_o pitiful_a evasion_n do_v too_o strong_o evidence_n that_o they_o only_o own_o the_o scripture_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v odious_a and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o than_o natural_a religion_n but_o not_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o imagine_v god_n can_v forgive_v sin_n without_o all_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n which_o be_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o can_v neither_o admit_v of_o a_o injurious_a god_n nor_o of_o a_o justiceless_a god_n those_o who_o from_o the_o trinity_n wave_v all_o reason_n against_o a_o carnal_a presence_n in_o the_o eucharist_n
create_v any_o creature_n why_o he_o create_v not_o more_o individual_n more_o kind_n more_o excellent_a perfection_n why_o he_o suffer_v sin_n to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n why_o he_o save_v so_o few_o and_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v and_o therefore_o upon_o pretence_n to_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n and_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o represent_v he_o as_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v especial_o in_o relation_n to_o his_o rational_a creature_n who_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v create_v with_o reason_n and_o free_a choice_n so_o that_o he_o can_v in_o all_o case_n effectual_o over-rule_v they_o by_o hinder_v they_o to_o do_v evil_a or_o make_v they_o to_o do_v good_a but_o that_o he_o can_v only_o persuade_v they_o and_o bring_v into_o their_o thought_n and_o remembrance_n the_o best_a motive_n yet_o so_o as_o they_o can_v reject_v they_o all_o and_o choose_v the_o contrary_a at_o least_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o have_v no_o far_o influence_n on_o they_o but_o by_o persuasion_n wherein_o they_o fortify_v themselves_o by_o god_n entreaty_n and_o expostulation_n and_o by_o his_o express_a declaration_n what_o can_v i_o have_v do_v more_o for_o my_o vineyard_n that_o i_o have_v not_o do_v this_o do_v no_o less_o derogate_v from_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o the_o former_a do_v from_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o mistake_v yea_o and_o pernicious_a error_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o amiableness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o proper_a here_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n against_o these_o error_n but_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o particular_a perfection_n on_o which_o they_o encroach_v i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n observe_v how_o these_o opinion_n can_v subsist_v with_o the_o common_a conception_n of_o god_n unto_o which_o all_o that_o use_v unprejudicate_v reason_n do_v agree_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v not_o conceive_v he_o more_o perfect_a than_o he_o be_v and_o consequent_o more_o amiable_a if_o that_o he_o act_v by_o absolute_a necessity_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v he_o more_o perfect_a if_o in_o his_o intention_n purpose_n and_o performance_n he_o act_v free_o it_o be_v a_o inbred_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v moral_o good_a virtuous_a or_o praiseworthy_a that_o be_v do_v of_o necessity_n and_o not_o free_o and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n do_v represent_v the_o divine_a intention_n and_o act_n as_o free_v not_o by_o the_o freedom_n of_o indifference_n but_o that_o there_o be_v sufficiency_n of_o power_n and_o strength_n in_o god_n to_o have_v do_v otherways_o or_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o import_v inconsistency_n with_o itself_o which_o only_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a but_o there_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o impossibility_n not_o absolute_a by_o inconsistency_n but_o eventual_o impossible_a for_o example_n that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v of_o one_o opinion_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o aim_v and_o shoot_v at_o a_o mark_n and_o hit_v it_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n it_o have_v no_o inconsistency_n that_o the_o same_o man_n with_o the_o same_o instrument_n shall_v ever_o hit_v that_o mark_n and_o yet_o eventual_o it_o be_v impossible_a so_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v for_o his_o vineyard_n the_o mean_v whereof_o be_v not_o because_o of_o his_o decree_n and_o immutability_n for_o so_o all_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v but_o because_o god_n will_v never_o do_v any_o thing_n not_o worthy_a of_o and_o become_v his_o infinite_o glorious_a natural_a perfection_n it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o not_o inconsistent_a that_o he_o shall_v have_v give_v his_o rational_a creature_n such_o inclination_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o act_v contrary_a thereto_o wherein_o he_o have_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o rational_a creature_n to_o choose_v but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o desire_v that_o which_o they_o conceive_v will_v be_v their_o own_o misery_n or_o not_o to_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n when_o they_o think_v upon_o it_o but_o he_o have_v never_o propose_v a_o reward_n for_o such_o act_n because_o they_o proceed_v like_o the_o instinct_n of_o brute_n which_o may_v do_v thing_n natural_o good_a as_o well_o as_o natural_o evil_a but_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o punishment_n or_o of_o reward_n because_o they_o have_v not_o freedom_n god_n have_v also_o give_v to_o mankind_n the_o natural_a affection_n to_o love_v their_o child_n distinct_a from_o that_o love_n which_o arise_v from_o their_o perfection_n this_o inclination_n be_v very_o strong_a yet_o some_o do_v counteract_v it_o and_o thereby_o their_o