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
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
this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o can_v be_v his_o wisdom_n direct_v his_o power_n he_o have_v make_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n so_o that_o they_o be_v admirable_o fit_v and_o proportion_v to_o one_o another_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a contrivance_n in_o all_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o a_o wonderful_a beauty_n and_o harmony_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o visible_a to_o every_o discern_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n the_o low_a form_n of_o creature_n i_o mean_v those_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sense_n do_v all_o of_o they_o contribute_v some_o way_n or_o other_o to_o the_o use_n and_o conveniency_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o creature_n above_o they_o which_o be_v endow_v with_o sense_n be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n and_o delight_n of_o they_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v tho'it_v be_v not_o so_o discernible_a concern_v all_o the_o rest_n so_o that_o when_o we_o survey_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o several_a part_n we_o may_v well_o cry_v out_o with_o david_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o manifold_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o god_n be_v not_o equal_o good_a to_o all_o of_o they_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v of_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o to_o which_o he_o have_v communicate_v more_o degree_n of_o perfection_n they_o partake_v more_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o be_v more_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o but_o every_o creature_n partake_v of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o a_o certain_a degree_n and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o capacity_n of_o it_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v have_v make_v nothing_o but_o immortal_a spirit_n and_o he_o can_v have_v make_v as_o many_o of_o these_o as_o there_o be_v individual_a creature_n of_o all_o sort_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o wise_a architect_n to_o make_v several_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o being_n and_o to_o display_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o all_o imaginable_a variety_n of_o creature_n all_o which_o shall_v be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n though_o far_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n and_o immortal_a spirit_n he_o that_o will_v build_v a_o house_n for_o all_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o which_o a_o house_n be_v capable_a can_v make_v it_o all_o foundation_n and_o great_a beam_n and_o pillar_n must_v not_o so_o contrive_v it_o as_o to_o make_v it_o all_o room_n of_o state_n and_o entertainment_n but_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v in_o it_o mean_a material_n room_n and_o office_n for_o several_a use_n and_o purpose_n which_o however_o inferior_a to_o the_o rest_n in_o dignity_n and_o degree_n do_v yet_o contribute_v to_o the_o beauty_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a so_o in_o this_o great_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a there_o shall_v be_v variety_n and_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o he_o that_o make_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o both_o for_o the_o mean_a of_o all_o god_n creature_n be_v good_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o rank_n of_o it_o and_o the_o end_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v order_v and_o frame_v better_a though_o we_o can_v easy_o tell_v how_o it_o may_v have_v be_v worse_o and_o that_o if_o this_o or_o that_o have_v be_v want_v or_o have_v be_v otherwise_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o good_a and_o those_o who_o have_v be_v most_o conversant_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v be_v most_o ready_a to_o make_v this_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n with_o relation_n to_o one_o another_o and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v all_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o good_a and_o notwithstanding_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o creature_n be_v much_o less_o perfect_a than_o another_o and_o there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a distance_n between_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o worm_n and_o of_o a_o angel_n yet_o consider_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o rank_n and_o order_n which_o it_o have_v in_o the_o creation_n it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o can_v be_v consider_v its_o nature_n and_o use_n and_o the_o place_n allot_v to_o it_o among_o the_o creature_n and_o this_o difference_n in_o the_o work_v of_o god_n between_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n of_o the_o whole_a the_o scripture_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o express_v to_o we_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n where_o you_o find_v god_n represent_v as_o first_o look_v upon_o and_o consider_v every_o day_n work_v by_o itself_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o pronounce_v it_o to_o be_v good_a gen._n 1.4_o 10_o 12_o 