in_o its_o high_a elevation_n and_o wide_a extent_n there_o be_v the_o least_o write_v and_o so_o there_o be_v the_o least_o account_n give_v of_o those_o time_n but_o to_o conclude_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o treatise_n now_o present_v to_o this_o present_a age_n if_o any_o say_v other_o pen_n have_v be_v employ_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a with_o it_o i_o will_v answer_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o pitch_v upon_o any_o theme_n that_o have_v never_o have_v a_o exercise_n upon_o it_o or_o to_o walk_v in_o any_o path_n wherein_o be_v not_o find_v the_o trace_n of_o any_o man_n foot_n but_o this_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v not_o know_o follow_v any_o man_n that_o go_v before_o i_o and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o learned_a discourse_n in_o the_o world_n about_o atheism_n yet_o i_o find_v they_o too_o abstruse_a for_o common_a understanding_n and_o meddle_v little_a with_o the_o practical_a improvement_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o that_o which_o be_v style_v natural_a theology_n which_o i_o chief_o aim_v at_o in_o this_o undertake_n though_o i_o have_v perform_v it_o but_o in_o part_n in_o what_o be_v now_o publish_v have_v in_o a_o reserve_v by_o i_o in_o my_o paper_n a_o account_n of_o those_o several_a attribute_n of_o god_n that_o be_v evidenceable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n with_o practical_a inference_n upon_o they_o for_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a gospel_n holiness_n but_o i_o can_v reach_v so_o far_o at_o present_a i_o have_v take_v some_o spare_a hour_n to_o transcribe_v these_o few_o meditation_n for_o the_o press_n wherein_o i_o have_v insert_v a_o few_o quotation_n as_o they_o do_v occur_v to_o i_o for_o my_o read_n have_v be_v but_o small_a though_o it_o may_v be_v what_o i_o have_v insert_v may_v make_v what_o i_o have_v write_v not_o more_o acceptable_a to_o many_o reader_n how_o ever_o print_a book_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o let_v every_o one_o take_v the_o benefit_n as_o he_o can_v i_o have_v nothing_o far_a to_o offer_v here_o but_o to_o beg_v of_o the_o reader_n to_o pardon_v the_o errata_n both_o of_o the_o author_n and_o the_o printer_n and_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v both_o pardon_n and_o amend_v the_o great_a errata_n of_o the_o age_n that_o the_o supreme_a deity_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v relative_a to_o he_o may_v find_v more_o cordial_a and_o practical_a respect_n from_o this_o present_a age_n wherein_o be_v wrap_v up_o man_n eternal_a interess_n and_o the_o present_a interess_n of_o our_o own_o nation_n and_o that_o any_o essay_n to_o this_o end_n may_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o divine_a blessing_n and_o particular_o this_o that_o be_v sincere_o intend_v towards_o it_o how_o ever_o weak_o manage_v by_o a_o poor_a unworthy_a instrument_n novemb_n 17._o 1673._o matthew_n barker_n natural_a theology_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n accommodate_v and_o improve_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christianity_n rom_n 1._o 20._o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n chap._n i._n the_o scope_n of_o the_o text._n how_o the_o gentile_n though_o without_o the_o write_a law_n yet_o be_v under_o sin_n what_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v how_o adam_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o creator_n what_o mean_v by_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n though_o invisible_a yet_o how_o see_v what_o mean_v by_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n what_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thing_n make_v why_o the_o apostle_n only_o mention_n god_n eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n how_o the_o gentile_n be_v without_o excuse_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o epistle_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o prove_v the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o make_v his_o way_n to_o it_o he_o first_o prove_v all_o man_n to_o be_v under_o sin_n and_o all_o mankind_n be_v divide_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n he_o first_o prove_v the_o gentile_a to_o be_v under_o sin_n in_o this_o first_o chapter_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o second_o and_o those_o that_o be_v under_o sin_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o faith_n be_v convict_v of_o sin_n by_o the_o law_n now_o lest_o it_o may_v be_v argue_v how_o can_v the_o gentile_a be_v under_o sin_n not_o have_v the_o write_a law_n make_v know_v unto_o they_o church_n understand_v it_o of_o gentile_n without_o the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v the_o jew_n to_o who_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o in_o this_o chapter_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v god_n law_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o write_v in_o ink_n and_o paper_n yet_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n and_o in_o the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n creation_n and_o the_o gentile_n thereupon_o be_v convict_v to_o be_v under_o sin_n not_o follow_v the_o light_n and_o conduct_v of_o that_o universal_a law_n for_o as_o a_o law_n be_v directive_n and_o preceptive_a it_o minister_v knowledge_n and_o command_v practice_n so_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o gentile_n it_o have_v a_o light_n in_o it_o whereby_o they_o may_v attain_v some_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o it_o have_v a_o force_n in_o it_o to_o urge_v they_o upon_o the_o performance_n of_o duty_n and_o service_n to_o he_o answerable_a to_o that_o knowledge_n but_o because_o they_o darken_v this_o light_n in_o themselves_o as_o in_o vers_n 21._o their_o foolish_a heart_n be_v darken_v and_o they_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o it_o but_o retain_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n hereupon_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o sin_n for_o they_o do_v neither_o take_v up_o those_o worthy_a conception_n of_o god_n be_v which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v direct_v they_o to_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o vers_n 21_o 22._o neither_o do_v they_o manage_v their_o conversation_n towards_o man_n with_o that_o justice_n sobriety_n equity_n and_o charity_n as_o that_o law_n do_v both_o direct_a and_o urge_v they_o to_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v at_o large_a declare_v in_o the_o enumeration_n of_o those_o several_a vice_n which_o they_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o in_o the_o last_o part_n of_o the_o chapter_n now_o this_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n he_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n