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have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o express_v virtue_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v comely_a and_o become_a and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a virtue_n can_v be_v fitly_o express_v than_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o human_a virtue_n by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o reason_n in_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v become_v god_n do_v assure_v his_o unchangeable_a justice_n shall_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v unjust_o and_o when_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v require_v the_o suffer_v of_o his_o son_n to_o expiate_v sin_n he_o say_v for_o it_o become_v he_o for_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o bring_v many_o son_n to_o glory_n to_o make_v the_o captain_n of_o their_o salvation_n perfect_a through_o suffering_n i_o stumble_v not_o that_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a boldness_n to_o be_v positive_a what_o be_v 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walk_v worthy_a of_o god_n who_o have_v call_v you_o to_o his_o kingdom_n and_o to_o the_o philippian_n only_o let_v your_o conversation_n be_v such_o as_o become_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n and_o to_o the_o ephesian_n i_o therefore_o the_o prisoner_n of_o the_o lord_n beseech_v you_o that_o you_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o vocation_n wherewith_o you_o be_v call_v and_o thereafter_o but_o fornication_n and_o all_o uncleanness_n nor_o covetousness_n let_v it_o not_o be_v once_o name_v among_o you_o as_o become_v saint_n in_o all_o which_o both_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o dignity_n decency_n and_o congruity_n be_v suppose_v rather_o than_o reveal_v and_o be_v persuade_v thence_o and_o not_o mere_o from_o the_o command_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o to_o the_o mediator_n that_o he_o be_v altogether_o lovely_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o it_o inculcate_n more_o than_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o his_o majesty_n all_o which_o be_v 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divine_a natural_a perfection_n meditation_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n have_v clear_v myself_o concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n by_o the_o distinct_a conception_n thereof_o i_o can_v reach_v i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n and_o that_o thereby_o god_n do_v ever_o aim_n and_o act_n like_o himself_o i_o do_v thence_o by_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a consequence_n perceive_v that_o god_n never_o have_v nor_o never_o will_v design_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o like_o himself_o that_o be_v incongruous_a to_o and_o unworthy_a of_o and_o unbecoming_a the_o infinite_a glory_n and_o beauty_n of_o his_o holiness_n wherein_o he_o must_v be_v unchangeable_a not_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o by_o his_o free_a choice_n i_o know_v the_o unchangeableness_n or_o immutability_n of_o god_n may_v and_o use_n to_o be_v further_o extend_v and_o to_o be_v take_v not_o only_o active_o for_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n but_o passive_o for_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o be_v and_o natural_a perfection_n whereby_o he_o be_v altogether_o impassable_a because_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v any_o activity_n which_o can_v have_v a_o physical_a operation_n upon_o god_n yea_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v another_o of_o infinite_a power_n as_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o deity_n so_o evident_o and_o eminent_o in_o this_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o behove_v to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o impression_n and_o alteration_n from_o it_o but_o unchangeableness_n in_o this_o sense_n differ_v nothing_o from_o the_o omnipotence_n and_o other_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n the_o unchangeableness_n i_o
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
period_n of_o their_o existence_n other_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o successive_a regular_a alteration_n have_v not_o a_o endurance_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o the_o fiction_n of_o imagination_n attribute_n the_o extrinsic_a denomination_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o time_n even_o to_o these_o and_o so_o the_o earth_n or_o a_o mountain_n create_v in_o the_o beginning_n can_v only_o be_v say_v to_o endure_v so_o many_o year_n because_o they_o have_v co-existed_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n so_o long_o but_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a time_n by_o any_o regular_a successive_a alteration_n of_o their_o own_o angel_n and_o other_o spirit_n be_v likewise_o by_o coexistence_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n imagine_v to_o have_v a_o intrinsic_a time_n of_o their_o own_o though_o they_o have_v none_o for_o they_o have_v no_o regular_a successive_a alteration_n though_o they_o have_v variety_n of_o successive_a thought_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o regular_a succession_n of_o these_o alteration_n the_o schoolman_n be_v so_o wed_v to_o abstract_a notion_n that_o they_o hold_v that_o duration_n be_v of_o three_o