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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 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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 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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
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
subject_a for_o instance_n though_o there_o never_o have_v be_v a_o triangle_n in_o the_o world_n it_o ever_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a verity_n that_o every_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n for_o the_o verity_n consist_v only_o in_o the_o consequence_n and_o be_v a_o hypothetical_a verity_n no_o way_n infer_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o triangle_n or_o any_o of_o these_o angles_n but_o only_o if_o the_o subject_n be_v existent_a the_o attribute_n must_v likewise_o be_v existent_a and_o therefore_o that_o in_o vacuity_n there_o must_v be_v conceive_v longitude_n latitude_n and_o profundity_n and_o all_o the_o demonstration_n found_v thereupon_o do_v only_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o connexion_n but_o neither_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o subject_a nor_o of_o these_o attribute_n the_o implication_n of_o a_o self-existent_a be_v have_v be_v thus_o explicate_v i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o god_n and_o god_n alone_o be_v self-existent_a have_v his_o existence_n original_o in_o himself_o and_o derive_v the_o same_o from_o no_o efficient_a cause_n from_o no_o constituent_a or_o component_a cause_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v his_o own_o last_o end_n and_o be_v not_o a_o subordinate_a end_n to_o any_o other_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o these_o qualification_n joint_o for_o though_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v without_o composition_n of_o part_n no_o creature_n can_v be_v without_o a_o efficient_a cause_n neither_o can_v any_o creature_n have_v its_o existence_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o nothing_o but_o god_n can_v have_v itself_o for_o its_o last_o end_n though_o many_o creature_n do_v desire_n and_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o be_v their_o last_o end_n and_o do_v obey_v and_o serve_v god_n not_o for_o himself_o as_o the_o last_o end_n of_o that_o service_n but_o for_o shun_v evil_a and_o procure_v good_a from_o he_o as_o their_o last_o end_n though_o they_o may_v have_v that_o desire_n as_o a_o subordinate_a end_n yet_o they_o can_v attain_v it_o if_o they_o make_v it_o their_o last_o end_n and_o so_o can_v neither_o just_o nor_o effectual_o design_v it_o selfishness_n in_o creature_n be_v a_o capital_a vice_n and_o the_o original_n of_o very_a many_o vice_n for_o god_n have_v print_v a_o principle_n upon_o every_o soul_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o prefer_v their_o own_o interest_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n much_o less_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o selfish_a love_n in_o creature_n be_v vicious_a self-love_n in_o god_n be_v suitable_a and_o congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a natural_a perfection_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o excellent_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n have_v any_o proportion_n of_o excellency_n to_o he_o the_o scripture_n have_v clear_o express_v that_o he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o and_o that_o of_o he_o and_o for_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n i_o do_v very_o much_o dislike_v the_o opinion_n of_o these_o modern_a philosopher_n who_o say_v that_o god_n existence_n be_v from_o himself_o and_o his_o preservation_n be_v from_o his_o own_o will_n which_o do_v import_v that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o preservation_n and_o that_o by_o his_o own_o will_n for_o thereby_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v without_o a_o cause_n of_o his_o existence_n and_o preservation_n in_o this_o meditation_n i_o have_v join_v the_o eternity_n of_o god_n with_o his_o self-existence_n not_o only_o as_o consequent_a from_o it_o but_o rather_o as_o imply_v in_o it_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v existent_a without_o a_o cause_n of_o its_o existence_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v ever_o existent_a and_o have_v never_o a_o begin_n of_o existence_n it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a that_o no_o other_o thing_n can_v have_v capacity_n to_o annihilate_v the_o self-existent_a be_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o his_o existence_n must_v necessary_o continue_v to_o eternity_n the_o notion_n and_o subtlety_n of_o schoolman_n suppose_v and_o contemplate_v a_o abstract_n endurance_n common_a to_o god_n and_o creature_n as_o a_o real_a perfection_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o the_o continue_a successive_a mutation_n such_o as_o they_o perceive_v in_o plant_n and_o animal_n which_o from_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o their_o existence_n have_v constant_a mutation_n whereby_o they_o