sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n 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 earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
and_o by_o derivation_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 18.19_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n but_o though_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a and_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o compare_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n yet_o the_o essential_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o both_o must_v be_v the_o same_o else_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o not_o for_o he_o may_v be_v so_o and_o we_o never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o consequent_o when_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o not_o beside_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o god_n because_o in_o this_o we_o be_v command_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o condition_n of_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o who_o nature_n be_v imperfect_a be_v capable_a of_o resemble_v the_o divine_a goodness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o from_o these_o three_o head_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o iii_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a agree_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o i_o always_o except_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o attribute_v nothing_o but_o eternity_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v have_v consider_v it_o happiness_n without_o goodness_n be_v impossible_a i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v express_o deny_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a but_o they_o clear_o take_v away_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v a_o immortal_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o that_o neither_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o idle_a be_v that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a but_o set_v aside_o this_o atheistical_a sect_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen_a do_v unanimous_o affirm_v and_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o praise_n of_o he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whosoever_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o persuasion_n or_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v good_a from_o he_o seneca_n have_v a_o excellent_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o say_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o sure_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o prayer_n that_o with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v conspire_v in_o this_o madness_n of_o put_v up_o their_o supplication_n to_o deaf_a and_o impotent_a deity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o confer_v benefit_n upon_o those_o who_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o we_o need_v not_o to_o infer_v their_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n from_o the_o act_n of_o their_o devotion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o express_o to_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o among_o the_o divine_a title_n this_o always_o have_v the_o preeminence_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deus_fw-la optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la be_v their_o constant_a stile_n and_o in_o our_o language_n the_o name_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o from_o his_o goodness_n i_o may_v produce_v innumerable_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a authers_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o remarkable_a one_o out_o of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la deinde_fw-la reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o next_o to_o ascribe_v majesty_n or_o greatness_n to_o he_o and_o to_o ascribe_v goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o greatness_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.6_o where_o god_n make_v his_o name_n know_v to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long_o suffer_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v psal_n 119.68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o our_o bless_a saviour_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n in_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a luke_n 18.19_o there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o in_o that_o excellent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v those_o innumerable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o long_o suffer_v for_o these_o be_v but_o several_a branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n his_o grace_n be_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o his_o mercy_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n his_o patience_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o iii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v likewise_o be_v argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o being_n knowledge_n and_o power_n be_v great_a perfection_n but_o separate_v from_o goodness_n they_o will_v be_v great_a imperfection_n nothing_o but_o craft_n and_o violence_n a_o angel_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o perfection_n that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o it_o give_v perfection_n to_o all_o other_o excellency_n take_v away_o this_o and_o the_o great_a excellency_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n will_v be_v but_o the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o
wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v its_o obedience_n try_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o such_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v mutable_a and_o by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o its_o liberty_n capable_a of_o obey_v or_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o sin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v in_o that_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n and_o power_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n and_o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o let_v man_n be_v the_o creature_n he_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n make_v man_n good_a at_o first_o though_o mutable_a and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v continue_v so_o though_o he_o wilful_o determine_v himself_o to_o evil_a this_o acquit_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o find_v out_o to_o himself_o many_o invention_n 2._o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o creature_n as_o have_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n mutable_a there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o their_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n and_o in_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a state_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a whence_o then_o come_v evil_a the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o decree_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o fault_n this_o seem_v not_o only_o notorious_o to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o least_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n indeed_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v only_o mean_v that_o god_n in_o his_o own_o infinite_a knowledge_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n determine_v in_o himself_o what_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n with_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v that_o god_n have_v not_o elect_v all_o mankind_n that_o be_v absolute_o decree_v to_o bring_v they_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o reprobation_n be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o may_v foresee_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o determine_v to_o punish_v it_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o all_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n if_o god_n please_v to_o bring_v any_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v transcendent_a goodness_n but_o if_o he_o put_v all_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o and_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o after_o all_o this_o any_o fall_n short_a of_o happiness_n through_o their_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o obstinacy_n these_o man_n be_v evil_a and_o cruel_a to_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o merciful_a to_o they_o but_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v either_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n their_o absolute_a ruin_n and_o misery_n or_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v inevitable_o sin_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o a_o reprobation_n as_o this_o do_v clear_o overthrow_v all_o possible_a notion_n of_o goodness_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o contrary_a to_o a_o disposition_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a than_o a_o absolute_a decree_n and_o a_o peremptory_a resolution_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o man_n a_o good_a man_n who_o shall_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o disinherit_v and_o destroy_v his_o child_n without_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o fault_n to_o be_v commit_v by_o they_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o devise_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n worse_o than_o this_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o it_o be_v say_v reprobation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o goodness_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o goodness_n and_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v such_o a_o sovereignty_n to_o god_n as_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n for_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n may_v break_v in_o at_o pleasure_n upon_o his_o other_o attribute_n than_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a if_o his_o sovereignty_n may_v at_o any_o time_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o perfection_n now_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o stand_v together_o the_o question_n be_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o another_o case_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n will_v equal_o hold_v concern_v his_o goodness_n let_v god_n be_v good_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o there_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o some_o great_a divine_n have_v hold_v this_o doctrine_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v together_o let_v they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o if_o they_o can_v rather_o let_v the_o school_n of_o the_o great_a divine_n be_v call_v in_o question_n than_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v full_o answer_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o s._n matth._n 25.46_o and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o sundry_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o mankind_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v most_o know_v and_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_o remarkable_a with_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o history_n such_o be_v the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n especial_o the_o final_a ruin_n
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_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 how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o
