some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o
minister_n of_o god_n say_v he_o must_v be_v without_o house_n and_o harbour_n and_o worldly_a accommodation_n must_v be_v arm_v with_o such_o patience_n for_o the_o great_a suffering_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n and_o devoid_a of_o sense_n he_o must_v be_v a_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a heathen_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o improper_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o serve_v a_o further_a end_n which_o they_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n second_o his_o exaltation_n the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o sit_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o perfect_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o design_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v rom._n 1.4_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o great_a miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o exaltation_n they_o do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n the_o expectation_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n act_n 17.30_o 31._o and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o design_n of_o admirable_a wisdom_n the_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o uunreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impenitency_n first_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n luke_n 7.30_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o a_o design_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o can_v disbelieve_v it_o be_v desperate_a person_n devote_v to_o ruin_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n carry_v so_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o any_o but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o look_v narrow_o into_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o nay_o shall_v discover_v in_o it_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o believe_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o advantage_n now_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o do_v at_o once_o high_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o i._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a and_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n have_v incomparable_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o advance_v piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n among_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o religion_n advance_v these_o the_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a incitement_n and_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n now_o the_o gospel_n represent_v all_o these_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 1._o it_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n especial_o those_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n 1._o his_o justice_n the_o gospel_n represent_v it_o inflexible_a in_o its_o right_n and_o inexorable_a and_o that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n that_o when_o god_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v punish_v sin_n so_o severe_o in_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v the_o surety_n now_o what_o can_v more_o tend_v to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o 2._o his_o mercy_n this_o dispensation_n be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o in_o save_v we_o by_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v he_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n rom._n 5.8_o but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n now_o this_o representation_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o melt_v our_o heart_n into_o love_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o have_v make_v clear_a and_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o have_v open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n wrath_n so_o that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n hell_n be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o engine_n to_o destroy_v sin_n rom._n 1.16_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n 3._o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o former_a render_v the_o gospel_n the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v once_o awaken_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o way_n to_o encourage_v obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v hope_n of_o
which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n viz._n these_o four_o the_o justice_n the_o truth_n the_o goodness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o namely_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 17_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n god_n by_o a_o great_a and_o wonderful_a condescension_n of_o his_o goodness_n reveal_v to_o abraham_n his_o intention_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n upon_o this_o abraham_n v._n 23._o intercede_v with_o god_n for_o the_o save_n of_o the_o righteous_a person_n that_o be_v there_o and_o to_o this_o end_n he_o plead_v with_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n with_o which_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v in_o consistent_a to_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a which_o without_o a_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v avoid_v in_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v thou_o also_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a peradventure_o there_o be_v fifty_o righteous_a within_o the_o city_n will_v thou_o also_o destroy_v and_o not_o spare_v the_o place_n for_o the_o fifty_o righteous_a that_o be_v therein_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a this_o negative_a interrogation_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o vehement_a affirmation_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a that_o be_v undoubted_o he_o will_n this_o we_o may_v take_v for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v do_v righteous_o so_o that_o the_o argument_n that_o lie_v under_o our_o consideration_n be_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o first_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o regard_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v here_o put_v by_o abraham_n in_o the_o text._n second_o in_o thesi_fw-la we_o will_v consider_v it_o in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n first_o we_o will_v consider_v it_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o regard_n to_o the_o particular_a case_n which_o be_v here_o put_v by_o abraham_n in_o the_o text_n and_o the_o rather_o because_o if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o it_o there_o be_v something_o of_o real_a difficulty_n in_o it_o not_o easy_a to_o be_v clear_v for_o abraham_n reason_n if_o it_o be_v true_a do_v plain_o conclude_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unrighteous_a with_o god_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a but_o to_o involve_v they_o equal_o in_o the_o same_o common_a destruction_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_a as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v sure_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n will_v never_o do_v so_o unrighteous_a a_o thing_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o involve_v good_a man_n in_o general_a calamity_n and_o to_o make_v no_o visible_a difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a now_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o reconcile_v these_o appearance_n of_o providence_n with_o this_o reason_n of_o abraham_n in_o the_o text._n and_o for_o the_o do_v of_o this_o i_o see_v but_o one_o possible_a way_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o abraham_n do_v not_o here_o speak_v concern_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_z man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o many_o time_n happen_v promiscuous_o and_o involve_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o same_o ruin_n and_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v plain_a because_o god_n in_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n do_v permit_v the_o cause_n which_o produce_v these_o judgement_n to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o they_o either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o make_v any_o distinction_n for_o the_o calamity_n which_o ordinary_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v by_o two_o sort_n of_o cause_n either_o those_o which_o we_o call_v natural_a or_o those_o which_o be_v voluntary_a natural_a cause_n such_o as_o wind_n and_o thunder_n and_o storm_n and_o the_o infection_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o like_a these_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o knowledge_n or_o choice_n can_v make_v no_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad._n and_o the_o voluntary_a cause_n of_o calamity_n as_o man_n be_v they_o many_o time_n will_v make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a nay_o many_o time_n they_o be_v malicious_o bend_v against_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o malice_n fall_v heavy_a upon_o they_o now_o we_o say_v that_o thing_n happen_v in_o the_o way_n of_o ordinary_a providence_n when_o natural_a cause_n be_v permit_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o