manifest_a in_o they_o and_o as_o write_v in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n he_o speak_v it_o of_o these_o word_n of_o the_o text_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n and_o hence_o he_o infer_v they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o excuse_n and_o so_o i_o be_o come_v to_o the_o text._n i_o have_v already_o speak_v from_o another_o scripture_n at_o large_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o manifest_v in_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o christ_n as_o manifest_v in_o the_o gospel-ministration_n my_o intention_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o glass_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n wherein_o we_o may_v behold_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v evince_v both_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o his_o deity_n and_o many_o attribute_n and_o property_n of_o his_o be_v and_o whereas_o all_o theology_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n either_o that_o which_o be_v call_v natural_a or_o that_o which_o consist_v of_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o former_a i_o shall_v here_o speak_v of_o by_o natural_a theology_n that_o all_o may_v understand_v i_o mean_v that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v lead_v man_n up_o to_o and_o which_o be_v concreat_fw-la with_o his_o soul_n the_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n consist_v in_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o holiness_n and_o the_o knowledge_n adam_n have_v of_o his_o creator_n be_v partly_o by_o the_o character_n of_o his_o be_v engrave_v upon_o his_o soul_n which_o be_v by_o some_o style_v verbum_fw
set_v before_o job_n the_o work_n of_o creation_n job_n thence_o conclude_v i_o know_v thou_o can_v do_v every_o thing_n job_n 42._o 2._o and_o the_o psalmist_n have_v say_v psal_n 33._o 6._o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o heaven_n make_v etc._n etc._n and_o verse_n 9_o for_o be_v speak_v and_o it_o be_v do_v he_o command_v and_o it_o stand_v fast_o he_o hence_o make_v this_o inference_n that_o his_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n his_o secret_a counsel_n shall_v take_v place_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o his_o counsel_n reveal_v in_o his_o word_n and_o we_o may_v strengthen_v our_o faith_n concern_v it_o by_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n for_o when_o and_o wheresoever_o god_n speak_v his_o word_n never_o return_v in_o vain_a when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n his_o word_n take_v place_n and_o so_o shall_v his_o word_n in_o the_o scripture_n where_o he_o be_v speak_v in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n inference_n now_o from_o all_o this_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v consider_v how_o much_o it_o do_v concern_v we_o to_o revive_v and_o strengthen_v upon_o our_o soul_n the_o impression_n of_o god_n be_v for_o though_o these_o impression_n be_v fundamental_o in_o every_o man_n nature_n yet_o in_o some_o they_o be_v more_o lively_a and_o operative_a than_o in_o other_o and_o it_o be_v no_o easy_a thing_n to_o preserve_v the_o powerful_a sense_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o our_o heart_n i_o mean_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o may_v be_v prevalent_a to_o resist_v temptation_n and_o overpower_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n how_o this_o seed_n of_o nature_n be_v choke_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n for_o this_o end_n let_v god_n be_v much_o in_o your_o sight_n behold_v he_o in_o the_o work_v of_o his_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o in_o all_o your_o way_n acknowledge_v he_o concern_v he_o in_o all_o your_o affair_n converse_n much_o with_o he_o in_o prayer_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v your_o reason_n under_o more_o powerful_a conviction_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o be_v and_o especial_o let_v christian_n strengthen_v their_o faith_n in_o it_o from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o their_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n true_o to_o believe_v god_n be_v as_o heb._n 11._o 3._o and_o it_o be_v one_o work_n that_o the_o spirit_n be_v conversant_a about_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o saint_n to_o strengthen_v this_o belief_n and_o to_o make_v it_o more_o efficacious_a upon_o their_o heart_n for_o this_o faith_n have_v its_o degree_n as_o well_o as_o that_o which_o have_v christ_n the_o promise_n or_o heaven_n for_o its_o object_n and_o by_o feel_v the_o divine_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o our_o soul_n we_o may_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o this_o belief_n than_o by_o any_o argument_n from_o reason_n he_o that_o will_v have_v the_o bough_n and_o branch_n thrive_v do_v seek_v to_o cherish_v the_o root_n so_o all_o religion_n grow_v original_o out_o of_o this_o root_n viz._n the_o effectual_a belief_n of_o god_n be_v we_o shall_v be_v daily_o strengthen_v it_o in_o ourselves_o and_o as_o the_o wither_a of_o the_o branch_n arise_v from_o the_o decay_n and_o rot_v of_o the_o root_n so_o if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v man_n decay_n in_o religion_n their_o neglect_n of_o duty_n and_o fall_v into_o immorality_n and_o vicious_a practice_n do_v radical_o spring_v from_o the_o decay_n of_o the_o belief_n and_o lively_a sense_n of_o god_n be_v in_o their_o soul_n chap._n vi_o the_o several_a moral_a duty_n that_o result_v from_o man_n to_o god_n as_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n self-debasement_n dependence_n awful-fear_a praise_n admiration_n which_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o ground_n kind_a and_o proper_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o further_o to_o improve_v the_o doctrine_n in_o hand_n i_o shall_v next_o speak_v of_o some_o other_o duty_n which_o be_v more_o express_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o natural_a worship_n and_o which_o a_o christian_a by_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v 1._o be_v to_o humble_a and_o debase_v ourselves_o before_o he_o consider_v he_o in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o if_o all_o nation_n before_o he_o be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o a_o bucket_n and_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o balance_n how_o humble_o shall_v this_o make_v we_o to_o walk_v before_o he_o and_o come_v unto_o he_o when_o david_n look_v upon_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o psal_n 8._o it_o have_v this_o effect_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v he_o shrink_v into_o a_o narrow_a compass_n of_o self-esteem_a o_o lord_n our_o lord_n how_o excellent_a be_v thy_o name_n in_o all_o the_o earth_n