and_o by_o derivation_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 18.19_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n but_o though_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a and_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o compare_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n yet_o the_o essential_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o both_o must_v be_v the_o same_o else_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o not_o for_o he_o may_v be_v so_o and_o we_o never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o consequent_o when_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o not_o beside_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o god_n because_o in_o this_o we_o be_v command_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o condition_n of_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o who_o nature_n be_v imperfect_a be_v capable_a of_o resemble_v the_o divine_a goodness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o from_o these_o three_o head_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o iii_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a agree_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o i_o always_o except_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o attribute_v nothing_o but_o eternity_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v have_v consider_v it_o happiness_n without_o goodness_n be_v impossible_a i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v express_o deny_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a but_o they_o clear_o take_v away_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v a_o immortal_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o that_o neither_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o idle_a be_v that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a but_o set_v aside_o this_o atheistical_a sect_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen_a do_v unanimous_o affirm_v and_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o praise_n of_o he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whosoever_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o persuasion_n or_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v good_a from_o he_o seneca_n have_v a_o excellent_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o say_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o sure_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o prayer_n that_o with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v conspire_v in_o this_o madness_n of_o put_v up_o their_o supplication_n to_o deaf_a and_o impotent_a deity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o confer_v benefit_n upon_o those_o who_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o we_o need_v not_o to_o infer_v their_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n from_o the_o act_n of_o their_o devotion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o express_o to_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o among_o the_o divine_a title_n this_o always_o have_v the_o preeminence_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deus_fw-la optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la be_v their_o constant_a stile_n and_o in_o our_o language_n the_o name_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o from_o his_o goodness_n i_o may_v produce_v innumerable_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a authers_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o remarkable_a one_o out_o of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la deinde_fw-la reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o next_o to_o ascribe_v majesty_n or_o greatness_n to_o he_o and_o to_o ascribe_v goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o greatness_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.6_o where_o god_n make_v his_o name_n know_v to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long_o suffer_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v psal_n 119.68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o our_o bless_a saviour_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n in_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a luke_n 18.19_o there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o in_o that_o excellent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v those_o innumerable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o long_o suffer_v for_o these_o be_v but_o several_a branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n his_o grace_n be_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o his_o mercy_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n his_o patience_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o iii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v likewise_o be_v argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o being_n knowledge_n and_o power_n be_v great_a perfection_n but_o separate_v from_o goodness_n they_o will_v be_v great_a imperfection_n nothing_o but_o craft_n and_o violence_n a_o angel_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o perfection_n that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o it_o give_v perfection_n to_o all_o other_o excellency_n take_v away_o this_o and_o the_o great_a excellency_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n will_v be_v but_o the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o
perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essential_o belong_v to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o principal_a branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o all_o other_o and_o therefore_o we_o always_o find_v it_o in_o scripture_n in_o the_o company_n of_o god_n mild_a and_o sweet_a attribute_n when_o god_n will_v give_v the_o most_o perfect_a description_n of_o himself_o and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o moses_n make_v all_o his_o glory_n to_o pass_v before_o we_o he_o usual_o do_v it_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o patience_n be_v always_o one_o of_o they_o exod._n 34.6_o the_o lord_n pass_v by_o before_o moses_n and_o proclaim_v the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o but_o thou_o o_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n full_a of_o compassion_n and_o gracious_a long_o suffer_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 103.8_o the_o lord_n be_v merciful_a and_o gracious_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n and_o the_o same_o you_o find_v psal_n 145.8_o jonah_n 4.2_o joel_n 2.13_o sometime_o indeed_o you_o find_v a_o severe_a attribute_n add_v to_o these_o as_o that_o he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a exod._n 34.7_o but_o it_o be_v always_o put_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v his_o first_o and_o primary_n perfection_n and_o it_o be_v only_o when_o these_o fail_n and_o have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o but_o be_v abuse_v by_o we_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o ourselves_o in_o a_o impenitent_a course_n that_o his_o justice_n take_v place_n nay_o even_o among_o man_n it_o be_v esteem_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v able_a to_o forbear_v and_o to_o restrain_v our_o anger_n passion_n be_v impotency_n and_o folly_n but_o patience_n be_v power_n and_o wisdom_n prov._n 14.29_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n but_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n prov._n 16.32_o he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v better_a than_o the_o mighty_a and_o he_o that_o rule_v his_o spirit_n than_o he_o that_o conquer_v a_o city_n rom._n 12.21_o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a to_o be_v impatient_a be_v to_o be_v overcome_v but_o to_o forbear_v anger_n and_o revenge_n be_v a_o victory_n patience_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a power_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o god_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o most_o powerful_a be_v be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o infinite_a patience_n and_o nothing_o do_v more_o declare_v the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o his_o patience_n that_o when_o he_o be_v provoke_v by_o such_o vile_a and_o despicable_a creature_n as_o we_o be_v he_o can_v withhold_v his_o hand_n from_o destroy_v we_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o moses_n use_v numb_a 14.17_o 18._o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n do_v so_o eminent_o appear_v in_o his_o patience_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v thou_o let_v the_o power_n of_o my_o lord_n be_v great_a as_o he_o have_v speak_v say_v the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o long-suffering_a and_o yet_o power_n where_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v by_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o anger_n because_o where_o there_o be_v power_n there_o be_v something_o to_o back_v it_o and_o make_v it_o good_a and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n do_v recommend_v and_o set_v off_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o power_n psal_n 7.11_o god_n be_v strong_a and_o patient_a god_n be_v provoke_v every_o day_n god_n be_v strong_a and_o therefore_o patient_a or_o he_o be_v infinite_o patient_a notwithstanding_o his_o almighty_a power_n to_o revenge_v the_o daily_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n among_o man_n anger_n and_o weakness_n common_o go_v together_o but_o they_o be_v ill_o match_v as_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o the_o son_n of_o sirach_n ecclus._n 10.18_o pride_n be_v not_o make_v for_o man_n nor_o furious_a anger_n for_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n so_o that_o anger_n and_o impatience_n be_v every_o where_o unreasonable_a where_o there_o be_v power_n impatience_n be_v below_o it_o and_o a_o thing_n too_o mean_a for_o omnipotency_n and_o where_o there_o want_v power_n anger_n be_v above_o it_o it_o be_v too_o much_o for_o a_o weak_a and_o impotent_a creature_n to_o be_v angry_a where_o there_o be_v power_n anger_n be_v needless_a and_o of_o no_o use_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o power_n it_o be_v vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n so_o that_o patience_n be_v every_o where_o a_o perfection_n both_o in_o god_n and_o man._n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o give_v some_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n 2._o how_o notwithstanding_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o they_o 1._o how_o man_n deal_v with_o god_n every_o day_n we_o high_o offend_v and_o provoke_v he_o we_o grieve_v and_o weary_v he_o with_o our_o iniquity_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isa_n 43.24_o thou_o have_v make_v i_o to_o serve_v with_o thy_o sin_n thou_o have_v weary_v i_o with_o thy_o iniquity_n