voluntary_a cause_n be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o course_n of_o ordinary_a providence_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o such_o a_o distinction_n shall_v be_v make_v it_o be_v neither_o possible_a nor_o do_v justice_n require_v it_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a suppose_v natural_a cause_n leave_v to_o act_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o voluntary_a cause_n to_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n nor_o do_v justice_n require_v it_o for_o every_o man_n be_v so_o much_o a_o sinner_n that_o no_o evil_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v unjust_a in_o respect_n of_o god_n so_o that_o abraham_n be_v not_o here_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o speak_v of_o such_o judgement_n as_o befall_v man_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o which_o if_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a be_v involve_v alike_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o be_v otherwise_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o injustice_n in_o it_o but_o abraham_n here_o speak_v of_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a judgement_n which_o be_v immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o cry_a sin_n and_o the_o example_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a and_o such_o be_v this_o judgement_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v upon_o sodom_n and_o which_o abraham_n have_v relation_n to_o in_o this_o discourse_n of_o he_o in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o a_o difference_n shall_v be_v make_v between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o this_o be_v a_o judgement_n which_o god_n himself_o execute_v it_o be_v not_o a_o event_n of_o common_a providence_n which_o always_o follow_v the_o nature_n of_o its_o cause_n but_o a_o act_n of_o god_n as_o a_o judge_n now_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o a_o judge_n to_o make_v a_o discrimination_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a so_o as_o to_o punish_v the_o one_o and_o spare_v the_o other_o and_o this_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o all_o proper_a act_n of_o judgement_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o they_o but_o that_o one_o be_v a_o particular_a judgement_n and_o the_o other_o the_o general_n judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 2._o when_o god_n go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n in_o punish_v it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o in_o his_o common_a providence_n be_v because_o he_o will_v not_o break_v and_o interrupt_v the_o establish_a order_n of_o thing_n upon_o every_o little_a occasion_n but_o when_o he_o do_v go_v beside_o the_o common_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o punish_v the_o reason_n cease_v which_o hinder_v he_o before_o from_o make_v a_o difference_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a enough_o to_o expect_v that_o in_o the_o inflict_a of_o a_o miraculous_a judgement_n a_o miraculous_a difference_n shall_v be_v make_v without_o make_v this_o difference_n the_o end_n of_o these_o miraculous_a judgement_n will_v not_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v remarkable_o to_o punish_v the_o cry_a sin_n of_o man_n and_o by_o that_o example_n to_o deter_v other_o from_o the_o like_a sin_n but_o if_o these_o judgement_n shall_v fall_v
god_n may_v upon_o repentance_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o knowledge_n or_o power_n either_o defer_v or_o abate_v or_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n appear_v clear_o from_o that_o know_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o the_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v not_o false_a but_o when_o they_o have_v clear_a perception_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o err_v and_o mistake_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v be_v under_o a_o constant_a delusion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o this_o be_v our_o make_n and_o temper_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v then_o most_o of_o all_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o hence_o because_o veracity_n and_o truth_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o unless_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n we_o need_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o whatever_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a assent_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o and_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n therefore_o whoever_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v give_v we_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v who_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a and_o who_o word_n be_v true_a we_o ought_v upon_o this_o high_a and_o superior_a reason_n to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o dishonour_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o this_o essential_a property_n his_o veracity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believeh_n not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v we_o glorify_v this_o perfection_n of_o he_o and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o his_o veracity_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3.33_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v his_o testimony_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a three_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithful_a in_o perform_v his_o promise_n than_o here_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a we_o may_v hold_v fast_o our_o hope_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n isa_n 55.3_o we_o attribute_v much_o to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n as_o very_o good_a security_n but_o man_n may_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n shall_v prove_v liar_n man_n be_v fickle_a and_o murable_a but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v he_o can_v fail_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o when_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o may_v plead_v it_o with_o he_o and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o faithfulness_n so_o we_o find_v david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 7.25_o etc._n etc._n only_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n heb._n 4.1_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o that_o do_v release_v and_o discharge_v he_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v but_o upon_o condition_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o say_v before_o that_o if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v god_n will_v bestow_v the_o blessing_n promise_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o also_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o also_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o curse_n threaten_v will_n then_o take_v place_n and_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o and_o god_n be_v not_o unfaithful_a in_o do_v this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o assurance_n we_o may_v trust_v he_o with_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n with_o he_o psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v rely_v upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a improbability_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o do_v abraham_n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v also_o make_v we_o patient_a in_o hope_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o speedy_o accomplish_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v deject_v or_o disquiet_v david_n challenge_v himself_o upon_o this_o account_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n four_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a evil_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v because_o their_o sin_n deserve_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n employ_v in_o they_o upon_o which_o thou_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o the_o avoid_n or_o abate_v of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v but_o of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o threaten_n thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o bless_v thyself_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o thou_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o this_o very_a thing_n thou_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o spare_v thou_o and_o make_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o jealousy_n to_o smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o continue_v impenitent_a however_o he_o may_v defer_v the_o execution_n of_o temporal_a evil_n his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o such_o shall_v no_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n five_o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o imitation_n will_v you_o be_v like_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v divine_a perfection_n but_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o predominant_a quality_n of_o hell_n the_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n
