continual_o change_v and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o we_o be_v some_o of_o we_o be_v young_a and_o now_o be_v old_a once_o perhaps_o flourish_v in_o great_a prosperity_n but_o now_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a be_v once_o strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o now_o sickly_a and_o weak_a it_o shall_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o these_o change_n that_o god_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o support_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n fail_v we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n youth_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o friend_n may_v forsake_v we_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o be_v old_a nor_o forsake_v we_o when_o our_o strength_n fail_v when_o our_o strength_n fail_v and_o our_o heart_n fail_v then_o be_v he_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o our_o great_a change_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o comfort_n the_o lord_n live_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n immutability_n shall_v keep_v we_o fix_v and_o unmoved_a in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o accident_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o surprise_v at_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o constant_a to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v sermon_n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o will_v and_o manner_n and_o power_n of_o act_v knowledge_n consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o wisdom_n consider_v the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n only_o imply_v his_o bare_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o his_o wisdom_n imply_v the_o skill_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n these_o word_n signify_v god_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o himself_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n second_o show_v the_o perfection_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n three_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o first_o because_o unless_o this_o be_v establish_v all_o divine_a revelation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unless_o natural_a reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o inquire_v after_o divine_a revelation_n for_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n credible_a two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o revealer_n ability_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o unless_o our_o reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o first_o condition_n be_v evident_o want_v viz._n ability_n and_o consequent_o the_o second_o integrity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v goodness_n and_o veracity_n without_o knowledge_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o such_o argument_n as_o our_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o we_o i_o have_v former_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o deny_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v attribute_v many_o other_o imperfection_n to_o god_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o these_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o god_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o knowledge_n excel_v ignorance_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n now_o whatever_o be_v perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 2._o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n the_o creator_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o our_o very_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v in_o god_n if_o he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n if_o he_o communicate_v this_o perfection_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o himself_o be_v much_o more_o possess_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o use_v this_o argument_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o as_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n do_v suggest_v to_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o men._n psal_n 94.8_o 9_o 10._o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v 3._o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n nothing_o will_v more_o eclipse_v the_o divine_a nature_n than_o to_o take_v away_o this_o perfection_n from_o it_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o universal_a obscurity_n upon_o god_n other_o perfection_n this_o will_v be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o morning_n into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o remove_v this_o perfection_n from_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v how_o to_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n to_o fit_a or_o suit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o we_o weaken_v his_o power_n what_o a_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n will_v power_n be_v without_o knowledge_n what_o irregular_a thing_n
some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
be_v utter_o impossible_a now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o declare_v his_o name_n that_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v govern_v all_o our_o reason_n about_o god_n as_o concern_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n and_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v thing_n more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a by_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n holy_a man_n do_v constant_o appeal_v to_o these_o unquestionable_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a say_v abraham_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a we_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o god_n certain_o know_v who_o be_v wicked_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a and_o he_o know_v how_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o save_v the_o righteous_a but_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a thus_o moses_n satisfy_v himself_o and_o other_o concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 32.3_o 4._o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n this_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.2_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whatsoever_o excuse_v man_n may_v pretend_v for_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n second_o let_v we_o always_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o mere_a justice_n and_o severity_n but_o as_o all_o these_o together_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o may_v make_v they_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o the_o great_a mistake_n in_o religion_n be_v certain_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n from_o separate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v they_o single_o and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a notion_n of_o one_o as_o to_o exclude_v another_o whereas_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n agree_v together_o and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o contradict_v any_o other_o perfection_n among_o man_n indeed_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v usual_o shut_v out_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o power_n and_o moderation_n love_n and_o discretion_n do_v not_o often_o meet_v together_o that_o a_o great_a memory_n and_o a_o small_a judgement_n a_o good_a wit_n and_o a_o ill_a nature_n be_v many_o