18_o 21_o 24._o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o day_n work_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n see_v it_o and_o it_o be_v good_a but_o then_o when_o all_o be_v finish_v and_o he_o survey_v the_o whole_a together_o it_o be_v say_v v._o 31._o that_o god_n see_v every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a very_o good_a that_o be_v the_o best_a the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o other_o superlative_a every_o creature_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o be_v good_a but_o take_v the_o whole_a together_o and_o they_o be_v very_o good_a the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v 3._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n further_o appear_v in_o the_o careful_a and_o continual_a preservation_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o have_v make_v his_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v the_o several_a creature_n in_o be_v in_o their_o natural_a state_n and_o order_n those_o which_o have_v life_n in_o life_n to_o the_o period_n which_o he_o have_v determine_v and_o appoint_v for_o they_o in_o his_o preserve_v the_o whole_a world_n his_o manage_n and_o govern_v this_o vast_a frame_n of_o thing_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n no_o less_o of_o the_o goodness_n than_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n that_o for_o so_o many_o age_n all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v keep_v their_o place_n and_o perform_v the_o office_n and_o work_n for_o which_o nature_n design_v they_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o in_o the_o course_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n grow_v old_a and_o weak_a and_o out_o of_o repair_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o dissolve_v and_o fall_v in_o piece_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o take_v care_n of_o the_o main_a and_o support_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o preserve_v the_o more_o noble_a and_o considerable_a creature_n but_o even_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a of_o they_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o overlook_v any_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v make_v nor_o despise_v any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n so_o as_o to_o let_v they_o relapse_n and_o fall_v back_o into_o nothing_o through_o neglect_n and_o inadvertency_n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o all_o psal_n 104.27_o 28._o where_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o creature_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n these_o all_o say_v he_o wait_v upon_o thou_o that_o thou_o may_v give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n that_o thou_o give_v they_o they_o gather_v thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o they_o be_v fill_v with_o good_a and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 145.15_o 16._o the_o eye_n of_o all_o wait_n upon_o thou_o and_o thou_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n thou_o open_v thy_o hand_n and_o satisfie_v the_o desire_n of_o every_o live_a thing_n the_o inanimate_a creature_n which_o be_v without_o sense_n and_o the_o brute_n creature_n which_o though_o they_o have_v sense_n be_v without_o understanding_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o end_n and_o design_n of_o self-preservation_n god_n preserve_v they_o no_o less_o than_o man_n who_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o foresight_n to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o psal_n 36.7_o thou_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n and_o psal_n 147.9_o he_o give_v to_o the_o beast_n his_o food_n and_o to_o the_o young_a raven_n when_o they_o cry_v and_o
perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essential_o belong_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o always_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o the_o company_n of_o god_n mild_a and_o sweet_a attribute_n when_o god_n will_v give_v the_o most_o perfect_a description_n of_o himself_o and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n make_v all_o his_o glory_n to_o pass_v before_o we_o he_o usual_o do_v it_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n be_v always_o one_o of_o they_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o moses_n and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o the_o same_o you_o find_v psal_n 145.8_o jonah_n 4.2_o joel_n 2.13_o sometime_o indeed_o you_o find_v a_o severe_a attribute_n add_v to_o these_o as_o that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.7_o but_o it_o be_v always_o put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v his_o first_o and_o primary_n perfection_n and_o it_o be_v only_o when_o these_o fail_n and_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v abuse_v by_o we_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n that_o his_o justice_n take_v place_n nay_o even_o among_o man_n it_o be_v esteem_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o forbear_v and_o to_o restrain_v our_o anger_n passion_n be_v impotency_n and_o folly_n but_o patience_n be_v power_n and_o wisdom_n prov._n 14.29_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n prov._n 16.32_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v better_a than_o the_o mighty_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n