be_v that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o john_n 8.44_o one_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o contradict_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o high_a sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a false_a and_o treacherous_a without_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o guilt_n because_o these_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n lie_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o heathen_a because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o than_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n and_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a reproach_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o imperfection_n and_o baseness_n he_o that_o tell_v a_o lie_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v at_o once_o bold_a towards_o god_n and_o base_a towards_o men._n upon_o these_o account_n god_n express_v himself_o high_o offend_v with_o those_o that_o practise_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o to_o have_v a_o detestation_n of_o they_o pro._n 12.22_o lie_v lip_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o render_v we_o unlike_a to_o he_o eph._n 4.24_o 25._o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o infer_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o col._n 3.9.10_o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o that_o be_v because_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n 1._o towards_o god_n in_o our_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o covenant_n in_o our_o oath_n when_o we_o swear_v in_o any_o matter_n we_o tell_v god_n that_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v truth_n and_o invoke_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o to_o falsify_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a affront_n that_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o in_o our_o vow_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o he_o that_o regard_v truth_n will_v neither_o be_v rash_a in_o make_v a_o vow_n nor_o careless_a to_o perform_v it_o eccles_n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n not_o to_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v vow_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o folly_n either_o of_o rashness_n in_o the_o make_n of_o it_o or_o of_o inconstancy_n in_o not_o keep_v it_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v strict_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o performance_n of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o solemn_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n nor_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o engagement_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n of_o our_o being_n but_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n solemn_o upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n strengthen_v the_o obligation_n and_o make_v our_o unfaithfulness_n the_o great_a sin_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v found_v in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v false_a to_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o but_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o thou_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o if_o thou_o break_v the_o covenant_n thou_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o neglegcte_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n thou_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n on_o his_o part_n 2._o towards_o man_n we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o our_o promise_n it_o become_v we_o who_o worship_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o use_v plainness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n to_o abhor_v falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o those_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o lie_v by_o equivocation_n of_o word_n and_o secret_a reservation_n of_o our_o mind_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v those_o that_o plead_v for_o these_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o complaint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n among_o man_n psal_n 12.1.2_o isa_n 59.13_o 14_o 15._o jer._n 7.2_o 8_o 9.2.4_o 5_o 6._o hos_fw-la 4.1_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n now_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a light_n which_o do_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a this_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v no_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o little_a power_n and_o influence_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o we_o than_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a regard_n have_v by_o christian_n to_o these_o moral_a duty_n which_o because_o moral_a however_o man_n may_v slight_v that_o word_n be_v therefore_o of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v all_o that_o man_n that_o can_v dispense_v with_o himself_o as_o to_o moral_a duty_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n or_o break_v his_o word_n what_o badge_n soever_o he_o may_v wear_v what_o title_n soever_o he_o may_v call_v himself_o by_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n sermon_n xiii_o vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n i._n 16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o inquire_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o fix_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o â—t_a for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o property_n more_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n than_o this_o of_o holiness_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o god_n attribute_n which_o divine_n have_v speak_v more_o spare_o of_o than_o this_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a to_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v applicable_a either_o to_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o thing_n thus_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o vestment_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n holiness_n oâ—_n person_n be_v twofold_a either_o relative_n and_o external_n which_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a relation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n such_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d priest_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o else_o habitual_a and_o inherent_a such_o be_v
be_v utter_o impossible_a now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o declare_v his_o name_n that_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v govern_v all_o our_o reason_n about_o god_n as_o concern_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n and_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v thing_n more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a by_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n holy_a man_n do_v constant_o appeal_v to_o these_o unquestionable_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a say_v abraham_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a we_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o god_n certain_o know_v who_o be_v wicked_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a and_o he_o know_v how_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o save_v the_o righteous_a but_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a thus_o moses_n satisfy_v himself_o and_o other_o concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 32.3_o 4._o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n this_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.2_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whatsoever_o excuse_v man_n may_v pretend_v for_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n second_o let_v we_o always_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o mere_a justice_n and_o severity_n but_o as_o all_o these_o together_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o may_v make_v they_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o the_o great_a mistake_n in_o religion_n be_v certain_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n from_o separate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v they_o single_o and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a notion_n of_o one_o as_o to_o exclude_v another_o whereas_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n agree_v together_o and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o contradict_v any_o other_o perfection_n among_o man_n indeed_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v usual_o shut_v out_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o power_n and_o moderation_n love_n and_o discretion_n do_v not_o often_o meet_v together_o that_o a_o great_a memory_n and_o a_o small_a judgement_n a_o good_a wit_n and_o a_o ill_a nature_n be_v many_o time_n find_v in_o conjunction_n but_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v eminent_o meet_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o one_o excellency_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o god_n sovereignty_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n have_v speak_v those_o hard_a thing_n about_o predestination_n for_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n set_v he_o above_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o pore_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o despair_n for_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a