pardon_v mercy_n reach_v so_o far_o that_o he_o have_v even_o have_v mercy_n upon_o frequent_a and_o long_a rejecter_n pull_v they_o as_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n who_o soul_n do_v cleave_v to_o their_o abomination_n and_o he_o continue_v many_o such_o sinner_n in_o life_n without_o kindle_v hell_n in_o their_o conscience_n with_o design_n to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n upon_o they_o wherein_o consideration_n may_v be_v have_v of_o the_o kindness_n he_o have_v to_o their_o ancestor_n or_o of_o their_o extraordinary_a temptation_n or_o simple_o by_o his_o absolute_o free_a and_o unbounded_a grace_n but_o these_o firebrand_n be_v but_o some_o and_o few_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o encourage_v sinner_n to_o cleave_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o reject_v the_o offer_n of_o mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n we_o have_v one_o clear_a example_n of_o pardon_n to_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n at_o the_o point_n of_o death_n that_o none_o may_v despair_v and_o but_o one_o that_o none_o may_v presume_v god_n long-suffering_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n of_o sinner_n be_v act_n of_o his_o mercy_n whereby_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v delay_v which_o be_v never_o in_o vain_a for_o either_o forgive_a mercy_n do_v at_o last_o take_v place_n or_o at_o least_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v manifest_v upon_o obstinate_a inexcusable_a and_o self-condemned_n sinner_n not_o that_o he_o delight_v or_o design_n to_o make_v they_o such_o but_o to_o manifest_v the_o superabundance_n of_o his_o grace_n in_o give_v they_o a_o sincere_a and_o true_a offer_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o not_o by_o cause_v they_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o by_o not_o cause_v they_o to_o entertain_v it_o when_o his_o glory_n do_v not_o require_v it_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o most_o eminent_a and_o most_o amiable_a moral_a perfection_n his_o other_o goodness_n do_v either_o presuppose_v something_o in_o the_o object_n not_o as_o a_o merit_n but_o as_o a_o mean_n his_o faithfulness_n suppose_v the_o faith_n of_o his_o creature_n trust_v or_o hope_v for_o that_o good_a which_o he_o have_v not_o promise_v nor_o show_v that_o he_o have_v purpose_v it_o his_o goodness_n in_o creation_n suppose_v nothing_o in_o the_o object_n for_o it_o yet_o nothing_o against_o it_o but_o his_o forgive_a mercy_n and_o reconciliation_n presuppose_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v extreme_o opposite_a sometime_o the_o most_o irrational_a injury_n and_o enmity_n actual_o in_o some_o and_o habitual_o in_o all_o by_o natural_a or_o acquire_v inclination_n mercy_n be_v the_o most_o amiable_a divine_a perfection_n that_o provoke_v the_o most_o fervent_a love_n to_o god_n as_o christ_n say_v to_o the_o woman_n who_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n her_o sin_n which_o be_v many_o be_v forgive_v for_o she_o love_v much_o but_o to_o who_o little_a be_v forgive_v the_o same_o love_n little_a there_o be_v more_o of_o mercy_n express_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o scripture_n than_o of_o all_o the_o other_o divine_a perfection_n the_o main_a scope_n thereof_o be_v to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n which_o he_o foresee_v lapse_v in_o a_o miserable_a condition_n and_o of_o his_o inconceivable_a mercy_n he_o design_v the_o way_n of_o their_o escape_n from_o misery_n and_o their_o become_a heir_n of_o glory_n through_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o son_n christ_n jesus_n whereby_o he_o may_v give_v mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n without_o encroach_a upon_o his_o justice_n and_o so_o make_v both_o mercy_n and_o justice_n to_o meet_v together_o and_o attain_v both_o their_o effect_n when_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o his_o belove_a moses_n and_o proclaim_v his_o name_n before_o he_o by_o which_o he_o will_v be_v design_v as_o his_o most_o proper_a character_n he_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n keep_v mercy_n for_o thousand_o forgive_a iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o that_o will_v in_o no_o way_n clear_v the_o gulilty_a mercy_n be_v the_o lead_n and_o inculcate_v attribute_n thrice_o repeat_v justice_n be_v last_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o say_v to_o be_v merciful_a but_o mercy_n in_o abstracto_fw-la and_o his_o mercy_n be_v plenteous_a he_o be_v full_a of_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v multiply_v mercy_n belong_v to_o he_o he_o desire_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n his_o mercy_n be_v tender_a he_o be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a it_o be_v his_o saint_n joy_v who_o sing_v of_o his_o mercy_n meditation_n xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n faithfulness_n be_v that_o perfection_n whereof_o faith_n or_o trust_n do_v immediate_o lie_v hold_v and_o rest_n the_o term_n be_v diverse_o take_v there_o be_v not_o another_o proper_a word_n but_o it_o to_o signify_v both_o the_o be_v worthy_a of_o trust_n and_o faith_n and_o the_o have_a faith_n but_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o import_v not_o the_o subject_a but_o the_o fit_v object_n of_o the_o faith_n which_o do_v import_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o be_v believe_v or_o hope_v for_o suitable_o to_o the_o giver_n and_o receiver_n free_o without_o right_a to_o claim_v it_o wherever_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o claim_v there_o be_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o the_o performance_n be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n not_o of_o benignity_n or_o mere_a decency_n the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o man_n be_v of_o three_o sort_n justice_n benignity_n and_o decency_n justice_n imply_v a_o obligement_n or_o tie_v to_o perform_v and_o a_o right_n or_o power_n to_o claim_v and_o exact_v benignity_n be_v a_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a to_o another_o free_o without_o necessity_n or_o obligement_n to_o do_v it_o or_o right_o to_o claim_v it_o which_o sometime_o respect_v its_o object_n under_o no_o other_o consideration_n than_o that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o that_o good_a and_o this_o be_v special_o call_v goodness_n such_o be_v god_n goodness_n in_o creation_n preservation_n and_o give_v those_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o believe_v or_o expect_v such_o as_o act_n of_o mere_a liberality_n but_o other_o act_n of_o benignity_n be_v upon_o special_a consideration_n beside_o the_o capacity_n to_o receive_v as_o mercy_n to_o the_o miserable_a though_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v or_o expect_v it_o but_o faithfulness_n consider_v the_o object_n as_o trust_v or_o hope_v not_o simple_o for_o one_o may_v trust_v or_o hope_n for_o that_o that_o be_v not_o suitable_a for_o he_o to_o receive_v or_o for_o the_o person_n trust_v to_o give_v and_o so_o it_o be_v a_o unwarrantable_a expectation_n and_o not_o faith_n but_o presumption_n such_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n to_o christ_n that_o the_o one_o may_v sit_v on_o his_o right-hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o his_o lefthand_n in_o his_o kingdom_n and_o such_o be_v common_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o hypocrite_n who_o trust_v to_o obtain_v happiness_n without_o holiness_n but_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o wellgrounded_n faith_n hope_v or_o trust_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v become_v the_o person_n trust_v to_o give_v and_o the_o truster_n to_o receive_v and_o that_o upon_o consideration_n that_o trust_v for_o though_o the_o good_a do_v be_v both_o suitable_a to_o the_o giver_n and_o receiver_n yet_o be_v not_o give_v to_o the_o receiver_n as_o trust_v and_o hope_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n but_o not_o a_o act_n of_o faithfulness_n the_o three_o sort_n of_o moral_a perfection_n be_v decency_n which_o respect_v the_o actor_n only_o and_o not_o any_o other_o and_o be_v do_v alone_o because_o it_o be_v suitable_a and_o become_v that_o person_n so_o to_o behave_v every_o virtue_n or_o moral_a perfection_n consist_v in_o a_o congruity_n to_o the_o actor_n and_o so_o be_v decency_n whether_o the_o act_n be_v terminate_v on_o the_o actor_n or_o on_o another_o but_o there_o be_v no_o special_a name_n to_o signify_v that_o decency_n that_o terminate_v on_o the_o actor_n but_o it_o retain_v the_o common_a name_n and_o so_o be_v decency_n strict_o take_v as_o man_n bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n show_v that_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o give_v man_n be_v original_o and_o eminent_o in_o god_n he_o be_v just_a and_o acknowledge_v himself_o debtor_n so_o to_o be_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n whence_o there_o be_v a_o right_a to_o claim_v they_o though_o there_o be_v no_o power_n to_o exact_v they_o he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a in_o some_o kind_n to_o all_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o
