the_o divine_a will_n consider_v in_o its_o eternal_a decree_n and_o holy_a execution_n of_o them_o by_o edward_n polhill_n of_o burwash_n in_o sussex_n esquire_n the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n shelmerdine_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o rosetree_n in_o little-britain_n 1695._o the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n eternal_a decree_n with_o their_o execution_n in_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o grace_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n in_o itself_o and_o be_v ever_o so_o esteem_v in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v unto_o we_o in_o his_o word_n of_o those_o counsel_n of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n with_o those_o act_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n power_n goodness_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o which_o rise_v and_o issue_n in_o eternity_n hereby_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o divine_a operation_n be_v represent_v unto_o we_o in_o their_o beauty_n &_o order_n wherein_o god_n dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n unto_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o his_o eternal_a glory_n a_o enquiry_n therefore_o into_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o needless_a and_o curious_a speculation_n as_o some_o fond_o imagine_v that_o without_o some_o diligence_n therein_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v that_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a excellency_n and_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v necessary_a unto_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o nature_n indeed_o of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o be_v sublime_a and_o mysterious_a with_o that_o opposition_n which_o the_o pride_n of_o corrupt_a reason_n rise_v up_o unto_o against_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v expose_v the_o truth_n concern_v they_o unto_o great_a and_o fierce_a contradiction_n in_o all_o age_n but_o as_o god_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o holy_a and_o learnéd_v endeavour_n of_o person_n famous_a on_o that_o account_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n against_o the_o subtle_a assault_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n so_o in_o these_o late_a age_n he_o have_v provide_v for_o its_o vindication_n and_o defence_n by_o the_o faithful_a là bour_n of_o many_o worthy_a instrument_n against_o all_o that_o opposition_n which_o under_o various_a pretence_n and_o apprehension_n have_v continual_o break_v forth_o against_o it_o and_o it_o have_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o among_o all_o those_o digladiation_n which_o the_o church_n have_v be_v exercise_v withal_o about_o spiritual_a thing_n there_o be_v none_o which_o have_v be_v manage_v with_o more_o confidence_n and_o seem_a satisfaction_n unto_o the_o party_n at_o variance_n about_o they_o than_o these_o concern_v the_o decree_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n for_o whereas_o they_o proceed_v on_o various_a principle_n each_o party_n find_v such_o assurance_n in_o those_o they_o build_v upon_o as_o they_o suppose_v be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o reasonable_a contradiction_n those_o who_o judge_v it_o their_o safe_a course_n in_o heavenly_a mystery_n to_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n unto_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o regulate_v their_o apprehension_n about_o they_o by_o divine_a revelation_n with_o a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n can_v discern_v nothing_o in_o the_o reason_n contrary_a to_o what_o they_o have_v so_o learned_a that_o be_v of_o weight_n with_o they_o or_o take_v any_o impression_n on_o their_o mind_n when_o other_o who_o proceed_v upon_o and_o make_v their_o own_o inclination_n desire_n and_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o conception_n force_v divine_a revelation_n and_o mystery_n into_o compliance_n with_o they_o have_v no_o valuation_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v resolve_v pure_o into_o divine_a revelation_n as_o represent_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n his_o excellency_n his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n unsuit_v unto_o what_o in_o themselves_o they_o conceive_v of_o they_o but_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o as_o god_n who_o alone_o perfect_o know_v himself_o and_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n can_v alone_o give_v we_o true_a notice_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o so_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o it_o be_v our_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n