good_a earnest_n do_v christ_n weep_v over_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o can_v thou_o think_v he_o will_v not_o pardon_v thou_o upon_o thy_o repentance_n be_v he_o grieve_v that_o man_n will_v undo_v themselves_o and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v and_o can_v thou_o think_v that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o forgive_v we_o can_v honour_v and_o glorify_v god_n more_o than_o by_o entertain_v great_a thought_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o our_o repentance_n because_o thereby_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n holiness_n and_o justice_n so_o we_o glorify_v he_o by_o believe_v his_o mercy_n because_o we_o conceive_v a_o right_a opinion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o true_a psal_n 147.11_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n so_o in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o that_o sinner_n shall_v conceive_v great_a hope_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v provide_v thou_o do_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o god_n mercy_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o think_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n can_v pardon_v must_v think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o evil_a in_o the_o creature_n than_o there_o be_v goodness_n in_o god_n use_v 5._o by_o way_n of_o caution_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o trespass_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o presume_v to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n be_v a_o idol_n such_o a_o god_n as_o man_n set_v up_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n but_o not_o the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o such_o person_n the_o scripture_n describe_v he_o after_o another_o manner_n nah._o 1.2_o god_n be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v furious_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o add_v drunkeness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o though_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v merciful_a yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o will_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o those_o that_o despise_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o tempt_v his_o mercy_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o say_v let_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n design_n his_o mercy_n for_o those_o that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o where_n offer_v to_o countenance_n sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n and_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o encourage_v our_o impenitency_n but_o our_o repentance_n god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v bold_a with_o he_o and_o presume_v to_o offend_v he_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v but_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v this_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n not_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o they_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o can_v provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n mercy_n use_v this_o opportunity_n if_o thou_o neglecte_v it_o a_o day_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n be_v come_v rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v reveal_v against_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n that_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o they_o who_o draw_v any_o conclusion_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o may_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v 27.11_o a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o save_v they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v have_v no_o mercy_n on_o they_o mercy_n itself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n towards_o who_o god_n will_v be_v more_o severe_o just_a than_o towards_o such_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o by_o his_o injure_a and_o abuse_a mercy_n like_o a_o razor_n set_v in_o oil_n will_v have_v the_o keen_a edge_n and_o be_v the_o sharp_a for_o its_o smoothness_n those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n their_o enemy_n must_v expect_v the_o worst_a his_o justice_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o sermon_n vi_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n put_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n concern_v the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o many_o and_o perhaps_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v present_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o before_o that_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o certain_a sect_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n design_v probable_o the_o carpocratian_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o large_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o who_o st._n austin_n express_o say_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n these_o st._n peter_n call_v scoffer_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o declaration_n in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n or_o threaten_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o declaration_n of_o christ_n so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a or_o save_v that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o except_o only_o that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o world_n continue_v still_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o
beginning_n and_o there_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o any_o such_o change_n and_o alteration_n as_o be_v foretell_v to_o this_o he_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o these_o scoffer_n though_o they_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v wit_n do_v betray_v great_a ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o talk_v very_o ignorant_o concern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o when_o so_o remarkable_a a_o change_n have_v already_o happen_v as_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o water_n and_o therefore_o the_o prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o it_o by_o fire_n before_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o way_n incredible_a and_o they_o show_v themselves_o likewise_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o which_o be_v eternal_o the_o same_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o one_o day_n be_v all_o one_o and_o if_o god_n make_v good_a his_o word_n some_o thousand_o of_o year_n hence_o it_o will_v make_v no_o sensible_a difference_n consider_v his_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v no_o matter_n when_o a_o