kind_n eternity_n eveternity_n and_o time_n eternity_n they_o attribute_v only_o to_o god_n yet_o they_o imagine_v it_o as_o a_o duration_n equivalent_a to_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o if_o they_o have_v ever_o be_v and_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n but_o angel_n and_o other_o spirit_n have_v a_o beginning_n of_o their_o existence_n but_o no_o termination_n thereof_o for_o distinction_n sake_n they_o call_v their_o endurance_n eveternity_n imagination_n may_v prompt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o god_n as_o a_o preserver_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n have_v continue_v so_o many_o thousand_o year_n but_o it_o be_v too_o bold_a a_o imagination_n to_o attribute_v any_o such_o thing_n to_o god_n almighty_a in_o who_o be_v there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o change_v it_o be_v a_o imagination_n without_o all_o reality_n to_o fancy_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v by_o infinite_a revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o of_o the_o like_a endurance_n it_o be_v yet_o a_o far_a extension_n of_o imagination_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_o present_a with_o god_n for_o then_o all_o thing_n must_v have_v exi_v ere_o they_o be_v create_v which_o be_v a_o evident_a inconsistency_n though_o figurative_o all_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ever_o present_a with_o god_n that_o be_v that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o clear_o as_o if_o they_o be_v present_a and_o existent_a from_o eternity_n meditation_n iv._o upon_o god_n omniscience_n the_o natural_a order_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n lead_v i_o now_o to_o meditate_v upon_o his_o knowledge_n have_v in_o my_o former_a meditation_n clear_v myself_o that_o the_o first_o divine_a attribute_n imply_v in_o the_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v a_o spirit_n self-existent_a which_o essential_o imply_v knowledge_n for_o neither_o the_o want_n of_o extension_n or_o the_o have_v of_o penetrability_n that_o be_v a_o capacity_n to_o co-exist_a in_o the_o same_o space_n with_o another_o substance_n make_v a_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o all_o consider_v person_n that_o a_o inscient_a or_o blind_a god_n which_o act_v not_o by_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n imply_v a_o inconsistency_n and_o therefore_o the_o make_v chance_n or_o fortune_n a_o deity_n be_v entire_o atheism_n the_o common_a conception_n of_o the_o be_v a_o god_n be_v a_o be_v so_o perfect_a that_o can_v neither_o be_v make_v more_o perfect_a nor_o become_v less_o perfect_a but_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n the_o heathen_n who_o believe_v many_o god_n that_o be_v eternal_a beside_o spirit_n of_o man_n do_v believe_v they_o all_o to_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o that_o supposition_n can_v admit_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v omniscient_a that_o each_o of_o they_o do_v know_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o rest_n or_o omnipotent_a that_o they_o can_v do_v all_o that_o imply_v not_o inconsistency_n or_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v but_o idol_n and_o not_o god_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n evince_v sufficient_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o be_v omniscient_a know_v all_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v know_v and_o revelation_n determine_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o his_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a if_o any_o thing_n possible_a past_a present_a or_o future_a be_v not_o perfect_o know_v by_o god_n that_o which_o he_o know_v not_o behove_v to_o limit_v his_o knowledge_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v infinite_a seeing_z god_n knowledge_n be_v infinite_a it_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o any_o finite_a capacity_n who_o can_v search_v the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v apprehend_v and_o not_o only_o believe_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n but_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v know_v by_o natural_a principle_n more_o clear_o by_o know_v what_o be_v not_o consistent_a than_o what_o positive_o be_v imply_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o 1._o no_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n can_v be_v temporary_a or_o successive_a or_o have_v different_a degree_n for_o thereby_o it_o can_v be_v more_o perfect_a and_o yet_o can_v not_o be_v say_v at_o all_o time_n that_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o god_n knowledge_n can_v be_v by_o inference_n or_o deduction_n infer_v a_o unknown_a thing_n from_o a_o know_v or_o know_v the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o god_n know_v the_o implication_n cause_n and_o consequence_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o what_o thence_o be_v deducible_a by_o creature_n therefore_o also_o god_n must_v know_v with_o equal_a clearness_n and_o certainty_n all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v as_o well_o as_o all_o thing_n possible_a or_o impossible_a though_o there_o be_v a_o variety_n in_o the_o object_n whereby_o god_n foreknow_v all_o that_o be_v to_o exist_v before_o any_o do_v exist_v and_o know_v that_o nothing_o do_v then_o exist_v and_o know_v also_o when_o thing_n begin_v to_o exist_v that_o they_o