to_o confine_v our_o conception_n about_o they_o and_o faith_n concern_v they_o unto_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whatever_o contradiction_n there_o may_v be_v therein_o unto_o the_o carnal_a affection_n of_o man_n there_o be_v none_o indeed_o unto_o right_a reason_n when_o the_o infinite_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v once_o real_o admit_v and_o acknowledge_v of_o these_o thing_n treat_v the_o ensue_a discourse_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o in_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v plead_v therein_o and_o i_o can_v not_o but_o upon_o the_o first_o view_n judge_v it_o both_o useful_a and_o needful_a unto_o the_o present_a season_n for_o whereas_o the_o truth_n here_o declare_v and_o contend_v for_o have_v in_o former_a age_n be_v oppose_v with_o more_o subtlety_n diligence_n and_o specious_a pretence_n than_o of_o late_a by_o any_o yet_o be_v never_o that_o i_o have_v observe_v treat_v with_o more_o rage_n contempt_n and_o scorn_n the_o common_a way_n whereby_o man_n supply_v their_o defect_n in_o learning_n and_o ability_n to_o oppose_v what_o they_o dislike_v and_o condemn_v the_o worthy_a author_n have_v handle_v they_o with_o that_o gravity_n and_o modesty_n with_o that_o particular_a regard_n unto_o express_v divine_a testimony_n as_o be_v best_a suit_v to_o rebuke_v unchristian_a virulency_n about_o sacred_a thing_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o sundry_a thing_n in_o perusal_n of_o his_o discourse_n i_o take_v no_o small_a satisfaction_n in_o as_o first_o that_o in_o handle_v of_o these_o mysterious_a and_o sacred_a truth_n he_o choose_v brief_o to_o state_n and_o solid_o to_o affirm_v his_o assertion_n with_o scripture_n and_o reason_n clear_v positive_a truth_n and_o not_o handle_v they_o mere_o in_o a_o way_n of_o controversy_n though_o he_o avoid_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o material_a objection_n against_o what_o he_o have_v assert_v and_o prove_v for_o as_o this_o way_n of_o teach_v divine_a truth_n be_v suit_v unto_o the_o nature_n use_n and_o end_n of_o they_o as_o also_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o original_a revelation_n so_o the_o mind_n be_v therein_o preserve_v sedate_n and_o free_v from_o such_o disturb_v or_o divert_v provocation_n as_o we_o be_v common_o too_o incident_a unto_o when_o engage_v even_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o controversy_n again_o there_o appear_v unto_o i_o that_o vein_n of_o piety_n and_o spiritual_a affection_n reverence_n unto_o god_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o plead_v about_o as_o have_v give_v i_o a_o great_a esteem_n of_o the_o author_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o be_v otherwise_o utter_o unknown_a to_o i_o and_o this_o respect_n be_v increase_v when_o i_o find_v he_o be_v no_o minister_n or_o churchman_n who_o business_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o inquire_v diligent_o into_o these_o thing_n but_o a_o gentleman_n act_v by_o a_o voluntary_a concernment_n in_o truth_n and_o piety_n it_o will_v not_o be_v to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o the_o nation_n or_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o it_o if_o we_o have_v more_o of_o that_o rank_n and_o quality_n alike_o able_a and_o alike_o mind_v the_o modesty_n wherewith_o he_o dissent_v from_o other_o or_o oppose_v their_o sentiment_n without_o severe_a reflection_n on_o person_n or_o opinion_n be_v also_o another_o thing_n which_o deserve_v both_o commendation_n and_o imitation_n and_o the_o consideration_n thereof_o give_v i_o the_o confidence_n in_o these_o few_o line_n design_v unto_o another_o end_n to_o express_v my_o own_o dissent_n from_o some_o of_o his_o apprehension_n especial_o about_o the_o object_n and_o extent_n of_o redemption_n have_v i_o see_v this_o discourse_n before_o it_o be_v whole_o print_v i_o shall_v have_v communicate_v my_o thought_n unto_o he_o upon_o that_o subject_a and_o some_o few_o other_o passage_n in_o it_o but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o agreement_n in_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o any_o doctrine_n as_o there_o be_v between_o my_o judgement_n and_o what_o be_v here_o solid_o declare_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o bear_v with_o each_o other_o in_o thing_n circumstantial_a or_o different_a explanation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n when_o there_o be_v no_o incursion_n make_v upon_o the_o main_a principle_n we_o own_o the_o argumentative_a part_n of_o this_o book_n be_v general_o suit_v unto_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o age_n past_a where_o in_o accurdcy_n and_o strictness_n of_o reason_n bare_a sway_n