duration_n begin_v which_o be_v never_o to_o have_v a_o end_n v._n 8._o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n this_o it_o seem_v be_v a_o common_a say_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o signify_v that_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n no_o finite_a duration_n bear_v any_o proportion_n and_o therefore_o with_o regard_n to_o eternity_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n or_o one_o day_n the_o psalmist_n have_v a_o expression_n much_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n psal_n 90.4_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o thy_o sight_n be_v but_o as_o yesterday_o when_o it_o be_v past_a and_o as_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n and_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n likewise_o ecclus._n 18.10_o as_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n to_o the_o sea_n and_o as_o a_o grain_n of_o sand_n to_o the_o sea_n shore_n so_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n to_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n the_o like_a expression_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a writer_n to_o the_o god_n no_o time_n be_v long_o say_v pythagoras_n and_o plutarch_n the_o whole_a space_n of_o a_o man_n life_n to_o the_o god_n be_v as_o nothing_o and_o in_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o slowness_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o very_a argument_n st._n peter_n be_v here_o upon_o he_o have_v this_o passage_n that_o a_o thousand_o or_o ten_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o a_o indivisible_a point_n to_o a_o infinite_a duration_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o delay_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v for_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o force_n against_o either_o the_o certainty_n or_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o for_o to_o eternity_n all_o time_n be_v equal_o short_a and_o it_o matter_n not_o when_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n begin_v if_o it_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n 2._o but_o because_o the_o distance_n between_o the_o declaration_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o come_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o god_n yet_o it_o seem_v long_o to_o they_o therefore_o he_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n but_o be_v a_o clear_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n of_o his_o goodness_n admit_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a that_o god_n delay_v judgement_n for_o a_o great_a while_n yet_o this_o give_v no_o ground_n to_o conclude_v that_o judgement_n will_v never_o be_v but_o it_o show_v the_o great_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n that_o he_o give_v they_o so_o long_o a_o space_n of_o repentace_n that_o so_o they_o may_v prevent_v the_o terror_n of_o that_o day_n whenever_o it_o come_v and_o escape_v that_o dreadful_a ruin_n which_o will_v certain_o overtake_v soon_o or_o late_a all_o impenitent_a sinner_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n that_o be_v as_o to_o the_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n as_o some_o man_n account_v slackness_n that_o be_v as_o if_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o argument_n it_o will_v never_o come_v this_o be_v a_o false_a inference_n from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n and_o a_o ill_a interpretation_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n who_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o and_o delay_n judgement_n on_o purpose_n to_o give_v man_n time_n to_o repent_v and_o by_o repentance_n to_o prevent_v their_o own_o eternal_a ruin_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n second_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o judgement_n be_v no_o just_a ground_n why_o sinner_n shall_v hope_v for_o impunity_n as_o the_o scoffer_n here_o foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o because_o our_o lord_n delay_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n so_o long_o therefore_o he_o will_v never_o come_v god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n three_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a towards_o mankind_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n first_o i_o will_v consider_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n as_o it_o be_v a_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n god_n be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n iii_o i_o shall_v give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n i._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n the_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v one_o that_o keep_v his_o anger_n long_o or_o that_o be_v long_o before_o he_o be_v angry_a in_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v sometime_o express_v by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n forbearance_n and_o patient_a wait_v for_o our_o repentance_n some_o time_n by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v god_n hold_v in_o his_o wrath_n and_o restrain_v himself_o from_o punish_v and_o sometime_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v the_o extent_n of_o his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a and_o forbear_v for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sinner_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n in_o defer_v or_o moderate_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n the_o defer_v of_o deserve_a punishment_n in_o whole_a or_o in_o part_n which_o if_o it_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o long_a time_n it_o be_v proper_o his_o long-suffering_a and_o the_o moderate_n as_o well_o as_o the_o defer_v of_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o sin_n be_v a_o instance_n likewise_o of_o god_n patience_n and_o not_o only_o the_o defer_v and_o moderate_v of_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o the_o adjourn_v of_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o principal_a instance_n of_o god_n patience_n so_o that_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n take_v in_o all_o that_o space_n of_o repentance_n which_o god_n afford_v to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n nay_o all_o temporal_a judgement_n and_o affliction_n which_o befall_v sinner_n in_o this_o life_n and_o be_v short_a of_o cut_v they_o off_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o hell_n be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n whenever_o god_n punish_v it_o be_v of_o his_o great_a mercy_n and_o patience_n that_o we_o be_v not_o consume_v and_o because_o his_o compassion_n fail_v not_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o patience_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_o due_a to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v due_a to_o the_o