but_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o retreat_n for_o the_o return_a sinner_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v check_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n by_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o it_o be_v not_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n final_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o forgive_v obstinate_a offender_n but_o want_v of_o prudence_n and_o good_a government_n three_o among_o different_a opinion_n concern_v god_n as_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n choose_v those_o which_o be_v far_a from_o extremity_n because_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n usual_o lie_v between_o the_o extreme_n and_o here_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o that_o controversy_n which_o have_v much_o disquiet_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o which_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o god_n peremptory_o decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n the_o other_o that_o god_n decree_v nothing_o concern_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o man_n find_v under_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o power_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o now_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n must_v be_v that_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n have_v best_o take_v up_o in_o the_o middle_a opinion_n that_o god_n decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o particular_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o speak_v absolute_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n but_o yet_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o for_o beside_o that_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v this_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o moderate_a towards_o the_o dissenter_n on_o both_o side_n than_o either_o of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o middle_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o either_o extreme_a as_o the_o extreme_n be_v from_o one_o another_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o stand_v fair_a for_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o where_o the_o truth_n lie_v he_o may_v more_o silent_o pass_v over_o to_o it_o without_o any_o great_a imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o can_v but_o be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o who_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o four_o and_o last_o entertain_v no_o opinion_n concern_v god_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o subtle_a argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v it_o truth_n be_v most_o easy_o see_v and_o discern_v in_o those_o reason_n and_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o practice_n because_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o be_v soon_o discover_v whereas_o we_o can_v so_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o speculative_a man_n devise_v in_o their_o study_n without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o they_o serve_v any_o real_a purpose_n of_o life_n or_o not_o man_n indeed_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o form_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n and_o use_v because_o more_o pain_n and_o wit_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o plausible_a but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n despise_v they_o than_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n true_o better_a this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n but_o most_o considerable_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n because_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consideration_n we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o admit_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o a_o high_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n as_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o say_v it_o this_o general_a reason_n may_v persuade_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a reason_n but_o we_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o evident_o contradict_v and_o weaken_v the_o practice_n of_o
who_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o plain_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o distinction_n of_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la and_o therefore_o he_o wrest_v no_o prince_n kingdom_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nor_o seize_v it_o as_o forfeit_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o power_n the_o pope_n claim_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v exercise_v it_o many_o a_o time_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o exercise_v the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o because_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v warrant_v man_n to_o do_v the_o very_o worst_a thing_n for_o its_o sake_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a and_o to_o make_v two_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o religion_n good_a for_o nothing_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n any_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o religion_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o church_n that_o can_v err_v for_o every_o church_n do_v certain_o err_v that_o teach_v any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v â—f_o natural_a religion_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o natural_o know_v but_o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o religion_n prompt_v man_n to_o sedition_n and_o cruelty_n do_v represent_v god_n as_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n and_o not_o of_o order_n therefore_o whatever_o man_n may_v through_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n or_o for_o ambitious_a end_n pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n let_v we_o place_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o let_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n be_v love_n so_o st._n john_n speak_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o these_o very_a quality_n of_o charity_n and_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n which_o we_o peculiar_o call_v humanity_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divinity_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n do_v transform_v we_o into_o wild_a beast_n and_o devil_n and_o yet_o as_o severe_o as_o i_o speak_v against_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v a_o hearty_a pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n and_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v make_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v seduce_v from_o humanity_n itself_o and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n by_o these_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o leave_v to_o be_v man_n be_v blind_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o blind_a they_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n such_o as_o be_v plain_o enough_o condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n in_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v our_o fault_n and_o our_o folly_n too_o and_o those_o god_n know_v too_o many_o and_o too_o visible_a we_o possess_v more_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peace_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o god_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o great_a light_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wanton_a and_o to_o quarrel_n and_o fall_v out_o we_o be_v full_a of_o heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v not_o know_v god_n grant_v that_o at_o last_o in_o this_o our_o day_n when_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n you_o see_v in_o what_o thing_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n main_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o without_o this_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o happiness_n we_o can_v see_v god_n unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n can_v administer_v no_o pleasure_n no_o felicity_n to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o temper_n to_o hate_v sin_n and_o delight_n in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n we_o can_v have_v no_o delightful_a communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o our_o passion_n be_v subdue_v and_o our_o soul_n dispossess_v of_o those_o devilish_a and_o ungodlike_a quality_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o revenge_n and_o impatience_n and_o till_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a company_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o temper_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a god_n and_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o sin_n thou_o can_v not_o change_v god_n therefore_o change_v thyself_o and_o rather_o think_v of_o put_v off_o thy_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n condescend_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o will_v not_o put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a sermon_n iii_o vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n 1_o tim_n 1.11_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n since_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v all_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o what_o job_n say_v of_o wisdom_n may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o happiness_n god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o he_o only_o who_o be_v perfect_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ingredient_n of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o happiness_n the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o contemplate_v and_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o original_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o felicity_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n of_o bessedness_n or_o happiness_n to_o god_n the_o bless_a god_n and_o though_o this_o be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n as_o any_o other_o of_o that_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o i_o no_o where_o find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o attribute_n of_o happiness_n give_v to_o god_n but_o only_o twice_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n be_v frequent_o give_v both_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o in_o another_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a notion_n as_o mark_v 14.61_o where_o the_o highpriest_n ask_v our_o