his_o own_o way_n unto_o which_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v set_v such_o a_o law_n or_o rule_n unto_o himself_o that_o believer_n and_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o election_n be_v utter_o untrue_a for_o then_o all_o infant_n die_v such_o because_o no_o believer_n must_v be_v out_o of_o the_o sphere_n of_o election_n and_o by_o consequence_n out_o of_o the_o sphere_n of_o salvation_n also_o unless_o which_o be_v very_o strange_a we_o can_v imagine_v those_o to_o be_v actual_o save_v who_o yet_o god_n never_o elect_v or_o decree_v to_o save_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o law_n or_o rule_n manifest_v in_o the_o gospel_n there_o god_n will_n be_v thus_o set_v forth_o whosoever_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v which_o import_v that_o believer_n be_v the_o object_n of_o salvation_n but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o election_n it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o gospel_n relieve_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v save_v but_o in_o what_o gospel_n be_v it_o write_v believe_v and_o thou_o shall_v be_v elect_v 2._o that_o law_n or_o rule_n if_o suppose_v do_v not_o answer_v the_o argument_n for_o still_o as_o to_o particular_a election_n god_n be_v under_o the_o predetermining_a will_n of_o man_n if_o that_o say_v nay_o god_n shall_v have_v never_o a_o choose_a vessel_n in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o fill_v with_o grace_n and_o glory_n and_o how_o then_o be_v he_o the_o great_a agent_n in_o election_n solomon_n set_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n to_o shimei_n that_o if_o he_o pass_v over_o kidron_n he_o shall_v die_v for_o it_o he_o pass_v over_o and_o dies_z what_o now_o be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o his_o death_n solomon_n law_n or_o execution_n or_o else_o shimei_n passage_n clear_o it_o be_v shimei_n own_o act_n solomon_n be_v but_o as_o a_o legislator_n pariratione_fw-la if_o god_n set_v a_o law_n or_o rule_n that_o believer_n shall_v be_v elect_v if_o a_o man_n believe_v and_o be_v elect_v that_o which_o chief_o determine_v the_o business_n be_v not_o god_n first_o law_n or_o after_o choice_n but_o man_n faith_n god_n be_v no_o agent_n therein_o but_o as_o a_o mere_a legislator_n so_o natural_o do_v the_o remonstrant_a principle_n run_v out_o into_o that_o of_o theophylact_fw-mi it_o be_v god_n part_n to_o call_v but_o man_n to_o be_v elect_a 22._o or_o not_o which_o principle_n must_v be_v renounce_v or_o else_o god_n can_v be_v own_v as_o the_o great_a agent_n in_o election_n and_o here_o a_o threefold_a enquiry_n offer_v itself_o 1._o what_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v 2._o in_o what_o order_n these_o be_v design_v 3._o in_o what_o manner_n these_o be_v design_v 1._o what_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v these_o be_v grace_n and_o glory_n or_o faith_n and_o salvation_n 1_o grace_n be_v design_v hence_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v call_v according_a to_o purpose_n rom._n 8._o 28._o and_o choose_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a eph._n 1._o 4._o do_v we_o see_v a_o saint_n in_o his_o spiritual_a glory_n clothe_v with_o humility_n array_v with_o righteousness_n gird_v with_o truth_n his_o eye_n flow_v with_o repentant_a tear_n his_o heart_n burn_v with_o holy_a love_n and_o his_o hand_n lade_v with_o good_a work_n all_o these_o be_v prepare_v in_o eternal_a election_n as_o well_o as_o wrought_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o time_n there_o be_v decretum_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o the_o foreordain_v as_o well_o as_o digitus_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o the_o form_n of_o they_o thus_o shall_v it_o be_v do_v to_o the_o man_n who_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n will_v honour_v in_o election_n there_o be_v a_o design_v of_o grace_n nay_o all_o grace_n faith_n itself_o not_o except_v the_o remonstrants'_v shut_v out_o faith_n from_o this_o design_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o pre-require_a faith_n thereunto_o but_o how_o unscriptural_a be_v this_o paul_n be_v choose_v to_o know_v god_n will_n act_v 22._o 14._o not_o to_o a_o bare_a notional_a knowledge_n but_o to_o a_o save_v practical_a one_o such_o as_o justify_v isai._n 53._o 11._o such_o as_o be_v eternal_a life_n joh._n 17._o 3._o which_o must_v needs_o include_v faith_n the_o apostle_n call_v faith_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n elect_v tit._n 1._o 1._o if_o faith_n have_v be_v precedent_n to_o election_n he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o election_n be_v of_o believer_n but_o because_o it_o be_v consequent_a