will_v be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n severe_a towards_o those_o who_o take_v encouragement_n from_o his_o mercy_n to_o disbelieve_v and_o despise_v his_o threaten_n and_o this_o god_n have_v as_o plain_o tell_v we_o as_o word_n can_v express_v any_o thing_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o and_o if_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o he_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o this_o curse_n he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n what_o ever_o right_a and_o power_n god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o about_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n he_o have_v plain_o declare_v that_o of_o all_o other_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o sinful_a course_n from_o the_o hope_n of_o god_n mercy_n notwithstanding_o his_o threaten_n shall_v find_v no_o favour_n and_o mercy_n at_o his_o hand_n whatever_o he_o may_v remit_v of_o his_o threaten_n to_o other_o he_o will_v certain_o not_o spare_v those_o who_o believe_v so_o large_o concern_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n not_o with_o a_o mind_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o to_o presume_v so_o much_o the_o more_o upon_o it_o 4._o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o show_v some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o his_o severity_n towards_o sinner_n in_o this_o world_n as_o he_o be_v please_v sometime_o to_o give_v good_a man_n some_o fore-tastes_a of_o heaven_n and_o earnest_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n so_o likewise_o by_o some_o present_a stroke_n to_o let_v sinner_n feel_v what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v hereafter_o some_o spark_n of_o hell_n do_v now_o and_o then_o fall_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o sinner_n that_o fear_n which_o be_v sometime_o kindle_v in_o man_n conscience_n in_o this_o life_n that_o horrible_a anguish_n and_o those_o unspeakable_a terror_n which_o some_o sinner_n have_v have_v experience_n of_o in_o this_o world_n may_v serve_v to_o forewarn_v we_o of_o the_o wrath_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n by_o the_o worm_n that_o die_v not_o and_o the_o fire_n that_o be_v not_o quench_v that_o miraculous_a deluge_n which_o swallow_v up_o the_o old_a world_n that_o hell_n which_o be_v rain_v down_o from_o heaven_n in_o those_o terrible_a shower_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n to_o consume_v sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n upon_o corah_n and_o his_o seditious_a company_n to_o let_v they_o down_o as_o it_o be_v quick_a into_o hell_n these_o and_o many_o other_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o several_a age_n upon_o particular_a person_n and_o upon_o city_n and_o nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o in_o some_o measure_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o sin_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v pledge_n to_o assure_v sinner_n of_o the_o insupportable_a misery_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n 5._o the_o argument_n be_v much_o strong_a the_o other_o way_n that_o because_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n be_v delay_v so_o long_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v much_o heavy_a and_o severe_a when_o it_o come_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v grow_v all_o this_o while_n and_o as_o we_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o sin_n he_o fill_v the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o and_o according_a to_o thy_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n god_n now_o keep_v in_o his_o displeasure_n but_o all_o the_o while_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v continual_o increase_v and_o will_v at_o last_o be_v manifest_v by_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o sinner_n god_n now_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o these_o will_v not_o always_o hold_v out_o there_o be_v a_o dreadful_a day_n a_o come_n wherein_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v god_n will_v show_v his_o wrath_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v after_o he_o have_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n all_o this_o long_a time_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o forbearance_n his_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v and_o he_o be_v whet_v his_o glitter_a sword_n and_o make_v sharp_a his_o arrow_n and_o this_o long_a preparation_n do_v portend_v a_o much_o more_o dreadful_a execution_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n god_n bear_v with_o we_o and_o spare_v we_o at_o present_a and_o keep_v in_o his_o anger_n therefore_o if_o we_o go_v on_o to_o provoke_v he_o time_n will_v come_v when_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o his_o anger_n will_v flame_v forth_o and_o his_o jealousy_n smoke_n against_o we_o this_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o they_o who_o in_o this_o world_n forsake_v their_o own_o mercy_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o shall_v forsake_v they_o 4._o another_o false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o because_o it_o be_v delay_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a the_o sinner_n escape_v for_o the_o present_a and_o though_o he_o