much_o in_o order_n to_o knowledge_n as_o to_o practise_v and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o this_o expression_n which_o do_v set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v but_o once_o use_v in_o scripture_n and_o that_o bring_v in_o upon_o occasion_n and_o for_o another_o purpose_n because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n natural_o know_v plato_n say_v that_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o body_n in_o like_a manner_n tully_n nec_fw-la enim_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la intelligi_fw-la potest_fw-la nisi_fw-la mens_fw-la quaedam_fw-la soluta_fw-la &_o libera_fw-la segregata_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la concretione_fw-la mortali_fw-la we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o pure_a mind_n entire_o free_a from_o all_o mortal_a composition_n or_o mixture_n and_o plutarch_n after_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v a_o mind_n a_o abstract_n be_v pure_a from_o all_o matter_n and_o disintangle_v from_o whatever_o be_v passable_a or_o capable_a of_o suffer_v so_o that_o natural_a light_n inform_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n there_o be_v no_o need_n why_o the_o scripture_n shall_v inculcate_v this_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a medium_n or_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v chief_o be_v spiritual_a and_o although_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v mention_v for_o itself_o that_o be_v to_o inform_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o know_v yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o the_o express_a mention_n of_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v provide_v against_o a_o error_n which_o some_o weak_a and_o grosser_n spirit_n may_v be_v subject_a to_o you_o know_v god_n be_v please_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n of_o himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o human_a imperfection_n and_o give_v such_o description_n of_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v a_o body_n and_o bodily_a member_n now_o to_o prevent_v any_o error_n or_o mistake_n that_o may_v be_v occasion_v hereby_o it_o seem_v very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n somewhere_o in_o scripture_n express_o to_o declare_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o god_n that_o none_o through_o weakness_n or_o wilfulness_n may_v entertain_v gross_a apprehension_n of_o he_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o proposition_n i_o shall_v i._o explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o spirit_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v to_o you_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n iii_o answer_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o iv_o draw_v some_o inference_n or_o corollary_n from_o the_o whole_a i._o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o strict_a philosophical_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o substance_n as_o be_v penetrable_a that_o be_v may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n with_o a_o body_n and_o neither_o keep_v out_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v keep_v out_o by_o it_o and_o that_o the_o part_n which_o we_o imagine_v in_o it_o can_v be_v divide_v that_o be_v real_o separate_v and_o tear_v from_o one_o another_o as_o the_o part_n of_o a_o body_n but_o i_o will_v give_v you_o a_o negative_a description_n of_o it_o a_o spirit_n be_v not_o matter_n it_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o can_v see_v nor_o touch_v it_o be_v not_o a_o body_n not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o bone_n for_o so_o we_o find_v spirit_n in_o scripture_n oppose_v to_o flesh_n and_o body_n isa_n 31.3_o their_o horse_n be_v flesh_n and_o not_o spirit_n so_o luke_n 24._o when_o christ_n appear_v to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v terrify_v and_o suppose_v it_o have_v be_v a_o spirit_n v._o 39_o but_o he_o say_v behold_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v the_o most_o usual_a description_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v by_o these_o negative_n it_o be_v not_o a_o body_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v see_v or_o touch_v ii_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o god_n or_o which_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o he_o but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v every_o way_n perfect_a and_o from_o this_o notion_n we_o must_v argue_v concern_v the_o property_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n and_o govern_v all_o our_o reason_v concern_v god_n by_o this_o so_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o god_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o he_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o and_o if_o any_o man_n ask_v why_o i_o say_v god_n be_v so_o or_o so_o a_o spirit_n or_o good_a or_o just_o the_o best_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v give_v be_v because_o these_o be_v perfection_n and_o the_o contrary_a to_o these_o be_v imperfection_n so_o that_o if_o i_o show_v that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o imperfection_n for_o god_n to_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v a_o body_n or_o matter_n i_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n because_o it_o be_v a_o imperfection_n that_o be_v a_o absurdity_n to_o imagine_v he_o any_o thing_n else_o to_o imagine_v god_n to_o be_v a_o body_n or_o matter_n do_v evident_o codtradict_v four_o great_a perfection_n of_o god_n 1._o his_o infiniteness_n or_o the_o immensity_n of_o his_o be_v grant_v i_o but_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n some_o other_o matter_n as_o the_o heaven_n the_o air_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v and_o grant_v i_o that_o two_o body_n can_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n at_o once_o and_o then_o it_o will_v evident_o follow_v that_o wherever_o these_o be_v god_n be_v shut_v out_o and_o consequent_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v infinite_a nor_o in_o all_o place_n and_o so_o much_o as_o there_o be_v of_o another_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n so_o many_o breach_n there_o will_v be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o many_o hiatus_fw-la 2._o the_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o mere_a matter_n can_v understand_v how_o it_o can_v distinct_o comprehend_v such_o variety_n of_o object_n and_o at_o one_o view_n take_v in_o past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v