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
so_o our_o saviour_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o those_o creature_n matth._n 6.26_o behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o v._o 28.29_o consider_v the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n how_o they_o grow_v they_o toil_n not_o neither_o do_v they_o spin_v and_o yet_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n be_v not_o array_v like_o one_o of_o these_o and_o though_o all_o the_o creature_n below_o man_n be_v without_o understanding_n can_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o this_o bounty_n of_o god_n to_o they_o nor_o make_v any_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o for_o it_o yet_o man_n who_o be_v the_o priest_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n and_o place_v here_o in_o this_o great_a temple_n of_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v up_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n for_o his_o universal_a goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n aught_o to_o bless_v god_n in_o their_o behalf_n and_o to_o sing_v praise_n to_o he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o inferior_a creature_n which_o be_v subject_v to_o his_o dominion_n and_o use_n because_o they_o be_v all_o as_o it_o be_v his_o family_n his_o servant_n and_o utensil_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v neglect_v any_o of_o they_o and_o suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v and_o miscarry_v it_o be_v we_o that_o shall_v find_v the_o inconvenience_n and_o want_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v on_o their_o behalf_n celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v david_n often_o do_v in_o the_o psalm_n call_v upon_o the_o inanimate_a and_o the_o brute_n creature_n to_o praise_v the_o lord_n 4._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o further_o appear_v in_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o he_o do_v not_o only_o support_v and_o preserve_v his_o creature_n in_o be_v but_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o enjoy_v that_o happiness_n and_o pleasure_n which_o their_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o creature_n endow_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o satisfy_v the_o several_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v in_o they_o and_o according_a as_o nature_n have_v enlarge_v their_o desire_n and_o capacity_n so_o he_o enlarge_v his_o bounty_n towards_o they_o he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o satisfi_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n god_n do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v meat_n to_o the_o creature_n when_o they_o be_v hungry_a but_o it_o be_v near_o to_o they_o common_o in_o the_o element_n wherein_o they_o be_v breed_v or_o within_o their_o reach_n and_o he_o have_v plant_v inclination_n in_o they_o to_o hunt_v after_o it_o and_o to_o lead_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o it_o and_o to_o encourage_v self-preservation_n and_o to_o oblige_v and_o instigate_v they_o to_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v melancholy_a and_o weary_a of_o life_n he_o have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o live_a creature_n that_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n be_v most_o implacable_a desire_n exceed_v painful_a and_o even_o intolerable_a and_o likewise_o that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o appetite_n shall_v be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o they_o and_o for_o those_o creature_n that_o be_v young_a and_o not_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o all_o creature_n a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o natural_a affection_n towards_o their_o young_a one_o which_o will_v effectual_o put_v they_o upon_o seek_v provision_n for_o they_o and_o cherish_v they_o with_o that_o care_n and_o tenderness_n which_o their_o weak_a and_o helpless_a condition_n do_v require_v and_o reason_n be_v not_o more_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a in_o mankind_n to_o this_o purpose_n than_o this_o natural_a instinct_n be_v in_o brute_n creature_n which_o show_v what_o care_n god_n have_v take_v and_o what_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v in_o the_o natural_a frame_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n which_o he_o have_v plant_v in_o they_o the_o satisfaction_n whereof_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o head_n i_o propose_v the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o his_o creature_n let_v we_o now_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o it_o and_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o own_o observation_n and_o experience_n to_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n every_o day_n of_o our_o life_n we_o see_v and_o taste_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a all_o that_o we_o be_v and_o all_o the_o good_a that_o we_o enjoy_v and_o all_o that_o we_o expect_v and_o hope_n for_o be_v from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n descend_v from_o above_o from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n jam._n 1.17_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a of_o his_o gift_n he_o bestow_v on_o the_o son_n of_o man_n what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n prov._n 8._o may_v be_v apply_v to_o his_o goodness_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shine_v forth_o in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o cloud_n above_o and_o in_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o great_a deep_a in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o field_n but_o its_o delight_n be_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n that_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o love_n god_n be_v good_a to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o man_n more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n appear_v 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a and_o excellent_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o that_o we_o be_v and_o what_o we_o be_v we_o do_v not_o only_o partake_v of_o that_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o all_o other_o creature_n that_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o be_v from_o he_o but_o we_o be_v peculiar_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o his_o more_o especial_a goodness_n that_o he_o have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o that_o kind_a which_o we_o shall_v have_v choose_v to_o have_v be_v of_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o before_o we_o be_v it_o have_v be_v refer_v to_o we_o and_o put_v to_o our_o choice_n what_o part_n we_o will_v be_v of_o this_o visible_a world_n but_o we_o do_v not_o contrive_v and_o choose_v this_o condition_n for_o ourselves_o we_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o our_o being_n but_o god_n choose_v this_o condition_n for_o we_o and_o make_v we_o what_o we_o be_v so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n psal_n 100.3_o 4_o 5._o it_o be_v he_o that_o have_v make_v we_o and_o not_o we_o ourselves_o o_o enter_v then_o into_o his_o gate_n with_o thanksgiving_n and_o into_o his_o court_n with_o praise_n be_v thankful_a unto_o he_o and_o speak_v good_a of_o his_o name_n for_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n but_o for_o that_o we_o have_v be_v nothing_o and_o but_o for_o his_o far_a goodness_n we_o may_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a rank_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o advance_v we_o to_o be_v the_o top_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o endow_v we_o with_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o he_o have_v curious_o and_o wonderful_o wrought_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o body_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o fit_a habitation_n for_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o immortal_a spirit_n he_o have_v make_v our_o very_a body_n vessel_n of_o honour_n when_o of_o the_o very_a same_o clay_n he_o have_v make_v innumerable_a other_o creature_n of_o a_o much_o low_a rank_n and_o condition_n so_o that_o though_o man_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o body_n be_v akin_a to_o the_o earth_n yet_o in_o regard_n of_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v ally_v to_o heaven_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o descend_v from_o above_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