every_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v be_v a_o affront_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n by_o deny_v submission_n to_o his_o law_n we_o question_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o say_v do_v god_n see_v and_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a or_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o omnipresence_n and_o that_o he_o regard_v what_o we_o do_v the_o provocation_n be_v still_o the_o great_a because_o than_o we_o affront_v he_o to_o his_o face_n we_o dare_v his_o justice_n and_o challenge_v his_o omnipotency_n and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n as_o if_o we_o be_v strong_a than_o he_o be_v not_o god_n patient_a when_o the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v overspread_v with_o violence_n and_o be_v full_a of_o the_o habitation_n of_o cruelty_n when_o he_o who_o be_v of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n and_o be_v so_o high_o offend_v at_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n have_v yet_o the_o patience_n to_o look_v upon_o they_o that_o deal_v treacherous_o and_o to_o hold_v his_o peace_n when_o the_o wicked_a persecute_v and_o devour_v the_o man_n that_o be_v more_o righteous_a than_o he_o when_o even_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v by_o their_o vile_a and_o obominable_a life_n blaspheme_v that_o holy_a and_o glorious_a name_n whereby_o they_o be_v call_v every_o moment_n god_n have_v great_a injury_n do_v to_o he_o and_o more_o affront_v put_v upon_o he_o than_o be_v ever_o offer_v to_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o sure_o provocation_n be_v trial_n of_o patience_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v so_o numerous_a and_o so_o heinous_a for_o if_o offence_n rise_v according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o person_n injure_v and_o the_o meanness_n of_o he_o that_o do_v the_o injury_n than_o no_o offence_n be_v so_o great_a as_o those_o that_o be_v commit_v by_o man_n against_o god_n no_o affront_n like_o to_o those_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n by_o the_o continual_a provocation_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n patience_n that_o the_o glorious_a majesty_n of_o heaven_n shall_v bear_v such_o multiply_a indignity_n from_o such_o vile_a worm_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o former_a of_o all_o thing_n shall_v endure_v his_o own_o creature_n to_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o strike_v at_o he_o that_o he_o who_o be_v our_o great_a benefactor_n shall_v put_v up_o such_o affront_n from_o those_o who_o depend_v upon_o his_o bounty_n and_o be_v maintain_v at_o his_o charge_n that_o he_o in_o who_o hand_n our_o breath_n be_v shall_v suffer_v man_n to_o breath_n out_o oath_n and_o curse_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o sure_o these_o prove_v the_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o purpose_n and_o be_v equal_o trial_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o patience_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o that_o he_o do_v not_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o be_v and_o turn_v the_o wicked_a together_o into_o hell_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n he_o be_v patient_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o
any_o even_o as_o christ_n forgive_v you_o so_o also_o do_v you_o and_o we_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n both_o from_o god_n and_o man._n we_o be_v liable_a one_o to_o another_o and_o in_o the_o change_n of_o human_a affair_n we_o may_v be_v all_o subject_n to_o one_o another_o by_o turn_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o one_o another_o pity_n and_o compassion_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o with_o the_o same_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o to_o restrain_v the_o cruelty_n and_o check_v the_o insolence_n of_o man_n god_n have_v so_o order_v in_o his_o providence_n that_o very_o often_o in_o this_o world_n man_n cruelty_n return_v upon_o their_o own_o head_n and_o their_o violent_a deal_n upon_o their_o own_o pate_n bajazet_n meet_v with_o a_o tamerlane_n but_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o liable_a to_o one_o another_o we_o all_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n if_o we_o be_v merciful_a to_o other_o in_o suffer_v and_o forgive_a they_o that_o have_v injure_v we_o god_n will_v be_v so_o to_o we_o he_o will_v pardon_v our_o sin_n to_o we_o prov._n 16.5_o by_o mercy_n and_o truth_n iniquity_n be_v purge_v 2._o sam._n 22.26_o with_o the_o merciful_a thou_o will_v show_v thyself_o merciful_a prov._n 14.21_o he_o that_o have_v mercy_n on_o the_o poor_a happy_a be_v he_o prov._n 21.21_o he_o that_o follow_v after_o mercy_n find_v life_n matth._n 6.14_o if_o you_o forgive_v man_n their_o trespass_n your_o heavenly_a father_n will_v also_o forgive_v you_o but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v malicious_a and_o revengeful_a and_o implacable_a to_o those_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o inexorable_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v receive_v to_o favour_n and_o cruel_a to_o those_o who_o lie_v at_o our_o mercy_n hard_o heart_v to_o they_o that_o be_v in_o necessity_n what_o can_v we_o expect_v but_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v leave_v we_o that_o he_o will_v forget_v to_o be_v gracious_a and_o shut_v up_o in_o