tully_n speak_v of_o spirit_n say_v animorum_fw-la nulla_fw-la in_o terris_fw-la origo_fw-la inveniri_fw-la potest_fw-la their_o original_a can_v be_v find_v upon_o earth_n for_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o material_a or_o bodily_a thing_n quod_fw-la vim_o memoriae_fw-la mentis_fw-la cogitationis_fw-la habeat_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o praeterita_fw-la teneat_fw-la &_o futura_fw-la provideat_fw-la &_o complecti_fw-la possit_fw-la praesentia_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la divina_fw-la sunt_fw-la which_o have_v the_o power_n of_o memory_n of_o understanding_n of_o thought_n which_o can_v retain_v thing_n past_a foresee_v thing_n future_a and_o comprehend_v thing_n present_a all_o which_o power_n be_v pure_o divine_a 3._o freedom_n and_o liberty_n for_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n be_v necessary_a nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o arbitrary_a principle_n in_o it_o this_o puzzle_v the_o epicurean_o as_o we_o see_v in_o lucretius_n for_o if_o say_v he_o all_o thing_n move_v by_o certain_a and_o necessary_a law_n and_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n unto_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o you_o move_v this_o that_o must_v necessary_o be_v move_v whence_o say_v he_o be_v liberty_n vnde_fw-la est_fw-la hec_fw-la inquam_fw-la fatis_fw-la avulsa_fw-la voluntas_fw-la whence_o be_v this_o principle_n of_o will_n who_o motion_n be_v not_o under_o any_o law_n of_o necessity_n 4._o goodness_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a for_o he_o be_v not_o good_a who_o do_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v nor_o do_v it_o free_o so_o that_o take_v away_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n and_o you_o take_v away_o goodness_n now_o take_v away_o from_o god_n infiniteness_n and_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n and_o goodness_n and_o you_o divest_v he_o of_o his_o glory_n you_o take_v away_o his_o most_o essential_a perfection_n so_o that_o these_o
church_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o ground_n of_o separation_n from_o she_o 3._o if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n than_o we_o shall_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v the_o inference_n of_o the_o text_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v a_o little_a more_o large_o of_o it_o only_o i_o must_v explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o show_v you_o the_o force_n of_o this_o consequence_n how_o it_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n therefore_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o st_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o this_o word_n spirit_n be_v sometime_o apply_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o letter_n by_o which_o name_n the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v call_v 2_o cor._n 3.6_o who_o have_v make_v we_o able_a minister_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o of_o the_o letter_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n not_o of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n but_o which_o christ_n by_o his_o spirit_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n sometime_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 3.3_o have_v begin_v in_o the_o spirit_n be_v you_o now_o make_v perfect_a by_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v flesh_n because_o the_o principal_a ceremony_n of_o it_o circumcision_n be_v make_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o because_o their_o sacrifice_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o their_o worship_n be_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o beast_n and_o because_o the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o ordinance_n as_o wash_v and_o the_o like_a relate_v to_o the_o body_n hence_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n call_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n heb._n 7.16_o and_o heb._n 9.10_o carnal_a ordinance_n speak_v of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o law_n which_o say_v he_o stand_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o divers_a wash_n and_o carnal_a ordinance_n now_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o carnal_a and_o ceremonial_a worship_n we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o a_o bodily_a service_n but_o we_o be_v to_o give_v god_n a_o reasonable_a service_n to_o serve_v he_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v instead_o of_o offer_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n we_o be_v to_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o acceptable_a sacrifice_n or_o reasonable_a service_n and_o in_o truth_n either_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o false_a worship_n of_o the_o samaritan_n as_o in_o spirit_n be_v oppose_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o woman_n that_o they_o worship_v they_o know_v not_o what_o or_o which_o i_o rather_o think_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o law_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v john_n 1.17_o the_o law_n be_v give_v by_o moses_n but_o grace_n and_o truth_n come_v by_o jesus_n christ_n not_o that_o the_o external_a service_n of_o god_n be_v here_o exclude_v not_o that_o we_o be_v to_o show_v no_o outward_a reverence_n to_o he_o but_o that_o as_o under_o the_o law_n the_o service_n of_o god_n be_v chief_o external_a and_o corporeal_a so_o now_o it_o shall_v chief_o be_v inward_a and_o spiritual_a the_o worship_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v chief_o be_v spiritual_a and_o substantial_a not_o a_o carnal_a and_o bodily_a and_o ceremonious_a devotion_n 2_o dly_z for_o the_o force_n of_o the_o consequence_n it_o do_v not_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o just_o such_o as_o god_n be_v such_o must_v our_o worship_n of_o he_o be_v for_o this_o will_v exclude_v all_o bodily_a and_o outward_a worship_n our_o worship_n of_o god_n must_v therefore_o be_v invisible_a eternal_a etc._n etc._n for_o so_o be_v he_o and_o beside_o the_o will_n of_o god_n seem_v rather_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o worship_n than_o his_o nature_n but_o the_o force_n of_o it_o be_v this_o god_n be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v his_o will_n that_o our_o worship_n shall_v be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n who_o be_v to_o give_v it_o will_v bear_v now_o say_v christ_n to_o the_o woman_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o samaritan_n they_o