he_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o elect._n and_o how_o irrational_a be_v it_o also_o election_n be_v a_o design_n of_o secretion_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o choose_n or_o single_v out_o of_o some_o to_o grace_n and_o glory_n the_o elect_n be_v say_v to_o be_v choose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 15._o 19_o and_o choose_v unto_o god_n act_v 9_o 15._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v christ_n thy_o they_n be_v joh._n 17._o 6._o thou_o in_o a_o select_a peculiar_a manner_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o choice_n and_o prime_a grace_n of_o secretion_n it_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o 2_o thess._n 3._o 2._o if_o all_o man_n do_v believe_v without_o any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o difference_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n will_v be_v upon_o they_o all_o rom._n 3._o 22._o the_o river_n of_o live_a water_n will_v flow_v in_o they_o all_o joh._n 7._o 38._o but_o faith_n be_v not_o of_o all_o whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o of_o all_o inherent_a grace_n faith_n first_o and_o proper_o make_v the_o secretion_n now_o that_o such_o a_o prime_a grace_n of_o secretion_n as_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v decree_v in_o suoh_o a_o great_a design_n of_o secretion_n as_o election_n seem_v to_o i_o incongruous_a even_o to_o absurdity_n if_o faith_n go_v before_o election_n then_o how_o do_v god_n choose_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o faith_n be_v out_o of_o it_o already_o how_o do_v he_o choose_v they_o unto_o himself_o who_o by_o faith_n be_v his_o own_o before_o if_o man_n will_n in_o believe_v make_v the_o first_o and_o proper_a secretion_n than_o god_n will_n have_v no_o room_n to_o make_v one_o by_o elect_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v god_n his_o choice_n indeed_o we_o must_v confess_v faith_n itself_o to_o be_v design_v in_o election_n 2._o glory_n be_v design_v in_o election_n we_o be_v choose_v to_o salvation_n 2_o thess._n 2._o 13._o and_o before_o prepare_v to_o glory_n rom._n 9_o 23._o the_o name_n of_o the_o elect_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n and_o register_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n all_o the_o glory_n above_o ray_n out_o of_o the_o bosom_n of_o election_n and_o every_o crown_n of_o bliss_n be_v set_v on_o by_o god_n good_a pleasure_n 2._o in_o what_o order_n be_v these_o thing_n design_v no_o doubt_n by_o one_o pure_a simple_a act_n in_o god_n but_o what_o be_v our_o most_o congruous_a conception_n thereof_o some_o divine_n assert_v that_o god_n first_o decree_v salvation_n and_o then_o faith_n salvation_n be_v the_o end_n and_o therefore_o first_o faith_n the_o mean_n and_o therefore_o last_o in_o god_n intention_n but_o this_o reason_n be_v not_o cogent_a for_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n no_o not_o its_o utmost_a perfection_n such_o as_o salvation_n be_v be_v god_n end_n all_o who_o decree_n do_v circulate_a into_o himself_o neither_o if_o it_o be_v such_o shall_v god_n therefore_o will_v it_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o in_o order_n before_o faith_n for_o he_o will_v the_o end_n and_o mean_n with_o one_o simple_a act._n excellent_a be_v that_o of_o aquinas_n sicut_fw-la deus_fw-la uno_fw-la actu_fw-la omne_fw-la in_o essentia_fw-la sua_fw-la intelligit_fw-la it_o a_o uno_fw-la actu_fw-la 5._o omne_fw-la in_o sua_fw-la bonitate_fw-la vult_fw-la unde_fw-la sicut_fw-la in_o deo_fw-la intelligere_fw-la causam_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la causa_fw-la intelligendi_fw-la effect_n we_o sed_fw-la ipse_fw-la intelligit_fw-la effect_n we_o in_o causa_fw-la it_o a_o velle_fw-la finem_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ei_fw-la causa_fw-la volendi_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la sed_fw-la tamen_fw-la vult_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la ordinari_fw-la ad_fw-la finem_fw-la vult_fw-la ergo_fw-la hoc_fw-la esse_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la sed_fw-la non_fw-la propter_fw-la hoc_fw-la vult_fw-la hoc_fw-la other_o divine_v conceive_v thus_o that_o god_n first_o decree_v faith_n and_o then_o salvation_n and_o that_o upon_o this_o account_n such_o and_o in_o such_o order_n as_o god_n in_o time_n do_v save_v such_o and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o order_n do_v god_n in_o eternity_n decree_n to_o save_v but_o god_n in_o time_n do_v save_o only_a believer_n therefore_o god_n in_o eternity_n do_v decree_n to_o save_v only_a believer_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v so_o consider_v by_o he_o and_o so_o consider_v by_o he_o they_o