than_o he_o that_o conquer_v a_o city_n rom._n 12.21_o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a to_o be_v impatient_a be_v to_o be_v overcome_v but_o to_o forbear_v anger_n and_o revenge_n be_v a_o victory_n patience_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a power_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o infinite_a patience_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o his_o patience_n that_o when_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o such_o vile_a and_o despicable_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v he_o can_v withhold_v his_o hand_n from_o destroy_v we_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o moses_n use_v numb_a 14.17_o 18._o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o his_o patience_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v thou_o let_v the_o power_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v great_a as_o he_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o long-suffering_a and_o yet_o power_n where_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o anger_n because_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v something_o to_o back_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n do_v recommend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o power_n psal_n 7.11_o god_n be_v strong_a and_o patient_a god_n be_v provoke_v every_o day_n god_n be_v strong_a and_o therefore_o patient_a or_o he_o be_v infinite_o patient_a notwithstanding_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o revenge_v the_o daily_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n among_o man_n anger_n and_o weakness_n common_o go_v together_o but_o they_o be_v ill_o match_v as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 10.18_o pride_n be_v not_o make_v for_o man_n nor_o furious_a anger_n for_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n so_o that_o anger_n and_o impatience_n be_v every_o where_o unreasonable_a where_o there_o be_v power_n impatience_n be_v below_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n too_o mean_a for_o omnipotency_n and_o where_o there_o want_v power_n anger_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a creature_n to_o be_v angry_a where_o there_o be_v power_n anger_n be_v needless_a and_o of_o no_o use_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n it_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n so_o that_o patience_n be_v every_o where_o a_o perfection_n both_o in_o god_n and_o man._n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n 2._o how_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n every_o day_n we_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v he_o we_o grieve_v and_o weary_v he_o with_o our_o iniquity_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 43.24_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n by_o deny_v submission_n to_o his_o law_n we_o question_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o say_v do_v god_n see_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a or_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o that_o he_o regard_v what_o we_o do_v the_o provocation_n be_v still_o the_o great_a because_o than_o we_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o face_n we_o dare_v his_o justice_n and_o challenge_v his_o omnipotency_n and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o he_o be_v not_o god_n patient_a when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v overspread_v with_o violence_n and_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n when_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v yet_o the_o patience_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o to_o hold_v his_o peace_n when_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v and_o devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o he_o when_o even_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v by_o their_o vile_a and_o obominable_a life_n blaspheme_v that_o holy_a and_o glorious_a name_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v every_o moment_n god_n have_v great_a injury_n do_v to_o he_o and_o more_o affront_v put_v upon_o he_o than_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o provocation_n be_v trial_n of_o patience_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o numerous_a and_o so_o heinous_a for_o if_o offence_n rise_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o the_o meanness_n of_o he_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n than_o no_o offence_n be_v so_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v commit_v by_o man_n against_o god_n no_o affront_n like_o to_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o continual_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n patience_n that_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n shall_v bear_v such_o multiply_a indignity_n from_o such_o vile_a worm_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o former_a of_o all_o thing_n shall_v endure_v his_o own_o creature_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o strike_v at_o he_o that_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a benefactor_n shall_v put_v up_o such_o affront_n from_o those_o who_o depend_v upon_o his_o bounty_n and_o be_v maintain_v at_o his_o charge_n that_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o breath_n be_v shall_v suffer_v man_n to_o breath_n out_o oath_n and_o curse_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o sure_o these_o prove_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o purpose_n and_o be_v equal_o trial_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o be_v and_o turn_v the_o wicked_a together_o into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