time_n find_v in_o conjunction_n but_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v eminent_o meet_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o one_o excellency_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o god_n sovereignty_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n have_v speak_v those_o hard_a thing_n about_o predestination_n for_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n set_v he_o above_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o pore_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o despair_n for_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a but_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o retreat_n for_o the_o return_a sinner_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v check_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n by_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o it_o be_v not_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n final_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o forgive_v obstinate_a offender_n but_o want_v of_o prudence_n and_o good_a government_n three_o among_o different_a opinion_n concern_v god_n as_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n choose_v those_o which_o be_v far_a from_o extremity_n because_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n usual_o lie_v between_o the_o extreme_n and_o here_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o that_o controversy_n which_o have_v much_o disquiet_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o which_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o god_n peremptory_o decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n the_o other_o that_o god_n decree_v nothing_o concern_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o man_n find_v under_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o power_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o now_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n must_v be_v that_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n have_v best_o take_v up_o in_o the_o middle_a opinion_n that_o god_n decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o particular_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o speak_v absolute_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n but_o yet_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o for_o beside_o that_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v this_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o moderate_a towards_o the_o dissenter_n on_o both_o side_n than_o either_o of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o middle_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o either_o extreme_a as_o the_o extreme_n be_v from_o one_o another_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o stand_v fair_a for_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o where_o the_o truth_n lie_v he_o may_v more_o silent_o pass_v over_o to_o it_o without_o any_o great_a imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o can_v but_o be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o who_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o four_o and_o last_o entertain_v no_o opinion_n concern_v god_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o subtle_a argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v it_o truth_n be_v most_o easy_o see_v and_o discern_v in_o those_o reason_n and_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o practice_n because_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o be_v soon_o discover_v whereas_o we_o can_v so_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o speculative_a man_n devise_v in_o their_o study_n without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o they_o serve_v any_o real_a purpose_n of_o life_n or_o not_o man_n indeed_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o form_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n and_o use_v because_o more_o pain_n and_o wit_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o plausible_a but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n despise_v they_o than_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n true_o better_a this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n but_o most_o considerable_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n because_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consideration_n we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o admit_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o a_o high_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n as_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o say_v it_o this_o general_a reason_n may_v persuade_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a reason_n but_o we_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o evident_o contradict_v and_o weaken_v the_o practice_n of_o
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
thou_o be_v angry_a psal_n 76.7_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v rev._n 18.8_o and_o which_o give_v a_o sad_a accent_n to_o all_o this_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a continue_v for_o ever_o the_o same_o and_o will_v never_o alter_v or_o put_v off_o any_o of_o these_o property_n will_v never_o cease_v to_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o let_v all_o obstinate_a sinner_n hear_v this_o and_o tremble_v you_o can_v be_v more_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o continue_v in_o your_o wicked_a way_n than_o god_n be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v you_o miserable_a if_o you_o be_v determine_v upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n god_n be_v also_o determine_v how_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o that_o his_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o you_o and_o that_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v light_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n he_o have_v confirm_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o this_o immutable_a sign_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v sinner_n may_v have_v strong_a terror_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o fly_v to_o any_o in_o hope_n of_o refuge_n 2_o lie_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n shall_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o urge_v sinner_n to_o repententance_n if_o they_o will_v but_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o he_o they_o will_v find_v he_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o submission_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o but_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n nothing_o then_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v they_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o they_o he_o be_v at_o a_o point_n he_o can_v change_v his_o nature_n nor_o will_v he_o alter_v the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v happy_a till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v and_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a by_o change_v god_n or_o by_o change_v ourselves_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o pure_a nature_n therefore_o we_o must_v depart_v from_o our_o sinful_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n can_v quit_v his_o holiness_n therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v our_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o change_n god_n therefore_o we_o must_v change_v ourselves_o