do_v not_o before_o exist_v and_o that_o many_o of_o they_o that_o do_v once_o exist_v do_v cease_v and_o no_o more_o exist_v yet_o here_o the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o in_o the_o object_n which_o he_o do_v equal_o know_v in_o all_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n thence_o also_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o god_n knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v eternal_a 2._o no_o part_n of_o god_n knowledge_n can_v be_v potential_a or_o habitual_a as_o the_o most_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o creature_n must_v be_v for_o they_o can_v possible_o at_o once_o keep_v in_o their_o thought_n a_o great_a variety_n much_o less_o all_o the_o thought_n that_o ever_o they_o have_v and_o least_o of_o all_o the_o thought_n whereof_o they_o only_o have_v the_o power_n or_o habit_n that_o they_o can_v exert_v they_o when_o the_o object_n occur_v to_o their_o thought_n but_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n do_v ever_o actual_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v apprehensible_a 3._o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n can_v arise_v from_o any_o outward_a impression_n make_v upon_o he_o because_o he_o be_v altogether_o impassable_a and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o alteration_n make_v in_o he_o from_o without_o in_o this_o his_o knowledge_n differ_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o creature_n that_o their_o knowledge_n have_v its_o rise_n for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n wherein_o they_o be_v passive_a and_o feel_v some_o alteration_n in_o themselves_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n can_v know_v the_o present_a thought_n of_o other_o but_o by_o some_o sign_n make_v impression_n and_o alteration_n in_o he_o nor_o their_o act_n but_o by_o such_o impression_n but_o god_n knowledge_n can_v be_v in_o that_o way_n hence_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o difficulty_n to_o apprehend_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v than_o his_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n present_a see_v neither_o of_o they_o arise_v from_o impression_n of_o the_o object_n god_n know_v all_o the_o future_a choice_n and_o act_n of_o the_o most_o free_a creature_n where_o they_o act_n most_o indifferent_o with_o as_o much_o clearness_n and_o certainty_n as_o he_o know_v the_o act_n of_o inscient_a creature_n wherein_o they_o can_v alter_v or_o determine_v themselves_o but_o be_v only_o alter_v or_o determine_v by_o extrinsic_a force_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o discriminate_a test_n of_o god_n the_o foretell_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v which_o can_v be_v of_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a but_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v free_a and_o the_o prediction_n in_o scripture_n of_o the_o most_o free_a act_n of_o man_n many_o age_n before_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
now_o think_v on_o be_v god_n active_a unchangeableness_n whereby_o all_o his_o decree_n be_v suitable_a to_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o act_n be_v unchangeable_o conform_v to_o his_o decree_n i_o know_v that_o in_o the_o right_a apprehension_n of_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o the_o divine_a perfection_n there_o be_v great_a need_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n lest_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o or_o encroach_v upon_o another_o and_o therefore_o i_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o mistake_v as_o other_o have_v do_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o unchangeableness_n that_o upon_o different_a occasion_n he_o shall_v act_v different_o i_o have_v see_v of_o late_a and_o not_o without_o abhorrence_n and_o admiration_n publish_v in_o print_n by_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o great_a divine_a in_o the_o roman_a communion_n that_o god_n be_v only_o a_o common_a cause_n work_v like_o the_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n without_o consideration_n of_o any_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o that_o all_o specialty_n be_v act_v by_o christ_n who_o understanding_n be_v finite_a as_o man_n can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o the_o specialty_n arise_v as_o thing_n fall_v in_o his_o thought_n it_o be_v another_o strange_a enough_o misapprehension_n of_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n as_o if_o it_o do_v import_v that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v consideration_n of_o the_o act_n of_o his_o free_a creature_n in_o any_o of_o his_o decree_n but_o behove_v with_o as_o little_a consideration_n of_o deserve_v to_o design_n the_o rejection_n and_o eternal_a misery_n of_o some_o as_o of_o the_o give_v of_o grace_n and_o eternal_a glory_n and_o blessedness_n unto_o other_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o learned_a and_o even_o pious_a and_o for_o the_o main_a orthodox_n divine_v can_v have_v admit_v so_o harsh_a a_o character_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o infinite_o amiable_a god_n if_o their_o mistake_n of_o the_o precise_a import_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n have_v not_o carry_v they_o unto_o that_o supralapsarian_a way_n other_o apprehend_v it_o must_v imply_v a_o changeableness_n in_o god_n if_o his_o divine_a perfection_n