creature_n can_v preserve_v itself_o and_o this_o be_v clear_a 1._o from_o the_o creature_n station_n even_o the_o high_a seraphin_n stand_v juxta_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la at_o the_o brink_n of_o nullity_n his_o be_v be_v between_o two_o nothing_o nothing_o negative_a and_o nothing_o privative_a and_o as_o his_o passage_n from_o nothing_o into_o be_v can_v not_o be_v without_o a_o infinite_a power_n create_v so_o his_o natural_a fall_n from_o be_v into_o nothing_o will_v certain_o be_v without_o a_o infinite_a power_n conserve_n creature_n a_o habet_fw-la redire_fw-la ad_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la se_fw-la if_o god_n shall_v but_o say_v to_o the_o high_a angel_n tolle_n quod_fw-la tuum_fw-la est_fw-la &_o abi_fw-la he_o must_v immediate_o away_o into_o nullity_n all_o creature_n by_o their_o natural_a vanity_n press_v downward_o towards_o nothing_o as_o their_o own_o centre_n and_o none_o but_o the_o almighty_a shoulder_n can_v bear_v they_o up_o in_o be_v 2._o from_o god_n royal_a prerogative_n which_o the_o scripture_n most_o emphatical_o decipher_v out_o as_o it_o be_v in_o figure_n of_o glory_n he_o only_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o in_o angel_n and_o rational_a spirit_n nay_o there_o be_v none_o beside_o he_o 1_o sam._n 2._o 2._o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o be_v at_o all_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o these_o expression_n be_v this_o god_n have_v be_v and_o immortality_n original_o from_o himself_o but_o the_o creature_n have_v they_o but_o derivative_o and_o in_o a_o dependence_n upon_o he_o wherefore_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o be_v creature_n be_v but_o nullity_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o his_o immortality_n angel_n be_v but_o smoke_n but_o now_o if_o a_o creature_n can_v preserve_v itself_o in_o be_v and_o so_o immortalize_v itself_o it_o will_v become_v a_o self-subsistence_n and_o consequent_o a_o god_n unto_o itself_o 2._o that_o no_o creature_n can_v preserve_v another_o i_o mean_v as_o a_o principal_a agent_n and_o this_o be_v evident_a for_o 1._o if_o one_o creature_n may_v so_o preserve_v another_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n to_o it_o yet_o so_o weak_a as_o not_o to_o preserve_v itself_o but_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v another_o it_o must_v be_v by_o some_o transfusion_n of_o virtue_n into_o it_o and_o that_o but_o finite_a for_o more_o a_o creature_n can_v give_v and_o then_o if_o god_n transfuse_v as_o much_o virtue_n into_o the_o creature_n conserve_v as_o the_o creature_n conservant_n do_v the_o creature_n conserve_v may_v subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o be_v a_o god_n to_o itself_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o conservation_n evince_v this_o what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o influx_n of_o be_v now_o suppose_v all_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n will_v try_v to_o guard_v the_o poor_a worm_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o but_o for_o one_o moment_n only_o what_o can_v they_o do_v towards_o a_o influx_n of_o be_v be_v only_o stream_n from_o god_n as_o light_v from_o the_o sun_n if_o the_o sun_n be_v go_v who_o can_v keep_v light_n in_o the_o air_n if_o jehovah_n withdraw_v who_o can_v keep_v be_v in_o the_o creature_n all_o the_o creature_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v sensible_a of_o this_o dependence_n and_o look_v up_o to_o god_n for_o their_o preservation_n psal._n 104._o 27._o which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n 3._o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o be_v from_o god_n as_o of_o he_o so_o through_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n rom._n 11._o 36._o and_o this_o appear_v 1._o by_o a_o survey_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n angel_n be_v under_o god_n the_o strong_a of_o spirit_n but_o can_v subsist_v one_o moment_n without_o he_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d heb._n 1._o 7._o he_o be_v make_v the_o angel_n even_o to_o this_o day_n by_o a_o daily_a conservation_n their_o immortality_n be_v a_o continual_a spiration_n from_o the_o father_n of_o spirit_n the_o heaven_n be_v the_o strong_a of_o body_n yet_o can_v stand_v alone_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d build_v his_o story_n in_o the_o heaven_n amos_n 9_o 6._o he_o be_v still_o a_o build_n of_o they_o or_o else_o all_o those_o glorious_a arch_n will_v totter_v down_o if_o he_o be_v but_o angry_a the_o pillar_n of_o heaven_n tremble_v and_o be_v aghast_a job_n 26._o 11._o if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o hand_n all_o the_o heavenly_a volume_n pass_v away_o as_o a_o scroll_n and_o out_o