thou_o have_v set_v thy_o glory_n above_o the_o heaven_n and_o vers_fw-la 3._o when_o i_o consider_v thy_o heaven_n the_o work_n of_o thy_o finger_n the_o moon_n and_o the_o star_n which_o thou_o have_v ordain_v what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o &_o c_o and_o it_o be_v the_o course_n that_o god_n take_v with_o job_n to_o take_v down_o his_o spirit_n and_o to_o lay_v he_o at_o his_o foot_n to_o set_v himself_o before_o he_o as_o the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n job_n 38._o 3_o 4._o gird_v up_o now_o thy_o loin_n like_o a_o man_n etc._n etc._n where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n who_o have_v lay_v the_o measure_n thereof_o if_o thou_o know_v or_o who_o have_v stretch_v the_o line_n upon_o it_o &_o c_o and_o so_o he_o proceed_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n and_o it_o have_v this_o effect_n for_o he_o be_v bring_v hereby_o to_o acknowledge_v himself_o vile_a chap._n 40._o 4._o and_o to_o ahhor_v himself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n job_n 42._o 6._o the_o word_n may_v be_v read_v wherefore_o i_o despise_v myself_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o mean_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o parvity_n and_o nothingness_n compare_v with_o the_o great_a god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o sinfulness_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o lie_v in_o the_o dust_n be_v the_o deep_a expression_n of_o a_o humble_a soul_n or_o as_o one_o gloss_v upon_o the_o word_n it_o grieve_v i_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v against_o the_o great_a god_n cum_fw-la ipse_fw-la pulvis_fw-la sim_fw-la &_o abjectissimus_fw-la when_o as_o i_o myself_o be_o but_o dust_n and_o most_o contemptible_a can_v a_o man_n behold_v god_n in_o the_o vast_a work_n of_o his_o creation_n and_o not_o be_v self-debased_n and_o as_o it_o be_v self-annihilated_n thereby_o and_o say_v as_o one_o speak_v lord_z thou_o be_v a_o abyss_n of_o be_v and_o i_o of_o nothing_o especial_o consider_v how_o infinite_o his_o greatness_n transcend_v they_o all_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o as_o a_o punctum_fw-la a_o small_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o heaven_n but_o earth_n and_o heaven_n both_o be_v less_o than_o a_o punctum_fw-la compare_v with_o the_o great_a god_n for_o there_o be_v some_o proportion_n betwixt_o finite_a and_o finite_a but_o none_o betwixt_o finite_a and_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n to_o express_v this_o infinite_a disproportion_n speak_v thus_o chap._n 40._o 17._o all_o nation_n before_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o they_o be_v account_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o betwixt_o he_o and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n there_o be_v indeed_o no_o proportion_n at_o all_o so_o that_o our_o mind_n may_v behold_v god_n greatness_n in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o much_o more_o in_o the_o littleness_n and_o nothingness_n of_o these_o work_v compare_v with_o his_o greatness_n and_o from_o both_o shall_v lay_v we_o very_o low_a and_o humble_v we_o deep_o before_o he_o it_o make_v solomon_n have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o the_o great_a house_n he_o have_v build_v consider_v the_o great_a god_n that_o be_v to_o dwell_v in_o it_o 1_o king_n 8._o 27._o behold_v the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v thou_o much_o less_o this_o house_n that_o i_o have_v build_v it_o be_v man_n unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n that_o make_v he_o admire_v any_o greatness_n in_o himself_o or_o in_o the_o great_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o philosopher_n man_n that_o have_v true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o wonder_v as_o man_n of_o
soul_n which_o the_o brute_n beast_n have_v not_o though_o they_o have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o reason_n yet_o they_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o impression_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o they_o be_v not_o make_v to_o the_o immediate_a praise_n and_o glory_n of_o their_o creator_n as_o man_n be_v which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o all_o nation_n have_v acknowledge_v and_o worship_v a_o deity_n when_o the_o apostle_n go_v forth_o in_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n wherever_o he_o come_v he_o find_v the_o people_n perform_v worship_n to_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o when_o he_o come_v to_o athens_n he_o find_v there_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o superstitious_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o their_o god_n which_o luke_n mention_n in_o act_n 17._o 22._o yea_o not_o only_o at_o athens_n which_o be_v a_o place_n of_o learning_n but_o even_o among_o the_o barbarous_a people_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o act_n 14._o how_o they_o bring_v garland_n and_o will_v have_v offer_v sacrifice_n to_o barnabas_n and_o paul_n which_o show_v they_o have_v upon_o their_o heart_n the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v find_v among_o they_o and_o their_o learned_a man_n have_v all_o along_o assert_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n god_n have_v a_o witness_n for_o himself_o in_o every_o man_n conscience_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v more_o of_o afterward_o 2._o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v make_v know_v by_o the_o scripture_n which_o throughout_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o god_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o in_o heb._n 11._o 3._o through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v not_o make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v appear_v a_o text_n somewhat_o parallel_a to_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v upon_o for_o both_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o visible_a thing_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n both_o do_v speak_v of_o these_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n evidence_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o do_v speak_v of_o the_o evidence_n that_o reason_n gather_v from_o nature_n the_o other_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o six_o verse_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v faith_n believe_v it_o from_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v witness_v of_o he_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o faith_n and_o god_n have_v write_v his_o name_n in_o clear_a character_n in_o these_o than_o what_o be_v find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o conscience_n have_v natural_a conscience_n be_v sufficient_a there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v to_o inform_v rectify_v and_o