and_o reason_n no_o man_n can_v know_v there_o be_v any_o real_a thing_n existent_a beside_o himself_o nor_o what_o or_o whence_o himself_o be_v atheist_n be_v come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n as_o to_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o world_n who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a and_o evident_a and_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o see_v it_o not_o evident_a in_o which_o they_o be_v evident_o the_o gross_a ignorant_n as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o imprudent_a fool_n ignorant_a they_o be_v because_o they_o find_v all_o their_o interest_n upon_o a_o inconsistent_a lie_n suppose_v certainty_n of_o knowledge_n from_o themselves_o when_o yet_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o deceive_v yea_o suppose_v themselves_o undeceiveable_a whereas_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v to_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n without_o suppose_v a_o deity_n abound_v in_o truth_n and_o which_o can_v lie_v or_o deceive_v how_o can_v any_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o outward_a impression_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o same_o impression_n may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n or_o brain_n not_o from_o a_o extrinsic_a but_o from_o a_o intrinsic_a cause_n those_o who_o eye_n be_v vitiate_a with_o any_o unnatural_a tincture_n think_v they_o see_v all_o object_n paint_v with_o certain_a colour_n but_o false_o yea_o the_o hypochondriack_n think_v they_o see_v not_o only_o false_a colour_n but_o even_o body_n and_o shape_v without_o any_o extrinsic_a impression_n what_o strange_a sound_n do_v the_o disorder_a ear_n represent_v taste_v and_o smell_n may_v not_o only_o be_v deprave_v but_o deprive_v how_o then_o can_v certainty_n be_v infer_v from_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v not_o presuppose_v that_o the_o author_n of_o sense_n be_v true_a and_o will_v not_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o have_v give_v his_o reasonable_a creature_n understanding_n distinct_a from_o sense_n which_o can_v reflect_v upon_o its_o own_o apprehension_n and_o perceive_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o organ_n and_o medium_fw-la of_o sense_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o other_o sense_n and_o the_o natural_a self-evident_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o thereby_o rest_v in_o perfect_a assurance_n which_o must_v explicit_o or_o implicit_o rest_v upon_o this_o ground_n that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o these_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o can_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o the_o creature_n may_v secure_o rest_v in_o the_o concurrence_n of_o they_o this_o be_v yet_o more_o evident_a in_o the_o inbred_a first_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n contemplative_a or_o practical_a how_o can_v any_o certain_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v true_a if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n that_o give_v they_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o man_n through_o the_o world_n can_v not_o suffice_v for_o that_o testimony_n be_v know_v by_o sense_n by_o word_n or_o write_n yea_o though_o one_o man_n can_v travel_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o speak_v with_o all_o the_o person_n in_o it_o that_o be_v yet_o by_o sense_n which_o need_v those_o inbred_a principle_n of_o reason_n to_o secure_v it_o against_o error_n there_o can_v no_o more_o be_v firm_o conclude_v than_o that_o these_o notion_n be_v common_a among_o people_n that_o keep_v no_o intercouse_n they_o can_v be_v from_o man_n but_o from_o a_o superior_a cause_n which_o yet_o will_v not_o conclude_v if_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o infallible_a which_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v nor_o deceive_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v a_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o must_v be_v no_o less_o necessary_a for_o the_o certainty_n of_o reveal_v knowledge_n for_o if_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o deceive_v how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o illusion_n of_o devil_n or_o man_n not_o from_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v from_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o can_v not_o conclude_v without_o his_o veracity_n not_o from_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o great_a apostle_n and_o most_o glorious_a angel_n for_o paul_n say_v if_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v another_o gospel_n to_o you_o let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o necessary_o imply_v that_o if_o a_o contrary_a doctrine_n be_v preach_v from_o god_n it_o behove_v to_o overturn_v his_o veracity_n for_o otherwise_o the_o posterior_n testimony_n of_o paul_n or_o of_o a_o angel_n will_v be_v derogatory_n and_o preferable_a to_o the_o prior_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o know_v that_o god_n be_v holy_a benign_a just_a merciful_a faithful_a wise_a and_o sovereign_a if_o he_o be_v not_o absolute_o true_a for_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o these_o can_v not_o be_v believe_v because_o god_n say_v it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o unchangeable_o true_a nor_o can_v any_o part_n of_o his_o holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n be_v believe_v without_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v true_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o deity_n than_o truth_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n must_v be_v believe_v because_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v declare_v they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n i_o be_o not_o move_v with_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o apostle_n assertion_n that_o god_n alter_v the_o constitution_n and_o order_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o why_o may_v be_v not_o then_o without_o encroach_a upon_o his_o veracity_n alter_v the_o christian_a church_n the_o reason_n be_v clear_a because_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v a_o chief_a part_n that_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o which_o salvation_n can_v come_v but_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o there_o be_v never_o another_o way_n to_o be_v accept_v or_o expect_v though_o by_o the_o annunciation_n of_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v never_o say_v of_o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v so_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n than_o to_o imagine_v a_o lie_a or_o deceive_v god_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o powerful_o and_o peremptory_o assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n who_o be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o christ_n call_v himself_o the_o truth_n in_o abstracto_fw-la in_o the_o character_n and_o description_n god_n give_v of_o himself_o to_o moses_n he_o declare_v himself_o merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o he_o be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n his_o mercy_n be_v everlasting_a and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n seldom_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n mention_v but_o with_o his_o mercy_n for_o mercy_n can_v be_v of_o no_o moment_n if_o god_n truth_n be_v not_o absolute_o sure_a by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v say_v solomon_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n preserve_v the_o king_n god_n word_n be_v frequent_o call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o signal_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o declare_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v truth_n do_v import_v 1._o the_o conformity_n between_o the_o sign_n institute_v to_o express_v thought_n and_o the_o thought_n whether_o these_o sign_n be_v by_o word_n or_o writ_n or_o by_o other_o sign_n as_o beckon_v with_o the_o hand_n or_o the_o head_n or_o the_o raise_n a_o pleasant_a aspect_n in_o the_o countenance_n to_o signify_v assent_n approbation_n or_o acceptance_n which_o be_v more_o proper_o call_v sincerity_n and_o truth_n by_o such_o sign_n be_v call_v veracity_n truth_n do_v also_o extend_v to_o the_o conformity_n between_o the_o thought_n and_o the_o object_n thereof_o and_o so_o truth_n be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o the_o conformity_n of_o word_n speak_v or_o write_v or_o other_o sign_n unto_o thing_n signify_v though_o not_o conform_v to_o the_o thought_n or_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o express_v they_o so_o there_o may_v be_v veracity_n without_o verity_n when_o word_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o not_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v yet_o both_o may_v concur_v with_o design_n to_o seduce_v or_o lead_v into_o error_n or_o evil_a practice_n when_o the_o premise_n be_v express_v and_o the_o conclusion_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o hearer_n who_o principle_n or_o opinion_n be_v know_v that_o thence_o they_o will_v infer_v a_o wrong_n and_o inconsequent_a conclusion_n which_o when_o do_v with_o design_n to_o seduce_v be_v no_o less_o deceit_n than_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n illustrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o they_o by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n methodical_o digest_v into_o several_a meditation_n by_o a_o person_n of_o honour_n london_n print_v by_o j._n d._n for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n in_o cornhill_n m_o dc_o xc_o v._o the_o preface_n the_o essential_a and_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o which_o the_o deity_n be_v possess_v for_o ever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o supreme_a reverence_n and_o adoration_n love_n and_o joy_n affiance_n and_o trust._n the_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o finite_a faculty_n but_o their_o discovery_n be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v of_o gradual_a accomplishment_n according_a to_o our_o conception_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o order_n to_o our_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o imitable_a excellency_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n like_o the_o early_a morning_n when_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o night_n be_v mix_v with_o the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n afford_v some_o glimmer_a notice_n and_o scatter_a glance_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n like_o the_o ascend_a light_n of_o the_o sun_n that_o dispel_v the_o mist_n in_o the_o air_n give_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o extensive_a discovery_n the_o light_n of_o glory_n like_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o full_a lustre_n reveal_v they_o in_o the_o most_o resplendent_a manner_n in_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o variety_n and_o union_n of_o its_o part_n in_o their_o order_n and_o efficacy_n the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a maker_n appear_v or_o rather_o shine_v his_o attribute_n and_o excellency_n be_v visible_o sign_v and_o engrave_v on_o his_o work_n but_o since_o the_o revolt_n and_o ruin_n of_o man_n the_o understanding_n be_v strange_o darken_v and_o disorder_v in_o its_o operation_n of_o this_o there_o be_v sad_a evidence_n in_o the_o numberless_a error_n that_o swarm_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v god_n the_o heathen_a notion_n of_o he_o be_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o deformity_n as_o infinite_o blaspheme_v his_o nature_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v one_o fundamental_a error_n to_o the_o enlighten_v mind_n the_o divine_a perfection_n carry_v their_o evidence_n in_o a_o circle_n one_o attribute_n illustrate_v and_o strong_o infer_v another_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o