therefore_o they_o may_v sin_v yet_o a_o while_n long_o and_o all_o this_o danger_n may_v be_v prevent_v time_n enough_o by_o a_o future_a repentance_n in_o our_o old_a age_n or_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n and_o they_o be_v confirm_v very_o much_o in_o this_o hope_n because_o they_o see_v man_n much_o worse_o than_o themselves_o great_a criminal_n and_o malefactor_n upon_o two_o or_o three_o day_n warn_v to_o perform_v this_o work_n of_o repentance_n very_o substantial_o and_o to_o die_v with_o great_a comfort_n and_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o most_o common_a delusion_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o have_v be_v i_o be_o afraid_a the_o ruin_n of_o more_o soul_n than_o all_o the_o other_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v they_o may_v have_v slay_v their_o thousand_o but_o this_o its_o ten_o thousand_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o be_v please_v serious_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n these_o follow_a consideration_n most_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o because_o i_o have_v upon_o other_o occasion_n speak_v large_o to_o they_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v a_o future_a judgement_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a at_o how_o great_a a_o distance_n soever_o it_o may_v be_v that_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o thousand_o year_n hence_o will_v certain_o be_v and_o it_o be_v but_o very_o small_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n to_o think_v that_o after_o twenty_o or_o forty_o year_n shall_v be_v pass_v and_o go_v then_o must_v i_o enter_v upon_o eternal_a misery_n then_o will_v those_o intolerable_a torment_n begin_v which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n 2._o but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n when_o we_o put_v from_o we_o the_o evil_a day_n it_o be_v many_o time_n near_o to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a and_o when_o we_o think_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o judge_n may_v be_v near_o even_o at_o the_o door_n our_o time_n be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o hand_n but_o we_o be_v perfect_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o another_o who_o when_o he_o please_v can_v put_v a_o period_n to_o they_o and_o cause_v our_o breath_n to_o cease_v from_o our_o nostril_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v there_o be_v no_o man_n have_v power_n over_o the_o spirit_n to_o retain_v the_o spirit_n neither_o have_v he_o power_n in_o the_o day_n of_o death_n say_v the_o wise_a man_n a_o little_a before_o the_o text._n thou_o dream_v perhaps_o of_o many_o year_n continuance_n in_o this_o world_n and_o perhaps_o in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o vain_a imagination_n the_o decree_n be_v seal_v and_o the_o commandment_n come_v forth_o to_o summon_v thou_o out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o thou_o be_v just_a drop_v into_o that_o misery_n which_o thou_o fancy_v to_o be_v at_o such_o a_o distance_n whilst_o thou_o be_v vain_o promise_v thyself_o the_o ease_n of_o many_o year_n god_n may_v say_v to_o thou_o thou_o fool_n this_o night_n shall_v thy_o soul_n be_v require_v of_o thou_o and_o then_o where_o be_v all_o thy_o hope_n 3._o suppose_v the_o evil_a day_n be_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n yet_o man_n run_v a_o infinite_a hazard_n in_o venture_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o salvation_n upon_o a_o future_a repentance_n for_o what_o know_v thou_o o_o man_n but_o thou_o may_v be_v surprise_v by_o a_o sudden_a stroke_n which_o may_v give_v thou_o no_o warning_n leave_v thou_o no_o space_n of_o repentance_n a_o violent_a disease_n may_v seize_v upon_o thou_o which_o may_v disorder_v thy_o understanding_n and_o so_o weaken_v all_o thy_o faculty_n as_o to_o render_v thou_o unfit_a for_o all_o reasonable_a operation_n at_o the_o best_a how_o unfit_a be_v we_o for_o the_o most_o serious_a work_n of_o our_o life_n when_o we_o be_v hardly_o fit_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n old_a age_n be_v a_o very_a unseasonable_a time_n for_o repentance_n when_o we_o be_v full_a of_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n and_o our_o mind_n be_v crooked_a and_o bow_v down_o by_o vice_n as_o our_o body_n be_v by_o age_n and_o as_o hard_o to_o be_v recover_v to_o their_o first_o straightness_n much_o more_o be_v it_o a_o improper_a time_n for_o this_o work_n when_o sickness_n and_o old_a age_n meet_v together_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o which_o man_n in_o other_o thing_n wise_a enough_o do_v usual_o miscarry_v in_o put_v off_o the_o make_n of_o their_o will_n and_o their_o repentance_n till_o it_o be_v too_o late_o man_n have_v need_v then_o be_v of_o sound_a understanding_n and_o perfect_a memory_n when_o they_o set_v about_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a concernment_n especial_o when_o man_n have_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o