guide_v conscience_n wherein_o it_o be_v defective_a or_o erroneous_a so_o that_o as_o it_o be_v say_v ideò_fw-la scribuntur_fw-la omnes_fw-la libri_fw-la ut_fw-la emendetur_fw-la unus_fw-la all_o book_n be_v write_v to_o amend_v the_o book_n of_o conscience_n so_o especial_o we_o may_v say_v it_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n conscience_n have_v thence_o a_o clear_a account_n not_o only_o of_o the_o will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n but_o even_o of_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o be_v than_o by_o any_o character_n thereof_o it_o can_v discover_v within_o itself_o 3._o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v also_o make_v know_v to_o we_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n all_o these_o work_n of_o god_n do_v preach_v a_o deity_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v say_v to_o declare_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o firmament_n to_o show_v his_o handiwork_n psal_n 19_o 1._o so_o his_o name_n be_v say_v to_o be_v excellent_a in_o all_o the_o earth_n psal_n 8._o 1._o the_o beam_n of_o his_o divinity_n shine_v through_o the_o latitude_n of_o all_o create_a being_n and_o if_o you_o lay_v your_o eye_n in_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o lead_v it_o to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n as_o in_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v aliquid_fw-la nihili_fw-la something_o of_o nothing_o so_o there_o be_v aliquid_fw-la dei_fw-la something_o of_o god_n praesentemque_fw-la refert_fw-la quaelibet_fw-la herba_fw-la deum_fw-la the_o herb_n we_o see_v show_v god_n to_o be._n as_o the_o philosopher_n be_v ask_v where_o his_o book_n be_v answer_v his_o book_n be_v totius_fw-la entis_fw-la naturalis_fw-la universitas_fw-la the_o university_n of_o all_o natural_a be_v and_o very_o those_o that_o have_v no_o book_n and_o never_o be_v at_o any_o university_n of_o learning_n may_v in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o university_n of_o create_a being_n read_v and_o understand_v the_o be_v of_o god_n now_o this_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o be_v that_o my_o text_n speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n which_o i_o shall_v explain_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n arg._n 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o this_o creation_n to_o give_v itself_o a_o be_v the_o heaven_n can_v not_o make_v themselves_o nor_o the_o earth_n itself_o for_o than_o they_o shall_v be_v before_o themselves_o their_o act_n before_o their_o exi_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o true_a say_n in_o philosophy_n operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la esse_fw-la operation_n do_v follow_v the_o creature_n be_v both_o as_o to_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v as_o also_o nihil_fw-la producitur_fw-la in_o actum_fw-la nisi_fw-la per_fw-la ens_fw-la in_o actu_fw-la nothing_o be_v produce_v into_o actual_a be_v but_o by_o some_o be_v that_o do_v actual_o exist_v and_o therefore_o this_o creation_n must_v be_v bring_v into_o be_v by_o some_o actual_a be_v that_o be_v before_o it_o pale_v nil_fw-la se_fw-la gignit_fw-la nil_fw-la provenit_fw-la a_o se_fw-la pale_v and_o what_o can_v that_o be_v but_o god_n alone_o shall_v we_o assert_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o angel_n as_o the_o carpocratian_o say_v of_o old_a yet_o who_o then_o make_v those_o angel_n much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v make_v by_o man_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a of_o the_o work_n of_o it_o how_o it_o be_v make_v and_o how_o come_v man_n himself_o first_o to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a what_o we_o read_v act._n 17._o of_o one_o blood_n be_v make_v all_o nation_n but_o not_o by_o creation_n but_o generation_n and_o what_o give_v be_v to_o that_o one_o blood_n there_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o a_o first_o be_v and_o who_o that_o be_v the_o text_n tell_v we_o god_n make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n or_o shall_v we_o say_v according_a to_o the_o ancient_a philosophy_n now_o revive_v by_o some_o that_o the_o universe_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o innumerable_a atom_n of_o several_a form_n figure_n and_o quality_n that_o from_o eternity_n dance_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o infinite_a space_n and_o those_o that_o be_v heavy_a fall_v low_a and_o make_v the_o earth_n and_o those_o that_o be_v light_a take_v their_o place_n above_o they_o those_o that_o be_v moist_a do_v coalesce_v into_o water_n and_o those_o that_o be_v thin_a and_o rare_a into_o air_n and_o the_o superior_a element_n which_o be_v the_o fond_a and_o irrational_a opinion_n of_o certain_a philosopher_n of_o old_a gassendus_fw-la the_o account_n of_o this_o opinion_n we_o find_v at_o large_a in_o gassendus_fw-la as_o leucippus_n lucretius_n and_o especial_o epicurus_n but_o of_o this_o opinion_n we_o need_v no_o other_o confutation_n than_o the_o exact_a order_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o by_o some_o chance_n or_o accident_n no_o more_o than_o a_o house_n exact_o build_v can_v come_v into_o such_o a_o frame_n by_o the_o casual_a meeting_n together_o of_o stone_n and_o timber_n and_o why_o do_v those_o atom_n fall_v together_o then_o and_o not_o soon_o and_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v now_o so_o fix_v and_o constant_a if_o all_o thing_n come_v together_o at_o first_o by_o chance_n all_o thing_n still_o shall_v fall_v out_o by_o chance_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v admit_v a_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o orderly_a concourse_n of_o these_o atom_n yet_o how_o come_v these_o atom_n into_o be_v do_v they_o make_v themselves_o that_o i_o show_v be_v impossible_a be_v they_o eternal_a how_o come_v they_o then_o to_o be_v change_v from_o what_o they_o be_v for_o whatever_o be_v from_o eternity_n mâ—st_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o to_o eternity_n but_o he_o that_o desire_v a_o further_a confutation_n of_o this_o fancy_n may_v read_v what_o be_v write_v against_o it_o by_o a_o