rectify_v sinner_n thy_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v thy_o lust_n do_v not_o venture_v upon_o impossibility_n rather_o think_v of_o alter_v thy_o sinful_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_o immutable_a with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n have_v once_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o can_v go_v no_o low_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a second_o in_o reference_n to_o good_a man_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o the_o world_n their_o main_a comfort_n and_o hope_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.4_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n all_o who_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o truth_n and_o certainty_n all_o other_o support_n and_o hope_n may_v fail_v we_o but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n as_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal_n 89.33_o man_n may_v break_v their_o word_n and_o be_v less_o than_o their_o promise_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o change_n in_o god_n it_o be_v usual_o on_o the_o merciful_a side_n as_o when_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinful_a nation_n as_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o jer._n 18.7_o 8._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o when_o his_o faithful_a people_n and_o servant_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o appear_v for_o their_o rescue_n deut._n 32.36_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n and_o repent_v himself_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v that_o their_o power_n be_v go_v thus_o we_o shall_v comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v mutable_a and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o constant_a as_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o sure_a foundation_n as_o the_o earth_n yet_o these_o shall_v be_v change_v psal_n 102.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o old_a have_v thou_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v all_o of_o they_o shall_v wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o change_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n from_o whence_o the_o psalmist_n infer_v this_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n v_o 28_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v establish_v before_o thou_o nothing_o that_o be_v mutable_a can_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n man_n be_v inconstant_a and_o riches_n be_v uncertain_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o trust_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n he_o only_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o confidence_n when_o god_n will_v comfort_v the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n under_o their_o great_a oppression_n he_o bid_v moses_n only_o to_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o immutability_n exod._n 3.14_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o same_o saviour_n and_o their_o hope_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o all_o duration_n the_o same_o we_o be_v
of_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n to_o sinner_n and_o of_o trial_n and_o exercise_n to_o good_a man_n but_o there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v set_v straight_o and_o every_o man_n shall_v receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o deed_n when_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v it_o and_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o this_o the_o scripture_n most_o clear_o and_o express_o declare_v unto_o we_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o now_o so_o clear_o appear_v but_o that_o there_o be_v many_o cloud_n over_o it_o but_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o day_n of_o revelation_n when_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v make_v manifest_a to_o all_o the_o world_n the_o remunerative_a justice_n of_o god_n shall_v then_o appear_v in_o the_o reward_v the_o righteous_a and_o the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a so_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o world_n now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o this_o vengeance_n of_o god_n which_o god_n will_v take_v upon_o sinner_n be_v further_a set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o equity_n and_o impartiality_n of_o it_o i._o from_o the_o equity_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v just_o deserve_v the_o punishment_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o they_o rom._n 1.32_o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n 2._o in_o that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n and_o heinousness_n of_o man_n sin_n so_o as_o the_o lesser_a or_o great_a sin_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o more_o or_o less_o severity_n so_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v to_o those_o who_o continue_v impenitent_a under_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o their_o case_n shall_v be_v more_o sad_a than_o that_o of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o they_o mat._n 11.20_o 21._o and_o luke_n 12._o 47_o 48._o there_o you_o have_v different_a degree_n of_o punishment_n threaten_v proportionable_a to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n which_o man_n have_v commit_v the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v it_o not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n and_o so_o proportionable_o of_o all_o other_o aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v much_o be_v require_v and_o unto_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o so_o likewise_o god_n will_v vindicate_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o gospel_n more_o severe_o than_o of_o the_o law_n because_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o the_o salvation_n offer_v by_o it_o great_a heb._n 2.2_o 3_o 4._o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o heb._n 10.28_o 29._o he_o that_o despise_a moses_n his_o law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worth_n who_o haht_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n ii_o the_o righteousness_n of_o this_o judgement_n be_v further_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o scripture_n by_o the_o impartiality_n of_o it_o hither_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o remove_v from_o god_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o respect_n of_o person_n which_o be_v so_o incident_a to_o humane_a tribunal_n now_o respect_v of_o person_n be_v in_o distribution_n of_o justice_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o some_o external_a quality_n or_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n which_o do_v not_o appertain_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o those_o circumstance_n to_o deal_v unequal_o with_o those_o who_o case_n be_v equal_a as_o when_o two_o person_n who_o be_v equal_o guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n be_v bring_v to_o their_o trial_n and_o the_o one_o be_v condemn_v and_o the_o other_o acquit_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o friendship_n or_o relation_n or_o some_o other_o interest_n because_o one_o be_v poor_a and_o the_o other_o rich_a the_o one_o have_v powerful_a friend_n to_o intercede_v for_o he_o the_o other_z not_o the_o one_o bring_v a_o gift_n or_o bribe_n the_o other_o not_o or_o upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o the_o pure_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n i_o say_v to_o deal_v thus_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o of_o justice_n be_v respect_n of_o person_n otherwise_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a grace_n and_o favour_n respect_v of_o person_n have_v no_o place_n accord_v to_o that_o common_a rule_n of_o divine_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d locum_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la in_o gratuitis_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o debitis_fw-la now_o this_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o far_o from_o god_n deut._n 10.17_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n be_v god_n of_o god_n and_o lord_n of_o lord_n a_o great_a god_n a_o mighty_a and_o a_o terrible_a which_o regard_v not_o person_n nor_o take_v reward_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n nor_o respect_n of_o person_n nor_o take_v of_o gift_n job_n 34.18_o 19_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o say_v to_o a_o king_n thou_o be_v wicked_a or_o to_o prince_n you_o be_v ungodly_a how_o much_o less_o to_o he_o that_o accept_v not_o the_o person_n of_o prince_n nor_o regard_v the_o rich_a more_o than_o the_o poor_a for_o they_o be_v all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n rom._n 2.6_o who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n for_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n act_n 10.34_o 35._o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o eph._n 6.8_o 9_o the_o apostle_n there_o press_v the_o duty_n of_o servant_n to_o master_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o whatsoever_o good_a thing_n any_o man_n do_v the_o same_o shall_v he_o receive_v of_o the_o lord_n whether_o he_o be_v bond_n or_o free_a and_o at_o the_o 9_o the_o v_o you_o master_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n unto_o they_o forbear_v threaten_a know_v that_o your_o master_n also_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o be_v there_o respect_n of_o person_n with_o he_o he_o make_v this_o likewise_o a_o argument_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o oppress_v and_o deal_v deceitful_o one_o with_o another_o col._n 3.25_o but_o he_o that_o do_v wrong_a shall_v receive_v for_o the_o wrong_n which_o he_o have_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o respect_n of_o person_n and_o in_o general_n st._n peter_n urge_v this_o consideration_n upon_o all_o man_n to_o deter_v they_o from_o sin_n in_o any_o kind_n 1_o pet._n 1.17_o and_o if_o you_o call_v on_o the_o father_n who_o without_o respect_n of_o person_n judge_v according_a to_o every_o man_n work_n pass_v the_o time_n of_o your_o sojourn_v here_o in_o fear_n and_o beside_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v remove_v this_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n it_o give_v we_o also_o several_a instance_n of_o the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v pervert_v and_o turn_v aside_o by_o any_o of_o those_o extrinsical_a consideration_n which_o common_o sway_v with_o man_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v prevail_v with_o and_o overcome_v by_o flattery_n and_o entreaty_n mat._n 7.21_o 22._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n the_o divine_a justice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o good_a word_n and_o external_a show_n and_o false_a profession_n so_o neither_o by_o any_o external_a relation_n to_o he_o for_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o from_o the_o west_n and_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n
3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n nay_o the_o scripture_n go_v further_a do_v not_o only_o remove_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o inconstancy_n from_o god_n but_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o thing_n impossible_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_a attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o do_v more_o particular_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o he_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o word_n be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o mind_n god_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o remove_v this_o jealousy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v a_o secret_a design_n to_o ruin_v man_n therefore_o he_o interpose_v his_o oath_n for_o our_o great_a assurance_n ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o design_n to_o circumvent_v and_o possess_v we_o with_o error_n and_o delusion_n if_o he_o offer_v life_n and_o happiness_n we_o may_v believe_v he_o be_v real_a and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a glory_n he_o will_v not_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 14.2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n so_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o prediction_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prediction_n and_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o use_v this_o proverbial_a speech_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o mat._n 24.35_o for_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n the_o scripture_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o deut._n 7.9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n psal_n 89.33_o 34._o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n the_o scripture_n do_v record_n god_n punctual_a and_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n particular_o of_o that_o promise_n to_o abraham_n after_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o inheritance_n gen._n 15.13_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n you_o have_v record_v ex._n 12.41_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n even_o the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n see_v likewise_o jos_n 21.44_o 45._o and_o 23.14_o 1_o king_n 8.56_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v the_o god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n 1_o king_n 8.23_o neh._n 1.5.9.32_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o prediction_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v god_n be_v true_a in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 15._o â—9_n when_o the_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v saul_n to_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o he_o add_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v iii_o i_o come_v to_o remove_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n first_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o plain_a deal_n that_o he_o be_v sometime_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o inspire_v prophet_n with_o false_a message_n 1_o king_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 4.10.20.7_o ezek._n 14.9_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o three_o of_o these_o text_n it_o be_v a_o know_a hebraism_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o imperative_fw-it and_o active_a form_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o permissive_o so_o where_o the_o devil_n beseech_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v mat._n 8.31_o he_o do_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v they_o and_o so_o john_n 13.27_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o judas_n what_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o betray_v he_o though_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o form_n so_o likewise_o here_o where_o a_o evil_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o this_o only_a signify_v a_o permission_n not_o a_o command_n and_o so_o jer._n 4.