crime_n be_v most_o horrid_a but_o their_o reward_n be_v least_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n or_o of_o men._n these_o action_n be_v most_o praiseworthy_a whereby_o the_o contrary_a strong_a inclination_n be_v overcome_v as_o to_o hazard_v life_n without_o rational_a hope_n of_o escape_n for_o the_o good_a of_o a_o country_n or_o city_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o when_o escape_n be_v impossible_a and_o yet_o a_o contrary_a word_n will_v save_v it_o upon_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n as_o the_o martyr_n have_v suffer_v the_o most_o cruel_a death_n when_o a_o contrary_a acknowledgement_n will_v both_o have_v give_v life_n and_o reward_n 13._o when_o therefore_o i_o consider_v and_o compare_v these_o two_o way_n that_o be_v both_o possible_a and_o good_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v create_v all_o his_o rational_a creature_n with_o such_o inclination_n that_o they_o can_v not_o counteract_v and_o thereby_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o punishment_n nor_o reward_n not_o have_v any_o freedom_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v create_v they_o with_o sufficient_a inbred_a principle_n and_o inclination_n to_o good_a not_o of_o necessity_n but_o of_o free_a choice_n and_o which_o they_o can_v counteract_v and_o so_o do_v govern_v they_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o be_o convince_v as_o clear_o as_o of_o the_o light_n that_o in_o this_o way_n creature_n be_v more_o like_a to_o their_o creator_n and_o that_o his_o choice_n be_v more_o suitable_a worthy_a of_o and_o become_v his_o infinite_o glorious_a nature_n than_o the_o former_a way_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o confirm_a angel_n or_o glorious_a saint_n be_v in_o a_o absolute_a impossibility_n to_o counteract_v their_o inclination_n god_n so_o assist_v they_o in_o all_o their_o choice_n that_o it_o be_v only_o eventual_o impossible_a as_o our_o saviour_n encourage_v his_o apostle_n not_o to_o be_v anxious_a what_o to_o say_v when_o they_o be_v bring_v before_o judge_n for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v they_o what_o to_o say_v in_o that_o hour_n therefore_o both_o angel_n and_o man_n be_v at_o first_o create_v in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n but_o mutable_a for_o after-proof_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n and_o diligence_n god_n do_v confirm_v the_o elect_a angel_n by_o great_a grace_n than_o though_o rest_n and_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n do_v fall_v free_o and_o by_o no_o necessity_n impose_v either_o by_o the_o decree_n or_o dispensation_n of_o god_n how_o foolish_a then_o be_v it_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o creature_n will_v create_v such_o creature_n as_o either_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o nature_n or_o by_o his_o decree_n he_o can_v not_o govern_v but_o only_o persuade_v request_n and_o expostulate_v a_o supposition_n little_a agreeable_a to_o that_o of_o his_o foreknowledge_n or_o the_o use_v he_o may_v make_v of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o difficulty_n that_o he_o can_v foresee_v what_o they_o will_v do_v if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o but_o see_v he_o can_v hinder_v and_o prevent_v whatever_o he_o foresee_v that_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o he_o can_v enable_v and_o excite_v they_o to_o whatever_o he_o please_v that_o be_v good_a i_o see_v no_o more_o necessary_a for_o govern_v they_o and_o for_o glorify_v himself_o it_o be_v more_o foolish_a and_o faulty_a to_o murmur_v that_o god_n have_v thus_o create_v his_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o not_o exclude_v sin_n from_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o design_v and_o perform_v the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v without_o make_v more_o kind_n or_o individual_n or_o soon_o but_o as_o he_o put_v to_o silence_n the_o clamorous_a labourer_n in_o the_o vineyard_n that_o he_o have_v give_v as_o much_o to_o those_o that_o
can_v comprehend_v they_o distinct_o altogether_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o glorify_a creature_n will_v have_v a_o excellent_a and_o eternal_a exercise_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o apprehend_v distinct_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o his_o manifold_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n which_o will_v yield_v fresh_a and_o renew_a pleasure_n for_o ever_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o our_o thought_n turn_v upon_o a_o few_o delightful_a object_n give_v a_o fresh_a continuance_n of_o pleasure_n albeit_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n be_v but_o low_a how_o fresh_a then_o and_o how_o great_a must_v that_o pleasure_n be_v that_o have_v the_o variety_n of_o god_n existence_n and_o nature_n in_o be_v a_o pure_a immaterial_a spirit_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n bring_v to_o a_o unalterable_a condition_n second_o the_o delight_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v infinite_a and_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o high_a degree_n but_o creature_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o infinite_a perfection_n therefore_o their_o delight_n may_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v make_v still_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v full_o satisfactory_a in_o the_o degree_n that_o god_n free_o give_v it_o and_o though_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n yet_o all_o of_o they_o be_v satisfy_v without_o envy_n emulation_n or_o desire_v of_o more_o than_o what_o they_o do_v receive_v after_o the_o resurrection_n and_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o their_o glorify_a body_n three_o the_o delight_n of_o glorify_a creature_n