anger_n his_o tender_a mercy_n mat._n 6.15_o if_o you_o forgive_v not_o man_n their_o trespass_n neither_o will_v your_o heavenly_a father_n forgive_v your_o trespass_n that_o be_v a_o dreadful_a passage_n s._n james_n 2.13_o he_o shall_v have_v judgement_n without_o mercy_n that_o have_v show_v no_o mercy_n how_o angry_a be_v the_o lord_n with_o the_o servant_n who_o be_v so_o inexorable_a to_o his_o fellow_n servant_n after_o he_o have_v forgive_v he_o so_o great_a a_o debt_n as_o you_o find_v in_o the_o parable_n mat._n 18.24_o he_o owe_v he_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n and_o upon_o his_o submission_n and_o entreaty_n to_o have_v patience_n with_o he_o he_o be_v move_v with_o compassion_n and_o loose_v he_o and_o forgive_v he_o all_o but_o no_o soon_o have_v this_o favour_n be_v do_v to_o he_o by_o his_o lord_n but_o go_v forth_o he_o meet_v his_o fellow_n servant_n who_o owe_v he_o a_o small_a inconsiderable_a debt_n a_o hundred_o penny_n he_o lay_v hand_n on_o he_o and_o take_v he_o by_o the_o throat_n and_o roundly_o demand_v payment_n of_o he_o he_o fall_v down_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o use_v the_o same_o form_n of_o supplication_n that_o he_o have_v use_v to_o his_o lord_n but_o he_o reject_v his_o request_n and_o put_v he_o in_o prison_n now_o what_o say_v the_o lord_n to_o he_o v._o 32_o 33_o 34._o o_o thou_o wicked_a servant_n i_o forgive_v thou_o all_o the_o debt_n because_o thou_o desire_v i_o shall_v not_o thou_o also_o have_v have_v compassion_n on_o thy_o fellow_n servant_n even_o as_o i_o have_v pity_n on_o thou_o and_o the_o lord_n be_v wroth_a and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o tormentor_n till_o he_o shall_v pay_v all_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o he_o now_o what_o application_n do_v our_o saviour_n make_v of_o this_o v._o 35._o so_o likewise_o shall_v my_o heavenly_a father_n do_v also_o unto_o you_o if_o you_o from_o your_o heart_n forgive_v not_o every_o one_o his_o brother_n their_o trespass_n god_n readiness_n to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o forgive_v other_o the_o great_a injury_n that_o we_o can_v suffer_v from_o man_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o to_o the_o sin_n that_o we_o commit_v against_o god_n they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o they_o neither_o in_o weight_n nor_o number_n they_o be_v but_o as_o a_o hundred_o penny_n to_o ten_o thousand_o talent_n if_o we_o will_v be_v like_o god_n we_o shall_v forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n he_o pardon_v our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o great_a many_o injury_n though_o offence_n be_v renew_v and_o provocation_n multiply_v for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o he_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n ex._n 34.7_o be_v 55.7_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v we_o will_v not_o have_v god_n only_o to_o forgive_v we_o seven_o time_n but_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o often_o as_o we_o offend_v he_o so_o shall_v we_o forgive_v our_o brother_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o this_o work_n god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o neh._n 9.17_o and_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o hearty_o not_o only_o in_o word_n when_o we_o retain_v malice_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o while_o we_o say_v we_o forgive_v carry_v on_o a_o secret_a design_n in_o our_o heart_n of_o revenge_a ourselves_o when_o we_o have_v opportunity_n but_o we_o shall_v from_o our_o heart_n forgive_v every_o one_o for_o so_o god_n do_v to_o we_o who_o when_o he_o forgive_v we_o cast_v our_o iniquity_n behind_o his_o back_n and_o throw_v they_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o blot_v out_o our_o transgression_n so_o as_o to_o remember_v our_o iniquity_n no_o more_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v thus_o every_o time_n we_o put_v up_o the_o petition_n to_o god_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n as_o we_o forgive_v they_o that_o trespass_n against_o we_o we_o do_v not_o pray_v for_o mercy_n but_o for_o judgement_n we_o invoke_v his_o wrath_n and_o do_v not_o put_v up_o a_o prayer_n but_o a_o dreadful_a imprecation_n against_o ourselves_o we_o pronounce_v the_o sentence_n of_o our_o own_o condemnation_n and_o importune_v god_n not_o to_o forgive_v we_o use_v 4._o if_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a this_o may_v comfort_v we_o against_o despair_n sinner_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v deject_v when_o they_o consider_v their_o unworthiness_n the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o many_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o they_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v with_o cain_n that_o their_o sin_n be_v great_a than_o can_v be_v forgive_v but_o do_v not_o look_v only_o upon_o thy_o sin_n but_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n thou_o can_v not_o be_v too_o sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o desert_n of_o it_o but_o whilst_o we_o aggravate_v our_o sin_n we_o must_v not_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n when_o we_o consider_v the_o multitude_n of_o our_o sin_n we_o must_v consider_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n tender_a mercy_n we_o have_v be_v great_a sinner_n and_o god_n be_v of_o great_a mercy_n we_o have_v multiply_v our_o provocation_n