conceive_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o fancy_v every_o attribute_n to_o be_v a_o singular_a deity_n these_o portentous_a mistake_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o visibility_n in_o the_o object_n but_o of_o sight_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n so_o weaken_v and_o vitiate_a in_o our_o lapse_v state_n it_o please_v therefore_o the_o father_n of_o light_n in_o his_o admirable_a mercy_n to_o afford_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n the_o same_o heavenly_a inspiration_n from_o whence_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n proceed_v be_v requisite_a to_o renew_v the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o it_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o this_o revelation_n wherein_o be_v such_o character_n of_o the_o deity_n that_o none_o but_o a_o perverse_a mind_n can_v suspect_v it_o not_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o that_o glass_n his_o most_o divine_a perfection_n be_v reveal_v wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n justice_n that_o be_v principal_o exercise_v in_o the_o moral_a government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o external_a revelation_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o compassionate_a counsel_n in_o the_o gospel_n when_o productive_a of_o a_o inward_a revelation_n to_o the_o mind_n so_o powerful_a as_o to_o regulate_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v of_o save_a efficacy_n the_o wise_a man_n with_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o miraculous_a star_n have_v internal_a illumination_n that_o discover_v the_o incarnate_a son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n to_o they_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o below_o the_o light_n of_o glory_n as_o it_o be_v above_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n be_v temper_v to_o our_o frail_a faculty_n if_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n be_v display_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o astonishment_n but_o in_o the_o future_a state_n where_o the_o natural_a body_n shall_v be_v spiritualise_v we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v in_o heaven_n god_n shine_v by_o direct_a beam_n the_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a vision_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o consummation_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n for_o ever_o we_o begin_v our_o heaven_n here_o by_o the_o attentive_a and_o transform_a contemplation_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o noble_a author_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n have_v oblige_v the_o wise_a and_o inquire_a christian_n by_o communicate_v his_o treasure_n the_o clearness_n and_o vigour_n of_o his_o spirit_n be_v illustrious_o visible_a in_o manage_v a_o subject_a so_o deep_a and_o difficult_a and_o as_o in_o the_o bless_a god_n there_o be_v a_o union_n of_o all_o glorious_a and_o amiable_a excellency_n as_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o attractive_a of_o our_o will_n so_o in_o our_o author_n unfolding_n they_o there_o be_v join_v with_o the_o strength_n of_o argument_n that_o beauty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o may_v enlighten_v and_o engage_v all_o under_o stand_a reader_n to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o entire_a choice_n of_o god_n for_o their_o everlasting_a portion_n we_o have_v here_o a_o imitable_a and_o instructive_a example_n to_o great_a man_n the_o dignity_n of_o who_o station_n in_o the_o world_n too_o common_o seem_v to_o plead_v a_o exemption_n from_o a_o more_o sedulous_a intention_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n to_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v final_a reference_n to_o another_o world_n this_o performance_n of_o the_o noble_a author_n show_v it_o to_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o impracticable_a as_o it_o be_v most_o praiseworthy_a amid_o the_o great_a secular_a employment_n to_o find_v vacancy_n and_o a_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n to_o look_v with_o a_o very_a inquisitive_a eye_n into_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n which_o if_o it_o be_v the_o author_n pleasure_n to_o be_v know_v will_v let_v it_o be_v see_v the_o statesman_n and_o the_o divine_a be_v not_o inconsistency_n to_o a_o great_a and_o comprebensive_a mind_n so_o as_o to_o consider_v they_o with_o distinction_n and_o without_o confound_v they_o or_o make_v the_o two_o sphere_n intersect_v one_o another_o so_o as_o that_o in_o so_o large_a a_o theological_a work_n here_o be_v no_o mixture_n of_o political_a matter_n except_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o be_v contiguous_a and_o be_v it_o not_o so_o or_o if_o this_o work_v concern_v policy_n and_o government_n by_o man_n it_o be_v without_o our_o compass_n to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n which_o have_v have_v some_o taste_n of_o it_o we_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n to_o do_v as_o not_o to_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o pleasure_n of_o engross_a it_o or_o of_o peruse_v it_o alone_o till_o we_o have_v impart_v it_o and_o make_v it_o possible_a to_o other_o to_o partake_v with_o we_o therein_o w._n bates_z j._n howe._n the_o content_n meditation_n i._o introductory_n 1_o ii_o upon_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n 19_o iii_o upon_o the_o self-existence_n and_o eternity_n of_o god_n 28_o iu._n upon_o god_n omniscience_n 36_o v._o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n 67_o vi_o upon_o the_o power_n of_o god_n 78_o vii_o upon_o the_o oneness_n of_o god_n 89_o viii_o upon_o god_n freedom_n 140_o ix_o upon_o the_o blessedness_n of_o god_n imply_v his_o selfsufficiency_n self-comprehension_n his_o infinite_a love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o himself_o 118_o x._o upon_o god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n 126_o page_n xi_o upon_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n 141_o xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n 150_o xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n 168_o fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n 179_o xv._n upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n 200_o xvi_o upon_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n 213_o xvii_o upon_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 224_o xviii_o upon_o the_o dominion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o dispensation_n thereof_o towards_o his_o rational_a creature_n especial_o by_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n 257_o meditation_n i._o introductory_n the_o great_a duty_n of_o man_n towards_o god_n be_v to_o delight_v in_o god_n as_o in_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o most_o amiable_a object_n it_o be_v also_o the_o high_a accomplishment_n of_o man_n happiness_n for_o by_o delight_v in_o god_n he_o do_v enjoy_v he_o delight_n can_v only_o arise_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o lovely_a object_n in_o the_o perfection_n thereof_o and_o according_a to_o
glorious_a excellency_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o a_o particular_a creature_n and_o his_o glory_n shine_v forth_o to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o must_v produce_v a_o far_o great_a measure_n of_o love_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v much_o weaken_v by_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o he_o unworthy_a of_o he_o however_o none_o can_v just_o blame_v i_o to_o clear_v my_o own_o thought_n and_o raise_v they_o as_o high_a as_o i_o can_v and_o i_o do_v bless_v god_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o love_n and_o reverence_n he_o give_v i_o thereby_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o the_o rise_v of_o most_o of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n be_v from_o the_o congruity_n thereof_o to_o his_o natural_a perfection_n as_o become_v and_o be_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o be_v i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o congruity_n to_o his_o natural_a not_o to_o his_o moral_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v not_o just_a because_o he_o be_v true_a nor_o true_a because_o he_o be_v just_a nor_o gracious_a or_o merciful_a because_o he_o be_v just_a or_o true_a but_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o be_v congruous_a to_o worthy_a and_o become_v a_o spirit_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a self-existent_a all-sufficient_a infinite_o bless_v free_a and_o independent_a and_o then_o put_v the_o question_n to_o myself_o must_v not_o such_o a_o be_v be_v just_a exact_o fulfil_v all_o his_o promise_n encourage_v and_o reward_v the_o good_a discourage_v and_o punish_v the_o evil_a according_a to_o their_o merit_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o must_v be_v such_o not_o by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n nor_o by_o mere_a indifferency_n but_o by_o a_o voluntary_a and_o free_a choice_n and_o when_o i_o further_o pose_v myself_o whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v only_o perform_v his_o promise_n reward_n and_o punish_v according_a to_o merit_n i_o be_o convince_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o he_o to_o be_v good_a bountiful_a gracious_a and_o merciful_a beyond_o what_o his_o justice_n require_v and_o that_o without_o any_o bound_n as_o in_o his_o justice_n which_o precise_o follow_v his_o promise_n or_o what_o be_v congruous_a for_o he_o to_o do_v upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a action_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v always_o express_v his_o mind_n true_o and_o never_o deceive_v i_o can_v have_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o if_o again_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v ever_o choose_v fit_v mean_n for_o all_o his_o purpose_n and_o do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a i_o be_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o will_v do_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o last_o when_o i_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o be_v will_v ever_o be_v constant_a in_o his_o purpose_n and_o be_v unchangeable_a therein_o and_o in_o his_o justice_n bounty_n truth_n and_o wisdom_n i_o know_v he_o can_v change_v in_o these_o because_o they_o be_v all_o congruous_a to_o his_o unchangeable_a nature_n by_o this_o congruity_n i_o understand_v god_n holiness_n or_o godlikeness_n that_o be_v that_o god_n act_v always_o like_o himself_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o frequent_o