of_o it_o psal_n 29.1_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n so_o likewise_o it_o shall_v take_v man_n off_o from_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o strength_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o for_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o many_o time_n the_o battle_n be_v not_o to_o the_o strong_a that_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v by_o might_n and_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o appear_v against_o the_o most_o potent_a their_o heart_n melt_v within_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o spirit_n leave_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mighty_a inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n josh_n 5.1_o three_o we_o shall_v make_v this_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a use_n we_o can_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o david_n do_v in_o this_o psalm_n and_o this_o be_v use_v for_o a_o form_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n psal_n 136.3_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n bless_v thou_o and_o david_n when_o he_o magnify_v god_n deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o enemy_n resolve_v it_o into_o this_o our_o help_n stand_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n thus_o do_v the_o great_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o faith_n encourage_v and_o support_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n in_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o it_o because_o he_o believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v therefore_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o give_v life_n to_o all_o our_o devotion_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v and_o that_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n i_o shall_v only_o caution_n two_o thing_n as_o to_o our_o reliance_n on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._o labour_n to_o be_v such_o person_n to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v engage_v and_o employ_v his_o omnipotence_n for_o their_o good_a if_o we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a from_o the_o almighty_a we_o must_v walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a as_o he_o say_v to_o abraham_n good_a man_n have_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o god_n power_n hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o mighty_a one_o of_o israel_n if_o we_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v put_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o exert_v his_o arm_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o disobey_v we_o must_v expect_v he_o will_v manifest_v his_o power_n against_o we_o ez._n 8.22_o when_o we_o do_v well_o we_o may_v commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 4.19_o ii_o our_o expectation_n from_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n must_v be_v with_o submission_n to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_v his_o power_n when_o we_o think_v there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o but_o when_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o he_o he_o will_v so_o employ_v his_o omnipotence_n as_o to_o manifest_v his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o with_o these_o two_o caution_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o want_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a for_o his_o divine_a power_n can_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v the_o almighty_a faint_v not_o neither_o be_v he_o weary_a trust_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n sermon_n xi_o vii·_n vol._n vii·_n the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iv_o 24_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 these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n who_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v religion_n v._n 20._o our_o father_n worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n but_o you_o say_v that_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v christ_n tell_v she_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n shall_v neither_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o mountain_n nor_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n when_o this_o carnal_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v exalt_v into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a a_o more_o real_a and_o true_a and_o substantial_a religion_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o temple_n but_o shall_v be_v universal_o diffuse_v through_o the_o world_n now_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n we_o have_v first_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n second_o a_o corollary_n or_o inference_n deduce_v from_o it_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 i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o that_o which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n and_o afterward_o speak_v something_o to_o the_o corollary_n or_o inference_n deduce_v from_o it_o together_o with_o some_o other_o inference_n draw_v from_o this_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o expression_n be_v singular_a and_o not_o to_o be_v parallel_v again_o in_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o we_o have_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o signify_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o energy_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n signify_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 16.22.27.16_o much_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n heb._n 12.9_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o we_o no_o where_n meet_v with_o this_o expression_n or_o any_o other_o equivalent_a to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o only_o in_o this_o place_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v use_v here_o but_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o he_o be_v spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o god_n but_o that_o his_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v spiritual_a nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v good_a or_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a and_o the_o like_a or_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n all_o these_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n mention_v they_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v usual_o in_o order_n to_o some_o further_a purpose_n for_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o philosophy_n nor_o solicitous_o instruct_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o but_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o and_o make_v use_v of_o these_o common_a principle_n and_o notion_n which_o be_v in_o we_o concern_v god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n for_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v any_o where_o express_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n but_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o solicitous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v they_o know_v to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o mention_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o