grow_v up_o to_o their_o perfection_n gradual_o and_o decline_v from_o it_o until_o they_o die_v though_o that_o every_o mutation_n be_v not_o sensible_o different_a from_o the_o former_a yet_o they_o imagine_v it_o be_v real_o different_a which_o yet_o be_v not_o always_o true_a for_o there_o may_v be_v continuance_n in_o one_o condition_n without_o alteration_n and_o there_o may_v be_v unequal_a advances_n and_o recess_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o notable_a period_n as_o infancy_n pupillarity_n minority_n majority_n perfect_a age_n decline_v age_n and_o old_a age_n and_o their_o imagination_n make_v this_o endurance_n as_o if_o it_o do_v consist_v of_o so_o many_o point_n of_o time_n as_o the_o body_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o of_o its_o most_o minute_n part_n or_o point_n albeit_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a reality_n in_o both_o in_o this_o way_n the_o calculation_n of_o time_n may_v have_v be_v by_o the_o period_n in_o the_o live_v of_o adam_n posterity_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v so_o calculate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o thereby_o it_o be_v know_v who_o be_v prior_n concomitant_a and_o posterior_n of_o the_o father_n in_o the_o line_n of_o scripture_n and_o therein_o not_o only_o their_o beginning_n to_o have_v child_n at_o their_o perfect_a age_n but_o their_o continuance_n of_o their_o beget_v son_n and_o daughter_n be_v express_v although_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o life_n be_v more_o accurate_o express_v by_o the_o year_n that_o be_v by_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o proper_a course_n so_o the_o scripture_n express_v in_o what_o year_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n their_o posterity_n be_v bear_v and_o in_o what_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o predecessor_n they_o die_v by_o the_o chronology_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a account_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o abram_n and_o a_o exact_a aera_fw-la from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o zodiac_n have_v no_o other_o difficulty_n but_o in_o what_o state_n the_o earth_n be_v where_o adam_n be_v create_v which_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o have_v be_v when_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n be_v ripe_a see_v god_n do_v allow_v adam_n to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o herb_n and_o tree_n except_o the_o forbid_v tree_n so_o the_o harvest_n equinoctial_a be_v the_o most_o proper_a commencement_n of_o time_n but_o after_o the_o time_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o son_n there_o be_v no_o more_o lineal_a deduction_n of_o the_o time_n from_o father_n to_o son_n and_o so_o the_o exact_a calculation_n of_o the_o number_n of_o year_n from_o the_o creation_n be_v no_o more_o certain_a but_o the_o several_a nation_n calculate_v the_o time_n from_o some_o notable_a occurrence_n which_o have_v be_v most_o observe_v where_o they_o live_v and_o so_o there_o become_v many_o different_a aera_n from_o which_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o number_n of_o year_n commence_v so_o the_o roman_n calculate_v time_n from_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o christian_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o mahometan_n from_o the_o flight_n of_o mahomet_n the_o annual_a revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o most_o evident_a succession_n of_o motion_n and_o therefore_o have_v be_v common_o make_v the_o standard_n and_o rule_n of_o successive_a alteration_n by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v when_o they_o do_v occur_v yet_o some_o nation_n do_v calculate_v by_o the_o monthly_a revolution_n of_o the_o moon_n especial_o the_o egyptian_n who_o have_v a_o vast_a number_n of_o year_n during_o the_o reign_n of_o their_o dynasty_n which_o therefore_o must_v either_o be_v fabulous_a or_o calculate_v by_o the_o revolution_n of_o the_o moon_n albeit_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a successive_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v proper_o the_o endurance_n of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o so_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o time_n of_o all_o other_o regular_a successive_a alteration_n yet_o nothing_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o duration_n of_o time_n but_o what_o have_v these_o regular_a vicissitude_n such_o as_o plant_n and_o animal_n who_o successive_a alteration_n be_v calculate_v by_o the_o common_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n yet_o only_o as_o by_o a_o extrinsic_a denomination_n by_o compare_v these_o vicissitude_n with_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o their_o proper_a intrinsic_a alteration_n be_v that_o whereby_o they_o have_v a_o endurance_n in_o time_n because_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n a_o progress_n and_o a_o