eternity_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o provide_v for_o they_o have_v need_n have_v their_o understanding_n about_o they_o and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o leisure_n and_o consideration_n to_o make_v a_o sober_a reflection_n upon_o their_o past_a life_n and_o make_v up_o their_o account_n with_o god_n and_o to_o set_v all_o thing_n right_a between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o after_o all_o a_o repentance_n wilful_o defer_v so_o long_o so_o short_a and_o imperfect_a so_o confuse_a and_o huddle_v up_o will_v at_o last_o be_v accept_v as_o a_o tolerable_a atonement_n for_o the_o crime_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o a_o long_a life_n 4._o suppose_v thou_o be_v sure_a to_o repent_v before_o thou_o leave_v the_o world_n and_o to_o do_v this_o work_v thorough_o which_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v to_o himself_o that_o deliberate_o delay_v it_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o go_v on_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n because_o we_o do_v but_o hereby_o aggravate_v our_o own_o trouble_n and_o treasure_n up_o so_o much_o more_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n to_o ourselves_o against_o the_o day_n of_o repentance_n and_o consequent_o sin_n on_o in_o hope_n of_o be_v hereafter_o so_o much_o the_o more_o trouble_v and_o grieve_v for_o what_o we_o have_v do_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v on_o to_o break_v the_o law_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o exemplary_a punishment_n sure_o this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n or_o ground_n of_o hope_n to_o any_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man._n last_o as_o to_o the_o encouragement_n which_o man_n take_v from_o the_o sudden_a repentance_n of_o great_a criminal_n and_o malefactor_n and_o their_o die_v with_o so_o much_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v there_o be_v little_a comfort_n to_o be_v fetch_v from_o such_o example_n for_o 1_o st_o though_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n in_o such_o circumstance_n be_v possible_a yet_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o the_o party_n himself_o concern_v much_o more_o for_o other_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n to_o judge_v when_o it_o be_v sincere_a god_n who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o whither_o if_o they_o have_v live_v long_o they_o will_v in_o the_o future_a course_n of_o their_o life_n have_v justify_v and_o make_v good_a their_o repentance_n and_o good_a resolution_n only_o know_v the_o sincerity_n of_o it_o but_o 2_o dly_a no_o certain_a judgement_n be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n of_o the_o party_n concern_v for_o the_o business_n be_v not_o what_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n man_n have_v but_o what_o ground_n they_o have_v for_o it_o and_o whereas_o man_n be_v apt_a pious_o to_o suppose_v that_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o comfort_n and_o assurance_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nothing_o be_v more_o uncertain_a because_o we_o sometime_o see_v those_o who_o give_v no_o such_o testimony_n of_o their_o repentance_n to_o die_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o courage_n and_o comfort_n and_o confident_a persuasion_n of_o their_o salvation_n as_o those_o that_o do_v but_o this_o certain_o be_v not_o from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n a_o natural_a obstinacy_n and_o courage_n may_v carry_v man_n a_o great_a way_n and_o false_a and_o mistake_v principle_n may_v fill_v man_n for_o the_o present_a with_o as_o much_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n as_o well_o ground_v hope_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n great_a number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v very_o wicked_a life_n after_o a_o formal_a confession_n and_o absolution_n and_o some_o good_a word_n of_o encouragement_n from_o the_o priest_n die_v as_o full_a of_o peace_n and_o comfort_n to_o all_o appearance_n as_o the_o best_a of_o men._n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o in_o a_o desperate_a condition_n to_o be_v strange_o elevate_v and_o raise_v upon_o any_o hope_n give_v of_o escape_v so_o great_a a_o danger_n as_o they_o apprehend_v themselves_o to_o be_v
the_o divine_a nature_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n second_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n first_o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._o as_o to_o the_o principle_n and_o ii_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o i._o as_o to_o the_o principle_n it_o be_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n the_o do_v of_o which_o speak_v power_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v not_o repugnant_a either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o of_o god_n whatever_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o thing_n or_o a_o imperfection_n in_o the_o doer_n a_o ability_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n by_o which_o we_o must_v mean_v a_o executive_a power_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v without_o himself_o for_o what_o he_o be_v say_v to_o do_v within_o himself_o the_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o we_o conceive_v his_o will_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o