limit_v their_o worship_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n and_o it_o consist_v chief_o in_o certain_a carnal_a rite_n and_o ordinance_n but_o say_v he_o though_o god_n have_v permit_v this_o for_o a_o time_n because_o of_o the_o carnality_n and_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n yet_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o a_o more_o spiritual_a and_o solid_a and_o substantial_a worship_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v which_o will_v be_v free_a from_o all_o particular_a place_n and_o rite_n not_o tie_v to_o the_o temple_n or_o to_o such_o external_a ceremony_n but_o consist_v in_o the_o devotion_n of_o our_o spirit_n even_o the_o inward_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o our_o heart_n all_o outward_a circumstance_n except_v those_o of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v positive_a be_v leave_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n as_o natural_a necessity_n and_o decency_n will_v permit_v we_o must_v worship_v god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v natural_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o somewhere_o in_o some_o place_n now_o see_v some_o body_n must_v determine_v this_o it_o be_v most_o convenient_a that_o authority_n shall_v determine_v it_o according_a to_o the_o conveniency_n of_o cohabitation_n we_o must_v not_o be_v rude_a nor_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v natural_o undecent_a in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n this_o authority_n shall_v restrain_v but_o further_a than_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o gospel_n have_v leave_v we_o free_a and_o to_o this_o end_n that_o the_o less_o we_o be_v tie_v to_o external_a observance_n the_o more_o intent_n we_o shall_v be_v upon_o the_o spiritual_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n the_o conform_v of_o ourselves_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o to_o have_v our_o soul_n and_o spirit_n engage_v in_o those_o duty_n we_o perform_v to_o he_o so_o that_o our_o saviour_n argument_n be_v this_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n that_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a nature_n and_o be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v serve_v with_o the_o best_a we_o consist_v of_o body_n and_o soul_n it_o be_v true_a and_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a man_n but_o principal_o with_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o ourselves_o the_o service_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v the_o best_a we_o can_v perform_v and_o therefore_o most_o agreeable_a to_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v so_o that_o the_o inference_n be_v this_o that_o if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n our_o religion_n must_v be_v real_a and_o inward_a and_o sincere_a and_o substantial_a we_o must_v not_o think_v to_o put_v off_o god_n with_o external_a observance_n and_o with_o bodily_a reverence_n and_o attendance_n this_o we_o must_v give_v he_o but_o we_o must_v principal_o regard_v that_o our_o service_n of_o he_o be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n and_o accompany_v with_o our_o affection_n our_o religion_n must_v consist_v principal_o in_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n which_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o real_a conformity_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n to_o his_o will_n and_o when_o we_o make_v our_o solemn_a approach_n to_o he_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n we_o must_v perform_v all_o act_n of_o outward_a worship_n to_o god_n with_o a_o pure_a and_o sincere_a mind_n whatever_o we_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n we_o must_v do_v it_o hearty_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n present_a to_o our_o spirit_n intimate_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o conscious_a to_o the_o most_o secret_a and_o retire_a motion_n of_o our_o heart_n now_o because_o we_o serve_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n we_o must_v serve_v he_o with_o our_o heart_n indeed_o if_o we_o do_v worship_n god_n only_o to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n a_o pompous_a and_o external_a worship_n will_v be_v very_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o end_n but_o religion_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v spiritual_a and_o inward_a and_o real_a and_o wherever_o the_o external_a part_n of_o religion_n
be_v principal_o regard_v and_o man_n be_v more_o careful_a to_o worship_n god_n with_o outward_a pomp_n and_o ceremony_n than_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n religion_n degenerate_v into_o superstition_n and_o man_n embrace_v the_o shadow_n of_o religion_n and_o let_v go_v the_o substance_n and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v do_v almost_o to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o christianity_n she_o have_v clog_v religion_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o so_o many_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n under_o one_o pretence_n or_o other_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v become_v heavy_a than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o they_o have_v make_v the_o gospel_n a_o more_o carnal_a commandment_n than_o the_o law_n and_o whatever_o christian_n or_o church_n be_v intent_n upon_o external_a rite_n and_o observance_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n regard_v meat_n and_o drink_n etc._n etc._n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n consist_v they_o advance_v a_o religion_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o as_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o sir_n edwin_n sands_n that_o as_o child_n be_v please_v with_o toy_n so_o say_v he_o it_o be_v a_o pitiful_a and_o childish_a spirit_n that_o be_v predominant_a in_o the_o contriver_n and_o zealot_n of_o a_o ceremonious_a religion_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o very_o honest_a and_o devout_a man_n may_v be_v this_o way_n addict_v but_o the_o wise_a any_o man_n be_v the_o better_a he_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n the_o further_o he_o will_v be_v from_o this_o temper_n a_o religion_n that_o consist_v in_o external_a and_o little_a thing_n do_v most_o easy_o gain_v upon_o and_o possess_v the_o weak_a mind_n and_o whoever_o entertain_v it_o it_o will_v enfeeble_v their_o spirit_n and_o unfit_a they_o for_o the_o more_o generous_a and_o excellent_a duty_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v