have_v any_o effect_n at_o one_o time_n that_o they_o have_v not_o at_o another_o and_o when_o they_o see_v scripture_n and_o providence_n full_a of_o the_o contrary_n for_o instance_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o exert_v itself_o in_o creation_n or_o in_o the_o punish_n of_o some_o and_o pardon_v accept_v and_o glorify_v of_o other_o yet_o to_o maintain_v their_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n they_o strain_v their_o invention_n to_o find_v a_o reconciliation_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o other_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n power_n or_o perception_n but_o his_o eternal_a decree_n from_o which_o alone_o all_o these_o effect_n follow_v so_o that_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n be_v only_o that_o decree_n as_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o effect_n yea_o to_o exclude_v changeableness_n in_o knowledge_n they_o must_v also_o allow_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n know_v not_o that_o he_o be_v create_v or_o that_o creature_n be_v bring_v forth_o and_o not_o till_o then_o which_o do_v import_v no_o alteration_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n knowledge_n because_o he_o do_v as_o clear_o know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o eternity_n as_o when_o they_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v yea_o and_o know_v no_o more_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n but_o as_o to_o the_o be_v future_a present_a or_o preterite_n no_o invention_n can_v avoid_v that_o god_n know_v that_o the_o world_n be_v once_o to_o come_v and_o now_o be_v and_o that_o the_o flood_n be_v to_o be_v and_o be_v now_o past_a can_v they_o also_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o same_o decree_n can_v take_v effect_n by_o one_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o yet_o at_o so_o immense_a distance_n of_o time_n certain_o there_o be_v no_o act_n of_o god_n power_n different_a from_o his_o will_n in_o the_o decree_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o power_n different_a from_o the_o will_n it_o do_v not_o then_o begin_v to_o exert_v itself_o how_o then_o shall_v that_o act_n of_o the_o will_v be_v efficacious_a that_o from_o eternity_n have_v no_o effect_n till_o the_o beginning_n of_o time_n and_o how_o shall_v the_o will_n of_o the_o end_n of_o time_n be_v so_o long_o after_o the_o beginning_n which_o can_v not_o be_v by_o the_o mere_a negation_n of_o willing_a but_o behove_v to_o be_v by_o a_o positive_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o such_o act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n shall_v be_v long_o without_o effect_n than_o other_o so_o that_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o another_o whereas_o the_o scripture_n do_v always_o distinguish_v god_n decree_n from_o his_o dispensation_n and_o work_v our_o saviour_n say_v express_o hitherto_o my_o father_n work_v and_o i_o work_v must_v we_o thence_o say_v hitherto_o my_o father_n decree_n and_o i_o decree_v and_o though_o it_o be_v say_v that_o all_o god_n purpose_n take_v effect_n it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o god_n purpose_n which_o explain_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o take_a effect_n not_o by_o his_o purpose_n but_o by_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o in_o work_v according_a to_o it_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a subject_n of_o changeableness_n or_o unchangeableness_n as_o to_o act_v original_o be_v in_o the_o purpose_n or_o intention_n for_o no_o rational_a be_v can_v operate_v rational_o but_o by_o a_o intention_n to_o work_v whether_o the_o intention_n be_v before_o or_o with_o the_o operation_n and_o therefore_o be_v change_v by_o the_o change_n of_o the_o intention_n therefore_o god_n unchangeableness_n do_v precise_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n or_o intention_n be_v full_o suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n can_v therefore_o never_o be_v change_v and_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n it_o can_v never_o fail_v of_o the_o intend_a effect_n so_o that_o his_o unchangeableness_n be_v not_o that_o he_o act_v ever_o the_o same_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o act_v ever_o suitable_o to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n and_o do_v unchangeable_o perform_v what_o he_o purpose_v no_o creature_n can_v know_v god_n eternal_a purpose_n decree_n or_o intention_n or_o what_o his_o will_n be_v without_o revelation_n but_o by_o know_v what_o be_v congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n our_o innate_a conception_n of_o the_o divine_a act_n be_v chief_o in_o our_o apprehension_n of_o what_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o whence_o we_o infer_v his_o unchangeableness_n justice_n benignity_n mercy_n faithfulness_n and_o truth_n which_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v so_o soon_o or_o so_o clear_o as_o the_o other_o we_o may_v and_o do_v oft_o doubt_v concern_v several_a dispensation_n whether_o they_o flow_v from_o god_n justice_n benignity_n or_o mercy_n be_v yet_o very_o clear_a that_o they_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a and_o bless_a nature_n god_n unchangeableness_n do_v not_o import_n that_o he_o have_v always_o the_o same_o love_n of_o beneplacence_n and_o beneficence_n to_o his_o elect_n before_o they_o be_v convert_v as_o after_o and_o when_o