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v great_o deceive_v the_o people_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n when_o the_o sword_n reach_v to_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o deceive_v they_o by_o prophesy_v peace_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n ezek._n 14.9_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n that_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n as_o a_o just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o true_a prophet_n this_o he_o threaten_v at_o the_o 5_o the_o v_o i_o will_v take_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n because_o they_o be_v all_o estrange_v from_o i_o through_o their_o idol_n because_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o false_a god_n i_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n appear_v by_o the_o threaten_v add_v and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n now_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o text_n jer._n 20.7_o thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o when_o he_o give_v he_o his_o commission_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o by_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o no_o evil_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o and_o now_o he_o be_v become_v a_o derision_n and_o the_o people_n mock_v he_o and_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o weakness_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o expression_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o it_o be_v his_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o scorn_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n seconâ—_o objection_n against_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n all_o the_o land_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o abraham_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.19_o 20._o with_o josh_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o judg._n 2.20_o 21._o gen._n 15.18_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o a_o land_n the_o bound_n whereof_o he_o describe_v josh_n 13.1_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o there_o remain_v very_o much_o land_n yet_o unconquered_a which_o they_o have_v not_o get_v the_o possession_n of_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o
perform_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n will_v suspend_v the_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o will_v not_o drive_v out_o any_o more_o of_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o israelite_n never_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o promise_a land_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n ans_fw-fr this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a faith_n and_o obedience_n though_o it_o seem_v the_o full_a performance_n of_o it_o do_v likewise_o depend_v upon_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o murmering_n and_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n god_n do_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n though_o they_o provoke_v he_o to_o destroy_v they_o many_o a_o time_n because_o he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o god_n give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o will_v have_v assist_v they_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o their_o part_n that_o be_v continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o but_o they_o do_v not_o and_o thereby_o discharge_v god_n from_o any_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o god_n when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o have_v full_o perform_v the_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o part_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o joshua_n even_o in_o a_o time_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v unconquered_a josh_n 21.44_o and_o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o yea_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o covenant_n as_o well_o upon_o consideration_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o upon_o condition_n of_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n the_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n have_v release_v god_n whole_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o have_v not_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o he_o have_v destroy_v utter_o that_o people_n and_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v never_o enter_v into_o that_o land_n because_o a_o failure_n of_o the_o condition_n do_v make_v the_o obligation_n to_o cease_v and_o that_o this_o condition_n be_v imply_v in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n appear_v by_o these_o text_n deut._n 7.12_o 13.11.22.23.42_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o suspend_v the_o complete_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v because_o that_o this_o people_n have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o i_o command_v their_o father_n and_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n i_o also_o will_v not_o henceforth_o drive_v out_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n which_o joshua_n leave_v when_o he_o die_v three_o objection_n god_n be_v not_o punctual_a in_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o when_o he_o threaten_v adam_n gen._n 2.17_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o accomplish_v for_o he_o live_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o god_n threaten_v ahab_n to_o bring_v evil_a upon_o he_o and_o his_o family_n 1_o king_n 21.21_o but_o upon_o his_o humiliation_n he_o be_v please_v to_o respite_v it_o v_o 29._o so_o god_n threaten_v hezekiah_n with_o death_n but_o upon_o his_o prayer_n add_v fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n 2_o king_n 20._o thus_o nineveh_n be_v threaten_v but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jon._n 3.10_o now_o how_o be_v this_o defer_v and_o turn_v away_o of_o judgement_n consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v not_o this_o seem_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o falsehood_n or_o levity_n ans_fw-fr this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o falsehood_n and_o levity_n be_v very_o far_o from_o god_n and_o though_o he_o can_v not_o untie_v some_o particular_a knot_n and_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o assurance_n i_o confess_v this_o objection_n be_v troublesome_a and_o require_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n i_o will_v not_o be_v peremptory_a in_o nice_a matter_n but_o i_o shall_v with_o submission_n offer_v these_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o false_a hood_n or_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o either_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v what_o he_o say_v or_o out_o of_o levity_n do_v alter_v his_o mind_n when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o they_o and_o this_o do_v not_o derogate_a either_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o sincerity_n or_o constancy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n not_o from_o his_o truth_n for_o he_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v real_o if_o something_o do_v nor_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o