but_o a_o finite_a heat_n and_o zeal_n and_o activity_n and_o if_o we_o let_v out_o much_o of_o it_o upon_o small_a thing_n there_o will_v be_v too_o little_o leave_v for_o those_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n if_o our_o heat_n evaporate_v in_o external_o the_o heart_n and_o vital_n of_o religion_n will_v insensible_o cool_v and_o decline_v how_o shall_v we_o blush_v who_o be_v christian_n that_o we_o have_v not_o learn_v this_o easy_a truth_n from_o the_o gospel_n which_o even_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v the_o heathen_a cultus_fw-la autem_fw-la deorum_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la itemque_fw-la sanctissimus_fw-la atque_fw-la castissimus_fw-la plenissimusque_fw-la pietatis_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la semper_fw-la purâ_fw-la integrâ_fw-la &_o incorruptâ_fw-la ment_fw-la &_o voce_fw-la veneremur_fw-la tully_n the_o best_a the_o sure_a the_o most_o chaste_a and_o most_o devout_a worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v that_o which_o be_v pay_v they_o with_o a_o pure_a sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a mind_n and_o word_n true_o represent_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n compositum_fw-la jus_o fasque_fw-la animi_fw-la etc._n etc._n serve_v god_n with_o a_o pure_a honest_a holy_a frame_n of_o spirit_n bring_v he_o a_o heart_n that_o be_v but_o generous_o honest_a and_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o the_o plain_a sacrifice_n and_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o ceremonious_a worship_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v never_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o acceptable_a to_o god_n or_o which_o he_o do_v delight_n in_o and_o though_o god_n be_v please_v with_o their_o obedience_n to_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n after_o it_o be_v command_v yet_o antecedent_o he_o do_v not_o desire_v it_o but_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n say_v concern_v the_o law_n of_o divorce_n be_v true_a likewise_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a that_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o for_o their_o proneness_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o command_v it_o so_o much_o by_o way_n of_o approbation_n as_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o their_o weakness_n it_o be_v because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o carnal_a heart_n that_o god_n bring_v they_o under_o the_o law_n of_o a_o carnal_a commandment_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v it_o see_v psal_n 51.16_o 17._o jer._n 7.21_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o upon_o this_o be_v to_o let_v you_o understand_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o christ_n religion_n and_o to_o abate_v the_o intemperate_a heat_n and_o zeal_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o have_v for_o external_a and_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o religion_n the_o sacrifice_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o unagreeable_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n psal_n 50.13_o will_v i_o eat_v the_o flesh_n of_o bull_n or_o drink_v the_o blood_n of_o goat_n spirit_n neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v it_o be_v a_o very_a unsuitable_a way_n of_o service_n to_o kill_v ox_n and_o sheep_n for_o god_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n of_o all_o other_o rite_n which_o either_o natural_a necessity_n or_o decency_n do_v not_o require_v can_v any_o man_n in_o earnest_n think_v that_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n be_v please_v with_o the_o pompous_a bravery_n and_o pageantry_n which_o affect_v our_o sense_n so_o little_o do_v god_n value_v indifferent_a rite_n that_o even_o the_o necessary_a external_a service_n of_o god_n and_o outward_a reverence_n where_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o spirit_n and_o truth_n from_o real_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o indispensable_a law_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o they_o be_v abominable_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v use_v for_o a_o cloak_n of_o sin_n or_o in_o opposition_n to_o real_a religion_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o undermine_v it_o god_n account_v such_o service_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sin_n you_o who_o spend_v the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o your_o spirit_n about_o external_a thing_n who_o zeal_n for_o or_o against_o ceremony_n be_v ready_a to_o eat_v you_o up_o you_o who_o hate_n and_o persecute_v one_o another_o because_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o break_v the_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a command_n of_o love_n as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o unnecessary_a ceremony_n go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o often_o inculcate_v and_o that_o rom._n 14.17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n etc._n etc._n and_o study_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n sermon_n xii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o that_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o i_o last_o discourse_v of_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o declare_v his_o essence_n most_o immediate_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v of_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o be_v immensity_n and_o eternity_n that_o be_v the_o infiniteness_n of_o his_o essence_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o space_n and_o duration_n that_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v no_o limit_n of_o its_o be_v nor_o bound_n of_o its_o duration_n i_o shall_v at_o the_o present_a speak_v to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o his_o immensity_n and_o that_o from_o these_o word_n which_o i_o here_o read_v to_o you_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n infinite_o diffuse_v himself_o present_a in_o all_o place_n so_o that_o wherever_o i_o go_v god_n be_v there_o we_o can_v flee_v from_o his_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v there_o if_o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o grave_n the_o place_n of_o silence_n and_o obscurity_n he_o be_v there_o for_o that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o expression_n if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o that_o be_v if_o my_o
unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o these_o be_v the_o instance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n 2._o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o person_n capable_a of_o know_v god_n in_o any_o measure_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v above_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v understanding_n wicked_a man_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o full_a of_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v this_o description_n of_o they_o they_o be_v those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v god_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o have_v hardly_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o for_o as_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v so_o will_v god_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o he_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v but_o the_o picture_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n to_o a_o true_a knowledge_n there_o be_v require_v likeness_n a_o man_n mind_n must_v be_v like_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v understand_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o because_o his_o mind_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o they_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o body_n and_o he_o can_v relish_v spiritual_a thing_n even_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v of_o god_n they_o be_v strange_o tincture_v and_o obscure_v by_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man_n they_o be_v lux_fw-la sepulta_fw-la in_o opacâ_fw-la materiâ_fw-la light_n bury_v and_o hide_v in_o matter_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o blackness_n of_o a_o soul_n and_o impure_a heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o they_o whither_o they_o comprehend_v god_n or_o not_o but_o good_a man_n they_o can_v find_v out_o god_n they_o have_v some_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o all_o their_o apprehension_n be_v dark_a have_v much_o of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o they_o know_v god_n to_o salvation_n but_o not_o to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n we_o do_v but_o know_v god_n in_o part_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o i_o will_v instance_n yet_o high_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a though_o they_o have_v true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o arrive_v to_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o can_v pervestigare_fw-la ultima_fw-la know_v the_o utmost_a of_o god_n the_o cherubim_v themselves_o be_v continual_o look_v at_o the_o mercy_n seat_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v 1_o pet._n 1.12_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o in_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o be_v our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v perfect_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v finite_a when_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v have_v a_o immediate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v not_o have_v our_o understanding_n tincture_v by_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n that_o may_v darken_v our_o mind_n or_o misrepresent_v the_o object_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v short_a and_o unadequate_a apprehension_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v still_o retain_v our_o limit_a nature_n and_o finite_a understanding_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n do_v thou_o know_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a spirit_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o angel_n how_o be_v immaterial_a they_o can_v act_v upon_o matter_n and_o move_v that_o which_o can_v make_v no_o resistance_n to_o a_o spirit_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o they_o can_v move_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a distance_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o dart_v themselves_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o do_v thou_o know_v how_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o and_o the_o curious_a frame_n of_o our_o body_n be_v wrought_v from_o such_o rude_a principle_n in_o so_o dark_a a_o shop_n can_v thou_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o what_o band_n or_o hold_v a_o spirit_n be_v so_o close_o and_o intimate_o conjoin_v to_o matter_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o thyself_o understand_v any_o thing_n and_o can_v retain_v the_o distinct_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o so_o many_o object_n without_o confusion_n do_v thou_o know_v the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n how_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o and_o by_o what_o cement_n they_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v separate_v now_o if_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o creator_n of_o they_o much_o more_o incomprehensible_a who_o possess_v all_o these_o perfection_n which_o he_o communicate_v and_o many_o which_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o a_o creature_n if_o in_o natural_a and_o sensible_a thing_n maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la scimus_fw-la est_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la nescimus_fw-la how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o true_a of_o god_n that_o our_o ignorance_n be_v more_o than_o our_o knowledge_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o he_o isa_n 40.15_o 17._o behold_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o as_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n all_o nation_n before_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o be_v account_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o iii_o by_o show_v you_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v this_o the_o disproportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n the_o finiteness_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o know_v more_o than_o we_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o so_o he_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v know_v by_o we_o he_o be_v too_o vast_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n to_o entertain_v for_o our_o mind_n to_o receive_v thou_o may_v as_o well_o meet_v out_o the_o heaven_n with_o a_o span_n and_o measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o thy_o hand_n and_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o little_a urn_n and_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o some_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o little_a balance_n as_o