off_o from_o perfect_a and_o complete_a happiness_n if_o the_o deity_n be_v subject_a to_o any_o change_n or_o impairment_n of_o his_o condition_n so_o that_o either_o his_o knowledge_n or_o power_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o any_o other_o perfection_n can_v any_o way_n decline_v or_o fall_v off_o there_o will_v be_v a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o happiness_n and_o from_o all_o these_o do_v result_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o last_o place_n infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o happiness_n 1._o infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o condition_n and_o well_o may_v happiness_n be_v content_v with_o itself_o that_o be_v with_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o can_v neither_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v better_o nor_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v worse_o 2._o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v something_o more_o than_o contentment_n for_o one_o may_v be_v content_v with_o a_o affliction_n and_o painful_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o be_v far_o from_o take_v any_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n no_o affliction_n be_v joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o grievous_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 12._o but_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a happiness_n without_o pleasure_n in_o our_o condition_n full_a pleasure_n be_v a_o certain_a mixture_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n hard_o to_o be_v express_v in_o word_n but_o certain_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v according_a to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v 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 this_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a work_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o particular_a citation_n of_o heathen_a author_n to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o deity_n beatissimam_fw-la &_o perfectissimam_fw-la naturam_fw-la the_o most_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o happy_a because_o felicity_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o perfection_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n out_o of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o they_o account_v happiness_n so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o take_v to_o find_v out_o what_o property_n be_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o what_o not_o to_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o happiness_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o whatever_o do_v signify_v happiness_n and_o be_v a_o perfection_n consistent_a with_o it_o they_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o a_o suitable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o whatever_o be_v otherwise_o they_o remove_v it_o from_o god_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2._o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o perfect_a felicity_n of_o it_o even_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o so_o bold_o attempt_v to_o strip_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o most_o of_o its_o perfection_n by_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n whereby_o he_o take_v away_o at_o once_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o his_o goodness_n likewise_o and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n or_o at_o least_o make_v all_o these_o useless_a by_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o man_n do_v frequent_o own_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o then_o out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o officious_a kindness_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o as_o he_o pretend_v for_o the_o security_n of_o his_o felicity_n do_v in_o effect_n take_v away_o his_o other_o perfection_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n put_v god_n to_o the_o trouble_v and_o burden_n of_o make_v the_o world_n or_o take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o lest_o this_o shall_v discompose_v the_o deity_n or_o be_v a_o interruption_n or_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n and_o felicity_n for_o thus_o lucretius_n the_o great_a disciple_n of_o epicurus_n describe_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la diuûm_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la natura_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la immortali_fw-la aevo_fw-la summâ_fw-la cum_fw-la pace_fw-la fruatur_fw-la semota_fw-la à _fw-la nostris_fw-la rebus_fw-la sejunctaque_fw-la longè_fw-la nam_fw-la privata_fw-la dolore_fw-la omni_fw-la privata_fw-la periclis_fw-la ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostrî_fw-la nec_fw-la benè_fw-la pro_fw-la meritis_fw-la capitur_fw-la nec_fw-la tangitur_fw-la irâ_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unconcern_v in_o our_o affair_n free_a from_o all_o grief_n and_o danger_n sufficient_a for_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o body_n neither_o please_v with_o our_o good_a action_n nor_o provoke_v by_o our_o fault_n this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a notion_n both_o of_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n to_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v to_o my_o present_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v universal_o own_v and_o that_o blessedness_n be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o whoever_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a as_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o text_n wherein_o this_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o happy_a or_o bless_a be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o by_o consequence_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n wherever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o these_o and_o of_o the_o infinite_a delight_n and_o complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o perfection_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n how_o far_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n because_o that_o result_v from_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o creature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a in_o a_o finite_a and_o limit_a degree_n by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o his_o favour_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v creature_n of_o a_o finite_a power_n and_o limit_v understanding_n and_o a_o mutable_a nature_n we_o do_v necessary_o want_v many_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n of_o a_o perfect_a happiness_n we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o be_v neither_o so_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o so_o by_o our_o own_o power_n for_o neither_o be_v we_o wise_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o direction_n nor_o good_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v by_o communication_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v by_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n these_o do_v immediate_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o we_o and_o his_o friendship_n and_o goodwill_n to_o