inculcate_v in_o scripture_n than_o godliness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v original_o and_o principal_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o in_o analogy_n to_o his_o rational_a creature_n it_o shall_v be_v the_o eternal_a exclamation_n of_o all_o god_n happy_a creature_n holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_n i_o do_v not_o take_v holiness_n to_o be_v as_o a_o metaphysical_a abstract_n from_o all_o god_n moral_a perfection_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o precise_a and_o formal_a reason_n why_o they_o be_v moral_o good_a holiness_n in_o the_o creature_n or_o godlikeness_n which_o be_v the_o same_o consist_v chief_o in_o the_o creature_n be_v godlike_a that_o be_v imitate_v the_o divine_a moral_a perfection_n in_o be_v just_a be_v true_a prudent_a and_o constant_a but_o in_o other_o duty_n of_o holiness_n the_o likeness_n to_o god_n be_v more_o analogical_a and_o less_o proper_a the_o analogy_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o as_o god_n act_v always_o congruous_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o the_o rational_a creature_n ought_v to_o act_v congruous_o to_o that_o nature_n and_o those_o principle_n that_o god_n have_v free_o imprint_v in_o their_o mind_n so_o they_o ought_v to_o adore_v god_n to_o obey_v he_o in_o all_o his_o command_n to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o be_v temperate_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o subordinate_a self-love_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n holiness_n be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o destination_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o separate_v from_o common_a use_n which_o therefore_o be_v call_v consecration_n i_o know_v the_o immediate_a rule_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n oblige_v they_o to_o obey_v not_o only_o what_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o to_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o whatsoever_o positive_a law_n or_o precept_n god_n do_v command_v though_o the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o that_o they_o may_v sufficient_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o will_v never_o command_v any_o thing_n incongruous_a to_o himself_o yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o know_v the_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o positive_a command_n for_o the_o glory_n and_o amiableness_n of_o god_n appear_v far_o more_o in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o albeit_o the_o positive_a command_n of_o god_n do_v indispensible_o require_v full_a obedience_n which_o be_v from_o a_o inbred_a principle_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o rational_a creature_n i_o be_o not_o trouble_v that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v most_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o justice_n goodness_n mercy_n and_o truth_n for_o all_o be_v still_o mention_v as_o his_o holiness_n and_o godlikeness_n and_o many_o case_n do_v and_o may_v occur_v that_o we_o can_v so_o clear_o refer_v to_o these_o particular_a term_n as_o we_o can_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v congruous_a for_o god_n so_o to_o do_v or_o not_o neither_o do_v the_o scripture_n express_v and_o define_v wherein_o holiness_n consist_v but_o by_o the_o expression_n of_o godliness_n or_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o although_o perfection_n be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n yet_o godliness_n be_v a_o more_o distinct_a term_n for_o we_o must_v not_o explicate_v godliness_n by_o perfection_n or_o goodness_n lest_o we_o shall_v fall_v in_o the_o apprehension_n that_o have_v mislead_v many_o that_o god_n will_v have_v show_v more_o goodness_n to_o have_v prevent_v all_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o must_v be_v more_o world_n than_o this_o at_o least_o more_o species_n of_o creature_n than_o upon_o the_o earth_n but_o we_o must_v explain_v god_n goodness_n with_o congruity_n to_o his_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v his_o freedom_n whereby_o it_o be_v not_o congruous_a to_o he_o to_o communicate_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v which_o will_v never_o terminate_v nor_o be_v stable_n but_o that_o he_o act_v free_o and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v what_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o will_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v it_o some_o of_o the_o father_n and_o many_o since_o have_v fall_v into_o that_o error_n that_o god_n goodness_n do_v not_o admit_v that_o he_o shall_v punish_v any_o creature_n eternal_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n say_v the_o contrary_a express_o they_o produce_v other_o place_n to_o prove_v that_o eternity_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o very_a long_a time_n becomingness_n or_o decency_n be_v vulgar_o attribute_v to_o the_o mode_n or_o form_n of_o behaviour_n and_o so_o it_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n which_o do_v neither_o declare_v nor_o constitute_v that_o decency_n as_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o christian_a virtue_n but_o as_o a_o recommendation_n of_o what_o be_v expedient_a the_o scripture_n make_v a_o express_a distinction_n between_o that_o which_o be_v unlawful_a and_o that_o which_o be_v inexpedient_a so_o that_o kind_n of_o decency_n be_v a_o part_n of_o civility_n no_o serious_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o every_o undecent_a gesture_n or_o expression_n be_v a_o sin_n hence_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o the_o precise_a nature_n of_o holiness_n can_v consist_v in_o becomingness_n or_o congruity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o creature_n which_o can_v only_o amuse_v the_o vulgar_a who_o lie_v too_o much_o weight_n upon_o word_n and_o term_n as_o if_o the_o appropriate_a the_o name_n of_o decency_n or_o comeliness_n to_o the_o least_o of_o civil_a virtue_n in_o which_o there_o be_v no_o speciality_n do_v import_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o decency_n but_o if_o word_n import_n those_o of_o the_o learned_a must_v be_v of_o the_o most_o importance_n the_o greek_n which_o be_v the_o learn_a of_o nation_n
do_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v also_o take_v as_o comprehend_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n by_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o good_a but_o one_o that_o be_v god_n who_o only_o be_v absolute_o and_o infinite_o good_a but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n here_o propose_v be_v distinct_a from_o his_o justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o be_v more_o exact_o express_v by_o his_o bountifulness_n or_o benignity_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o take_v as_o it_o comprehend_v his_o faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n which_o be_v his_o most_o eminent_a goodness_n and_o benignity_n but_o here_o it_o be_v understand_v for_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o his_o rational_a creature_n which_o be_v without_o consideration_n or_o connotation_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o these_o creature_n and_o be_v so_o distinguish_v from_o faithfulness_n which_o presuppose_v trust_n or_o expectation_n in_o the_o creature_n of_o some_o good_a which_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o excellent_a nature_n to_o give_v to_o those_o that_o do_v depend_v trust_v or_o wait_v on_o he_o for_o it_o and_o yet_o be_v not_o as_o a_o act_n of_o reward_n in_o justice_n mercy_n import_v compassion_n to_o a_o miserable_a creature_n chief_o in_o and_o for_o sin_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o restitution_n from_o the_o misery_n but_o the_o goodness_n which_o i_o now_o consider_v be_v that_o which_o be_v free_o bestow_v upon_o the_o creature_n presuppose_v nothing_o in_o it_o of_o which_o there_o be_v exceed_v many_o degree_n whereof_o some_o be_v anterior_a to_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o some_o be_v posterior_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o when_o adam_n have_v fall_v from_o his_o innocency_n and_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n by_o the_o mediator_n to_o pardon_v he_o and_o to_o restore_v he_o unto_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o raise_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o happiness_n than_o he_o have_v when_o he_o fall_v by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o fall_v again_o from_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o first_o act_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o bounty_n be_v in_o the_o create_v of_o rational_a creature_n which_o in_o their_o essence_n do_v necessary_o imply_v understanding_n by_o which_o they_o can_v perceive_v their_o creator_n themselves_o and_o other_o object_n and_o can_v judge_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o these_o object_n and_o deduce_v consequence_n from_o these_o judgement_n and_o determine_v their_o own_o choice_n of_o what_o they_o think_v best_a with_o a_o power_n to_o act_v the_o same_o all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o essence_n and_o be_v of_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v imagine_v more_o free_a and_o abstract_n than_o god_n goodness_n in_o give_v this_o existence_n to_o rational_a creature_n which_o be_v of_o two_o kind_n angel_n and_o man_n angel_n exert_v all_o their_o faculty_n with_o outward_a object_n have_v communication_n with_o they_o either_o immediate_o or_o by_o impression_n upon_o they_o by_o a_o medium_fw-la for_o unless_o angel_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n and_o the_o distant_a act_n of_o extrinsic_a object_n without_o intervention_n of_o a_o medium_fw-la which_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v and_o which_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n who_o can_v be_v passive_a in_o nothing_o but_o know_v all_o thing_n actual_o in_o his_o own_o decree_n i_o must_v believe_v that_o angel_n communicate_v their_o thought_n by_o some_o sign_n in_o a_o medium_fw-la and_o do_v so_o perceive_v the_o thought_n and_o act_n of_o other_o object_n though_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a the_o manner_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o angel_n shall_v be_v reveal_v yet_o i_o may_v safe_o remove_v from_o they_o what_o god_n appropriate_v to_o himself_o to_o know_v thought_n without_o any_o outward_a sign_n yet_o god_n communicate_v to_o angel_n by_o a_o medium_fw-la or_o immediate_o i_o do_v sufficient_o know_v by_o revelation_n