head_n and_o fall_v flat_a on_o his_o face_n then_o he_o confess_v i_o have_v sin_v and_o if_o it_o displease_v thou_o i_o will_v go_v back_o again_o numb_a 22._o 31_o 34._o when_o sinner_n eye_n be_v so_o far_o open_v that_o they_o can_v behold_v and_o do_v powerful_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o their_o return_n and_o repentance_n and_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n may_v be_v serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n though_o they_o can_v lead_v man_n of_o themselves_o either_o to_o that_o knowledge_n of_o god_n or_o knowledge_n of_o sin_n as_o may_v effect_v evangelical_a repentance_n yet_o the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o may_v result_v from_o thence_o may_v be_v the_o first_o step_n towards_o it_o and_o we_o know_v how_o god_n bring_v job_n to_o abhor_v himself_o and_o repent_v in_o dust_n and_o ash_n by_o set_v before_o he_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o several_a work_n of_o creation_n and_o give_v he_o a_o spiritual_a sight_n of_o himself_o therein_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o five_o last_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n so_o that_o repentance_n may_v not_o only_o be_v help_v thereby_o as_o to_o its_o first_o beginning_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o impenitent_a but_o further_v also_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o true_a saint_n 4._o take_v up_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n however_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v from_o those_o work_n will_v further_o this_o christian_a duty_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a whatever_o it_o be_v that_o strengthen_v this_o grand_a principle_n in_o we_o that_o god_n be_v will_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o suffer_v persecution_n and_o upon_o the_o full_a belief_n of_o this_o do_v so_o many_o thousand_o martyr_n offer_v up_o their_o life_n as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v for_o god_n sake_n and_o from_o he_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o reward_n be_v there_o no_o god_n it_o be_v madness_n and_o folly_n in_o they_o to_o have_v so_o suffer_v and_o have_v they_o not_o well_o believe_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a to_o suffer_v to_o you_o it_o be_v give_v say_v the_o apostle_n first_o to_o believe_v and_o then_o to_o suffer_v phil._n 1._o 29._o it_o be_v say_v of_o moses_n heb._n 11._o 27._o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o that_o be_v invisible_a and_o my_o text_n say_v the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o his_o godhead_n be_v see_v in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n so_o that_o the_o see_v of_o the_o invisible_a god_n even_o in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o his_o word_n may_v enable_v we_o the_o better_a to_o endure_v suffer_v and_o however_o atheistical_a man_n may_v account_v it_o folly_n to_o suffer_v yet_o from_o this_o principle_n believe_v that_o god_n be_v a_o christian_a can_v demonstrate_v his_o suffering_n for_o god_n to_o be_v most_o rational_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o if_o you_o understand_v take_v up_o christ_n cross_n as_o some_o do_v for_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o the_o flesh_n though_o this_o be_v also_o a_o evangelical_n duty_n yet_o it_o be_v further_v and_o promote_v by_o a_o practical_a believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n to_o which_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n do_v contribute_v much_o as_o atheism_n and_o not_o believe_v god_n be_v do_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n of_o liberty_n to_o the_o flesh_n so_o the_o true_a believe_v it_o will_v engage_v man_n to_o restrain_v and_o crucify_v it_o as_o when_o there_o be_v no_o king_n in_o israel_n every_o man_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n much_o more_o if_o man_n believe_v not_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n but_o now_o the_o set_n of_o a_o almighty_a infinite_a god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o soul_n how_o do_v this_o dash_n sin_n out_o of_o countenance_n as_o it_o do_v in_o joseph_n how_o can_v i_o commit_v this_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n against_o god_n what_o shall_v i_o sin_v against_o and_o before_o that_o god_n which_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o god_n that_o have_v stamp_v the_o character_n of_o his_o be_v round_o about_o i_o upon_o i_o and_o within_o i_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o i_o see_v the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o it_o in_o his_o work_n shall_v i_o maintain_v a_o idol-lust_n as_o a_o false_a god_n in_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o shall_v he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a be_v find_v any_o thing_n set_v up_o in_o my_o mind_n above_o he_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a find_v any_o good_a stand_n as_o competitor_n with_o he_o in_o my_o affection_n and_o that_o god_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o shall_v i_o not_o live_v unto_o he_o as_o my_o ultimate_a end_n and_o live_v no_o more_o to_o myself_o in_o the_o serve_n of_o the_o lust_n of_o i_o own_o heart_n and_o mind_n 4._o if_o we_o speak_v of_o those_o institution_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o not_o make_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o we_o may_v derive_v strength_n from_o nature_n light_n to_o enforce_v their_o authority_n upon_o our_o obedience_n though_o we_o can_v do_v it_o ex_fw-la antecedenti_fw-la because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o reveal_v they_o yet_o we_o may_v do_v it_o a_o consequenti_fw-la see_v they_o be_v acknowledge_v from_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n tell_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o than_o tell_v man_n this_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v worship_v now_o the_o scripture_n that_o christian_n receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n tell_v man_n that_o these_o institution_n be_v his_o command_n and_o rule_n for_o worship_n and_o therefore_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o declare_v a_o god_n to_o we_o do_v also_o thereby_o urge_v we_o to_o give_v obedience_n that_o therein_o we_o may_v give_v worship_n to_o he_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o worship_v upon_o a_o new_a and_o more_o evangelical_n account_n as_o our_o redeemer_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o as_o we_o be_v purchase_v by_o his_o blood_n yet_o a_o christian_a may_v and_o aught_o to_o strengthen_v his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n herein_o from_o the_o evidence_n he_o find_v of_o god_n be_v and_o so_o of_o his_o sovereignty_n over_o his_o creature_n from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n for_o as_o when_o we_o find_v a_o institution_n upon_o a_o moral_a duty_n evidence_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o law_n be_v strengthen_v thereby_o so_o we_o may_v derive_v strength_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o make_v those_o institution_n that_o be_v not_o contain_v therein_o more_o obligatory_a to_o we_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v confirm_v this_o truth_n when_o he_o speak_v to_o israel_n levit._n 19_o 30._o you_o shall_v keep_v my_o sabbath_n and_o reverence_v my_o sanctuary_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n the_o