stop_v his_o judgement_n nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o his_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o threaten_n have_v such_o condition_n imply_v in_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n because_o god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o have_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o instance_n that_o i_o may_v give_v more_o particular_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n with_o this_o double_a respect_n either_o with_o relation_n to_o law_n or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n with_o relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o something_o to_o come_v 1._o some_o threaten_n have_v only_a relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o consider_v they_o differ_v from_o promise_n for_o promise_n confer_v a_o right_n omne_fw-la promissum_fw-la cadit_fw-la in_o debitum_fw-la but_o a_o threaten_a do_v not_o convey_v any_o right_n nor_o if_o forbear_v can_v the_o party_n complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o can_v only_o signify_v what_o the_o offence_n against_o the_o law_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o offender_n may_v expect_v for_o the_o end_n of_o threaten_v be_v not_o punishment_n but_o the_o avoid_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o instance_n god_n give_v adam_n a_o law_n and_o by_o way_n of_o sanction_n not_o of_o prediction_n of_o a_o event_n he_o threaten_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o with_o death_n now_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v the_o punishment_n threaten_v at_o the_o time_n threaten_v but_o defer_v it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o truth_n because_o this_o threaten_n be_v only_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v threaten_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n and_o as_o prediction_n and_o as_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o necessity_n because_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n seem_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o if_o his_o word_n be_v not_o fulfil_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o foresee_v event_n or_o power_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v or_o constancy_n to_o his_o word_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v threaten_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o future_a judgement_n i_o think_v all_o the_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o all_o prophetical_a threaten_n or_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o tacit_n condition_n if_o there_o do_v not_o intervene_v the_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o if_o so_o
god_n may_v upon_o repentance_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o knowledge_n or_o power_n either_o defer_v or_o abate_v or_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n appear_v clear_o from_o that_o know_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o the_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v not_o false_a but_o when_o they_o have_v clear_a perception_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o err_v and_o mistake_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v be_v under_o a_o constant_a delusion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o this_o be_v our_o make_n and_o temper_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v then_o most_o of_o all_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o hence_o because_o veracity_n and_o truth_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o unless_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n we_o need_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o whatever_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a assent_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o and_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n therefore_o whoever_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v give_v we_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v who_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a and_o who_o word_n be_v true_a we_o ought_v upon_o this_o high_a and_o superior_a reason_n to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o dishonour_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o this_o essential_a property_n his_o veracity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believeh_n not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v we_o glorify_v this_o perfection_n of_o he_o and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o his_o veracity_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3.33_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v his_o testimony_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a three_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithful_a in_o perform_v his_o promise_n than_o here_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a we_o may_v hold_v fast_o our_o hope_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n isa_n 55.3_o we_o attribute_v much_o to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n as_o very_o good_a security_n but_o man_n may_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n shall_v prove_v liar_n man_n be_v fickle_a and_o murable_a but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v he_o can_v fail_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o when_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o may_v plead_v it_o with_o he_o and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o faithfulness_n so_o we_o find_v david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 7.25_o etc._n etc._n only_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n heb._n 4.1_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o that_o do_v release_v and_o discharge_v he_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v but_o upon_o condition_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o say_v before_o that_o if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v god_n will_v bestow_v the_o blessing_n promise_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o also_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o also_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o curse_n threaten_v will_n then_o take_v place_n and_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o and_o god_n be_v not_o unfaithful_a in_o do_v this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o assurance_n we_o may_v trust_v he_o with_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n with_o he_o psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v rely_v upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a improbability_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o do_v abraham_n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v also_o make_v we_o patient_a in_o hope_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o speedy_o accomplish_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v deject_v or_o disquiet_v david_n challenge_v himself_o upon_o this_o account_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n four_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a evil_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v because_o their_o sin_n deserve_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n employ_v in_o they_o upon_o which_o thou_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o the_o avoid_n or_o abate_v of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v but_o of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o threaten_n thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o bless_v thyself_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o thou_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o this_o very_a thing_n thou_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o spare_v thou_o and_o make_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o jealousy_n to_o smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o continue_v impenitent_a however_o he_o may_v defer_v the_o execution_n of_o temporal_a evil_n his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o such_o shall_v no_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n five_o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o imitation_n will_v you_o be_v like_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v divine_a perfection_n but_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o predominant_a quality_n of_o hell_n the_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n