that_o some_o angel_n be_v create_v with_o far_o great_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o strength_n than_o man_n one_o angel_n do_v in_o one_o night_n kill_v fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o men._n i_o doubt_v nothing_o that_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v inbred_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o inclination_n in_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o in_o man_n by_o which_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o holy_a while_o they_o do_v follow_v they_o but_o changeable_a when_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n of_o they_o fall_v from_o their_o innocency_n and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o though_o the_o elect_a angel_n who_o persevere_v have_v the_o same_o changeable_a nature_n they_o can_v not_o be_v just_o call_v happy_a if_o god_n have_v not_o add_v a_o far_a degree_n of_o goodness_n confirm_v they_o against_o all_o danger_n of_o fall_v whence_o he_o call_v they_o in_o his_o word_n elect_a angel_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o god_n primitive_a justice_n be_v so_o high_a a_o perfection_n that_o they_o can_v never_o merit_v it_o by_o be_v innocent_a during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o trial_n but_o that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o free_a and_o undeserved_a goodness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n the_o angel_n by_o their_o nature_n have_v no_o power_n of_o propagation_n of_o their_o kind_a but_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v they_o be_v create_v all_o together_o and_o none_o of_o they_o depend_v upon_o another_o but_o in_o so_o far_o as_o some_o may_v have_v great_a knowledge_n and_o strength_n than_o other_o and_o so_o beelzebub_n be_v call_v the_o prince_n of_o devil_n and_o it_o be_v like_a he_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o rest_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v the_o seducer_n of_o man._n the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o his_o soul_n be_v incorporate_a with_o a_o body_n fit_v with_o instrument_n apt_a for_o exert_v all_o his_o capacity_n by_o the_o receive_n the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n through_o the_o sense_n all_o have_a communication_n to_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o nerve_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v passive_a and_o by_o the_o same_o nerve_n spirit_n and_o other_o instrument_n be_v fit_v to_o exercise_v motion_n and_o act_n upon_o outward_a object_n and_o upon_o the_o part_n of_o their_o own_o body_n these_o specialty_n be_v in_o the_o specific_a nature_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o therefore_o i_o reckon_v each_o of_o they_o but_o as_o gift_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n all_o other_o creature_n be_v create_v in_o far_a manifestation_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v his_o glory_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o angel_n and_o men._n i_o think_v it_o too_o great_a partiality_n in_o those_o who_o make_v all_o the_o inferior_a creature_n to_o be_v design_v for_o man_n use_n only_o and_o not_o for_o angel_n who_o have_v great_a pleasure_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n shine_v in_o they_o than_o man_n and_o though_o man_n have_v more_o need_n of_o they_o and_o benefit_n by_o they_o yet_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o without_o both_o in_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o instrument_n in_o communication_n outward_o by_o they_o and_o inward_o in_o they_o the_o free_a bounty_n of_o god_n do_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o first_o principle_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n that_o fall_v not_o under_o sense_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o have_v have_v firm_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n albeit_o he_o have_v the_o capacity_n to_o discern_v implication_n and_o consequence_n downward_o from_o cause_n to_o effect_n and_o upward_o from_o effect_n to_o cause_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o principle_n self-evident_a the_o chain_n of_o consequence_n may_v run_v without_o end_n the_o bounty_n of_o god_n do_v also_o give_v to_o man_n the_o capacity_n to_o know_v consequence_n which_o make_v a_o great_a addition_n to_o his_o perfection_n god_n do_v likewise_o in_o his_o bounty_n give_v man_n the_o distinguish_a act_n of_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n the_o one_o arise_v from_o object_n congruous_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o useful_a for_o he_o the_o other_o from_o object_n unsuitable_a and_o hurtful_a to_o he_o that_o he_o may_v approach_v the_o one_o and_o fly_v from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o joy_n and_o grief_n be_v not_o at_o man_n discretion_n but_o have_v their_o peculiar_a object_n by_o the_o impression_n whereof_o on_o the_o sense_n imagination_n or_o memory_n they_o be_v excite_v and_o not_o otherwise_o i_o know_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o such_o sound_n shall_v be_v harmonious_a and_o
will_v not_o have_v omit_v to_o plead_v that_o when_o he_o plead_v for_n weak_a a_o ground_n as_o the_o invitation_n of_o his_o wife_n not_o that_o he_o spare_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n for_o he_o insinuate_v a_o too_o harsh_a reflection_n against_o god_n not_o only_o blame_v the_o woman_n but_o that_o she_o be_v give_v of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o far_a degree_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v give_v a_o mutual_a affection_n between_o angel_n and_o man_n that_o their_o converse_n be_v both_o profitable_a and_o pleasant_a by_o these_o principle_n that_o god_n give_v man_n he_o be_v not_o only_o innocent_a without_o vice_n or_o sin_n but_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o moral_o good_a till_o he_o fall_v from_o his_o integrity_n by_o disobey_v god_n and_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n if_o he_o then_o be_v innocent_a become_v sinful_a though_o he_o be_v ripe_a in_o his_o capacity_n so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v create_v and_o have_v the_o love_n of_o god_n awake_v in_o he_o in_o so_o high_a a_o degree_n have_v fresh_o receive_v so_o great_a and_o so_o high_a favour_n of_o god_n how_o much_o more_o capable_a behove_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v of_o defection_n that_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v so_o long_a a_o animal_n life_n unless_o god_n have_v give_v he_o a_o promise_n or_o declare_v unto_o he_o a_o purpose_n to_o confirm_v he_o and_o his_o posterity_n if_o he_o have_v continue_v to_o give_v proof_n of_o his_o obedience_n in_o his_o innocent_a fallible_a state_n as_o it_o be_v common_o believe_v that_o the_o elect_a angel_n be_v confirm_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o further_o manifest_v itself_o in_o give_v man_n the_o dominion_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o this_o inferior_a world_n not_o peculiar_o to_o adam_n as_o if_o all_o right_n of_o the_o creature_n have_v be_v to_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o but_o god_n give_v right_o to_o subdue_v and_o possess_v they_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o adam_n but_o by_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o the_o first_o title_n of_o right_n be_v the_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o be_v void_a and_o possess_v by_o none_o and_o the_o fruit_n thereof_o not_o only_o the_o profit_n but_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v give_v chief_o to_o man._n the_o variety_n of_o shape_v and_o colour_n of_o animal_n tree_n herb_n and_o fruit_n the_o beautiful_a verdure_n of_o tree_n and_o herb_n the_o various_a painture_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o tree_n of_o the_o flower_n and_o blossom_n of_o plant_n and_o of_o the_o feather_n of_o bird_n be_v of_o little_a use_n to_o themselves_o but_o of_o much_o use_n to_o man_n by_o a_o innocent_a pleasure_n arise_v from_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o lead_v to_o the_o admiration_n of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n their_o author_n in_o which_o i_o doubt_v not_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v sharer_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o vain_a that_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o all_o these_o thing_n though_o for_o a_o long_a time_n man_n possess_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v have_v so_o order_v that_o the_o seed_n disseminate_a in_o earth_n and_o water_n shall_v only_o spring_v as_o man_n have_v use_v of_o they_o it_o do_v not_o diminish_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a inequality_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o these_o creature_n and_o that_o some_o of_o they_o breed_v horror_n and_o hurt_v unto_o man_n because_o they_o set_v off_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v less_o value_v if_o we_o never_o have_v darkness_n we_o will_v little_o value_v light_n the_o hurtful_a creature_n be_v instrument_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o none_o of_o they_o want_v their_o peculiar_a virtue_n it_o be_v also_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n and_o all_o experimental_a knowledge_n have_v proceed_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o shall_v to_o the_o end_n increase_v that_o there_o may_v never_o be_v want_v a_o suitable_a exercise_n diversion_n and_o delight_n to_o the_o more_o ingenious_a and_o inquire_a men._n the_o sun_n the_o moon_n and_o star_n and_o all_o their_o course_n and_o motion_n be_v design_v to_o manifest_v to_o angel_n but_o chief_o to_o man_n the_o majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a creator_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o men._n it_o be_v a_o general_a effect_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o god_n that_o he_o preserve_v all_o these_o thing_n in_o their_o existence_n power_n vigour_n and_o action_n but_o more_o particular_o he_o preserve_v man_n and_o beast_n in_o overrule_a their_o inclination_n whereby_o they_o shun_v those_o thing_n that_o may_v destroy_v they_o and_o attain_v those_o that_o may_v preserve_v they_o without_o god_n preservation_n no_o creature_n can_v subsist_v nor_o have_v any_o activity_n for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v god_n need_v no_o positive_a act_n to_o destroy_v any_o creature_n if_o he_o withdraw_v his_o support_n they_o will_v return_v into_o nothing_o out_o of_o which_o they_o