true_a own_v god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v jehovah_n the_o lord_n will_v strong_o oblige_v we_o to_o give_v obedience_n to_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o pure_a institution_n the_o first_o commandment_n of_o the_o law_n well_o receive_v give_v life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o second_o that_o speak_v of_o this_o institute_v worship_n 5._o or_o last_o the_o believe_v the_o fulfil_n what_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o mind_n reveal_v therein_o shall_v take_v place_n be_v another_o gospel-duty_n now_o when_o we_o believe_v his_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o see_v how_o his_o word_n be_v fulfil_v when_o he_o say_v let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n etc._n etc._n and_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v hence_o strengthen_v our_o faith_n concern_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o word_n that_o be_v write_v whether_o the_o word_n of_o promise_n to_o his_o child_n or_o threaten_v to_o his_o adversary_n when_o sarah_n doubt_v the_o fulfil_a god_n promise_n to_o she_o what_o say_v the_o angel_n be_v any_o thing_n too_o hard_o for_o jehovah_n which_o name_n of_o god_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o until_o his_o creation_n be_v finish_v and_o he_o have_v give_v be_v to_o all_o his_o work_n as_o appear_v by_o gen._n 2._o 4._o be_v before_o that_o call_v elohim_n now_o jehovah_n that_o give_v be_v to_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n can_v he_o not_o also_o give_v be_v to_o his_o word_n can_v there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o his_o word_n than_o in_o create_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o after_o god_n have_v
creation_n which_o be_v know_v by_o nature_n light_n but_o then_o there_o be_v other_o worship_n that_o be_v institute_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n which_o be_v make_v know_v only_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o plato_n once_o say_v the_o maker_n of_o this_o universe_n as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v out_o so_o as_o hard_o to_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o worship_v he_o whereupon_o the_o apostle_n in_o rom._n 1._o speak_v of_o the_o gentile_n that_o they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n invent_v to_o themselves_o way_n of_o worship_n some_o whereof_o be_v ridiculous_a other_o obscene_a and_o all_o dishonourable_a to_o the_o greatness_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n as_o the_o late_a author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v moral_a virtue_n and_o grace_n quòte_v a_o memorable_a passage_n out_o of_o jamblichus_n which_o by_o his_o leave_n i_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v in_o the_o english_a of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o know_v what_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o unless_o we_o be_v either_o immediate_o instruct_v by_o god_n ourselves_o or_o teach_v by_o some_o person_n who_o god_n have_v converse_v with_o or_o arrive_v to_o it_o by_o some_o divine_a mean_n or_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o worship_n the_o heathen_n perform_v to_o their_o god_n how_o ridiculous_a soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o receive_v it_o either_o afflatu_fw-la numinis_fw-la by_o some_o kind_n of_o inspiration_n or_o from_o their_o oracle_n or_o some_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n and_o we_o know_v what_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n pretend_v to_o in_o this_o case_n but_o because_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o authentic_a revelation_n of_o the_o true_a god_n in_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n therefore_o they_o so_o gross_o err_v in_o the_o way_n and_o rule_n of_o their_o worship_n 6._o or_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o the_o calamity_n that_o attend_v man_n life_n this_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a industrious_o seek_v after_o as_o a_o chief_a part_n of_o man_n happiness_n and_o propose_v several_a way_n to_o attain_v it_o some_o by_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v by_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n and_o a_o invincible_a connection_n of_o second_o cause_n other_o of_o they_o relieve_v themselves_o by_o look_v upon_o these_o evil_n as_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o they_o must_v be_v content_a to_o bear_v the_o common_a lot_n of_o all_o mankind_n nihil_fw-la humanum_fw-la a_o mâ—_n alienum_fw-la putâ—_n as_o one_o speak_v and_o other_o that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o virtue_n and_o in_o patient_a bear_v they_o man_n discover_v true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n etc._n etc._n but_o alas_o the_o bed_n they_o make_v be_v too_o short_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o repose_v itself_o upon_o but_o the_o scripture_n show_v the_o true_a way_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o show_v all_o these_o evil_n as_o dispense_v by_o the_o sovereign_a hand_n of_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n 2._o that_o they_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o god_n for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o family_n 3._o this_o also_o set_v before_o we_o the_o great_a example_n of_o christ_n in_o patient_a suffering_n 4._o as_o also_o a_o everlasting_a rest_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v assure_v by_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n and_o enter_v into_o by_o christ_n as_o a_o forerunner_n have_v first_o purchase_v it_o by_o his_o blood_n the_o true_a hope_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a relief_n the_o saint_n have_v under_o all_o their_o present_a trouble_n and_o many_o such_o like_a which_o be_v true_o apprehend_v will_v bring_v in_o that_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o all_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v a_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o for_o we_o in_o this_o kind_n than_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n those_o few_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n record_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 17_o 18._o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v etc._n etc._n be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o volume_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a philosophy_n to_o quiet_a and_o comfort_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n under_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n 7._o as_o to_o conformity_n to_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v plato_n and_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n to_o say_v that_o man_n happiness_n do_v consist_v in_o