be_v not_o upon_o ground_n from_o themselves_o but_o from_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n nor_o from_o perfection_n whole_o in_o themselves_o but_o in_o the_o power_n and_o love_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v in_o all_o occasion_n of_o danger_n meditation_n x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n have_v meditate_a upon_o the_o glorious_a divine_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v natural_a necessary_a and_o immanent_a so_o far_o as_o my_o narrow_a capacity_n do_v reach_v and_o apprehend_v and_o in_o that_o natural_a order_n whereby_o the_o antecedent_n do_v always_o make_v way_n for_o the_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o subsequent_a the_o first_o and_o absolute_a attribute_n be_v a_o spirit_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v relative_a suppose_v a_o subject_a to_o which_o they_o relate_v of_o which_o the_o near_a to_o the_o pure_o immaterial_a spirit_n of_o god_n be_v omniscience_n and_o next_o thereto_o activity_n by_o his_o will_n choose_v and_o effectuate_a according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o then_o his_o omnipotence_n extend_v not_o only_a to_o what_o he_o choose_v or_o will_v but_o to_o all_o that_o be_v possible_a and_o consistent_a all_o which_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o caufe_fw-fr whereby_o he_o be_v self-existent_a and_o eternal_a self-sufficient_a infinite_o delight_v in_o himself_o and_o thereby_o bless_v and_o as_o to_o all_o transient_a act_n absolute_o free_a and_o full_o independent_a in_o his_o be_v power_n choice_n or_o operation_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v my_o most_o serious_a and_o humble_a thought_n to_o his_o voluntary_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v earnest_o endeavour_v to_o find_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o former_a which_o i_o perceive_v not_o only_o to_o be_v antecedent_n and_o consequent_a but_o that_o they_o be_v as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o any_o thing_n in_o god_n have_v a_o extrinsic_a cause_n or_o a_o real_a multiplicity_n or_o difference_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o god_n alone_o do_v act_v immediate_o by_o his_o be_v some_o have_v extend_v that_o to_o creature_n but_o if_o without_o injury_n i_o think_v not_o without_o error_n suppose_v for_o instance_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n perceive_v judge_v reason_v choose_v by_o its_o own_o substance_n as_o it_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o that_o it_o be_v but_o man_n fancy_n that_o imagine_v superad_v power_n such_o as_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_n wherein_o they_o seem_v as_o much_o to_o err_v in_o the_o defect_n as_o the_o common_a course_n of_o the_o schoolman_n do_v in_o the_o excess_n multiply_v real_a entity_n as_o they_o imagine_v as_o the_o eternal_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o have_v exi_v or_o do_v exist_v and_o of_o the_o real_a be_v of_o thing_n possible_a that_o do_v not_o never_o do_v nor_o never_o shall_v exist_v and_o suppose_v a_o multitude_n of_o accident_n real_o distinct_a from_o any-substance_n and_o that_o the_o same_o individual_a accident_n be_v separable_a from_o one_o individual_a substance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v unto_o another_o and_o which_o consequent_o can_v subsist_v without_o any_o substance_n and_o so_o not_o differ_v from_o a_o substance_n by_o subsist_v without_o a_o subject_a but_o be_v difference_v by_o have_v a_o fitness_n to_o perfect_v a_o subject_a by_o actual_a inhere_n in_o it_o and_o differ_v also_o from_o modes_n that_o these_o imply_v a_o individual_a subject_n from_o which_o they_o be_v inseparable_a yet_o they_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o gross_a as_o to_o attribute_v such_o accident_n to_o god_n which_o indeed_o can_v escape_v to_o infer_v a_o composition_n of_o separable_a thing_n it_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o create_a substance_n to_o act_v by_o its_o substance_n or_o immediate_o it_o be_v true_a that_o if_o we_o suppose_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o species_n to_o differ_v by_o substantial_o and_o consequent_o by_o separable_o subsistent_a part_n and_o so_o shall_v conceive_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_v to_o be_v such_o then_o the_o soul_n will_v substantial_o comprehend_v the_o intellect_n and_o the_o will_n and_o must_v act_v immediate_o but_o though_o the_o capacity_n to_o reason_n and_o choice_n be_v no_o substantial_a part_n separable_a from_o the_o soul_n they_o may_v still_o be_v essential_a though_o not_o substantial_a difference_n and_o then_o the_o soul_n act_v not_o immediate_o but_o by_o the_o addition_n of_o these_o and_o i_o conceive_v it_o a_o abusive_a speech_n and_o if_o proper_o take_v derogatory_n to_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o withdraw_v the_o power_n of_o reason_v or_o free_a choice_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n without_o annihilate_v its_o substance_n but_o only_o change_v it_o unto_o another_o kind_n which_o yet_o may_v essential_o differ_v from_o a_o brute_n which_o can_v judge_n nor_o compare_n no_o more_o than_o reason_n but_o only_o perceive_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o instinct_n it_o do_v much_o more_o quadrate_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o he_o free_o give_v these_o power_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n have_v the_o special_a nature_n of_o man_n and_o not_o of_o necessity_n that_o such_o power_n must_v be_v free_o superad_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o creature_n i_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o this_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v no_o substance_n but_o spirit_n and_o matter_n