come_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o preservation_n be_v a_o continual_a creation_n otherwise_o god_n shall_v create_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a full_a of_o actual_a wickedness_n and_o even_o the_o damn_a spirit_n in_o all_o their_o malice_n i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o difficulty_n can_v be_v shun_v by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o think_v that_o accident_n can_v subsist_v be_v separate_a from_o subject_n or_o transmit_v from_o one_o subject_a to_o another_o nor_o can_v the_o same_o individual_a be_v continue_v but_o as_o every_o moment_n one_o be_v create_v another_o behove_v to_o be_v annihilate_v so_o that_o all_o creature_n be_v deceive_v of_o themselves_o and_o all_o other_o think_v they_o be_v the_o same_o and_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o in-coexisting_a individual_n preservation_n be_v more_o proper_o express_v by_o a_o continue_a support_n as_o creation_n be_v a_o elevation_n to_o existence_n from_o nothing_o preservation_n be_v the_o support_n from_o recede_v into_o nothing_o a_o thing_n support_v will_v certain_o fall_v if_o the_o support_v be_v remove_v the_o bounty_n of_o god_n be_v crown_v by_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o of_o angel_n and_o man_n how_o unhappy_a shall_v man_n be_v if_o they_o have_v a_o epicurean_a god_n that_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o the_o act_n of_o man_n leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o man_n but_o to_o supernatural_a power_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n of_o language_n not_o learned_a and_o the_o interpretation_n thereof_o and_o of_o other_o miraculous_a work_n which_o in_o distinction_n from_o save_a grace_n be_v call_v gift_n these_o be_v the_o grace_n whereby_o god_n give_v the_o supernatural_a faculty_n of_o the_o regenerate_v in_o conversion_n or_o do_v increase_v the_o same_o thereafter_o yet_o that_o term_n be_v otherwise_o take_v and_o be_v extend_v to_o a_o graceful_a countenance_n or_o deportment_n make_v the_o person_n have_v it_o to_o have_v a_o special_a kind_n of_o amiableness_n for_o it_o be_v not_o every_o beauty_n or_o comeliness_n that_o be_v esteem_v gracefulness_n but_o that_o which_o show_v a_o nobleness_n or_o excellency_n of_o mind_n which_o therefore_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o prince_n and_o be_v frequent_o attribute_v to_o they_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n the_o high_a degree_n of_o this_o gracefulness_n be_v call_v majesty_n appropriate_v to_o king_n yea_o every_o signal_n favour_n have_v eminent_a effect_n be_v call_v grace_n whence_o arise_v the_o distinction_n of_o gratia_n gratis_o data_fw-la and_o gratia_n gratum_fw-la faciens_fw-la upon_o both_o account_v the_o capacity_n give_v in_o conversion_n be_v call_v grace_n be_v free_o give_v of_o the_o great_a import_n and_o make_v the_o receiver_n acceptable_a and_o lovely_a to_o god_n and_o it_o be_v chief_o in_o respect_n of_o these_o that_o he_o take_v the_o title_n of_o most_o gracious_a god_n and_o thereby_o also_o the_o convert_v be_v call_v gracious_a meditation_n xiii_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n next_o unto_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v his_o truth_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o it_o be_v most_o congruous_a to_o and_o become_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v true_a nor_o can_v any_o thing_n more_o inconsistent_a be_v imagine_v than_o lie_v or_o deceive_v in_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v the_o first_o groundstone_n of_o his_o creature_n happiness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n delude_v even_o in_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o sense_n
when_o a_o consequent_a conclusion_n be_v infer_v from_o false_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v no_o deceit_n to_o express_v truth_n for_o good_a end_n though_o the_o speaker_n may_v know_v that_o the_o hearer_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o speaker_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o hearer_n to_o make_v that_o use_n deception_n also_o may_v be_v without_o word_n or_o sign_n signify_v thought_n as_o when_o a_o tempt_a object_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sense_n mind_n or_o memory_n with_o design_n to_o tempt_v or_o seduce_v in_o all_o these_o way_n god_n be_v perfect_o true_a he_o never_o express_v word_n or_o sign_n but_o such_o as_o be_v both_o conform_a to_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v he_o never_o design_n to_o deceive_v by_o any_o word_n or_o sign_n nor_o do_v he_o tempt_v by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o object_n represent_v for_o god_n can_v neither_o tempt_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a he_o may_v represent_v object_n to_o prove_v the_o firmness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o give_v always_o strength_n either_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o sufficient_a to_o escape_v he_o make_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n very_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o it_o be_v like_a to_o the_o smell_n also_o which_o be_v appoint_v a_o badge_n of_o man_n obedience_n to_o god_n will_v alone_o it_o can_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n if_o it_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a but_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a excitation_n in_o the_o sense_n which_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o a_o more_o powerful_a inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o require_v attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o keep_v that_o principle_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o remembrance_n thereby_o to_o over-rule_v the_o incitation_n of_o the_o sense_n therefore_o it_o may_v warrantable_o be_v think_v that_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o garden_n for_o it_o be_v a_o unsuitable_a sign_n of_o affection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n if_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o allow_v the_o eat_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o circumcision_n and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o have_v all_o a_o great_a contrariety_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n yea_o though_o god_n permit_v satan_n to_o tempt_v to_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n not_o only_o from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o from_o a_o false_a expectation_n of_o great_a wisdom_n there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o the_o mind_n full_o sufficient_a to_o resist_v both_o that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v envious_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o transgress_v his_o command_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n foreknow_v the_o event_n he_o be_v not_o nccessory_a to_o the_o transgression_n nor_o put_v any_o necessity_n upon_o the_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o commit_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v just_o and_o severe_o punish_v they_o both_o nor_o do_v they_o even_o by_o their_o after-thought_n plead_v that_o the_o temptation_n be_v insuperable_a and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficiency_n of_o strength_n to_o resist_v it_o though_o they_o omit_v not_o very_o insufficient_a excuse_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v ah_o lord_n god_n sure_o thou_o have_v great_o deceive_v this_o people_n and_o jerusalem_n say_v you_o shall_v have_v peace_n whereas_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o weak_a roving_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o trouble_n such_o as_o be_v many_o of_o job_n expression_n and_o david_n saying_n that_o in_o vain_a have_v be_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocence_n when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n never_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n you_o shall_v have_v peace_n simple_o but_o if_o you_o follow_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o event_n that_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n see_v they_o follow_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n neither_o do_v the_o parabolical_a representation_n of_o micah_n the_o prophet_n that_o the_o lord_n say_v who_o shall_v entice_v ahab_n that_o he_o may_v go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o when_o a_o spirit_n say_v he_o will_v go_v out_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v thou_o shall_v entice_v he_o and_o thou_o shall_v also_o prevail_v now_o therefore_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v put_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n such_o as_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o consistency_n with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v elsewhere_o explicate_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o wicked_a harden_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o that_o god_n give_v man_n up_o who_o have_v refuse_v the_o offer_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v attribute_v no_o other_o way_n to_o god_n than_o that_o they_o can_v be_v without_o his_o permission_n and_o his_o permissive_a will_n and_o decree_n and_o his_o overrule_a providence_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n some_o very_a learned_a have_v hold_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v distinct_a from_o goodness_n or_o bounty_n but_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v lie_n may_v be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o stratagem_n against_o enemy_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v but_o truth_n be_v a_o perfection_n whole_o distinct_a from_o bounty_n and_o from_o justice_n and_o be_v rather_o a_o point_n of_o decency_n how_o unbecoming_a be_v it_o and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o infinite_o bless_a and_o glorious_a god_n to_o express_v a_o lie_n for_o creature_n may_v be_v blameless_a in_o express_v word_n not_o conform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v not_o a_o lie_n because_o not_o disconform_v to_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o the_o omniscient_a god_n can_v never_o use_v expression_n disconform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v disconform_v to_o his_o own_o thought_n i_o know_v there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o to_o uphold_v their_o philosophic_a notion_n do_v suppose_v that_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n speak_v many_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o