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
come_v to_o answer_v objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v two_o objection_n against_o this_o 1._o from_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n 1._o obj._n reason_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o tie_v his_o presence_n to_o this_o vile_a dunghill_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o fordo_v sink_v of_o hell_n this_o be_v a_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o measure_n of_o he_o by_o ourselves_o indeed_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o injury_n and_o suffer_v and_o offence_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o as_o we_o be_v than_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o strength_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o he_o be_v a_o bless_a and_o pure_a be_v mens_fw-la segregata_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la concretione_fw-la mortali_fw-la a_o mind_n free_a from_o all_o mortal_a composition_n or_o mixture_n tully_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disentangle_v from_o every_o thing_n passable_a as_o plut._n those_o thing_n that_o be_v nauseous_a to_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o affect_v he_o darkness_n be_v uncomfortable_a to_o we_o but_o the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o multiply_v our_o transgression_n we_o do_v nothing_o to_o god_n as_o elihu_n speak_v job_n 35.6_o nothing_o can_v disquiet_v or_o discompose_v his_o happy_a and_o bless_a nature_n but_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o this_o dark_a and_o trouble_a world_n with_o less_o danger_n of_o disturbance_n or_o any_o impure_a contagion_n than_o the_o sunbeam_n 2._o obj._n do_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o dwell_v on_o high_a that_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o hear_v in_o heaven_n his_o dwelling-place_n be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.27_o put_v it_o as_o a_o strange_a question_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o come_v down_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v afar_o off_o from_o we_o now_o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o his_o immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o must_v distinguish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v 1_o st_z his_o glorious_a presence_n that_o be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o be_v especial_o and_o chief_o confine_v to_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v call_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n some_o degree_n of_o this_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o solomon_n admiration_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o earth_n 2_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o gracious_a presence_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n and_o assistance_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n and_o with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n isa_n 57.15_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o he_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o this_o to_o be_v far_o from_o we_o 3_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o essential_a presence_n which_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n and_o this_o be_v not_o exclude_v by_o those_o former_a expression_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n four_o to_o make_v some_o inference_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n here_o take_v notice_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n immensity_n i._o inf._n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o necessary_o flow_v from_o his_o immensity_n for_o if_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o diffuse_v the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v spiritual_a otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v body_n and_o matter_n be_v but_o must_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o i_o speak_v more_o large_o to_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v here_o where_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n we_o may_v go_v from_o he_o and_o hide_v ourselves_o from_o his_o presence_n ii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a that_o which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v it_o iii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a if_o god_n be_v every_o where_o than_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n yea_o even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o a_o infinite_a eye_n he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o thought_n intimate_v to_o our_o heart_n and_o reins_o this_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 12_o verse_n iu_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n distance_n limit_n the_o power_n of_o creature_n and_o make_v their_o hand_n short_a but_o god_n be_v every_o where_o nothing_o be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n intimate_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 10._o even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n hold_v i_o five_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o 2._o to_o encourage_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v awe_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n yea_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o just_a god_n strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n wherever_o we_o be_v god_n be_v with_o we_o we_o always_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o live_v continual_o in_o his_o presence_n now_o a_o heathen_a can_v say_v cum_fw-la diis_fw-la verecunaè_fw-la agendum_fw-la we_o must_v behave_v ourselves_o modest_o because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o have_v offend_v he_o fear_n be_v the_o most_o wakeful_a passion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o we_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n nature_n we_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_a and_o horror_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v hurt_v we_o and_o endanger_v our_o be_v or_o happiness_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n for_o where_o we_o be_v clear_o overmatched_a we_o can_v hope_v to_o make_v opposition_n nor_o resistance_n with_o security_n and_o success_n to_o râ—bel_v with_o safety_n now_o he_o that_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v near_o he_o and_o present_a to_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o be_v to_o stand_v by_o he_o as_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o infinite_a and_o irresistible_a power_n and_o will_v vindicate_v all_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n if_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o fear_n will_v continual_o take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o every_o place_n as_o jacob_n do_v of_o bethel_n sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n when_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n provoke_v god_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o just_a god_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o revenge_v himself_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n we_o shall_v say_v with_o david_n psa_n 76.7_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v angry_a psa_fw-la 119.120_o my_o flesh_n tremble_v because_o of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n sinner_n consider_v
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