that_o all_o the_o species_n of_o creature_n be_v by_o superadded_a power_n or_o modes_n which_o be_v not_o separable_a being_n and_o therefore_o if_o a_o spirit_n by_o its_o substance_n can_v reason_v choose_v worship_n or_o adore_v than_o all_o spirit_n behove_v necessary_o so_o to_o do_v or_o if_o matter_n as_o such_o can_v move_v or_o act_v all_o body_n behove_v so_o to_o do_v therefore_o something_o must_v be_v superad_v to_o make_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v neither_o body_n nor_o spirit_n therefore_o it_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n of_o god_n to_o act_v immediate_o that_o the_o transient_a act_n of_o god_n perfection_n be_v cause_n and_o effect_n it_o do_v sufficient_o satisfy_v i_o that_o i_o do_v not_o unsutable_o think_v of_o god_n when_o i_o inquire_v why_o do_v god_n punish_v sin_n and_o resolve_v that_o it_o be_v because_o he_o be_v just_a and_o if_o i_o yet_o further_o inquire_v why_o be_v god_n unchangeable_o just_a i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o be_v either_o because_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a or_o that_o he_o be_v unchangeable_o just_a only_o because_o he_o will_v be_v so_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o any_o three_o ground_n or_o rise_v whence_o all_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n do_v flow_v i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v derogatory_n to_o the_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n of_o god_n if_o all_o his_o dispensation_n do_v not_o arise_v only_o from_o his_o will_n but_o that_o very_a reason_n infer_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n because_o it_o bring_v a_o reason_n why_o all_o must_v flow_v from_o god_n will_n to_o wit_v his_o freedom_n and_o absoluteness_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o his_o will_n nor_o from_o his_o will_n nor_o be_v they_o moral_a but_o natural_a perfection_n
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n methodical_o digest_v into_o several_a meditation_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o the_o preface_n the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v possess_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o supreme_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n love_n and_o joy_n affiance_n and_o trust._n the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o finite_a faculty_n but_o their_o discovery_n be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o gradual_a accomplishment_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o early_a morning_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n afford_v some_o glimmer_a notice_n and_o scatter_a glance_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n like_o the_o ascend_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o dispel_v the_o mist_n in_o the_o air_n give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a discovery_n the_o light_n of_o glory_n like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a lustre_n reveal_v they_o in_o the_o most_o resplendent_a manner_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o variety_n and_o union_n of_o its_o part_n in_o their_o order_n and_o efficacy_n the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a maker_n appear_v or_o rather_o shine_v his_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n be_v visible_o sign_v and_o engrave_v on_o his_o work_n but_o since_o the_o revolt_n and_o ruin_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n be_v strange_o darken_v and_o disorder_v in_o its_o operation_n of_o this_o there_o be_v sad_a evidence_n in_o the_o numberless_a error_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v god_n the_o heathen_a notion_n of_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o infinite_o blaspheme_v his_o nature_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v one_o fundamental_a error_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n the_o divine_a perfection_n carry_v their_o evidence_n in_o a_o circle_n one_o attribute_n illustrate_v and_o strong_o infer_v another_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o fancy_v every_o attribute_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a deity_n these_o portentous_a mistake_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o visibility_n in_o the_o object_n but_o of_o sight_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n so_o weaken_v and_o vitiate_a in_o our_o lapse_v state_n it_o please_v therefore_o the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o his_o admirable_a mercy_n to_o afford_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n the_o same_o heavenly_a inspiration_n from_o whence_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n proceed_v be_v requisite_a to_o renew_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v such_o character_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o none_o but_o a_o perverse_a mind_n can_v suspect_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o glass_n his_o most_o divine_a perfection_n be_v reveal_v wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o the_o moral_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a revelation_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o compassionate_a counsel_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o productive_a of_o a_o inward_a revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o regulate_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o save_a efficacy_n the_o wise_a man_n with_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o miraculous_a star_n have_v internal_a illumination_n that_o discover_v the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n be_v temper_v to_o our_o frail_a faculty_n if_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n be_v display_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o astonishment_n