continual_o change_v and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o we_o be_v some_o of_o we_o be_v young_a and_o now_o be_v old_a once_o perhaps_o flourish_v in_o great_a prosperity_n but_o now_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a be_v once_o strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o now_o sickly_a and_o weak_a it_o shall_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o these_o change_n that_o god_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o support_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n fail_v we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n youth_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o friend_n may_v forsake_v we_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o be_v old_a nor_o forsake_v we_o when_o our_o strength_n fail_v when_o our_o strength_n fail_v and_o our_o heart_n fail_v then_o be_v he_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o our_o great_a change_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o comfort_n the_o lord_n live_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n immutability_n shall_v keep_v we_o fix_v and_o unmoved_a in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o accident_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o surprise_v at_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o constant_a to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v sermon_n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o will_v and_o manner_n and_o power_n of_o act_v knowledge_n consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o wisdom_n consider_v the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n only_o imply_v his_o bare_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o his_o wisdom_n imply_v the_o skill_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n these_o word_n signify_v god_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o himself_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n second_o show_v the_o perfection_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n three_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o first_o because_o unless_o this_o be_v establish_v all_o divine_a revelation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unless_o natural_a reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o inquire_v after_o divine_a revelation_n for_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n credible_a two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o revealer_n ability_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o unless_o our_o reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o first_o condition_n be_v evident_o want_v viz._n ability_n and_o consequent_o the_o second_o integrity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v goodness_n and_o veracity_n without_o knowledge_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o such_o argument_n as_o our_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o we_o i_o have_v former_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o deny_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v attribute_v many_o other_o imperfection_n to_o god_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o these_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o god_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o knowledge_n excel_v ignorance_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n now_o whatever_o be_v perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 2._o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n the_o creator_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o our_o very_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v in_o god_n if_o he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n if_o he_o communicate_v this_o perfection_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o himself_o be_v much_o more_o possess_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o use_v this_o argument_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o as_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n do_v suggest_v to_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o men._n psal_n 94.8_o 9_o 10._o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v 3._o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n nothing_o will_v more_o eclipse_v the_o divine_a nature_n than_o to_o take_v away_o this_o perfection_n from_o it_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o universal_a obscurity_n upon_o god_n other_o perfection_n this_o will_v be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o morning_n into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o remove_v this_o perfection_n from_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v how_o to_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n to_o fit_a or_o suit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o we_o weaken_v his_o power_n what_o a_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n will_v power_n be_v without_o knowledge_n what_o irregular_a thing_n
against_o a_o infinite_a god_n and_o thus_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v exalt_v without_o the_o diminution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o as_o his_o incarnation_n do_v qualify_v he_o for_o suffering_n so_o for_o compassion_n and_o fellow-suffering_a with_o we_o heb._n 2.17_o 18._o wherefore_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o merciful_a and_o faithful_a highpriest_n in_o thing_n pertain_v to_o god_n to_o make_v reconciliation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n for_o in_o that_o he_o himself_o have_v suffer_v be_v tempt_v he_o be_v able_a to_o succour_v they_o that_o be_v tempt_v 2._o his_o life_n be_v a_o mean_n admirable_o fit_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n i_o may_v go_v through_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o because_o i_o intend_v to_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o these_o head_n i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o part_n of_o his_o life_n which_o be_v spend_v in_o his_o public_a ministry_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a the_o doctrine_n that_o he_o preach_v be_v calculate_v for_o the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o holiness_n the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o advance_v righteousness_n and_o goodness_n and_o humility_n and_o patience_n and_o self-denial_n to_o make_v we_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a desire_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o contemn_v and_o renounce_v this_o present_a world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o proper_a engine_n to_o demolsh_a the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v contribute_v his_o life_n be_v the_o practice_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o clear_a comment_n upon_o it_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v no_o share_n of_o the_o possession_n of_o it_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n to_o his_o doctrine_n of_o self-denial_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o he_o may_v draw_v off_o our_o affection_n from_o the_o world_n and_o show_v we_o how_o little_a the_o thing_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v value_v will_v himself_o have_v no_o share_n in_o it_o mat._n 8.20_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n and_o the_o bird_n of_o the_o air_n have_v nest_n but_o the_o son_n of_o man_n have_v not_o where_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n the_o mean_a circumstance_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v very_o eminent_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o design_n for_o have_v he_o not_o be_v strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a accommodation_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o free_a from_o suspicion_n of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o design_n nay_o he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o considerable_a he_o be_v real_o great_a for_o his_o meanness_n the_o very_a heathen_n do_v account_v this_o true_a greatness_n as_o we_o find_v in_o aristotle_n not_o to_o admire_v the_o pleasure_n and_o greatness_n and_o pomp_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o meanness_n may_v be_v no_o disadvantage_n to_o he_o those_o evidence_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o divinity_n in_o the_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o he_o do_v render_v he_o considerable_a and_o gain_v more_o reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o doctrine_n than_o his_o meanness_n can_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o it_o beside_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o conversation_n be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n to_o he_o he_o be_v of_o a_o very_a sweet_a and_o conversable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o do_v gain_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o be_v acceptable_a to_o they_o and_o thus_o he_o do_v apply_v himself_o to_o they_o in_o the_o most_o humane_a way_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n the_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v do_v confirm_v his_o doctrine_n beyond_o all_o exception_n as_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o set_v the_o seal_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o because_o many_o be_v blind_v with_o prejudice_n and_o though_o they_o do_v see_v yet_o will_v not_o see_v christ_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_v the_o business_n of_o his_o miracle_n as_o to_o make_v they_o humane_a way_n of_o win_v upon_o they_o for_o they_o be_v general_o such_o as_o be_v beneficial_a he_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o malady_n by_o this_o miraculous_a power_n and_o so_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v miracle_n but_o to_o make_v way_n for_o entertainment_n of_o it_o as_o they_o be_v benefit_n this_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o they_o that_o he_o intend_v they_o good_a because_o he_o do_v they_o good_a they_o will_v easy_o believe_v that_o he_o who_o heal_v their_o body_n