have_v some_o misgiving_n and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o future_a yet_o he_o hope_v his_o fear_n may_v be_v great_a than_o his_o danger_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o we_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o another_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o we_o lie_v groan_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o this_o will_v not_o only_o leave_v no_o place_n for_o doubt_v but_o even_o for_o that_o which_o we_o proper_o and_o strict_o call_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v but_o sure_o we_o have_v other_o faculty_n beside_o sense_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v neither_o present_a nor_o sensible_a of_o many_o thing_n past_a and_o future_a upon_o good_a ground_n and_o testimony_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o remembrance_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v though_o we_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o it_o thing_n may_v be_v certain_a in_o their_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o present_a existence_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v certain_a the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o have_v declare_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v a_o abundant_a ground_n of_o assurance_n to_o we_o though_o they_o be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n the_o certainty_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o shake_v by_o our_o waver_a belief_n concern_v they_o beside_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o make_v a_o contrary_a inference_n from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o present_a punishment_n though_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o because_o judgement_n be_v defer_v therefore_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o reason_n otherwise_o that_o because_o god_n be_v so_o patient_a to_o sinner_n in_o this_o life_n therefore_o there_o will_v a_o time_n come_v when_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v that_o because_o this_o life_n be_v a_o time_n of_o trial_n and_o forbearance_n therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o season_n of_o recompense_n and_o by_o this_o argument_n chief_o it_o be_v that_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a satisfy_v themselves_o concern_v another_o state_n after_o this_o life_n and_o answer_v the_o troublesome_a objection_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o unequal_a administration_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o visible_a in_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a viz._n that_o there_o will_v be_v another_o state_n that_o will_v adjust_a all_o these_o matter_n and_o set_v they_o straight_o when_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v receive_v the_o full_a recompense_n of_o their_o deed_n the_o 5_o the_o and_o last_v false_a conclusion_n which_o man_n draw_v from_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o punishment_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v however_o probable_o at_o some_o distance_n and_o
much_o near_o to_o thou_o than_o thou_o be_v aware_a at_o the_o best_a thy_o life_n be_v uncertain_a and_o death_n will_v infallible_o put_v a_o period_n to_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n repentance_n be_v a_o work_n so_o necessary_a that_o methinks_v no_o man_n shall_v lose_v so_o much_o time_n as_o to_o deliberate_v whether_o he_o shall_v set_v about_o it_o or_o not_o de_fw-fr necessariis_fw-la nulla_fw-la est_fw-la deliberatio_fw-la no_o man_n deliberate_v about_o what_o he_o must_v do_v or_o be_v undo_v if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o so_o infinite_o dangerous_a that_o one_o will_v think_v no_o wise_a man_n can_v entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o defer_v it_o what_o great_a folly_n and_o stupidity_n can_v there_o be_v than_o for_o man_n to_o venture_v their_o immortal_a soul_n and_o to_o run_v a_o apparent_a hazard_n in_o matter_n of_o everlasting_a consequence_n this_o day_n of_o god_n patience_n be_v the_o great_a opportunity_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o let_v it_o slip_v it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v recover_v if_o we_o mis-improve_a this_o time_n of_o our_o life_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v it_o over_o again_o to_o improve_v it_o better_o our_o state_n of_o trial_n end_v with_o this_o life_n after_o that_o god_n will_v prove_v we_o no_o more_o then_o we_o shall_v wish_v o_o that_o i_o have_v know_v in_o that_o my_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o my_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o eye_n therefore_o to_o day_n whilst_o it_o be_v call_v to_o day_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n make_v no_o tarry_v to_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o put_v not_o off_o from_o day_n to_o day_n for_o sudden_o shall_v the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lord_n break_v forth_o and_o in_o thy_o security_n thou_o shall_v be_v destroy_v exercise_v repentance_n in_o the_o time_n of_o health_n and_o defer_v not_o till_o death_n to_o be_v justify_v sermon_n x._o vii·_n vol._n vii·_n the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n in_o treat_v of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n i_o have_v consider_v those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n to_o which_o i_o refer_v his_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n those_o also_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n viz._n god_n justice_n truth_n holiness_n and_o goodness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v his_o power_n of_o act_v which_o be_v his_o omnipotency_n this_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o psalm_n david_n declare_v that_o god_n be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o that_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o safety_n and_o deliverance_n be_v from_o he_o v._o 1_o 2._o and_o this_o make_v he_o challenge_v his_o enemy_n for_o all_o their_o mischievous_a quality_n and_o device_n