but_o in_o the_o future_a state_n where_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritualise_v we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v in_o heaven_n god_n shine_v by_o direct_a beam_n the_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a vision_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o heaven_n here_o by_o the_o attentive_a and_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o noble_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n have_v oblige_v the_o wise_a and_o inquire_a christian_n by_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n the_o clearness_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a in_o manage_v a_o subject_a so_o deep_a and_o difficult_a and_o as_o in_o the_o bless_a god_n there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o glorious_a and_o amiable_a excellency_n as_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o will_n so_o in_o our_o author_n unfolding_n they_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o beauty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o may_v enlighten_v and_o engage_v all_o under_o stand_a reader_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o entire_a choice_n of_o god_n for_o their_o everlasting_a portion_n we_o have_v here_o a_o imitable_a and_o instructive_a example_n to_o great_a man_n the_o dignity_n of_o who_o station_n in_o the_o world_n too_o common_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o a_o more_o sedulous_a intention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v final_a reference_n to_o another_o world_n this_o performance_n of_o the_o noble_a author_n show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o impracticable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o praiseworthy_a amid_o the_o great_a secular_a employment_n to_o find_v vacancy_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n to_o look_v with_o a_o very_a inquisitive_a eye_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v the_o author_n pleasure_n to_o be_v know_v will_v let_v it_o be_v see_v the_o statesman_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o inconsistency_n to_o a_o great_a and_o comprebensive_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v they_o with_o distinction_n and_o without_o confound_v they_o or_o make_v the_o two_o sphere_n intersect_v one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o in_o so_o large_a a_o theological_a work_n here_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o political_a matter_n except_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v contiguous_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o or_o if_o this_o work_v concern_v policy_n and_o government_n by_o man_n it_o be_v without_o our_o compass_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o we_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o do_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o pleasure_n of_o engross_a it_o or_o of_o peruse_v it_o alone_o till_o we_o have_v impart_v it_o and_o make_v it_o possible_a to_o other_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o therein_o w._n bates_z j._n howe._n the_o content_n meditation_n i._o introductory_n 1_o ii_o upon_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 19_o iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n 28_o iu._n upon_o god_n omniscience_n 36_o v._o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n 67_o vi_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 78_o vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n 89_o viii_o upon_o god_n freedom_n 140_o ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o 118_o x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n 126_o page_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n 141_o xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 150_o xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 168_o fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 179_o xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 200_o xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 213_o xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 224_o xviii_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o dispensation_n thereof_o towards_o his_o rational_a creature_n especial_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 257_o meditation_n i._o introductory_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n be_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a object_n it_o be_v also_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n of_o man_n happiness_n for_o by_o delight_v in_o god_n he_o do_v enjoy_v he_o delight_n can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lovely_a object_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o
god_n do_v create_v man_n and_o angel_n with_o principle_n and_o capacity_n to_o act_v acceptable_o to_o god_n and_o suitable_o to_o their_o own_o natural_a perfection_n yet_o have_v natural_a power_n to_o do_v evil_a by_o omission_n or_o commission_n but_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o infallibility_n that_o they_o can_v never_o act_v unsutable_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n or_o their_o own_o natural_a perfection_n whereby_o they_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o independent_a in_o their_o act_n on_o divine_a assistance_n which_o have_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v no_o great_a therefore_o in_o neither_o case_n be_v rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o such_o a_o freedom_n as_o that_o of_o god_n though_o no_o rational_a creature_n can_v be_v thus_o infallible_a by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a perfection_n god_n in_o his_o free_a bounty_n have_v manifest_v that_o he_o do_v decree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o freedom_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_a