think_v to_o circumscribe_v god_n in_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o thy_o thought_n or_o to_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o vastness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o glory_n and_o resplendency_n of_o it_o do_v so_o dazzle_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v perfect_o see_v it_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o he_o dwell_v in_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v as_o god_n be_v too_o big_a so_o he_o be_v too_o bright_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n overpower_n our_o mind_n and_o bear_v down_o our_o faculty_n and_o conquer_v our_o understanding_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o past_o find_v out_o i._o it_o call_v for_o our_o admiration_n and_o veneration_n and_o reverence_n these_o be_v the_o best_a apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a a_o silent_a veneration_n of_o his_o excellency_n be_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o we_o must_v admire_v what_o we_o can_v apprehend_v or_o express_v zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o beauty_n the_o best_a way_n to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o nehemiah_n use_v nehem._n 9.5_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n when_o ever_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o god_n we_o necessary_o detract_v from_o his_o perfection_n but_o even_o this_o necessity_n be_v glorious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o speak_v his_o perfection_n that_o the_o high_a finite_a understanding_n must_v have_v imperfect_a thought_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v make_v up_o in_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n what_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o in_o knowledge_n reverence_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
great_a absurdity_n follow_v from_o the_o suppose_n of_o god_n to_o be_v mere_a matter_n or_o body_n we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o as_o another_o kind_n of_o substance_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n so_o that_o i_o wonder_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n who_o do_v more_o than_o once_o express_o affirm_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o be_v material_a and_o corporeal_a do_v not_o see_v that_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o position_n be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o be_v uncharitable_a but_o i_o doubt_v he_o do_v see_v it_o and_o be_v content_a with_o the_o consequence_n and_o willing_a the_o world_n shall_v entertain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o by_o suppose_v the_o divine_a essence_n to_o consist_v of_o matter_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v take_v away_o and_o it_o be_v also_o so_o utter_o unimaginable_a how_o mere_a matter_n shall_v understand_v and_o be_v endow_v with_o liberty_n and_o consequent_o with_o goodness_n that_o i_o can_v but_o vehement_o suspect_v the_o man_n who_o deny_v god_n to_o be_v a_o spirit_n either_o to_o have_v a_o gross_a and_o faulty_a understanding_n or_o a_o very_a ill_a will_n against_o god_n and_o a_o evil_a design_n to_o root_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o come_v in_o the_o iii_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o objection_n 1_o obj._n why_o then_o be_v god_n represent_v to_o we_o so_o often_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o part_n and_o member_n of_o man_n body_n ans_fw-fr i_o shall_v only_o say_v at_o present_a that_o all_o these_o description_n and_o representation_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o make_v to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n 2_o obj._n how_o be_v it_o say_v that_o man_n be_v make_v after_o the_o the_o image_n of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o likeness_n nor_o resemblance_n ans_fw-fr man_n be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o outward_a shape_n and_o feature_n of_o his_o body_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n or_o of_o his_o faculty_n as_o understanding_n and_o will_n or_o which_o the_o text_n seem_v most_o to_o favour_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n over_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o the_o two_o former_a respect_n the_o angel_n be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n now_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v speak_v peculiar_o of_o man_n gen._n 1.26_o let_v we_o make_v man_n in_o our_o own_o image_n after_o our_o own_o likeness_n and_o let_v they_o have_v dominion_n over_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n etc._n etc._n iv_o i_o come_v now_o to_o draw_v some_o inference_n or_o corollary_n from_o hence_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v partly_o speculative_a partly_o practical_a first_o speculative_a inference_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a the_o proper_a object_n of_o sight_n be_v colour_n and_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o various_a disposition_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o cause_n several_a reflection_n of_o light_n now_o a_o spirit_n have_v no_o part_n nor_o matter_n and_o therefore_o be_v invisible_a 1_o tim._n 1.17_o unto_o the_o eternal_a immortal_a invisible_a the_o only_a wise_a god_n heb._n 11.27_o he_o endure_v as_o see_v he_o who_o be_v invisible_a as_o see_v he_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v invisible_a by_o a_o eye_n of_o sense_n 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v when_o moses_n and_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n and_o jacob_n to_o have_v see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n exod._n 2.9_o gen._n 32.30_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o a_o angel_n cover_v with_o divine_a glory_n and_o majesty_n as_o we_o shall_v see_v if_o we_o compare_v these_o with_o other_o text_n when_o moses_n be_v say_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o he_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v familiar_o and_o so_o micaiah_n 1_o king_n 22.19_o be_v say_v to_o have_v see_v god_n upon_o his_o throne_n and_o all_o israel_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o this_o be_v in_o a_o vision_n and_o it_o be_v promise_v that_o in_o heaven_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n that_o be_v have_v a_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n as_o to_o see_v good_a day_n be_v to_o enjoy_v they_o those_o text_n where_o it_o be_v say_v no_o man_n can_v see_v god_n and_o live_v