glorious_a excellency_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a creature_n and_o his_o glory_n shine_v forth_o to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o must_v produce_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v much_o weaken_v by_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o unworthy_a of_o he_o however_o none_o can_v just_o blame_v i_o to_o clear_v my_o own_o thought_n and_o raise_v they_o as_o high_a as_o i_o can_v and_o i_o do_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o love_n and_o reverence_n he_o give_v i_o thereby_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o rise_v of_o most_o of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n be_v from_o the_o congruity_n thereof_o to_o his_o natural_a perfection_n as_o become_v and_o be_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o be_v i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congruity_n to_o his_o natural_a not_o to_o his_o moral_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v not_o just_a because_o he_o be_v true_a nor_o true_a because_o he_o be_v just_a nor_o gracious_a or_o merciful_a because_o he_o be_v just_a or_o true_a but_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o be_v congruous_a to_o worthy_a and_o become_v a_o spirit_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a self-existent_a all-sufficient_a infinite_o bless_v free_a and_o independent_a and_o then_o put_v the_o question_n to_o myself_o must_v not_o such_o a_o be_v be_v just_a exact_o fulfil_v all_o his_o promise_n encourage_v and_o reward_v the_o good_a discourage_v and_o punish_v the_o evil_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o must_v be_v such_o not_o by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n nor_o by_o mere_a indifferency_n but_o by_o a_o voluntary_a and_o free_a choice_n and_o when_o i_o further_o pose_v myself_o whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v only_o perform_v his_o promise_n reward_n and_o punish_v according_a to_o merit_n i_o be_o convince_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o he_o to_o be_v good_a bountiful_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a beyond_o what_o his_o justice_n require_v and_o that_o without_o any_o bound_n as_o in_o his_o justice_n which_o precise_o follow_v his_o promise_n or_o what_o be_v congruous_a for_o he_o to_o do_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v always_o express_v his_o mind_n true_o and_o never_o deceive_v i_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o again_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v ever_o choose_v fit_v mean_n for_o all_o his_o purpose_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a i_o be_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o last_o when_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v ever_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o purpose_n and_o be_v unchangeable_a therein_o and_o in_o his_o justice_n bounty_n truth_n and_o wisdom_n i_o know_v he_o can_v change_v in_o these_o because_o they_o be_v all_o congruous_a to_o his_o unchangeable_a nature_n by_o this_o congruity_n i_o understand_v god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n that_o be_v that_o god_n act_v always_o like_o himself_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v original_o and_o principal_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o in_o analogy_n to_o his_o rational_a creature_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o eternal_a exclamation_n of_o all_o god_n happy_a creature_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_n i_o do_v not_o take_v holiness_n to_o be_v as_o a_o metaphysical_a abstract_n from_o all_o god_n moral_a perfection_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o precise_a and_o formal_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v moral_o good_a holiness_n in_o the_o creature_n or_o godlikeness_n which_o be_v the_o same_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o creature_n be_v godlike_a that_o be_v imitate_v the_o divine_a moral_a perfection_n in_o be_v just_a be_v true_a prudent_a and_o constant_a but_o in_o other_o duty_n of_o holiness_n the_o likeness_n to_o god_n be_v more_o analogical_a and_o less_o proper_a the_o analogy_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o as_o god_n act_v always_o congruous_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o the_o rational_a creature_n ought_v to_o act_v congruous_o to_o that_o nature_n and_o those_o principle_n that_o god_n have_v free_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o adore_v god_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o command_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o subordinate_a self-love_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n holiness_n be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o destination_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v from_o common_a use_n which_o therefore_o be_v call_v consecration_n i_o know_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n oblige_v they_o to_o obey_v not_o only_o what_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o whatsoever_o positive_a law_n or_o precept_n god_n do_v command_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o that_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v never_o command_v any_o thing_n