shall_v never_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o only_a by_o his_o own_o assistant_n bounty_n whereby_o he_o increase_v their_o propension_n to_o good_a and_o their_o aversion_n to_o evil_a in_o every_o circumstance_n wherein_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o have_v err_v after_o they_o be_v glorify_v or_o confirm_v the_o glorify_a angel_n and_o saint_n be_v in_o themselves_o yet_o fallible_a and_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v be_v punishable_a for_o the_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v not_o abolish_v or_o abate_v nor_o the_o punishment_n due_a for_o transgression_n thereof_o it_o be_v just_o and_o true_o say_v if_o the_o righteous_a man_n depart_v from_o his_o righteousness_n his_o former_a righteousness_n shall_v not_o be_v remember_v which_o do_v not_o import_v that_o he_o shall_v depart_v for_o it_o be_v still_o as_o true_a that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o the_o elect_n will_v be_v deceive_v and_o fall_v from_o grace_n which_o import_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o elect_v fall_v from_o grace_n be_v but_o a_o impossibility_n by_o the_o event_n and_o not_o by_o the_o proper_a capacity_n of_o the_o creature_n not_o by_o simple_a impossibility_n from_o their_o intrinsic_a perfection_n but_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exert_v by_o his_o omniscience_n that_o he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o fail_v and_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n that_o in_o these_o circumstance_n he_o can_v so_o increase_v their_o propension_n to_o holiness_n and_o aversion_n to_o sin_n that_o they_o will_v not_o fail_v and_o that_o free_o and_o not_o by_o a_o natural_a necessity_n these_o thing_n appear_v to_o i_o very_o clear_a and_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o that_o perverse_a but_o too_o prevalent_a error_n that_o the_o freedom_n of_o creature_n do_v essential_o imply_v that_o they_o can_v only_o determine_v themselves_o and_o may_v counteract_v all_o persuasion_n these_o man_n admit_v of_o no_o intrinsic_a alteration_n which_o in_o opposition_n to_o persuasion_n be_v call_v a_o physical_a influence_n of_o god_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v further_a evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o thing_n that_o must_v be_v by_o a_o intrinsic_a necessity_n and_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v by_o divine_a bounty_n and_o providence_n and_o thing_n that_o only_o may_v be_v and_o that_o all_o these_o be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o know_v and_o foresee_v by_o god_n meditation_n ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o contemplate_v fall_v all_o under_o single_a apprehension_n without_o imply_v different_a consideration_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o voluntary_a in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o do_v import_v no_o act_n of_o the_o will_n or_o pleasure_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v many_o other_o divine_a perfection_n immediate_o flow_v from_o his_o will_n or_o pleasure_n relative_a to_o himself_o or_o to_o other_o being_n design_a to_o exist_v by_o his_o purpose_n or_o decree_n all_o these_o perfection_n in_o distinction_n from_o the_o former_a be_v call_v moral_a perfection_n and_o be_v moral_o good_a as_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o act_n flow_v from_o his_o will_n or_o pleasure_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o these_o voluntary_a perfection_n be_v god_n love_n to_o himself_o comprehend_v both_o his_o goodwill_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o delight_n in_o himself_o suppose_v the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o divine_a perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a and_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n albeit_o there_o be_v no_o real_a difference_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o perfection_n yet_o there_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o distinction_n which_o be_v call_v formal_a which_o be_v not_o from_o mere_a imagination_n or_o alone_o from_o the_o act_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o have_v a_o true_a foundation_n yea_o revelation_n have_v manifest_v a_o personal_a distinction_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n of_o one_o only_a god_n and_o of_o the_o act_n of_o these_o person_n with_o and_o towards_o one_o another_o and_o of_o the_o order_n of_o their_o act_n in_o decree_n or_o dispensation_n towards_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v not_o by_o single_a expression_n but_o by_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o current_a of_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v three_o divine_a attribute_n frequent_o mention_v in_o scripture_n the_o blessedness_n the_o glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n all_o these_o import_n more_o than_o what_o can_v fall_v under_o one_o single_a apprehension_n the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n must_v imply_v god_n love_n to_o and_o infinite_a delight_n in_o himself_o his_o glory_n must_v import_v his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o they_o be_v manifest_v to_o know_v creature_n who_o give_v he_o glory_n in_o acknowledge_v his_o divine_a perfection_n his_o honour_n also_o must_v imply_v the_o high_a esteem_n of_o know_v creature_n of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n god_n glory_n and_o honour_n need_v not_o several_a meditation_n distinct_a from_o the_o divine_a perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o acknowledge_v and_o magnify_v the_o same_o but_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a consideration_n and_o be_v propose_v as_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o