will_v not_o harm_v their_o soul_n this_o for_o his_o life_n iii_o his_o death_n which_o be_v the_o low_a step_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o his_o suffering_n now_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v eminent_o contribute_v to_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v not_o only_o expiate_v the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n and_o pacify_v conscience_n by_o make_v plenary_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n but_o do_v eminent_o contribute_v to_o the_o kill_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o rom._n 6.6_o know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n rom._n 8.3_o god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o for_o sin_n that_o be_v by_o be_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_v sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n convince_v sin_n to_o be_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o do_v condemn_v it_o because_o the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n do_v so_o severe_o punish_v it_o in_o his_o own_o son_n when_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o we_o to_o crucify_v sin_n that_o it_o crucify_v our_o saviour_n that_o so_o innocent_a and_o holy_a a_o person_n shall_v suffer_v so_o cruel_a and_o ignominious_a a_o death_n for_o our_o sin_n shall_v set_v we_o for_o ever_o against_o it_o and_o make_v we_o hate_v it_o with_o a_o perfect_a hatred_n the_o circumstance_n of_o christ_n suffering_n be_v with_o admirable_a wisdom_n fit_v for_o the_o conquer_a of_o sin_n and_o satan_n sin_n come_v by_o the_o woman_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n suffer_v for_o sin_n and_o by_o suffering_n conquer_v it_o sin_n begin_v in_o the_o garden_n and_o there_o our_o saviour_n begin_v his_o suffering_n for_o sin_n sin_n come_v by_o the_o tree_n and_o christ_n bear_v the_o curse_n of_o it_o in_o hang_v upon_o the_o tree_n and_o crucify_v it_o by_o his_o cross_n and_o as_o he_o conquer_v sin_n so_o he_o overcome_v satan_n by_o his_o own_o arts._n the_o devil_n find_v christ_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o judge_v he_o mortal_a and_o his_o great_a design_n be_v to_o procure_v his_o death_n and_o get_v he_o into_o his_o grave_n christ_n permit_v he_o to_o bring_v about_o his_o design_n he_o let_v he_o enter_v into_o judas_n he_o let_v the_o jew_n crucify_v and_o put_v he_o into_o his_o grave_n and_o roll_v a_o great_a stone_n upon_o it_o but_o here_o his_o divine_a wisdom_n appear_v in_o ruine_v the_o devil_n by_o his_o own_o design_n and_o snare_a he_o in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n heb._n 2.14_o by_o death_n he_o destroy_v he_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n i_o know_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n be_v by_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o world_n make_v the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o dispensation_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n and_o yet_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o have_v determine_v otherwise_o in_o general_n though_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n plato_n in_o the_o second_o book_n of_o his_o commonwealth_n say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n and_o man_n he_o must_v be_v strip_v of_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n he_o must_v be_v poor_a and_o disgrace_v and_o be_v account_v a_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n he_o must_v be_v whip_v and_o torment_v and_o crucify_v as_o a_o malefactor_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o prophetical_a description_n of_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o arrian_n in_o his_o epict._n describe_v a_o man_n fit_a to_o reform_v the_o world_n who_o he_o call_v the_o apostle_n the_o messenger_n the_o preacher_n and_o
perform_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n will_v suspend_v the_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o will_v not_o drive_v out_o any_o more_o of_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o israelite_n never_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o promise_a land_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n ans_fw-fr this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a faith_n and_o obedience_n though_o it_o seem_v the_o full_a performance_n of_o it_o do_v likewise_o depend_v upon_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o murmering_n and_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n god_n do_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n though_o they_o provoke_v he_o to_o destroy_v they_o many_o a_o time_n because_o he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o god_n give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o will_v have_v assist_v they_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o their_o part_n that_o be_v continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o but_o they_o do_v not_o and_o thereby_o discharge_v god_n from_o any_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o god_n when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o have_v full_o perform_v the_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o part_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o joshua_n even_o in_o a_o time_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v unconquered_a josh_n 21.44_o and_o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o yea_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o covenant_n as_o well_o upon_o consideration_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o upon_o condition_n of_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n the_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n have_v release_v god_n whole_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o have_v not_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o he_o have_v destroy_v utter_o that_o people_n and_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v never_o enter_v into_o that_o land_n because_o a_o failure_n of_o the_o condition_n do_v make_v the_o obligation_n to_o cease_v and_o that_o this_o condition_n be_v imply_v in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n appear_v by_o these_o text_n deut._n 7.12_o 13.11.22.23.42_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o suspend_v the_o complete_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v because_o that_o this_o people_n have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o i_o command_v their_o father_n and_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n i_o also_o will_v not_o henceforth_o drive_v out_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n which_o joshua_n leave_v when_o he_o die_v three_o objection_n god_n be_v not_o punctual_a in_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o when_o he_o threaten_v adam_n gen._n 2.17_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o accomplish_v for_o he_o live_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o god_n threaten_v ahab_n to_o bring_v evil_a upon_o he_o and_o his_o family_n 1_o king_n 21.21_o but_o upon_o his_o humiliation_n he_o be_v please_v to_o respite_v it_o v_o 29._o so_o god_n threaten_v hezekiah_n with_o death_n but_o upon_o his_o prayer_n add_v fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n 2_o king_n 20._o thus_o nineveh_n be_v threaten_v but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jon._n 3.10_o now_o how_o be_v this_o defer_v and_o turn_v away_o of_o judgement_n consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v not_o this_o seem_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o falsehood_n or_o levity_n ans_fw-fr this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o falsehood_n and_o levity_n be_v very_o far_o from_o god_n and_o though_o he_o can_v not_o untie_v some_o particular_a knot_n and_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o assurance_n i_o confess_v this_o objection_n be_v troublesome_a and_o require_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n i_o will_v not_o be_v peremptory_a in_o nice_a matter_n but_o i_o shall_v with_o submission_n offer_v these_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o false_a hood_n or_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o either_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v what_o he_o say_v or_o out_o of_o levity_n do_v alter_v his_o mind_n when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o they_o and_o this_o do_v not_o derogate_a either_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o sincerity_n or_o constancy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n not_o from_o his_o truth_n for_o he_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v real_o if_o something_o do_v nor_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o stop_v his_o judgement_n nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o his_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o threaten_n have_v such_o condition_n imply_v in_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n because_o god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o have_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o instance_n that_o i_o may_v give_v more_o particular_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n with_o this_o double_a respect_n either_o with_o relation_n to_o law_n