exod._n 33.20_o and_o john_n 1.18_o no_o man_n have_v see_v god_n at_o any_o time_n do_v not_o intimate_v that_o god_n be_v visible_a though_o we_o can_v see_v he_o but_o see_v be_v metaphorical_o use_v for_o know_v and_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o in_o this_o life_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o understanding_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n into_o our_o soul_n and_o create_v desire_n in_o we_o too_o great_a for_o frail_a mortality_n to_o bear_v 2._o that_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n spirit_n and_o life_n be_v often_o put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v immortal_a this_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o king_n immortal_a invisible_a 1_o tim._n 6.16_o who_o only_o have_v immortality_n this_o also_o flow_v from_o god_n spirituality_n a_o spiritual_a nature_n have_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o perish_v or_o decay_n or_o die_v now_o this_o do_v so_o eminent_o agree_v to_o god_n either_o because_o he_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a as_o possible_o no_o creature_n be_v or_o else_o because_o he_o be_v not_o only_o immortal_a in_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o by_o any_o other_o because_o he_o have_v a_o original_a and_o independent_a immortality_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n do_v attribute_v it_o to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n who_o only_o have_v immortality_n second_o practical_a inference_n 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o conceive_v of_o god_n as_o have_v a_o body_n or_o any_o corporeal_a shape_n or_o member_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a conceit_n of_o the_o anthropomorphites_n of_o old_a and_o of_o some_o socinian_o of_o late_a which_o they_o ground_n upon_o the_o gross_a and_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o many_o figurative_a speech_n in_o scripture_n concern_v god_n as_o where_o it_o speak_v of_o his_o face_n and_o hand_n and_o arm_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v very_o unthankful_a to_o god_n who_o condescend_v to_o represent_v himself_o to_o we_o according_a to_o our_o capacity_n if_o we_o abuse_v this_o condescension_n to_o the_o blemish_n and_o reproach_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o stoop_v to_o our_o weakness_n we_o must_v not_o therefore_o level_v he_o to_o our_o infirmity_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o any_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n because_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n we_o be_v not_o to_o liken_v he_o to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a we_o be_v not_o to_o represent_v he_o by_o the_o likeness_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n above_o that_o be_v of_o any_o bird_n or_o in_o the_o earth_n beneath_o that_o be_v of_o any_o beast_n or_o in_o the_o water_n under_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v of_o any_o fish_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o commandment_n for_o as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o we_o can_v liken_v god_n to_o isa_n 40_o 18._o to_o who_o will_v you_o liken_v god_n or_o what_o likeness_n will_v you_o compare_v to_o he_o we_o debase_v his_o spiritual_a and_o incorruptible_a nature_n when_o we_o compare_v he_o to_o corruptible_a creature_n rom._n 1.22_o 23._o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n who_o profess_v themselves_o wise_a become_v fool_n and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n and_o to_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n they_o become_v fool_n this_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o idolatry_n to_o liken_v a_o spirit_n which_o have_v no_o bodily_a shape_n to_o thing_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o corruptible_a so_o that_o however_o some_o be_v please_v to_o mince_v the_o matter_n i_o can_v see_v how_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o worship_v god_n by_o or_o towards_o some_o image_n or_o sensible_a representation_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o idolatry_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v not_o without_o very_o just_a cause_n challenge_v the_o romish_a
and_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o he_o and_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o the_o continue_a influence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o first_o call_v we_o out_o of_o nothing_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o for_o the_o present_a we_o enjoy_v and_o for_o the_o future_a hope_n for_o when_o he_o make_v we_o at_o first_o he_o design_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o we_o by_o our_o sin_n and_o wilful_a mascarriage_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o design_v we_o for_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o give_v his_o life_n for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n he_o have_v not_o only_o admit_v we_o into_o a_o new_a covenant_n wherein_o he_o have_v promise_v pardon_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o we_o but_o he_o have_v also_o purchase_v these_o blessing_n for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o endear_n price_n the_o blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n and_o have_v save_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v just_o astonish_v we_o upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o shall_v awaken_v ourselves_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n call_v up_o our_o spirit_n and_o summon_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o assist_v we_o in_o this_o work_n psal_n 103.1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o etc._n etc._n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o i_o bless_v his_o holy_a name_n bless_v the_o lord_n o_o my_o soul_n and_o forget_v not_o all_o his_o benefit_n who_o forgive_v all_o thy_o iniquity_n who_o heal_v all_o thy_o disease_n who_o redeem_v thy_o life_n from_o destruction_n who_o crow_v thou_o with_o love_a kindness_n and_o tender_a mercy_n it_o be_v he_o that_o satisfy_v our_o soul_n with_o good_a thing_n and_o crow_v we_o with_o tender_a mercy_n and_o love_a hindness_n that_o have_v promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n to_o we_o and_o must_v confer_v and_o bestow_v this_o upon_o we_o therefore_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o that_o be_v within_o we_o shall_v bless_v his_o holy_a name_n 2._o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n that_o be_v order_v