man_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n derogatory_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v many_o for_o instance_n a_o way_n be_v thence_o open_v to_o innumerable_a error_n which_o when_o redargue_v by_o expression_n in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o plain_a yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o evasion_n that_o these_o be_v but_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o prepossession_n of_o man_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o think_v evident_a and_o take_v the_o authority_n to_o extend_v to_o the_o like_a so_o far_o as_o they_o please_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o evidence_n or_o rule_n in_o scripture_n where_o to_o stop_v god_n use_v figurative_a and_o parabolical_a speech_n but_o never_o any_o falsehood_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o admire_v and_o abhor_v to_o see_v a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o treatise_n heap_v up_o so_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o speak_v by_o erroneous_a prepossession_n of_o man_n but_o not_o true_a and_o conform_a to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v god_n speak_v often_o to_o man_n capacity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n but_o never_o untrue_a the_o matter_n king_n and_o state_n may_v infer_v good_a from_o the_o false_a prepossession_n of_o people_n which_o they_o presuppose_v but_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o or_o approve_v at_o least_o shall_v not_o though_o they_o may_v suppress_v their_o disapprobation_n who_o shall_v then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v approve_v false_a opinion_n to_o infer_v true_a unless_o they_o be_v relate_v not_o as_o his_o opinion_n but_o express_v as_o they_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o god_n truth_n be_v whole_o his_o moral_a perfection_n or_o if_o partly_o natural_a which_o i_o do_v not_o inquire_v out_o of_o
curiosity_n but_o thereby_o to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n of_o man_n as_o to_o truth_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o god_n image_n and_o to_o be_v regulate_v according_a to_o the_o divine_a pattern_n the_o conformity_n of_o god_n thought_n to_o thing_n extrinsic_a be_v rather_o to_o be_v understand_v a_o conformity_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o god_n thought_n than_o of_o his_o thought_n to_o these_o thing_n as_o the_o impression_n be_v conform_v to_o the_o seal_n not_o the_o seal_n to_o the_o impression_n a_o conformity_n to_o any_o thing_n import_v a_o priority_n and_o preference_n of_o that_o to_o which_o the_o other_o be_v conform_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o likeness_n betwixt_o both_o and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n thought_n be_v better_o express_v by_o a_o conformity_n with_o thing_n than_o to_o thing_n yet_o god_n thought_n be_v conform_v to_o his_o natural_a perfection_n which_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v prior_n to_o his_o thought_n of_o they_o but_o his_o voluntary_a or_o moral_a perfection_n be_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n posterior_n to_o his_o thought_n for_o he_o choose_v they_o because_o he_o know_v they_o to_o be_v congruous_a to_o his_o natural_a perfection_n as_o be_v comprehend_v in_o his_o godlikeness_n or_o holiness_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n thought_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o creature_n who_o thought_n be_v only_o true_a because_o conform_v to_o the_o thing_n think_v of_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n thought_n as_o to_o the_o thing_n signify_v be_v natural_a not_o a_o moral_a perfection_n more_o than_o be_v his_o knowledge_n or_o his_o will._n whence_o i_o conceive_v the_o conformity_n of_o creature_n thought_n to_o thing_n be_v a_o natural_a not_o a_o moral_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o error_n in_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o by_o that_o disconformity_n sin_n for_o i_o know_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o mistake_v of_o thing_n not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v or_o believe_v but_o erroneous_a thought_n be_v only_o sinful_a by_o a_o superven_a command_n to_o have_v such_o thought_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o holiness_n and_o so_o man_n thought_n contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o dependence_n and_o duty_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o only_o false_a but_o injurious_a inadvertance_n or_o mistake_n in_o this_o point_n have_v breed_v many_o sharp_a debate_n and_o division_n among_o the_o more_o judicious_a and_o much_o disquiet_n to_o the_o godly_a of_o lesser_a capacity_n apprehend_v every_o error_n in_o their_o judgement_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n wherein_o they_o have_v stumble_v much_o upon_o the_o frequent_a expression_n in_o scripture_n contain_v so_o high_a eulogy_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o which_o wear_v bid_v to_o contend_v not_o advert_v that_o by_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o mean_v every_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o by_o way_n of_o excellency_n the_o truth_n which_o make_v we_o free_a which_o sure_o be_v not_o every_o truth_n but_o the_o truth_n requisite_a for_o holiness_n and_o happiness_n i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v no_o error_n so_o pernicious_a as_o those_o which_o give_v a_o unamiable_a aspect_n of_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n hinder_v or_o abate_v the_o admiration_n delight_n and_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v ofttimes_o attribute_v to_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n as_o it_o be_v also_o unto_o the_o promise_v of_o creature_n but_o the_o obligement_n to_o performance_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o promise_n but_o from_o justice_n arise_v from_o the_o promise_v make_v which_o oblige_v though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o purpose_n to_o perform_v yet_o there_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o promise_n when_o they_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o thought_n and_o purpose_v to_o do_v as_o they_o say_v who_o make_v they_o i_o adore_v and_o bless_v thou_o o_o god_n of_o truth_n who_o expression_n can_v never_o be_v disconform_v to_o thy_o thought_n or_o to_o the_o thing_n express_v who_o never_o can_v delude_v or_o deceive_v thy_o rational_a creature_n not_o by_o any_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o because_o with_o unalterable_a certainty_n as_o sure_a as_o the_o strong_a necessity_n thou_o will_v ever_o be_v true_a and_o sincere_a and_o fore_o i_o may_v safe_o and_o secure_o rest_v upon_o all_o that_o thou_o have_v propose_v purpose_a or_o promise_v for_o heaven_n and_o earth_n may_v pass_v away_o but_o one_o jota_n of_o thy_o bless_a will_n shall_v never_o pass_v unfulfil_v i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v great_a thought_n of_o heart_n upon_o god_n general_a command_n persuasion_n and_o expostulation_n to_o faith_n and_o holiness_n how_o these_o can_v be_v sincere_a when_o god_n know_v that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v effectual_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o creature_n power_n to_o make_v they_o effectual_a which_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o be_v clear_v here_o but_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o god_n dispensation_n towards_o men._n i_o shall_v only_o now_o say_v that_o a_o physician_n may_v sincere_o entreat_v and_o expostulate_v with_o a_o patient_n to_o admit_v of_o a_o cure_n for_o a_o wound_n otherwise_o incurable_a which_o he_o wilful_o refuse_v to_o admit_v though_o he_o know_v that_o the_o patient_n himself_o be_v not_o able_a to_o cure_v himself_o and_o that_o no_o other_o physician_n can_v come_v in_o time_n to_o do_v it_o nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o ever_o god_n do_v send_v his_o gospel_n to_o a_o people_n where_o he_o know_v that_o all_o will_v be_v absolute_a rejecter_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o offer_v make_v in_o it_o meditation_n fourteen_o upon_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n beside_o that_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v absolute_a and_o boundless_a presuppose_v nothing_o in_o creature_n as_o the_o consideration_n or_o special_a occasion_n of_o it_o i_o perceive_v there_o be_v a_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o have_v a_o special_a occasion_n in_o his_o creature_n and_o keep_v a_o exact_a proportion_n with_o the_o act_n of_o rational_a creature_n which_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o remuneration_n or_o reward_n which_o be_v essential_o different_a from_o the_o former_a and_o be_v remunerative_a justice_n which_o can_v be_v distinct_o understand_v alone_o without_o consider_v the_o punitive_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o apply_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o natural_a order_n fall_v near_a to_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n for_o mercy_n presuppose_v misery_n incur_v by_o justice_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v the_o ultimate_a attribute_n relative_a to_o rational_a creature_n wisdom_n and_o dominion_n reach_v all_o creature_n nothing_o be_v more_o necessary_a to_o rational_a creature_n than_o the_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o god_n justice_n which_o be_v the_o pattern_n of_o their_o own_o justice_n and_o be_v necessary_a to_o have_v right_a affection_n towards_o god_n i_o may_v doubt_v or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o have_v natural_a evil_n in_o they_o whether_o they_o be_v act_n of_o goodness_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n or_o not_o without_o blame_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v be_v without_o justice_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o damn_a spirit_n be_v convince_v of_o god_n justice_n in_o their_o own_o damnation_n their_o temptation_n be_v not_o about_o the_o justice_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o content_a with_o nor_o abode_n in_o the_o station_n wherein_o god_n place_v they_o satan_n do_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n tempt_v adam_n as_o if_o god_n envy_v man_n good_a by_o hinder_v he_o to_o eat_v that_o fruit_n that_o will_v make_v he_o wise_a like_o god_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o the_o inbred_a principle_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v in_o man_n before_o the_o fall_n but_o i_o doubt_v nothing_o that_o it_o be_v in_o all_o mankind_n after_o there_o be_v a_o great_a indifferency_n in_o god_n in_o give_v mercy_n than_o in_o do_v justice_n he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n he_o never_o say_v so_o of_o justice_n he_o have_v acknowledge_v himself_o debtor_n and_o oblige_v by_o justice_n mercy_n be_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a bounty_n which_o not_o only_o punish_v not_o where_o punishment_n be_v deserve_v but_o provide_v a_o mediator_n to_o satisfy_v justice_n justice_n be_v diverse_o understand_v sometime_o for_o all_o the_o act_n of_o godliness_n and_o morality_n even_o for_o some_o act_n indifferent_a as_o when_o any_o exact_a that_o which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o they_o be_v say_v to_o do_v just_o though_o more_o proper_o that_o they_o do_v not_o unjust_o for_o they_o be_v not_o always_o oblige_v to_o exact_v what_o be_v