his_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o his_o omnipotence_n to_o have_v a_o right_a conception_n of_o omnipotence_n we_o must_v imagine_v the_o most_o perfect_a active_a principle_n that_o we_o can_v and_o it_o be_v still_o something_o more_o perfect_a than_o that_o or_o any_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v to_o help_v our_o conception_n 1._o let_v we_o imagine_v a_o principle_n from_o which_o all_o other_o power_n be_v derive_v and_o upon_o which_o it_o depend_v and_o to_o which_o it_o be_v perfect_o subject_a and_o subordinate_a 2._o a_o perfect_a active_a principle_n which_o can_v do_v not_o only_o what_o any_o finite_a be_v or_o creature_n can_v do_v but_o what_o all_o being_n join_v together_o can_v do_v nay_o more_o and_o great_a thing_n than_o they_o all_o can_v do_v 3._o a_o perfect_a active_a principle_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v make_v any_o considerable_a much_o less_o effectual_a resistance_n which_o can_v check_v and_o countermand_v at_o pleasure_n and_o carry_v down_o before_o it_o and_o annihilate_v all_o other_o power_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v beside_o this_o because_o we_o can_v imagine_v any_o other_o power_n that_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o this_o and_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o it_o 4._o a_o perfect_a active_a principle_n which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o most_o perfect_a manner_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n and_o that_o with_o ease_n we_o can_v but_o do_v one_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o considerable_a it_o be_v the_o more_o time_n it_o will_v ask_v we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o we_o find_v it_o the_o hard_a and_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v do_v but_o god_n to_o who_o knowledge_n all_o thing_n be_v present_a at_o once_o and_o together_o and_o the_o act_n of_o who_o will_n be_v as_o quick_a and_o perfect_a as_o of_o his_o understanding_n have_v a_o power_n answerable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o both_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o he_o to_o do_v all_o thing_n as_o one_o thing_n at_o once_o as_o successive_o and_o in_o time_n for_o this_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o act_v without_o hand_n and_o material_a engine_n or_o instrument_n as_o every_o spirit_n do_v but_o without_o motion_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o because_o he_o be_v every_o where_o and_o fill_v all_o place_n he_o act_v per_fw-la modum_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la as_o if_o his_o act_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o willing_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la every_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o he_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o when_o he_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v as_o if_o thing_n do_v start_v up_o into_o be_v or_o vanish_v out_o of_o be_v as_o if_o they_o do_v break_v forth_o into_o be_v and_o sculk_n again_o into_o nothing_o and_o undergo_v such_o and_o such_o change_n ad_fw-la nutum_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la at_o the_o beck_n of_o his_o will_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a way_n of_o act_v that_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o express_v to_o we_o when_o it_o represent_v god_n as_o make_v thing_n by_o his_o word_n uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n as_o if_o he_o do_v but_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o say_v let_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o it_o be_v so_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o the_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o express_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o be_v all_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o god_n speak_v by_o his_o word_n and_o voice_n and_o say_v let_v thing_n be_v but_o the_o least_o that_o it_o can_v signify_v be_v the_o quick_a and_o speedy_a manner_n of_o work_v whereby_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n in_o a_o instant_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o word_n can_v be_v speak_v and_o as_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n so_o with_o ease_n without_o any_o pain_n or_o laborious_a endeavour_n for_o what_o be_v it_o can_v object_v any_o difficulty_n to_o he_o at_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o to_o resist_v he_o and_o since_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o consequent_o all_o who_o power_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o and_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v be_v infinite_o unequal_a to_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o divine_a power_n will_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o resistance_n that_o all_o create_a power_n can_v make_v and_o all_o the_o difficulty_n it_o can_v object_v to_o it_o with_o more_o ease_n than_o a_o bullet_n pass_v through_o the_o thin_a air_n or_o a_o man_n will_v pass_v through_o a_o net_n of_o cobweb_n 5._o the_o most_o perfect_a active_a principle_n we_o can_v imagine_v the_o utmost_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o who_o perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o be_v when_o we_o have_v imagine_v it_o to_o be_v as_o