meditation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v more_o clear_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v blessedness_n or_o happiness_n have_v become_v a_o subject_a of_o much_o doubt_n and_o disputation_n in_o relation_n to_o rational_a creature_n which_o have_v main_o arisen_a from_o not_o advert_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o complete_a state_n of_o blessedness_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a thereto_o and_o between_o the_o chief_a and_o ultimate_a ingredient_n thereof_o nothing_o can_v be_v call_v blessedness_n which_o want_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v breed_v dissatisfaction_n or_o grief_n to_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o for_o even_o though_o that_o which_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v want_v be_v impossible_a and_o not_o reasonable_o to_o be_v expect_v or_o endeavour_v yet_o the_o very_a apprehension_n of_o its_o be_v requisite_a and_o the_o desire_n and_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o mar_v full_a satisfaction_n and_o blessedness_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n the_o have_v of_o which_o give_v pleasure_n but_o the_o want_n thereof_o do_v not_o raise_v grief_n and_o therefore_o can_v mar_v happiness_n and_o the_o more_o generous_a mind_n be_v more_o easy_o happy_a than_o other_o because_o they_o value_v less_o minute_n pleasure_n and_o so_o be_v happy_a by_o enjoy_v the_o great_a the_o last_o accomplishment_n of_o happiness_n can_v consist_v in_o the_o delight_n in_o or_o enjoyment_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o certain_a either_o in_o its_o existence_n or_o in_o its_o perception_n the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n can_v not_o be_v happy_a by_o all_o their_o present_a or_o preterite_n enjoyment_n if_o they_o know_v not_o sure_o that_o their_o enjoyment_n will_v never_o be_v alter_v which_o they_o can_v not_o know_v from_o their_o own_o intrinsic_a perfection_n but_o only_o from_o the_o promise_n or_o declare_v purpose_n of_o god_n perpetual_o to_o preserve_v that_o happy_a state_n it_o be_v very_o like_a that_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o angel_n god_n do_v not_o assure_v any_o of_o they_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o fall_v until_o they_o have_v give_v proof_n of_o their_o faithfulness_n which_o may_v have_v be_v the_o first_o rise_v to_o the_o fall_n of_o those_o angel_n who_o be_v not_o content_a with_o their_o station_n but_o thence_o become_v murmur_v and_o malicious_a against_o their_o creator_n happiness_n
to_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n these_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o through_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a grace_n purchase_v give_v or_o offer_v and_o refuse_v which_o sufficient_o satisfy_v the_o many_o expression_n in_o scripture_n of_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o man_n yea_o for_o every_o man_n and_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v insoluble_a argument_n of_o the_o arminian_n that_o must_v be_v true_a which_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v but_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o because_o god_n command_v he_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n which_o therefore_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v therefore_o it_o be_v true_a that_o christ_n die_v for_o every_o man._n this_o argument_n have_v be_v a_o great_a bugbear_n which_o have_v puzzle_v many_o and_o there_o be_v several_a answer_n make_v to_o it_o and_o i_o think_v there_o be_v yet_o a_o better_a answer_n than_o i_o have_v hitherto_o meet_v with_o that_o the_o fallacy_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o difference_n make_v between_o a_o command_n and_o a_o invitation_n or_o exhortation_n to_o do_v that_o to_o which_o the_o party_n exhort_v be_v not_o oblige_v but_o whereby_o a_o great_a benefit_n may_v arise_v upon_o the_o performance_n such_o be_v the_o expression_n of_o christ_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_v to_o your_o soul_n which_o be_v only_o a_o invitation_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o covenant_n be_v that_o the_o engagement_n of_o either_o party_n must_v be_v voluntary_a and_o free_a yea_o even_o in_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n as_o have_v be_v say_v before_o albeit_o innocence_n by_o obedience_n to_o all_o god_n command_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n yet_o adam_n engagement_n superad_v thereto_o be_v voluntary_a and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o condemn_v sinner_n because_o they_o have_v not_o embrace_v the_o offer_n of_o grace_n by_o believe_v as_o the_o penalty_n of_o not_o believe_v but_o will_v only_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o covenant_n because_o they_o do_v not_o assent_v unto_o it_o and_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o all_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v for_o then_o the_o damn_a and_o those_o who_o have_v sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v which_o be_v altogether_o in_o vain_a neither_o be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n so_o that_o not_o believe_v in_o god_n through_o christ_n for_o salvation_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n efficient_a but_o deficient_a of_o damnation_n it_o will_v further_o appear_v hereafter_o how_o christ_n the_o second_o adam_n have_v restore_v what_o the_o first_o adam_n lose_v in_o put_v every_o man_n in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v save_v and_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v damn_v but_o for_o his_o own_o fault_n which_o be_v the_o sentence_n of_o the_o synod_n of_o dort_n against_o the_o rigour_n of_o which_o the_o arminian_n do_v so_o much_o inveigh_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o