they_o fall_v in_o presumptuous_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o withdraw_v his_o countenance_n their_o peace_n and_o joy_n and_o do_v correct_v they_o as_o when_o they_o consider_v their_o way_n and_o repent_v and_o he_o cherish_v and_o comfort_v they_o albeit_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o they_o be_v ever_o the_o same_o because_o in_o all_o these_o he_o act_v suitable_o to_o himself_o i_o abhor_v their_o folly_n who_o think_v that_o sin_n be_v no_o more_o sin_n nor_o no_o more_o to_o be_v sorrow_v for_o in_o the_o regenerate_v or_o that_o god_n have_v relax_v his_o justice_n in_o make_v that_o which_o be_v sin_n against_o his_o moral_a law_n to_o become_v no_o more_o sin_n which_o will_v indeed_o import_v a_o mutability_n in_o he_o it_o be_v also_o a_o groundless_a and_o empty_a notion_n to_o infer_v from_o god_n unchangeableness_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o nor_o no_o less_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n than_o at_o the_o creation_n or_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o or_o few_o save_v of_o mankind_n than_o fall_v of_o the_o angel_n i_o do_v also_o admire_v and_o abhor_v their_o error_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o the_o same_o creature_n can_v change_v see_v it_o flow_v from_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o from_o no_o good_a thing_n in_o the_o object_n whence_o then_o shall_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o change_n arise_v this_o imagination_n not_o only_o incroach_v upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n but_o
first_o six_o day_n these_o man_n have_v better_o quit_v their_o ground_n than_o keep_v they_o with_o such_o consequence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v from_o consequence_n that_o they_o take_v they_o up_o which_o may_v be_v better_a misbelieved_a than_o these_o though_o they_o have_v far_o more_o probability_n both_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensibility_n in_o either_o case_n it_o ought_v least_o to_o be_v apply_v with_o so_o great_a derogation_n to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n this_o power_n work_v immediate_o by_o the_o act_n of_o the_o will_n be_v a_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o a_o part_n of_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o will_v give_v to_o no_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o creature_n can_v create_v and_o no_o more_o consistent_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v make_v more_o go_n whatsoever_o be_v effectuate_v by_o sole_a will_n be_v a_o act_n of_o creation_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o production_n of_o a_o substance_n of_o a_o power_n yea_o or_o of_o a_o mode_n or_o accident_n or_o any_o thing_n above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o grace_n therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v be_v any_o more_o than_o the_o instrument_n of_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o that_o only_o when_o god_n will_v the_o individual_a act_n and_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n of_o any_o kind_n as_o the_o creature_n will_v or_o that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n at_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v a_o dependence_n unbecoming_a his_o majesty_n we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o arbitrary_a habit_n as_o when_o christ_n say_v to_o his_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v faith_n as_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n you_o shall_v say_v to_o this_o mountain_n be_v remove_v hence_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o sea_n it_o import_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n at_o that_o time_n for_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v make_v they_o instrument_n of_o some_o particular_a act_n of_o supernatural_a power_n as_o he_o move_v they_o yet_o not_o at_o their_o desire_n but_o his_o own_o there_o be_v a_o groundless_a imagination_n that_o have_v much_o spread_v itself_o that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o all_o man_n or_o to_o all_o christian_n to_o produce_v effect_n in_o creature_n by_o their_o firm_a and_o full_a persuasion_n and_o desire_n that_o these_o effect_n shall_v be_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o effect_n be_v because_o few_o or_o none_o attain_v to_o that_o persuasion_n and_o so_o the_o very_a power_n vanish_v and_o be_v frustraneous_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o incommunicable_a power_n of_o god_n i_o pray_v god_n man_n will_v advert_v and_o consider_v what_o ground_n there_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o power_n to_o a_o priest_n or_o minister_n that_o at_o his_o desire_n so_o oft_o as_o he_o please_v to_o express_v the_o word_n of_o consecration_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n in_o the_o eucharist_n the_o most_o stupendous_a miracle_n shall_v then_o arise_v of_o course_n or_o that_o by_o their_o consecration_n the_o element_n shall_v have_v a_o power_n or_o efficacy_n to_o confer_v grace_n or_o otherwise_o to_o confirm_v it_o than_o that_o by_o the_o solemn_a preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o earnest_a prayer_n of_o the_o creature_n god_n will_v more_o ready_o grant_v their_o desire_n than_o at_o other_o time_n or_o how_o by_o apply_v the_o water_n in_o baptism_n at_o desire_n original_a sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v or_o grace_n shall_v be_v give_v which_o incroach_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o incommunicable_a power_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o his_o wisdom_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v grace_n to_o all_o that_o be_v baptize_v which_o in_o the_o most_o part_n will_v prove_v frustraneous_a by_o be_v lose_v they_o do_v not_o a_o little_a derogate_v from_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n who_o imagine_v that_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o create_a will_n do_v inseparable_o imply_v that_o god_n can_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o but_o by_o persuade_v yet_o no_o persuasion_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a but_o it_o can_v reject_v it_o and_o choose_v the_o contrary_a whereby_o they_o fancy_n that_o they_o can_v clear_v god_n from_o any_o accession_n to_o sin_n even_o by_o permission_n as_o if_o his_o purity_n can_v not_o be_v preserve_v but_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n so_o that_o god_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o absolute_a power_n to_o make_v every_o rational_a creature_n holy_a and_o happy_a yet_o the_o pretext_n be_v vain_a for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o mean_a a_o orator_n that_o he_o can_v not_o persuade_v man_n to_o go_v to_o all_o nation_n to_o preach_v and_o spread_v book_n persuade_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o do_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o he_o can_v do_v not_o by_o his_o absolute_a power_n but_o by_o his_o regulate_v power_n by_o his_o most_o wise_a and_o holy_a decree_n they_o may_v with_o more_o pretext_n have_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o freedom_n and_o wisdom_n have_v decree_v that_o he_o will_v make_v no_o far_o use_v of_o his_o power_n but_o by_o persuasion_n yet_o that_o will_v have_v incorach_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n that_o he_o have_v make_v creature_n which_o he_o can_v not_o effectual_o govern_v so_o that_o it_o be_v without_o all_o ground_n in_o reason_n or_o revelation_n that_o he_o have_v so_o decree_v it_o be_v a_o very_a brutish_a pretence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o brute_n power_n and_o not_o rational_a to_o infuse_v habit_n or_o inclination_n in_o rational_a creature_n see_v these_o infuse_a power_n act_v at_o the_o judgement_n and_o choice_n of_o reason_n though_o in_o some_o case_n without_o hesitation_n or_o deliberation_n be_v creature_n persuade_v to_o desire_v their_o own_o wellbeing_a or_o parent_n persuade_v to_o love_v their_o own_o child_n or_o any_o to_o pity_v the_o injure_a miserable_a meditation_n vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a and_o inconsistent_a that_o there_o can_v be_v more_o god_n than_o one_o both_o for_o the_o omniscience_n and_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n for_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o be_v impassable_a he_o know_v not_o by_o any_o outward_a impression_n or_o manifestation_n but_o from_o reflection_n upon_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o know_v what_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o capacity_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o give_v to_o creature_n and_o by_o his_o own_o overrule_a they_o for_o his_o glory_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o decree_n but_o those_o which_o be_v in_o that_o omniscient_a view_n if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o they_o can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o extrinsic_a manifestation_n wherein_o god_n behove_v to_o be_v passive_a so_o neither_o be_v such_o decree_v possible_a nor_o the_o act_n of_o they_o nor_o can_v they_o be_v know_v in_o a_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n it_o be_v as_o evident_o inconsistent_a there_o can_v be_v more_o omnipotents_a than_o one_o for_o if_o they_o be_v equal_a in_o power_n none_o of_o they_o can_v be_v omnipotent_a for_o they_o can_v resist_v one_o another_o and_o so_o have_v no_o effectual_a power_n and_o if_o they_o be_v unequal_a in_o power_n the_o weak_a can_v not_o be_v omnipotent_a the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n be_v his_o most_o evident_a perfection_n even_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o his_o oneness_n be_v full_o and_o frequent_o assert_v in_o scripture_n scripture_n have_v also_o reveal_v the_o trinity_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o elect_n carry_v along_o through_o the_o whole_a current_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o divine_a decree_n and_o dispensation_n relate_v to_o mankind_n from_o the_o beginning_n reveal_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o head_n of_o the_o serpent_n and_o by_o all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o christ_n in_o both_o testament_n but_o it_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o the_o great_a mystery_n usher_v in_o with_o a_o unparalleled_a note_n of_o attention_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o gidliness_n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh._n therefore_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n must_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o near_a oneness_n than_o that_o of_o individual_n of_o one_o kind_n yet_o not_o such_o a_o oneness_n as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o divine_a