perfect_a and_o to_o act_v in_o as_o perfect_v a_o manner_n as_o we_o can_v imagine_v yet_o we_o have_v not_o reach_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o but_o after_o all_o this_o that_o it_o can_v do_v many_o thing_n more_o than_o we_o can_v imagine_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n much_o more_o perfect_a than_o we_o can_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n as_o to_o the_o principle_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n and_o limit_n and_o ii_o as_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o it_o be_v only_o limit_v by_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o wisdom_n the_o divine_a will_n determin_n it_o to_o its_o exercise_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n direct_v and_o regulate_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o that_o be_v god_n exercise_v his_o power_n willing_o and_o not_o by_o necessity_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n for_o the_o produce_v such_o effect_n and_o in_o order_n to_o such_o end_n and_o purpose_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n hence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o act_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n and_o according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v free_o and_o wise_o as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o power_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o and_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n first_o that_o be_v consistent_a with_o itself_o that_o be_v with_o a_o power_n to_o do_v all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v that_o omnipotence_n can_v do_v that_o which_o if_o it_o can_v be_v do_v will_v render_v all_o power_n insignificant_a upon_o this_o account_n the_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o say_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o the_o term_n whereof_o speak_v a_o repugnancy_n to_o one_o another_o and_o mutual_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o the_o do_v whereof_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v do_v that_o be_v be_v nonsense_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v for_o example_n that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o a_o power_n to_o make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v while_o it_o be_v signify_v nothing_o because_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v not_o be_v nothing_o and_o to_o make_v such_o a_o be_v will_v be_v to_o do_v nothing_o and_o consequent_o such_o a_o power_n will_v signify_v nothing_o so_o likewise_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o divine_a
heathen_n give_v to_o their_o supreme_a deity_n optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la next_o to_o his_o goodness_n they_o place_v his_o greatness_n which_o do_v chief_o appear_v in_o his_o power_n and_o they_o do_v not_o only_o attribute_v a_o great_a power_n to_o he_o but_o a_o omnipotence_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la deus_fw-la efficere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la say_v tully_n de_fw-fr diu._n now_o their_o natural_a reason_n do_v convince_v they_o that_o this_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n by_o these_o three_o argument_n 1._o from_o those_o two_o great_a instance_n and_o expression_n of_o his_o power_n creation_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o heathen_n do_v general_o acknowledge_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o power_n determine_v by_o goodness_n and_o regulate_v by_o wisdom_n hence_o they_o give_v those_o title_n to_o god_n of_o opifex_fw-la rerum_fw-la and_o rector_n mundi_fw-la i_o say_v general_o i_o except_o aristotle_n who_o suppose_v the_o world_n not_o to_o have_v be_v make_v but_o to_o have_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o epicurus_n with_o his_o follower_n who_o ascribe_v the_o regular_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o nature_n to_o a_o happy_a casualty_n and_o fortunate_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o general_o the_o wise_a do_v look_v upon_o the_o vast_a frame_n of_o nature_n this_o stately_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v of_o it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o invisible_a power_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 1.20_o that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o see_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 2._o because_o all_o other_o perfection_n without_o this_o will_v be_v insignificant_a and_o ineffectual_a or_o else_o can_v not_o be_v at_o all_o without_o this_o goodness_n will_v be_v a_o empty_a piece_n 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nor_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o a_o impotent_a be_v that_o can_v do_v nothing_o the_o sanction_n of_o god_n law_n will_v be_v take_v away_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o law_n there_o must_v not_o only_o be_v a_o right_a to_o command_v but_o power_n to_o back_o those_o command_n the_o grand_a security_n and_o last_o resort_n of_o all_o government_n and_o authority_n be_v power_n james_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v none_o can_v be_v a_o lawgiver_n but_o he_o that_o have_v this_o power_n to_o reward_v and_o punish_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o miserable_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v