go_v the_o fair_a letter_n of_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n the_o earth_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o to_o sense_n it_o hang_v upon_o nothing_o as_o if_o it_o be_v only_o poise_v by_o its_o own_o gravity_n but_o this_o create_a centre_n be_v bear_v up_o by_o the_o infinite_a centre_n of_o all_o be_v and_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o reason_n hang_v upon_o he_o the_o pillar_n of_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 2._o 8._o he_o by_o his_o strength_n set_v fast_o the_o mountain_n psal._n 65._o 6._o or_o else_o they_o will_v be_v waver_v towards_o nullity_n the_o sea_n be_v a_o vast_a spread_a element_n but_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v contract_v into_o nothing_o it_o be_v hold_v in_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n isai._n 40._o 12._o and_o that_o import_v no_o less_o than_o a_o preservative_n comprehension_n all_o the_o numberless_a bird_n in_o the_o air_n beast_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o fish_n in_o the_o sea_n wait_v on_o he_o for_o their_o preservation_n the_o send_v forth_o of_o his_o spirit_n be_v their_o be_v the_o open_n of_o his_o hand_n their_o provision_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o his_o wing_n their_o protection_n not_o a_o sparrow_n forget_v before_o he_o not_o a_o poor_a fly_n without_o a_o infinite_a preserver_n man_n who_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n can_v but_o own_v he_o o_o how_o soon_o will_v the_o earthen_a pitcher_n break_v if_o he_o do_v not_o keep_v it_o how_o soon_o will_v the_o lamp_n of_o the_o soul_n go_v out_o if_o he_o do_v not_o light_v it_o even_o every_o moment_n hence_o god_n be_v style_v the_o preserver_n of_o man_n job_n 7._o 20._o a_o most_o universal_a preserver_n even_o from_o the_o utmost_a hair_n which_o be_v number_v by_o he_o matth._n 10._o 30._o unto_o the_o inmost_a spirit_n which_o be_v preserve_v by_o his_o visitation_n job_n 10._o 12._o thus_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a catalogue_n of_o creature_n we_o must_v conclude_v with_o st._n austin_n deus_fw-la est_fw-la per_fw-la omne_fw-la diffusus_fw-la non_fw-la ut_fw-la qualitas_fw-la mundi_fw-la sed_fw-la ut_fw-la substantia_fw-la cratrix_fw-la sine_fw-la labour_v regens_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la onere_fw-la continens_fw-la omne_fw-la 2._o by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o preservation_n what_o be_v it_o but_o continuata_fw-la creatio_fw-la god_n be_v still_o a_o make_v the_o angel_n and_o build_v the_o heaven_n my_o father_n work_v hitherto_o say_v christ_n joh._n 5._o 17._o he_o do_v per_fw-la intimam_fw-la operationem_fw-la continuò_fw-la facere_fw-la creatura_fw-la say_v a_o famous_a school-man_n quamdiu_fw-la est_fw-la creatura_fw-la deo_fw-la quia_fw-la pro_fw-la quolibet_fw-la instanti_fw-la habet_fw-la esse_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la preservation_n be_v but_o the_o ek_v out_o of_o creation_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v from_o no_o other_o but_o god_n alone_o omnia_fw-la in_o illo_fw-la subsistunt_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la creata_fw-la sunt_fw-la but_o to_o pass_v on_o 4._o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o be_v from_o god_n according_a to_o his_o decree_n and_o this_o be_v evince_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o either_o god_n preserve_v creature_n natural_o or_o free_o not_o natural_o for_o than_o he_o shall_v preserve_v they_o perpetual_o and_o so_o every_o fly_n must_v run_v parallel_n in_o eternity_n with_o a_o angel_n nor_o natural_o for_o than_o he_o shall_v preserve_v they_o uniform_o and_o so_o every_o mortal_a body_n will_v subsist_v without_o food_n as_o well_o as_o the_o immaterial_a spirit_n therefore_o he_o preserve_v they_o free_o there_o be_v various_a way_n of_o preservation_n viz._n preservation_n of_o creature_n as_o to_o their_o be_v and_o as_o to_o their_o adjunct_n of_o order_n beauty_n goodness_n and_o truth_n preservation_n of_o they_o as_o to_o their_o individual_n and_o as_o to_o their_o kind_n preservation_n of_o individual_n by_o mean_n and_o without_o mean_n preservation_n of_o they_o in_o perpetuum_fw-la and_o for_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n now_o all_o this_o variety_n of_o preservation_n do_v evident_o display_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n in_o the_o dispense_n thereof_o angel_n be_v preserve_v in_o their_o individual_a being_n and_o that_o in_o perpetuum_fw-la and_o that_o without_o mean_n but_o the_o nodus_fw-la perpetuitatis_fw-la be_v the_o divine_a timao_n pleasure_n or_o else_o their_o immortality_n will_v dissolve_v in_o a_o moment_n man_n beast_n and_o