recur_v to_o that_o answer_n that_o by_o all_o man_n be_v mean_v not_o singula_fw-la generum_fw-la but_o genera_fw-la singulorum_fw-la and_o by_o the_o world_n the_o world_n of_o the_o elect_n which_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o convince_v these_o man_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v only_o be_v the_o world_n of_o the_o elect_n or_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v every_o kind_n of_o man_n or_o that_o this_o interpretation_n will_v quadrate_n with_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n will_v thou_o by_o thy_o meat_n destroy_v he_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o the_o wicked_a that_o hear_v and_o contemn_v the_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o trample_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n when_o christ_n say_v i_o come_v not_o to_o the_o world_n to_o judge_n the_o world_n but_o to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o the_o world_n can_v be_v mean_v the_o world_n of_o the_o elect_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v by_o converse_v with_o all_o the_o world_n elect_a or_o reprobate_n and_o he_o come_v to_o judge_n all_o the_o world_n both_o elect_a and_o reprobate_n though_o it_o be_v not_o his_o chief_a end_n in_o come_v therefore_o the_o world_n he_o come_v to_o save_v must_v be_v so_o also_o understand_v of_o all_o relate_v to_o the_o world_n he_o come_v into_o which_o be_v solid_o and_o sharp_o prosecute_v by_o the_o eminent_o learn_v mounseur_fw-fr claud_n in_o his_o posthumous_n work_v upon_o the_o priestly_a office_n of_o christ._n it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o the_o strong_a asseveration_n of_o god_n as_o i_o live_v i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v be_v only_o to_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o elect_n or_o genera_fw-la singulorum_fw-la or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v not_o mean_v proper_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v ineffectual_a but_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v active_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o save_v all_o man_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v that_o be_v it_o will_v be_v please_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v all_o and_o every_o one_o save_v by_o their_o accept_n the_o offer_n of_o grace_n or_o not_o reject_v it_o but_o that_o way_n be_v only_o distinguishable_a from_o pelagianism_n by_o a_o notion_n not_o warrant_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o pelagian_n have_v not_o say_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o may_v say_v that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n they_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o power_n which_o every_o man_n have_v by_o his_o creation_n and_o his_o birth_n and_o may_v say_v that_o those_o power_n adam_n have_v be_v by_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ground_n to_o glory_n in_o the_o one_o way_n than_o in_o the_o other_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o many_o of_o these_o man_n abhor_v pelagianism_n which_o make_v i_o always_o hope_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o these_o and_o other_o protestant_n which_o be_v common_o call_v reform_v if_o all_o mankind_n have_v a_o power_n to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o reason_n or_o choose_v what_o ground_n be_v there_o to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o power_n from_o the_o other_o but_o if_o man_n can_v believe_v when_o they_o will_v but_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v in_o their_o conversion_n give_v they_o new_a power_n or_o faculty_n or_o at_o least_o sincere_o offer_v they_o and_o will_v put_v they_o in_o their_o power_n if_o they_o will_v not_o reject_v they_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o manifest_a difference_n between_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a act_n or_o between_o nature_n and_o grace_n that_o grace_n must_v have_v a_o new_a power_n give_v free_o at_o conversion_n whereby_o the_o convert_v be_v enable_v to_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o respect_n of_o this_o power_n christ_n say_v without_o i_o you_o can_v do_v notb_v which_o be_v not_o speak_v as_o to_o natural_a power_n and_o by_o this_o power_n the_o apostle_n say_v i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n by_o he_o that_o strengthen_v i_o for_o of_o bim_n we_o have_v both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v that_o way_n do_v not_o only_o derogate_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o happiness_n of_o creature_n for_o thereby_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o their_o continuance_n in_o their_o integrity_n or_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o this_o life_n but_o even_o in_o heaven_n for_o if_o their_o free_a will_n can_v bring_v they_o into_o god_n favour_n when_o they_o please_v or_o lose_v it_o when_o they_o please_v in_o this_o life_n as_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v what_o have_v they_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o the_o like_a in_o the_o next_o life_n will_v they_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o the_o devil_n be_v before_o they_o fall_v yet_o their_o free_a will_n carry_v they_o from_o that_o estate_n but_o if_o god_n do_v confirm_v the_o elect_a angel_n and_o saint_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o fall_v certain_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o suitable_a for_o he_o so_o to_o do_v towards_o those_o that_o in_o this_o life_n he_o receive_v into_o his_o favour_n by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n what_o then_o can_v induce_v they_o to_o deny_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a pearl_n of_o the_o