his_o likeness_n to_o god_n but_o the_o way_n of_o grow_v up_o into_o this_o likeness_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o to_o this_o be_v requisite_a the_o mortification_n of_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o their_o strict_a philosopher_n can_v not_o effect_v some_o thing_n they_o may_v do_v to_o the_o subdue_a of_o the_o passion_n to_o the_o dominion_n of_o reason_n and_o thereby_o introduce_v some_o moral_a tranquillity_n into_o the_o soul_n of_o man._n but_o the_o radical_a corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n which_o especial_o be_v self-exaltation_n and_o self-sufficiency_n they_o rather_o do_v cherish_v than_o extirpate_v the_o stoic_n seem_v to_o proceed_v far_a towards_o this_o subdue_a of_o nature_n upon_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n that_o man_n happiness_n lie_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n as_o in_o maintain_v a_o constant_a serenity_n and_o evenness_n of_o soul_n in_o all_o the_o occurrence_n of_o life_n and_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o fortune_n enchirid._n vid._n epict._n enchirid._n which_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n but_o it_o reach_v rather_o to_o those_o passion_n that_o they_o perceive_v do_v disquiet_a nature_n than_o to_o those_o other_o evil_n that_o be_v please_v to_o it_o but_o to_o this_o conformity_n be_v also_o requisite_a the_o introduce_v of_o a_o new_a and_o divine_a nature_n now_o it_o be_v not_o any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n can_v effect_v this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 2_o pet._n 1._o 4._o that_o believer_n be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v through_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n call_v they_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n and_o through_o the_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n give_v we_o in_o he_o hereupon_o also_o we_o read_v that_o christ_n be_v make_v to_o we_o sanctification_n etc._n etc._n 1_o cor._n 1._o 30._o and_o whoever_o be_v in_o christ_n be_v a_o new_a creature_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 17._o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o that_o this_o conformity_n to_o god_n result_v from_o partake_v his_o nature_n this_o we_o can_v have_v without_o communion_n with_o he_o this_o communion_n we_o can_v have_v but_o in_o christ_n and_o christ_n be_v not_o make_v know_v but_o by_o scripture-revelation_n so_o that_o nature_n can_v make_v a_o christian_a as_o tertullian_n speak_v apol._n cap._n 18._o fiunt_fw-la non_fw-la nascuntur_fw-la christiani_n christian_n be_v make_v so_o not_o bear_v so_o and_o therefore_o that_o so_o note_v say_v of_o the_o same_o author_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v this_o o_o testimonium_fw-la animae_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la christianae_n be_v to_o be_v right_o understand_v in_o the_o sense_n he_o speak_v it_o for_o speak_v against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o make_v many_o god_n to_o themselves_o he_o appeal_v to_o a_o practice_n that_o even_o nature_n do_v lead_v they_o to_o which_o be_v to_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o say_v deus_fw-la dedit_fw-la god_n give_v i_o this_o or_o that_o and_o deus_fw-la videt_fw-la god_n see_v whereby_o the_o soul_n do_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o own_o but_o one_o god_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v whereupon_o he_o break_v out_o into_o that_o note_a speech_n o_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o soul_n natural_o christian_n but_o to_o make_v we_o christian_n in_o the_o partake_n the_o nature_n of_o christ_n and_o conformity_n to_o god_n this_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n though_o the_o heaven_n declare_v god_n glory_n day_n and_o night_n utter_a speech_n and_o the_o sun_n come_v forth_o as_o a_o bridegroom_n out_o of_o his_o chamber_n every_o morning_n etc._n etc._n and_o nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o heat_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n that_o convert_v the_o soul_n enlighten_v the_o eye_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o bring_v man_n into_o conformity_n to_o god_n psal_n 19_o 8._o or_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n the_o judge_v of_o the_o world_n the_o future_a reward_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n
to_o come_v these_o be_v all_o make_v evident_a to_o we_o by_o scripture-light_n which_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o dark_o know_v by_o any_o light_n of_o nature_n how_o dubious_o and_o sometime_o ridiculous_o do_v the_o sage_a of_o the_o heathen_a write_v of_o these_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o soul_n immortality_n their_o great_a orator_n cicero_n doubt_v of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a 55._o plin._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 55._o their_o great_a naturalist_n pliny_n explode_v it_o as_o to_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o a_o future_a state_n their_o poet_n have_v ridiculous_a fiction_n about_o they_o therefore_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n speak_v more_o distinct_o of_o the_o future_a state_n and_o world_n to_o come_v than_o what_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n or_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old-testament_n last_o yea_o as_o to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n his_o holiness_n unity_n simplicity_n actuality_n of_o be_v omniscience_n immensity_n and_o other_o attribute_n these_o be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o in_o any_o evidence_n of_o nature_n which_o though_o in_o this_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o dark_a as_o in_o some_o other_o truth_n before_o mention_v yet_o even_o here_o it_o be_v not_o so_o distinct_a and_o clear_a as_o the_o scripture_n be_v which_o as_o it_o be_v a_o system_fw-la of_o natural_a truth_n beyond_o any_o other_o write_v in_o the_o world_n so_o it_o contain_v those_o supernatural_a truth_n that_o can_v not_o else_o be_v know_v to_o the_o son_n of_o men._n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o this_o head_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o so_o immediate_o result_v from_o my_o present_a subject_n yet_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o interpose_v only_o in_o my_o leave_v it_o shall_v add_v this_o inference_n inference_n we_o may_v hence_o evince_v the_o absurdity_n of_o cast_v off_o scripture-light_n 1._o scholar_n may_v read_v a_o more_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o this_o natural_a theology_n and_o its_o inferiority_n to_o gospel-revelation_n in_o dr._n owen_n polite_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a at_o large_a in_o his_o