the_o language_n of_o it_o unto_o this_o concern_v which_o every_o one_o may_v judge_v as_o he_o please_v truth_n be_v little_o concern_v therein_o nor_o be_v it_o thereunto_o that_o i_o assign_v that_o perspicuity_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o main_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o unto_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a state_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o in_o the_o author_n mind_n which_o alone_o enable_v any_o to_o speak_v with_o evidence_n unto_o the_o understanding_n of_o other_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o although_o he_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n sometime_o of_o scholastic_a notion_n yet_o he_o have_v so_o express_v the_o matter_n intend_v as_o to_o make_v it_o obvious_a unto_o the_o mean_a capacity_n any_o whit_n exercise_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o thing_n have_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o this_o discourse_n which_o i_o hope_v god_n will_v bless_v unto_o good_a use_n and_o fruit_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o mind_v the_o reader_n of_o how_o great_a importance_n it_o be_v to_o have_v the_o truth_n here_o plead_v for_o well_o vindicate_v and_o establish_v the_o fullness_n and_o frequency_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o the_o great_a influence_n into_o our_o faith_n obedience_n and_o due_a reverence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o eminent_a tendency_n unto_o the_o exaltation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o debasement_n of_o the_o pernicious_a pride_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o they_o have_v the_o opposition_n make_v unto_o they_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n for_o sake_z the_o truth_n who_o however_o differ_v and_o fierce_o contend_v among_o themselves_o as_o papist_n socinian_o arminian_n quaker_n and_o other_o yet_o all_o agree_v in_o contradiction_n unto_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n in_o his_o decree_n the_o special_a fruit_n of_o eternal_a redemption_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o infallible_a prevalency_n of_o divine_a grace_n do_v all_o sufficient_o evince_n both_o the_o weight_n of_o these_o truth_n themselves_o and_o the_o eminency_n of_o the_o service_n which_o be_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o their_o vindication_n john_n owen_n a_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n concern_v the_o author_n of_o the_o tract_n ensue_v it_o may_v well_o be_v reckon_v among_o problem_n or_o hard_a question_n whether_o it_o be_v better_o for_o those_o who_o write_v and_o print_n to_o publish_v their_o name_n or_o conceal_v they_o because_o many_o thing_n pro_n and_o cou_n may_v be_v argue_v upon_o that_o subject_a especial_o about_o thing_n polemical_a when_o they_o be_v handle_v but_o when_o causa_fw-la dei_fw-la the_o cause_n of_o god_n as_o our_o learned_a and_o famous_a bradwardine_n entitle_v his_o book_n when_o he_o write_v against_o the_o pelagian_n come_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o all_o circumstance_n be_v due_o to_o be_v weigh_v quis_fw-la quid_fw-la quare_fw-la quando_fw-la quomodo_fw-la etc._n etc._n who_o what_o why_o when_o and_o how_n among_o those_o of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v very_o momentaneous_a to_o know_v for_o one_o that_o this_o gentleman_n be_v one_o of_o the_o sage_n of_o the_o law_n a_o oracle_n in_o the_o country_n where_o he_o live_v a_o eirenarche_n well_o worthy_a of_o that_o name_n and_o place_n a_o justice_n of_o peace_n and_o not_o of_o trouble_n according_a to_o the_o distinction_n which_o our_o unhappy_a time_n have_v make_v conformable_a himself_o yet_o one_o who_o affect_v rather_o to_o be_v orthodox_n and_o to_o mind_v the_o power_n of_o godliness_n more_o than_o the_o form_n thereof_o i_o write_v this_o testimony_n of_o he_o though_o be_v neither_o needs_o desire_n or_o know_v of_o it_o because_o i_o have_v bad_a knowledge_n of_o he_o à _fw-fr teneris_fw-la from_o his_o childhood_n and_o have_v be_v certify_v of_o his_o domestical_a piety_n and_o exemplariness_n in_o all_o which_o appertain_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n concern_v the_o book_n it_o need_v not_o patron_n or_o advocate_n let_v it_o speak_v for_o itself_o aetatem_fw-la habet_fw-la it_o quick_o show_v arma_fw-la virúmque_fw-la the_o spirit_n of_o the_o man_n and_o his_o weapon_n this_o please_v i_o above_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o it_o treat_v of_o most_o intricate_a and_o mysterious_a controversy_n yet_o that_o be_v do_v humble_o reverent_o free_o and_o with_o candour_n i_o make_v not_o myself_o his_o hyperaspistes_n or_o second_n or_o