man_n will_v not_o pray_v to_o god_n nor_o make_v any_o address_n to_o he_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o be_v able_a to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o relieve_v they_o in_o their_o strait_n nec_fw-la in_o hunc_fw-la furorem_fw-la omnes_fw-la mortales_fw-la consensissent_fw-la alloquendi_fw-la surda_fw-la numina_fw-la &_o inefficaces_fw-la deos_fw-la sen._n there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o serve_v god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o reward_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n and_o to_o defend_v they_o against_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o welfare_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o malicious_a spirit_n to_o hinder_v they_o of_o their_o happiness_n ii_o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n in_o produce_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o take_v notice_n of_o those_o which_o in_o general_n ascribe_v power_n and_o may_v and_o strength_n to_o god_n psal_n 24.8_o the_o lord_n strong_a and_o mighty_a so_o gird_v with_o power_n the_o mighty_a god_n thou_o be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v those_o place_n which_o call_v upon_o all_o creature_n to_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n give_v unto_o the_o lord_n you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n 2._o those_o which_o ascribe_v this_o to_o god_n in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n job_n 9.4_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o strength_n excellent_a in_o power_n who_o be_v like_a unto_o he_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n 3._o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v such_o a_o power_n as_o transcend_v any_o human_a or_o create_a power_n such_o as_o those_o which_o express_v all_o the_o power_n which_o man_n have_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n john_n 19.11_o thou_o can_v have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o except_o it_o be_v give_v thou_o from_o above_o and_o those_o which_o advance_v the_o power_n of_o god_n above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n luke_o 18.27_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v exceed_v abundant_o above_o all_o that_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v eph._n 3.20_o 2_o chron._n 20.6_o job_n 9.4_o according_a to_o his_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o phil._n 3.21_o dan._n 4.35_o those_o which_o declare_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_o easy_a to_o he_o and_o nothing_o difficult_a there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_o for_o thou_o jer._n 32.17_o 2_o chron._n 14.11_o 1_o sam._n 14.6_o 4._o those_o which_o ascribe_v all_o power_n to_o he_o by_o the_o title_n of_o almighty_a alsufficient_a gen._n 17.1_o rev._n 4.8_o 11.15.3.16.7.19.26_o job_n 42.2_o thou_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n matth._n 19.6_o mark_n 10.27_o luke_n 1.37_o i_o have_v dispatch_v what_o i_o propose_v upon_o this_o argument_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o apply_v all_o in_o the_o follow_a particular_n use_v first_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n may_v cause_v terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n all_o this_o power_n which_o i_o have_v describe_v or_o rather_o which_o be_v so_o great_a that_o i_o can_v describe_v it_o be_v engage_v against_o sinner_n his_o power_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v against_o all_o that_o forsake_v he_o ezra_n 8.22_o and_o who_o know_v what_o those_o word_n signify_v psal_n 99.11_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n as_o be_v thy_o fear_n so_o be_v thy_o wrath_n there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n more_o infinite_a than_o our_o fear_n it_o trouble_v we_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n of_o the_o utmost_a that_o may_v happen_v but_o when_o we_o have_v extend_v our_o fear_n to_o the_o utmost_a the_o power_n of_o god_n wrath_n reach_v further_a whenever_o we_o sin_v we_o challenge_v the_o almighty_a and_o dare_v infinite_a power_n to_o do_v its_o worst_a to_o we_o job_n 15.25_o speak_v of_o the_o wicked_a man_n he_o stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o god_n and_o strengthen_v himself_o against_o the_o almighty_a who_o will_v thou_o fear_v if_o not_o he_o who_o can_v make_v thou_o extreme_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o will_v you_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o because_o he_o do_v nothing_o against_o thou_o for_o the_o present_a think_v thou_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o nah._n 1.3_o he_o be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n second_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n shall_v check_v the_o pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n of_o men._n what_o have_v we_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o what_o have_v we_o that_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v where_o then_o be_v cause_n of_o boast_v who_o may_v glory_v in_o his_o sight_n those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a power_n shall_v remember_v whence_o it_o be_v derive_v and_o render_v back_o the_o glory_n of_o it_o to_o the_o fountain_n
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
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