or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n with_o relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o something_o to_o come_v 1._o some_o threaten_n have_v only_a relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o consider_v they_o differ_v from_o promise_n for_o promise_n confer_v a_o right_n omne_fw-la promissum_fw-la cadit_fw-la in_o debitum_fw-la but_o a_o threaten_a do_v not_o convey_v any_o right_n nor_o if_o forbear_v can_v the_o party_n complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o can_v only_o signify_v what_o the_o offence_n against_o the_o law_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o offender_n may_v expect_v for_o the_o end_n of_o threaten_v be_v not_o punishment_n but_o the_o avoid_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o instance_n god_n give_v adam_n a_o law_n and_o by_o way_n of_o sanction_n not_o of_o prediction_n of_o a_o event_n he_o threaten_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o with_o death_n now_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v the_o punishment_n threaten_v at_o the_o time_n threaten_v but_o defer_v it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o truth_n because_o this_o threaten_n be_v only_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v threaten_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n and_o as_o prediction_n and_o as_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o necessity_n because_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n seem_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o if_o his_o word_n be_v not_o fulfil_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o foresee_v event_n or_o power_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v or_o constancy_n to_o his_o word_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v threaten_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o future_a judgement_n i_o think_v all_o the_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o all_o prophetical_a threaten_n or_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o tacit_n condition_n if_o there_o do_v not_o intervene_v the_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o if_o so_o
the_o holiness_n of_o good_a men._n and_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o be_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o this_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o primary_n notion_n of_o iâ—_n be_v negative_a and_o signify_v the_o absence_n and_o remotion_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o appear_v iâ—_n those_o explication_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o opposition_n to_o sin_n and_o impurity_n 2_o cor_fw-la 7.1_o let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o aâ—â—_n filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n where_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o filthiness_n sometime_o by_o the_o negation_n of_o sin_n and_o defilement_n so_o we_o find_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_v put_v together_o eph._n 1.4_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a heb._n 7.26_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o negative_a notion_n do_v imply_v something_o that_o be_v positive_a it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n but_o a_o contrariety_n to_o it_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o grace_n as_o take_v away_o crookedness_n from_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o immediate_o become_v straight_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a every_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o be_v supplant_v by_o the_o contrary_a grace_n now_o this_o habitual_a holiness_n of_o person_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o holiness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o it_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v separate_v and_o remove_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o malice_n or_o envy_n or_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n or_o impatience_n or_o cruelty_n or_o tyranny_n or_o injustice_n or_o falsehood_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o god_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o thing_n that_o signify_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o moral_a imperfection_n holiness_n signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o all_o these_o and_o possess_v of_o the_o contrary_a perfection_n therefore_o all_o those_o text_n that_o remove_v moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n and_o declare_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n jam._n 1.13_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n job_n 34.10_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o be_v there_o then_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v zeph._n 3.5_o the_o just_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o he_o will_v not_o do_v iniquity_n and_o so_o falsehood_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o inconstancy_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o holiness_n be_v join_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o put_v for_o they_o hos_fw-la 11.9_o i_o be_o the_o holy_a one_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a one_o psal_n 145.17_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n rom._n 7.12_o the_o commandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a psal_n 105.42_o he_o remember_v his_o holy_a promise_n holy_a that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o it_o isa_n 55.3_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a mercy_n of_o david_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v so_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o a_o universal_a perfection_n and_o run_v through_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n take_v away_o this_o and_o you_o bring_v a_o universal_a stain_n and_o blemish_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o holiness_n power_n will_v be_v oppression_n and_o wisdom_n subtilty_n and_o sovereignty_n tyranny_n and_o goodness_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o justice_n cruelty_n and_o mercy_n foolish_a pity_n and_o truth_n falsehood_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o god_n high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n ex._n 15.11_o holiness_n be_v call_v god_n throne_n psal_n 47.8_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v heaven_n isa_n 63.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o pro._n 9.10_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n holiness_n be_v equivalent_a expression_n 2_o pet._n 3.4_o heb._n 12.10_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n of_o god_n great_a therefore_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o swear_v by_o this_o psal_n 60.6_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n psal_n 89.35_o once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n the_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n they_o sum_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o this_o isa_n 6.3_o and_o one_o cry_v unto_o another_o and_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n rev._n 4.8_o and_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o attribute_n of_o god_n so_o often_o repeat_v as_o this_o in_o some_o copy_n it_o be_v nine_o time_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o philosopher_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o whatever_o sound_v like_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o holiness_n plato_n speak_v of_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 4.9_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n call_v god_n by_o this_o title_n i_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v in_o thou_o in_o a_o word_n whatever_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v any_o of_o god_n moral_a perfection_n prove_v his_o holiness_n second_o from_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o title_n more_o frequent_o give_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o so_o often_o ingeminated_a as_o this_o of_o his_o holiness_n he_o be_v call_v holiness_n itself_o isa_n 63.15_o where_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v of_o god_n his_o name_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a luke_n 1.49_o and_o holy_a be_v his_o name_n he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o isa_n 40.25_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa_n 41.20_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob._n 49.23_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o promise_v psal_n 105.42_o in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o work_n psal_n 145.17_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o each_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n to_o god_n the_o father_n in_o innumerable_a place_n to_o god_n the_o son_n dan._n 9.24_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy_a the_o devil_n can_v deny_v he_o this_o title_n luke_n 4.34_o i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v this_o title_n constant_o give_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o god_n 1_o sam._n 2.2_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n rev._n 15.4_o for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a holiness_n be_v a_o communicable_a perfection_n but_o no_o creature_n can_v