incongruous_a to_o himself_o yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o positive_a command_n for_o the_o glory_n and_o amiableness_n of_o god_n appear_v far_o more_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o albeit_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n do_v indispensible_o require_v full_a obedience_n which_o be_v from_o a_o inbred_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o rational_a creature_n i_o be_o not_o trouble_v that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v most_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o truth_n for_o all_o be_v still_o mention_v as_o his_o holiness_n and_o godlikeness_n and_o many_o case_n do_v and_o may_v occur_v that_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o refer_v to_o these_o particular_a term_n as_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v congruous_a for_o god_n so_o to_o do_v or_o not_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n express_v and_o define_v wherein_o holiness_n consist_v but_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o godliness_n or_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o although_o perfection_n be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n yet_o godliness_n be_v a_o more_o distinct_a term_n for_o we_o must_v not_o explicate_v godliness_n by_o perfection_n or_o goodness_n lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o apprehension_n that_o have_v mislead_v many_o that_o god_n will_v have_v show_v more_o goodness_n to_o have_v prevent_v all_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o must_v be_v more_o world_n than_o this_o at_o least_o more_o species_n of_o creature_n than_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o we_o must_v explain_v god_n goodness_n with_o congruity_n to_o his_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v his_o freedom_n whereby_o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o he_o to_o communicate_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v which_o will_v never_o terminate_v nor_o be_v stable_n but_o that_o he_o act_v free_o and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o will_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v it_o some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o many_o since_o have_v fall_v into_o that_o error_n that_o god_n goodness_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o he_o shall_v punish_v any_o creature_n eternal_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrary_a express_o they_o produce_v other_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o eternity_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o very_a long_a time_n becomingness_n or_o decency_n be_v vulgar_o attribute_v to_o the_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o behaviour_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n which_o do_v neither_o declare_v nor_o constitute_v that_o decency_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o a_o recommendation_n of_o what_o be_v expedient_a the_o scripture_n make_v a_o express_a distinction_n between_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v inexpedient_a so_o that_o kind_n of_o decency_n be_v a_o part_n of_o civility_n no_o serious_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o every_o undecent_a gesture_n or_o expression_n be_v a_o sin_n hence_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o precise_a nature_n of_o holiness_n can_v consist_v in_o becomingness_n or_o congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o creature_n which_o can_v only_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a who_o lie_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o word_n and_o term_n as_o if_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o decency_n or_o comeliness_n to_o the_o least_o of_o civil_a virtue_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o speciality_n do_v import_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o decency_n but_o if_o word_n import_n those_o of_o the_o learned_a must_v be_v of_o the_o most_o importance_n the_o greek_n which_o be_v the_o learn_a of_o nation_n
though_o the_o debtor_n be_v not_o able_a to_o pay_v it_o will_v ever_o a_o rational_a creditor_n exhort_v his_o debtor_n to_o pay_v when_o he_o know_v he_o be_v altogether_o insolent_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o pelagian_n semipelagian_n lutheran_n arminian_n and_o papist_n have_v all_o run_v to_o a_o freedom_n in_o man_n will_n to_o perform_v the_o save_a act_n and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v hold_v that_o freedom_n essential_a to_o and_o inseparable_a from_o the_o will_n and_o other_o have_v hold_v that_o freedom_n as_o a_o purchase_n of_o christ_n give_v that_o capacity_n to_o all_o mankind_n by_o their_o birth_n or_o to_o many_o of_o they_o by_o their_o baptism_n the_o pelagian_n and_o semipelagian_n thought_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v sufficient_a without_o any_o purchase_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o that_o the_o lutheran_n and_o arminian_n attribute_v it_o to_o a_o general_a purchase_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o