be_v that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o john_n 8.44_o one_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o contradict_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o high_a sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a false_a and_o treacherous_a without_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o guilt_n because_o these_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n lie_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o heathen_a because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o than_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n and_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a reproach_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o imperfection_n and_o baseness_n he_o that_o tell_v a_o lie_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v at_o once_o bold_a towards_o god_n and_o base_a towards_o men._n upon_o these_o account_n god_n express_v himself_o high_o offend_v with_o those_o that_o practise_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o to_o have_v a_o detestation_n of_o they_o pro._n 12.22_o lie_v lip_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o render_v we_o unlike_a to_o he_o eph._n 4.24_o 25._o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o infer_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o col._n 3.9.10_o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o that_o be_v because_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n 1._o towards_o god_n in_o our_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o covenant_n in_o our_o oath_n when_o we_o swear_v in_o any_o matter_n we_o tell_v god_n that_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v truth_n and_o invoke_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o to_o falsify_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a affront_n that_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o in_o our_o vow_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o he_o that_o regard_v truth_n will_v neither_o be_v rash_a in_o make_v a_o vow_n nor_o careless_a to_o perform_v it_o eccles_n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n not_o to_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v vow_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o folly_n either_o of_o rashness_n in_o the_o make_n of_o it_o or_o of_o inconstancy_n in_o not_o keep_v it_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v strict_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o performance_n of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o solemn_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n nor_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o engagement_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n of_o our_o being_n but_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n solemn_o upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n strengthen_v the_o obligation_n and_o make_v our_o unfaithfulness_n the_o great_a sin_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v found_v in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v false_a to_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o but_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o thou_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o if_o thou_o break_v the_o covenant_n thou_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o neglegcte_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n thou_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n on_o his_o part_n 2._o towards_o man_n we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o our_o promise_n it_o become_v we_o who_o worship_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o use_v plainness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n to_o abhor_v falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o those_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o lie_v by_o equivocation_n of_o word_n and_o secret_a reservation_n of_o our_o mind_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v those_o that_o plead_v for_o these_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o complaint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n among_o man_n psal_n 12.1.2_o isa_n 59.13_o 14_o 15._o jer._n 7.2_o 8_o 9.2.4_o 5_o 6._o hos_fw-la 4.1_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n now_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a light_n which_o do_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a this_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v no_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o little_a power_n and_o influence_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o we_o than_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a regard_n have_v by_o christian_n to_o these_o moral_a duty_n which_o because_o moral_a however_o man_n may_v slight_v that_o word_n be_v therefore_o of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v all_o that_o man_n that_o can_v dispense_v with_o himself_o as_o to_o moral_a duty_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n or_o break_v his_o word_n what_o badge_n soever_o he_o may_v wear_v what_o title_n soever_o he_o may_v call_v himself_o by_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n sermon_n xiii_o vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n i._n 16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o inquire_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o fix_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o â—t_a for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o property_n more_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n than_o this_o of_o holiness_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o god_n attribute_n which_o divine_n have_v speak_v more_o spare_o of_o than_o this_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a to_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v applicable_a either_o to_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o thing_n thus_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o vestment_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n holiness_n oâ—_n person_n be_v twofold_a either_o relative_n and_o external_n which_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a relation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n such_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d priest_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o else_o habitual_a and_o inherent_a such_o be_v