and_o he_o multiply_v to_o pardon_v do_v but_o thou_o put_v thyself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o mercy_n by_o repent_v of_o thy_o sin_n and_o forsake_v of_o they_o and_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n will_v receive_v thou_o if_o we_o confess_v our_o sin_n he_o be_v merciful_a and_o faithful_a to_o forgive_v they_o if_o we_o have_v offend_v man_n as_o we_o have_v do_v god_n we_o may_v despair_v of_o pardon_n but_o it_o be_v god_n and_o not_o man_n that_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n but_o as_o the_o heaven_n be_v high_a above_o the_o earth_n so_o be_v his_o way_n above_o our_o way_n and_o his_o thought_n above_o our_o thought_n we_o can_v be_v more_o injurious_a to_o god_n than_o by_o hard_a thought_n of_o he_o as_o if_o fury_n be_v in_o he_o and_o when_o we_o have_v provoke_v he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v appease_v and_o reconcile_v to_o we_o we_o disparage_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n when_o we_o distrust_v those_o gracious_a declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n if_o we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o he_o do_v hearty_o pity_v and_o compassionate_a sinner_n and_o real_o dedesire_v their_o happiness_n do_v not_o he_o condescend_v so_o low_a as_o to_o represent_v himself_o afflict_v for_o the_o misery_n of_o man_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o shall_v not_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v in_o
good_a earnest_n do_v christ_n weep_v over_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o their_o peace_n and_o can_v thou_o think_v he_o will_v not_o pardon_v thou_o upon_o thy_o repentance_n be_v he_o grieve_v that_o man_n will_v undo_v themselves_o and_o will_v not_o be_v save_v and_o can_v thou_o think_v that_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o forgive_v we_o can_v honour_v and_o glorify_v god_n more_o than_o by_o entertain_v great_a thought_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o we_o be_v say_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o our_o repentance_n because_o thereby_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n holiness_n and_o justice_n so_o we_o glorify_v he_o by_o believe_v his_o mercy_n because_o we_o conceive_v a_o right_a opinion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n we_o set_v to_o our_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o true_a psal_n 147.11_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o he_o delight_v in_o mercy_n so_o in_o our_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o that_o sinner_n shall_v conceive_v great_a hope_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v provide_v thou_o do_v submit_v to_o the_o term_n of_o god_n mercy_n thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v of_o it_o and_o he_o that_o think_v that_o his_o sin_n be_v more_o or_o great_a than_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n can_v pardon_v must_v think_v that_o there_o may_v be_v more_o evil_a in_o the_o creature_n than_o there_o be_v goodness_n in_o god_n use_v 5._o by_o way_n of_o caution_n against_o the_o presumptuous_a sinner_n if_o there_o be_v any_o that_o trespass_n upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o presume_v to_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n upon_o the_o hope_n of_o his_o mercy_n let_v such_o know_v that_o god_n be_v just_a as_o well_o as_o merciful_a a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n be_v a_o idol_n such_o a_o god_n as_o man_n set_v up_o in_o their_o own_o imagination_n but_o not_o the_o true_a god_n who_o the_o scripture_n describe_v to_o such_o person_n the_o scripture_n describe_v he_o after_o another_o manner_n nah._o 1.2_o god_n be_v jealous_a the_o lord_n revenge_v and_o be_v furious_a the_o lord_n will_v take_v vengeance_n on_o his_o adversary_n and_o reserve_v wrath_n for_o his_o enemy_n if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o the_o strengthen_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o wickedness_n and_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o own_o heart_n and_o add_v drunkeness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n deut._n 29.19_o 20._o though_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v merciful_a yet_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o wisdom_n he_o will_v not_o be_v merciful_a to_o those_o that_o despise_v his_o mercy_n to_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o to_o those_o that_o be_v resolve_v to_o go_v on_o in_o their_o sin_n to_o tempt_v his_o mercy_n and_o make_v bold_a to_o say_v let_v we_o sin_v that_o grace_n may_v abound_v god_n design_n his_o mercy_n for_o those_o that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v it_o be_v 55.7_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o to_o our_o god_n for_o he_o will_v abundant_o pardon_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o sin_n as_o well_o as_o his_o justice_n and_o it_o be_v no_o where_n offer_v to_o countenance_n sin_n but_o to_o convert_v the_o sinner_n and_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o encourage_v our_o impenitency_n but_o our_o repentance_n god_n have_v no_o where_o say_v that_o he_o will_v be_v merciful_a to_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v bold_a with_o he_o and_o presume_v to_o offend_v he_o but_o the_o mercy_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o remember_v his_o commandment_n to_o do_v