mankind_n that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o be_v save_v by_o their_o birth_n or_o their_o baptism_n and_o the_o papist_n hold_v the_o same_o by_o baptism_n administer_v in_o that_o church_n and_o do_v condemn_v all_o other_o not_o so_o baptize_v what_o can_v be_v more_o useful_a satisfy_v and_o quiet_v man_n conscience_n in_o this_o matter_n or_o more_o illustrate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n than_o to_o extricate_v these_o difficulty_n and_o to_o show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o reconcile_a these_o apparent_a inconsistency_n by_o the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o god_n show_v that_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n all_o man_n be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o be_v save_v and_o none_o under_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o inevitable_a misery_n but_o through_o their_o own_o deserve_a fault_n whereby_o the_o damn_a shall_v eternal_o accuse_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_a author_n of_o their_o own_o damnation_n and_o the_o glorify_a shall_v attribute_v it_o whole_o to_o god_n that_o they_o be_v save_v and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v well_o consistent_a with_o the_o veracity_n and_o sincerity_n of_o god_n to_o exhort_v and_o expostulate_v with_o any_o whether_o elect_a or_o reprobate_n to_o repent_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v holy_a all_o which_o to_o i_o be_v convince_o clear_v in_o that_o god_n sincere_o offer_v to_o all_o that_o come_v to_o discretion_n by_o their_o natural_a conscience_n by_o his_o word_n or_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o give_v they_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n faith_n and_o holiness_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o offer_n and_o so_o he_o do_v by_o all_o expression_n possible_a expostulate_v with_o they_o why_o they_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o accept_v but_o will_v reject_v that_o offer_n and_o so_o die_v and_o perish_v which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o misbelief_n harden_v the_o heart_n or_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n all_o which_o may_v well_o consist_v without_o any_o power_n in_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o offer_n be_v make_v to_o perform_v these_o duty_n by_o themsélve_n either_o by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o universal_a grace_n give_v in_o their_o birth_n or_o baptism_n this_o will_v evident_o appear_v and_o the_o consistency_n will_v be_v clear_a by_o several_a example_n first_o if_o a_o king_n shall_v make_v a_o proclamation_n of_o pardon_n to_o all_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n if_o they_o do_v not_o reject_v it_o may_v he_o not_o sincere_o and_o warrantable_o expostulate_v with_o they_o if_o they_o do_v reject_v it_o may_v he_o not_o exhort_v they_o to_o accept_v it_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o they_o can_v not_o pardon_v themselves_o or_o escape_v condemnation_n be_v guilty_a of_o death_n without_o that_o general_a pardon_n second_o if_o a_o person_n have_v in_o despair_n drink_v down_o poison_n a_o physician_n come_v and_o have_v in_o his_o hand_n a_o antidote_n which_o he_o offer_v and_o which_o the_o patient_n continue_v in_o despair_n refuse_v to_o accept_v may_v not_o this_o physician_n though_o he_o know_v the_o patient_n be_v inflexible_a exhort_v he_o to_o accept_v the_o antidote_n wherein_o he_o perform_v a_o virtuous_a act_n congruous_a to_o his_o nature_n if_o this_o patient_n continue_v obstinate_a be_v he_o not_o a_o selfmurderer_n can_v he_o excuse_v himself_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o death_n if_o he_o shall_v desire_v the_o physician_n to_o put_v the_o antidote_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o in_o his_o choice_n that_o he_o may_v drink_v it_o or_o throw_v it_o upon_o the_o ground_n be_v it_o prudence_n or_o kindness_n in_o the_o physician_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o patient_n can_v not_o cure_v himself_o and_o yet_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o he_o be_v not_o cure_v for_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o cure_v himself_o yet_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n not_o to_o hinder_v his_o cure_n these_o example_n do_v abundant_o show_v not_o only_o the_o consistency_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n towards_o mankind_n all_o man_n be_v poison_v with_o sin_n yet_o god_n convince_v all_o that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v sinner_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o penitent_n which_o be_v the_o first_o step_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n wherein_o god_n will_v make_v far_a progress_n unless_o the_o first_o motion_n be_v reject_v which_o be_v much_o clear_a as_o to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o way_n of_o god_n dispensation_n be_v reveal_v and_o inculcate_v and_o the_o offer_n of_o regeneration_n repentance_n and_o faith_n sincere_o make_v can_v any_o of_o these_o pretend_v that_o