which_o all_o his_o perfection_n be_v display_v and_o manifest_v it_o be_v omniscience_n and_o infinite_a wisdom_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o that_o be_v to_o occur_v in_o it_o unto_o eternity_n his_o omnipotence_n in_o bring_v all_o his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v his_o goodness_n that_o all_o he_o do_v and_o be_v to_o do_v be_v very_o good_a and_o nothing_o he_o make_v be_v without_o some_o perfection_n for_o itself_o and_o usefulness_n for_o some_o other_o creature_n and_o that_o even_o from_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n he_o take_v occasion_n to_o increase_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o goodness_n bounty_n and_o mercy_n his_o justice_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v exercise_v upon_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n who_o only_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o and_o his_o most_o eminent_a goodness_n in_o that_o resemblance_n he_o give_v they_o of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o in_o those_o principle_n wherewith_o he_o have_v endue_v they_o beside_o his_o image_n congruous_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o not_o perfect_o correspondent_a to_o his_o own_o to_o who_o none_o of_o his_o creature_n can_v be_v like_a but_o with_o infinite_a unlikeness_n yet_o with_o that_o real_a though_o imperfect_a likeness_n of_o he_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v original_o form_v whereby_o he_o make_v they_o all_o capable_a of_o blessedness_n and_o by_o resemblance_n thereof_o to_o conceive_v thought_n of_o his_o own_o blessedness_n in_o be_v the_o only_a pure_a spirit_n self-existent_a everlasting_a self-sufficient_a independent_a free_a unchangeable_a in_o all_o his_o perfection_n purpose_n and_o performance_n of_o they_o full_o delight_v in_o himself_o and_o thereby_o infinite_o bless_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n comprehend_v his_o dominion_n of_o property_n and_o his_o dominion_n of_o sovereignty_n by_o the_o former_a he_o be_v lord_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n by_o the_o latter_a he_o be_v sovereign_a ruler_n of_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n and_o so_o be_v king_n lawgiver_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v a_o clear_a and_o know_a difference_n between_o dominion_n of_o thing_n and_o a_o dominion_n over_o person_n the_o dominion_n of_o thing_n be_v a_o right_n and_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o at_o pleasure_n without_o any_o restraint_n this_o right_n be_v found_v in_o their_o creation_n and_o preservation_n for_o he_o that_o give_v be_v and_o that_o free_o may_v give_v it_o with_o what_o perfection_n he_o please_v and_o may_v at_o full_a arbitrament_n annihilate_v or_o alter_v whatever_o he_o give_v and_o in_o that_o consideration_n even_o his_o rational_a creature_n be_v part_n of_o his_o property_n more_o at_o his_o disposal_n than_o the_o clay_n be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o the_o potter_n who_o can_v but_o mould_n and_o varnish_v his_o clay_n and_o may_v mar_v it_o at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o can_v neither_o give_v it_o its_o be_v and_o capacity_n nor_o can_v take_v they_o from_o it_o in_o this_o relation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o obligement_n or_o debt_n from_o god_n to_o any_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v by_o this_o dominion_n that_o he_o have_v state_v all_o his_o rational_a creature_n in_o their_o different_a degree_n not_o only_o of_o the_o kind_n but_z of_o the_o individual_n no_o other_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n wisdom_n power_n beauty_n health_n dexterity_n length_n of_o day_n riches_n pleasure_n or_o honour_n though_o these_o may_v be_v use_v as_o mean_n of_o justice_n truth_n faithfulness_n and_o mercy_n and_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o government_n yet_o may_v they_o be_v absolute_o without_o respect_n to_o these_o and_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v discern_v when_o they_o be_v otherwise_o and_o therefore_o in_o they_o all_o thing_n befall_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o no_o man_n can_v judge_v love_n or_o hatred_n of_o god_n from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o before_o he_o some_o man_n have_v think_v they_o magnify_v god_n by_o magnify_v this_o as_o the_o only_a dominion_n of_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o distinct_a dominion_n of_o person_n which_o will_v altogether_o make_v void_a the_o justice_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v no_o less_o essential_a to_o god_n and_o much_o more_o glorious_a than_o his_o right_n of_o disposal_n or_o property_n a_o proprietor_n in_o make_v use_n of_o his_o good_n do_v not_o govern_v they_o no_o not_o in_o the_o order_n of_o his_o beast_n but_o wherever_o government_n be_v there_o must_v be_v law_n liberty_n reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o the_o government_n of_o person_n only_o can_v there_o be_v a_o kingdom_n he_o that_o have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o whole_a country_n can_v be_v lord_n of_o it_o though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n on_o it_o but_o himself_o but_o he_o can_v not_o be_v king_n of_o it_o god_n take_v to_o himself_o the_o title_n of_o king_n in_o a_o more_o proper_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v so_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o his_o holy_a creature_n he_o be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n of_o all_o the_o world_n the_o lord_n have_v prepare_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o his_o kingdom_n rule_v over_o all_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n of_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o be_v but_o his_o deputy_n and_o vicegerent_n yea_o the_o great_a of_o they_o be_v but_o as_o grashoper_n in_o his_o sight_n the_o sceptre_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o sceptre_n of_o righteousness_n he_o sit_v on_o a_o throne_n of_o holiness_n he_o be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o he_o be_v king_n of_o glory_n his_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n of_o his_o dominion_n there_o be_v no_o end_n yea_o he_o be_v the_o only_a potentate_n he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o who_o can_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o david_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n say_v to_o god_n thou_o o_o lord_n be_v the_o greatness_n and_o the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o victory_n and_o the_o majesty_n thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n o_o god_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v as_o head_n above_o all_o and_o jeremiah_n say_v who_o will_v not_o fear_v thou_o o_o king_n of_o nation_n for_o to_o thou_o do_v it_o appertain_v the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v a_o great_a king_n above_o all_o god_n the_o sea_n be_v he_o and_o he_o make_v it_o the_o sea_n be_v mention_v as_o his_o property_n only_o because_o the_o vast_a ocean_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o humane_a dominion_n none_o can_v or_o ever_o do_v claim_v a_o local_a sovereignty_n over_o the_o whole_a sea_n nor_o a_o property_n in_o it_o the_o psalmist_n say_v the_o heaven_n be_v thou_o the_o earth_n also_o be_v thou_o as_o for_o the_o world_n and_o fullness_n thereof_o thou_o have_v found_v they_o for_o his_o pleasure_n all_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v create_v be_v there_o any_o other_o sovereign_n can_v pretend_v these_o title_n he_o rule_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n and_o give_v it_o to_o whosoever_o he_o will_v even_o unto_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n who_o can_v neither_o pretend_v worth_n nor_o deserve_a if_o then_o gods_n dominion_n over_o person_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a as_o over_o thing_n what_o impudent_a presumption_n must_v it_o be_v for_o creature_n though_o they_o be_v angel_n much_o more_o for_o man_n of_o like_a infirmity_n with_o other_o and_o of_o more_o impetuous_a passion_n to_o give_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o command_n than_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n there_o be_v three_o common_a innate_a principle_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o love_n of_o mankind_n and_o self-love_n which_o in_o their_o due_a subordination_n and_o in_o their_o proper_a limit_n be_v all_o good_a as_o christ_n have_v say_v thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o mind_n with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a mean_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n by_o which_o mankind_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o all_o condition_n station_n and_o relation_n as_o man_n as_o marry_v as_o parent_n or_o child_n as_o master_n and_o servant_n as_o sovereign_n and_o subject_n as_o fellow-citizen_n as_o neighbour_n and_o friend_n who_o have_v all_o their_o special_a principle_n and_o rule_n by_o reason_n and_o revelation_n which_o when_o they_o forsake_v and_o follow_v the_o swing_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o passion_n god_n in_o his_o justice_n may_v give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o counsel_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o oftentimes_o do_v so_o as_o he_o declare_v by_o his_o word_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a interest_n yet_o so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n as_o he_o do_v rare_o utter_o abandon_v they_o but_o as_o to_o their_o outward_a condition_n