they_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o he_o that_o he_o may_v be_v fear_v but_o not_o that_o he_o may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v this_o be_v to_o contradict_v the_o very_a end_n of_o god_n mercy_n which_o be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o leave_v our_o sin_n not_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o continue_v in_o they_o take_v heed_n then_o of_o abuse_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o can_v provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n more_o than_o by_o presume_v upon_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o god_n mercy_n use_v this_o opportunity_n if_o thou_o neglecte_v it_o a_o day_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n be_v come_v rom._n 2.4_o 5._o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n now_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n will_v be_v reveal_v against_o those_o who_o abuse_v his_o mercy_n not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o repentance_n to_o think_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v intend_v for_o any_o other_o end_n than_o to_o take_v we_o off_o from_o sin_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o affect_a ignorance_n that_o will_v ruin_v we_o and_o they_o who_o draw_v any_o conclusion_n from_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o may_v harden_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o be_v 27.11_o a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o save_v they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v have_v no_o mercy_n on_o they_o mercy_n itself_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o it_o will_v aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n there_o be_v no_o person_n towards_o who_o god_n will_v be_v more_o severe_o just_a than_o towards_o such_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n exasperate_v and_o set_v on_o by_o his_o injure_a and_o abuse_a mercy_n like_o a_o razor_n set_v in_o oil_n will_v have_v the_o keen_a edge_n and_o be_v the_o sharp_a for_o its_o smoothness_n those_o that_o have_v make_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n their_o enemy_n must_v expect_v the_o worst_a his_o justice_n can_v do_v unto_o they_o sermon_n vi_o vii_o vol_n vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n put_v the_o christian_n to_o who_o he_o write_v in_o mind_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n concern_v the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n which_o by_o many_o and_o perhaps_o by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o that_o it_o will_v present_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o before_o that_o there_o will_v arise_v a_o certain_a sect_n or_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o will_v deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n design_v probable_o the_o carpocratian_o a_o branch_n of_o that_o large_a sect_n of_o the_o gnostic_n of_o who_o st._n austin_n express_o say_v that_o they_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n these_o st._n peter_n call_v scoffer_n v._o 3_o 4._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n the_o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o declaration_n in_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o promise_n or_o threaten_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o declaration_n of_o christ_n so_o frequent_o repeat_v in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a or_o save_v that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o except_o only_o that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o world_n continue_v still_o as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o remain_v discourse_n on_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o goodness_n his_o mercy_n his_o patience_n his_o long-suffering_a his_o power_n his_o spirituality_n his_o immensity_n his_o eternity_n his_o incomprehensibleness_n god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o seven_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o the_o content_n sermon_n i_o two_o iii_o iu_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n page_z 1_o 25_o 51_o 81._o sermon_n v._o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n numb._n fourteen_o 18_o the_o lord_n be_v long-suffering_a and_o of_o great_a mercy_n p._n 145._o sermon_n vi_o vii_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long_o suffer_v not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n p._n 143_o 179._o sermon_n viii_o ix_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n eccles_n viii_o 11_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o execute_v speedy_o therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a p._n 193_o 239._o sermon_n x._o the_o power_n of_o god_n psal._n lxii_o 11_o god_n have_v speak_v once_o twice_o have_v i_o hear_v this_o that_o power_n belong_v unto_o god_n p._n 265._o sermon_n xi_o the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iu_o 2_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n p._n 299._o sermon_n xii_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n psal._n cxxxix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o p._n 331_o sermon_n xiii_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n psalm_n xc_o 2_o before_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o or_o ever_o thou_o have_v form_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o world_n