they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o repent_v or_o believe_v see_v the_o all-sufficient_a power_n of_o god_n be_v offer_v if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v and_o though_o god_n foreknow_v that_o the_o offer_n will_v be_v reject_v yet_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o gracious_a and_o benign_a nature_n to_o exhort_v the_o acceptance_n of_o it_o and_o to_o expostulate_v for_o the_o wilful_a rejection_n thereof_o as_o he_o say_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n as_o it_o be_v not_o become_v the_o physician_n to_o put_v the_o antidote_n in_o the_o obstinate_a patient_n hand_n know_v that_o he_o will_v pour_v it_o out_o and_o lose_v it_o so_o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o give_v universal_a grace_n know_v that_o most_o that_o be_v to_o receive_v it_o will_v throw_v it_o away_o there_o be_v indeed_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o offer_n god_n the_o physician_n of_o soul_n make_v and_o the_o offer_n of_o the_o antidote_n by_o a_o physician_n of_o the_o body_n that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v insuperable_a and_o can_v overcome_v the_o strong_a aversion_n and_o the_o most_o wilful_a rejection_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o even_o some_o of_o these_o be_v in_o the_o election_n of_o grace_n but_o that_o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o exercise_v his_o power_n upon_o all_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o he_o apply_v it_o to_o none_o who_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v any_o of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n incline_v he_o to_o overcome_v the_o resistance_n of_o all_o other_o obstinate_a sinner_n and_o therefore_o god_n may_v just_o say_v behold_v you_o rejecter_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v this_o way_n do_v well_o quadrate_n with_o and_o be_v much_o confirm_v by_o the_o signal_n sentence_n of_o the_o most_o universal_o applaud_v of_o all_o the_o father_n and_o the_o great_a antipelagian_a augustine_n say_v deut_n neminem_fw-la deserit_fw-la nisi_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la prius_fw-la deseritur_fw-la god_n forsake_v none_o but_o those_o that_o first_o forsake_v he_o this_o must_v import_v more_o than_o forget_v neglect_v or_o not_o obey_v god_n it_o must_v imply_v a_o application_n to_o god_n and_o consideration_n whether_o to_o cleave_v to_o sin_n or_o endeavour_v to_o return_v to_o he_o with_o consideration_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o and_o a_o offer_n of_o mercy_n upon_o repentance_n and_o after_o all_o a_o reject_v of_o the_o offer_n and_o resolve_v not_o to_o repent_v but_o to_o cleave_v to_o sin_n either_o absolute_o or_o for_o a_o time_n as_o most_o do_v who_o leave_n repentance_n to_o old_a age_n or_o deathbed_n that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o may_v enjoy_v their_o belove_a sin_n i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o crave_v humble_a pardon_n for_o what_o through_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o capacity_n i_o have_v think_v or_o say_v unsutable_o to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o my_o most_o glorious_a god_n and_o with_o this_o acknowledgement_n and_o exaltation_n of_o the_o bounty_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n in_o the_o most_o profound_a veneration_n adore_v he_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_n heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o glory_n and_o of_o thy_o grace_n which_o thou_o free_o and_o effectual_o give_v to_o all_o man_n capable_a of_o the_o offer_n of_o grace_n who_o do_v not_o reject_v that_o offer_n by_o sin_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o cleave_v obstinate_o to_o their_o other_o know_a and_o predominant_a sin_n from_o which_o they_o refuse_v to_o be_v reclaim_v yet_o thou_o save_v some_o of_o these_o by_o thy_o superabundant_a and_o insuperable_a grace_n pull_v they_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o all_o by_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o thy_o only_a son_n our_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n to_o the_o father_n son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n consubstantial_a in_o personal_a trinity_n and_o individual_a unity_n be_v glory_n eternal_o world_n without_o end_n amen_n finis_fw-la advertisement_n new_o print_v the_o holy_a bible_n contain_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a with_o annotation_n and_o parallel_n scripture_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o also_o the_o reduction_n of_o the_o jewish_a weight_n coin_n and_o measure_n to_o our_o english_a standard_n and_o a_o table_n of_o the_o promise_n in_o scripture_n by_o samuel_n clark_n minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n print_a in_o folio_n of_o a_o very_a fair_a letter_n and_o excellent_a paper_n the_o like_v never_o besore_n in_o one_o volume_n the_o four_o last_o thing_n viz._n death_n judgement_n heaven_n hell_n practical_o consider_v and_o apply_v in_o several_a discourse_n by_o william_n bates_n d._n d._n both_o print_v for_o b._n aylmer_n zanchius_n more_o