a_o party_n to_o his_o opinion_n but_o because_o his_o habitation_n be_v remote_a in_o a_o corner_n of_o the_o land_n his_o converse_n more_o with_o book_n than_o with_o man_n he_o seldom_o see_v london_n and_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o these_o part_n any_o of_o our_o anshe_n shem_n note_v or_o famous_a person_n lest_o any_o reader_n shall_v cast_v he_o off_o with_o a_o scornful_a ignoramus_n i_o know_v not_o the_o man_n i_o have_v presume_v to_o prepare_v this_o little_a lenitive_a that_o no_o offence_n shall_v be_v take_v in_o such_o respect_n as_o be_v herein_o mention_v i_o shall_v not_o conclude_v with_o ecce_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o ad_fw-la rem_fw-la lazarus_n seaman_n errata_fw-la pag._n 25._o lin_v 27._o read_v object_n p._n 28._o l._n 24._o betwixt_o election_n and_o and_o insert_v 2._o what_o the_o thing_n design_v p._n 37._o l._n 8._o r._n predefinition_n p._n 43._o l._n 6._o r._n person_n p._n 82._o l._n ult_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 94._o l._n 28._o r._n forbearance_n p._n 97._o l._n 3._o r._n nolition_n p._n 148._o l._n 16._o r._n creaâ—rix_fw-la p._n 180._o l._n 8_o for_o nail_n r._n vail_n p._n 204._o l_o 22._o r._n agony_n p._n 212._o l._n 3._o after_o that_o law_n add_v and_o that_o it_o be_v p._n 272._o l._n 9_o for_o rom._n 20._o r._n act_n 20._o p._n 291._o l._n 26._o r._n mea_fw-la p._n 295._o l._n 3._o r._n little_a p._n 376._o l._n 11._o r._n vegetative_a p._n 384._o l._n 7._o for_o creature-deadness_n r._n creature-comfort_n p._n 433._o l._n 17._o r._n active_o p._n 456._o l._n 6._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 470._o l._n 11._o r._n no_o object_n chap_n i._o that_o god_n be_v that_o god_n be_v be_v a_o primordial_a verity_n from_o whence_o all_o other_o verity_n derive_v their_o original_a if_o god_n be_v not_o which_o be_v the_o high_a contradiction_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o perfect_a nullity_n because_o nullity_n can_v never_o pass_v that_o infinite_a vast_a gulf_n which_o lie_v between_o itself_o and_o be_v without_o a_o infinite_a god_n if_o god_n be_v not_o he_o can_v not_o be_v a_o mere_a possible_a god_n be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o a_o god_n he_o can_v be_v unless_o he_o be_v supreme_a perfection_n a_o pure_a act_n immovable_a eternity_n and_o eternal_a necessity_n in_o suprema_fw-la essendi_fw-la vehemontia_fw-la this_o glorious_a truth_n that_o god_n be_v can_v no_o where_o be_v doubt_v of_o not_o in_o heaven_n where_o his_o glorious_a face_n be_v open_v to_o the_o bless_a spirit_n not_o in_o hell_n where_o his_o righteous_a breath_n as_o a_o river_n of_o brimstone_n do_v kindle_v the_o fire_n unquenchable_a nor_o on_o earth_n while_o any_o glimpse_n of_o heaven_n irradiate_a the_o godly_a or_o any_o spark_n of_o hell_n flame_n out_o in_o the_o guilty_a conscience_n of_o the_o wicked_a while_o the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n shine_v within_o man_n or_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n those_o natural_a preacher_n declare_v a_o deity_n without_o and_o wonderful_o render_v the_o invisible_a power_n and_o godhead_n as_o it_o be_v visible_a unto_o they_o every_o particle_n of_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o infinite_a be_v of_o being_n every_o motion_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n draw_v we_o to_o adore_v a_o first_o immovable_a mover_n every_o breath_n of_o life_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a creature_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a fountain_n of_o life_n every_o beam_n of_o light_n in_o the_o natural_a and_o spiritual_a world_n own_v the_o high_a father_n of_o light_n every_o drop_n of_o rain_n natural_a on_o the_o earth_n and_o spiritual_a on_o the_o heart_n witness_n a_o deity_n this_o truth_n be_v so_o indubitable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o fool_n in_o his_o great_a folly_n can_v deny_v it_o cur_n dixit_fw-la stultus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la deus_fw-la cur_n nisi_fw-la quia_fw-la stultus_fw-la est_fw-la chap._n ii_o that_o god_n have_v a_o will._n god_n be_v being_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o sure_a foundation_n i_o proceed_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n have_v a_o will._n which_o may_v be_v evince_v by_o these_o reason_n 1._o god_n be_v a_o immense_a sea_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n or_o rather_o one_o infinite_a transcendent_a perfection_n and_o a_o will_v the_o fountain_n of_o liberty_n can_v be_v want_v in_o he_o but_o there_o will_v be_v a_o maim_v in_o his_o perfection_n liberum_fw-la arbitrium_fw-la say_v luther_n est_fw-la nomen_fw-la planè_fw-la divinum_fw-la solùm_fw-la competit_fw-la