against_o he_o as_o vain_a attempt_n v._o 3_o 4._o hereupon_o he_o charge_v himself_o to_o continue_v his_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o god_n from_o who_o be_v all_o his_o expectation_n and_o who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o deliver_v he_o v._n 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o from_o his_o example_n and_o experience_n he_o encourage_v and_o exhort_v all_o other_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n v._o 8._o and_o that_o from_o two_o argument_n 1._o because_o all_o other_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n be_v vain_a and_o insufficient_a and_o will_v fail_v those_o that_o rely_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o will_v rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n it_o must_v either_o be_v person_n or_o thing_n but_o we_o can_v safe_o repose_v our_o trust_n in_o either_o of_o these_o not_o in_o person_n they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o two_o head_n either_o high_a or_o low_o those_o that_o be_v of_o a_o mean_a condition_n it_o will_v be_v in_o vain_a to_o trust_v they_o they_o that_o can_v secure_v themselves_o from_o meanness_n can_v secure_v other_o from_o mischief_n man_n of_o low_a degree_n be_v vanity_n but_o great_a one_o of_o the_o world_n they_o seem_v to_o promise_v something_o of_o assistance_n and_o security_n to_o we_o but_o if_o we_o depend_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v frustrate_v we_o man_n of_o high_a degree_n be_v a_o lie_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n that_o which_o man_n usual_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o be_v riches_n these_o be_v either_o get_v by_o unlawful_a or_o lawful_a mean_n if_o they_o be_v ill_o get_v by_o oppression_n or_o robbery_n they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v we_o from_o evil_a that_o they_o will_v bring_v it_o upon_o we_o if_o they_o be_v well_o get_v they_o be_v of_o a_o uncertain_a nature_n that_o we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o place_v our_o hope_n in_o they_o if_o riches_n increase_v set_v not_o your_o heart_n upon_o they_o that_o be_v your_o hope_n for_o heart_n in_o scripture_n signify_v any_o of_o the_o affection_n 2._o because_o god_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o any_o one_o in_o who_o these_o two_o thing_n concur_v a_o power_n to_o help_v we_o and_o goodness_n to_o incline_v he_o so_o to_o do_v now_o david_n tell_v we_o that_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o in_o god_n and_o do_v in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n belong_v to_o he_o power_n v._o 11._o and_o goodness_n v._o 12._o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o that_o which_o david_n make_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o our_o confidence_n the_o power_n of_o god_n power_n belong_v to_o god_n for_o which_o he_o bring_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o once_o have_v god_n speak_v yea_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o some_o interpreter_n trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o expression_n as_o if_o it_o do_v refer_v to_o some_o particular_a revelation_n of_o god_n and_o then_o again_o they_o be_v trouble_v how_o to_o reconcile_v god_n speak_v this_o but_o once_o with_o david_n hearing_n it_o twice_o but_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o spy_v mystery_n in_o these_o expression_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o plain_a sense_n for_o i_o understand_v no_o more_o by_o it_o but_o this_o that_o god_n have_v several_a time_n reveal_v this_o he_o frequent_o declare_v himself_o by_o this_o attribute_n once_o yea_o twice_o that_o be_v he_o have_v speak_v it_o often_o and_o david_n have_v hear_v it_o often_o this_o be_v answerable_a to_o that_o phrase_n of_o the_o latin_n semel_fw-la atque_fw-la iterum_fw-la and_o it_o be_v usual_a in_o all_o writer_n to_o use_v a_o certain_a number_n for_o a_o uncertain_a and_o particular_o among_o poet_n felice_n ter_z &_o amplius_fw-la hor._n and_o so_o in_o the_o poetical_a writer_n of_o scripture_n job_n 5.19_o he_o have_v deliver_v thou_o in_o six_o trouble_n yea_o in_o seven_o there_o shall_v no_o evil_a â—ouch_n thou_o that_o be_v in_o several_a and_o various_a trouble_n eccles_n 11.2_o give_v a_o portion_n to_o seven_o and_o also_o to_o eight_o that_o be_v distribute_v thy_o charity_n to_o many_o and_o which_o be_v near_a to_o this_o job_n 40.5_o once_o have_v i_o speak_v but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v yea_o twice_o but_o i_o will_v proceed_v no_o further_o that_o be_v i_o have_v have_v several_a discourse_n with_o my_o friend_n and_o 33.14_o god_n speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o in_o a_o dream_n in_o a_o vision_n of_o the_o night_n that_o be_v god_n reveal_v himself_o in_o several_a way_n and_o manner_n to_o man_n so_o here_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o yea_o twice_o that_o be_v god_n have_v often_o declare_v this_o and_o if_o i_o will_v be_v so_o curious_a to_o refer_v to_o a_o particular_a declaration_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o it_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o law_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n that_o be_v the_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n that_o bring_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o declaration_n which_o god_n make_v of_o himself_o to_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o almighty_a god_n gen._n 17.1_o concern_v which_o revelation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v say_v express_o ex._n 6.3_o i_o appear_v unto_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n almighty_n but_o by_o my_o name_n jehovah_n be_v i_o not_o know_v to_o they_o but_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o be_v the_o proposition_n itself_o that_o power_n belong_v to_o god_n that_o be_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o power_n power_n in_o its_o high_a degree_n and_o perfection_n all_o power_n belong_v to_o god_n that_o be_v that_o omnipotence_n be_v a_o property_n or_o perfection_n of_o