all_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o and_o by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v of_o all_o our_o concernment_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o with_o patience_n and_o quietness_n to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n to_o all_o evil_n and_o affliction_n that_o come_v upon_o we_o as_o be_v dispose_v by_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o come_v from_o he_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o next_o and_o immediate_a agent_n and_o to_o look_v no_o high_o than_o second_a cause_n not_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v direct_o subordinate_a to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o free_a creature_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n wise_a providence_n so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o beside_o the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n and_o methinks_v this_o be_v one_o particular_a excellency_n of_o the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n above_o all_o other_o book_n that_o the_o constant_a phrase_n of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n be_v to_o attribute_v all_o event_n except_v sin_n only_o to_o god_n so_o that_o every_o one_o that_o read_v it_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o be_v write_v with_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o god_n than_o any_o other_o book_n as_o appear_v by_o those_o frequent_a and_o express_v acknowledgement_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o event_n so_o that_o what_o in_o other_o writer_n will_v be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o this_o or_o that_o person_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n do_v this_o and_o that_o stir_v up_o such_o a_o enemy_n bring_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n make_v excellent_a use_n of_o this_o consideration_n to_o argue_v themselves_o into_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n in_o every_o condition_n so_o eli_n 1_o sam._n 3.18_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o job_n he_o do_v not_o so_o consider_v the_o sabean_o and_o chaldean_n who_o have_v carry_v away_o his_o ox_n and_o his_o camel_n and_o slay_v his_o servant_n nor_o the_o wind_n which_o have_v throw_v down_o his_o house_n and_o kill_v his_o son_n and_o his_o daughter_n but_o he_o look_v up_o to_o god_n the_o great_a governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o all_o these_o event_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n psal_n 39.9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n because_o thou_o lord_n do_v it_o so_o our_o bless_a saviour_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o suffer_v he_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o death_n but_o look_n to_o a_o high_a hand_n the_o cup_n which_o my_o father_n give_v i_o to_o drink_v shall_v not_o i_o drink_v it_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o come_v from_o second_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o eye_n the_o first_o cause_n the_o good_a and_o wise_a governor_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v offence_n at_o every_o cross_n and_o unwelcome_a accident_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v angry_a when_o one_o fling_v water_n upon_o they_o as_o they_o pass_v in_o the_o street_n but_o no_o man_n be_v offend_v if_o he_o be_v wet_a by_o rain_n from_o heaven_n when_o we_o look_v upon_o evil_n as_o come_v only_o from_o man_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v impatient_a and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bear_v they_o but_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o under_o the_o government_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o every_o condition_n as_o allot_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o consideration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o will_v still_o all_o the_o murmur_n of_o our_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o seditious_a multitude_n be_v in_o a_o uproar_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o grave_n and_o venerable_a person_n will_v hush_v the_o noise_n and_o quell_v the_o tumult_n so_o if_o we_o will_v but_o represent_v god_n as_o present_v to_o all_o action_n and_o govern_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n this_o will_v still_o and_o appease_v our_o spirit_n when_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o riot_n and_o mutiny_n against_o any_o of_o his_o dispensation_n use_v the_o second_o if_o god_n be_v the_o last_o end_n of_o all_o let_v we_o make_v he_o our_o last_o end_n and_o refer_v all_o our_o action_n to_o his_o glory_n this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v most_o reasonable_o require_v it_o of_o we_o and_o herein_o likewise_o the_o scripture_n do_v excel_v all_o other_o book_n that_o be_v do_v more_o frequent_o and_o express_o mind_v we_o of_o this_o end_n and_o call_v upon_o we_o to_o propose_v it_o to_o ourselves_o as_o our_o ultimate_a aim_n and_o design_n we_o shall_v love_v he_o as_o our_o chief_a end_n mat._n 22.37_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n thus_o to_o love_n god_n be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o school_n be_v love_v god_n as_o our_o chief_a end_n so_o likewise_o the_o apostle_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o our_o life_n to_o this_o end_n 1_o cor._n 10.31_o whether_o you_o eat_v or_o drink_v do_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o soul_n and_o in_o our_o body_n which_o be_v he_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o power_n that_o we_o have_v and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v use_v they_o for_o he_o we_o do_v all_o by_o he_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v do_v all_o to_o he_o and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v ourselves_o as_o to_o this_o duty_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o question_n or_o two_o which_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o first_o whether_o a_o actual_a intention_n of_o god_n glory_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v every_o action_n that_o we_o do_v good_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o shall_v be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o scope_n of_o our_o life_n and_o all_o our_o action_n otherwise_o they_o will_v be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o in_o moral_a action_n be_v most_o considerable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o end_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v keep_v all_o