book_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n lib._n 1._o and_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n above_o that_o of_o the_o moon_n the_o one_o rule_v the_o day_n and_o the_o other_o the_o night_n those_o that_o have_v no_o scripture-light_n live_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o nature_n moonlight_n 27._o act_n 7._o 27._o and_o be_v but_o in_o the_o night_n feel_v after_o god_n as_o man_n in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v scripture-light_n through_o the_o spirit_n that_o make_v the_o day_n it_o argue_v also_o our_o great_a ingratitude_n that_o this_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o value_v by_o we_o do_v we_o pity_v the_o poor_a blind_a heathen_a and_o shall_v we_o cast_v away_o that_o light_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o blind_a as_o they_o have_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o in_o such_o mercy_n as_o with_o israel_n of_o old_a to_o give_v we_o his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o have_v not_o so_o deal_v with_o every_o nation_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o be_v thankful_a above_o other_o people_n have_v god_n magnify_v his_o word_n above_o all_o his_o name_n 2._o psal_n 138._o 2._o and_o shall_v we_o put_v it_o below_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o name_n or_o have_v god_n magnify_v his_o name_n upon_o his_o word_n as_o a_o learned_a rabbin_z read_v the_o text_n and_o shall_v we_o despise_v it_o and_o not_o magnify_v that_o name_n of_o god_n which_o be_v there_o so_o eminent_o write_v the_o great_a master_n of_o wisdom_n among_o the_o gentile_n as_o pythagoras_n plato_n socrates_n trismegistus_n etc._n etc._n get_v more_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n from_o some_o fragment_n of_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v make_v know_v by_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n than_o from_o all_o their_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o much_o of_o the_o gentile_a theology_n gale_n mr._n theoph_n gale_n both_o as_o to_o the_o deity_n they_o worship_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v though_o corrupt_o derive_v thence_o as_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o a_o learned_a author_n of_o late_a that_o have_v travel_v in_o those_o study_n now_o we_o that_o have_v with_o we_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n therein_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o almighty_a for_o so_o great_a a_o benefit_n after_o the_o psalmist_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o common_a benefit_n of_o nature_n for_o which_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v of_o all_o man_n psal_n 147._o who_o cover_v the_o heaven_n with_o cloud_n prepare_v rain_n for_o the_o earth_n make_v grass_n to_o grow_v upon_o the_o mountain_n give_v the_o beast_n his_o food_n etc._n etc._n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o he_o than_o speak_v of_o his_o special_a goodness_n to_o jacob_n and_o wherein_o he_o show_v his_o word_n unto_o jacob_n vers_fw-la 19_o etc._n etc._n and_o then_o conclude_v the_o psalm_n praise_v you_o the_o lord_n jacob_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o israel_n have_v the_o special_a favour_n of_o god_n word_n and_o therefore_o above_o all_o people_n and_o nation_n be_v oblige_v to_o praise_v he_o chap._n vii_o god_n be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o man_n several_a peculiar_a thing_n speak_v of_o about_o his_o creation_n how_o the_o workmanship_n and_o operation_n of_o of_o the_o body_n declare_v god_n be_v the_o soul_n consider_v in_o its_o capacity_n innate_a principle_n immortality_n operation_n whence_o we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o speak_v to_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o god_n be_v from_o one_o special_a part_n of_o his_o creation_n which_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o by_o itself_o and_o we_o may_v observe_v some_o peculiar_a thing_n relate_v about_o it_o above_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o other_o work_v of_o god_n 1._o when_o god_n in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o work_n come_v to_o give_v man_n his_o be_v he_o say_v come_v let_v we_o make_v man._n of_o his_o other_o work_n he_o only_o say_v let_v they_o be_v as_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o let_v there_o be_v a_o firmament_n etc._n etc._n but_o as_o if_o himself_o be_v more_o concern_v and_o that_o in_o the_o trinity_n of_o his_o be_v about_o make_v man_n then_o any_o other_o of_o his_o work_n he_o say_v let_v we_o make_v man._n 2._o other_o creature_n he_o speak_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o water_n to_o bring_v they_o forth_o whether_o vegetable_n as_o herb_n grass_n fruit_n tree_n etc._n etc._n or_o animal_n in_o the_o several_a region_n of_o air_n earth_n or_o water_n where_o they_o do_v inhabit_v but_o god_n set_v to_o his_o own_o hand_n in_o the_o make_n of_o man_n he_o himself_z form_n he_o of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o then_o himself_o breathe_v into_o he_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n gen._n 2._o 7._o 3._o god_n say_v also_o of_o man_n let_v we_o make_v man_n after_o our_o own_o image_n and_o our_o own_o likeness_n gen._n 1._o 26._o which_o he_o say_v not_o of_o his_o other_o work_n either_o the_o light_n or_o firmament_n or_o sun_n moon_n or_o star_n which_o be_v all_o glorious_a creature_n yet_o he_o say_v of_o none_o of_o these_o let_v we_o make_v they_o after_o our_o own_o likeness_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v also_o that_o the_o word_n create_v be_v three_o time_n repeat_v and_o that_o in_o one_o verse_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n creation_n so_o god_n create_v man_n in_o his_o own_o image_n in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n create_v he_o he_o male_a and_o female_a create_v he_o they_o gen._n 1._o 27._o which_o some_o concieve_v refer_v to_o the_o plural_a term_n use_v about_o the_o make_n of_o man._n let_v we_o make_v man._n god_n create_v he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o father_n god_n create_v he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o son_n god_n create_v he_o that_o be_v god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o which_o be_v remarkable_a when_o god_n be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o maker_n or_o creator_n of_o man_n it_o be_v still_o express_v plural_o as_o 35_o job_n 10._o and_o 149_o psal_n 2._o 12_o eccles._n 1._o 54_o isa_n 5._o where_o god_n be_v style_v the_o creator_n and_o maker_n of_o man_n in_o the_o hebrew_n text._n yet_o the_o creation_n of_o he_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o god_n that_o create_v he_o one_o also_o 4._o man_n have_v this_o preeminence_n also_o that_o he_o be_v create_v last_o god_n