even_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n p._n 355_o sermon_n fourteen_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o god_n job_n xi_o 7_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n p._n 377_o sermon_n xv._o god_n the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n rom_n xi_o 36_o for_o of_o he_o and_o through_o he_o and_o to_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o who_o be_v glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n p._n 403_o sermon_n i._o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n the_o subject_n which_o i_o have_v now_o propose_v to_o treat_v of_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a and_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a of_o being_n than_o which_o nothing_o deserve_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o nor_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o affect_v we_o more_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o continuance_n of_o our_o being_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o the_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o great_a comfort_n and_o our_o fair_a example_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o admiration_n the_o joy_n and_o rejoice_v of_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o the_o meditation_n and_o discourse_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v pleasant_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o upon_o so_o copious_a a_o argument_n and_o to_o set_v bound_n to_o that_o which_o be_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o extent_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n which_o word_n be_v a_o argument_n which_o the_o divine_a plalmist_n use_v to_o stir_v up_o himself_o and_o other_o to_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n at_o the_o 3._o v._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a and_o great_o to_o be_v praise_v and_o he_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o v._o 8._o and_o 9_o from_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n the_o lord_n be_v gracious_a and_o full_a of_o compassion_n slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a mercy_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n where_o you_o have_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n declare_v together_o with_o the_o amplitude_n and_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n first_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n second_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o consider_v the_o effect_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o four_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n first_o what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o dry_a metaphysical_a notion_n of_o goodness_n which_o only_o signify_v the_o be_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o thing_n but_o this_o be_v a_o good_a word_n ill_o bestow_v for_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v even_o the_o devil_n himself_o be_v good_a and_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a notion_n of_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v twofold_a 1._o more_o general_a in_o opposition_n to_o all_o moral_a evil_n and_o imperfection_n which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o the_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n his_o goodness_n but_o there_o be_v 2._o another_o notion_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o restrain_v and_o than_o it_o denote_v a_o particular_a virtue_n in_o opposition_n to_o a_o particular_a vice_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o usual_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n goodness_n and_o the_o best_a description_n i_o can_v give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n whereby_o a_o person_n be_v incline_v to_o desire_v and_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v best_o understand_v by_o its_o contrary_n which_o be_v a_o envious_a disposition_n a_o contract_a and_o narrow_a spirit_n which_o will_v confine_v happiness_n to_o itself_o and_o grudge_v that_o other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o or_o share_v in_o it_o or_o a_o malicious_a and_o mischievous_a temper_n which_o delight_v in_o the_o harm_n of_o other_o and_o to_o procure_v trouble_n and_o mischief_n to_o they_o to_o communicate_v and_o lay_v out_o ourselves_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v goodness_n and_o and_o so_o the_o apostle_n explain_v do_v good_a by_o communicate_v to_o other_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o want_v heb._n 13.16_o but_o to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o communicate_v forget_v not_o the_o jew_n make_v a_o distinction_n between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v rom._n 5.7_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n will_v one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v the_o righteous_a man_n be_v he_o that_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o other_o and_o the_o good_a man_n he_o who_o be_v not_o only_o not_o injurious_a to_o other_o but_o kind_a and_o beneficial_a to_o they_o so_o that_o goodness_n be_v a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o communicate_v the_o good_a and_o happiness_n which_o we_o enjoy_v and_o to_o be_v will_v other_o shall_v partake_v of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n among_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o god_n be_v original_o and_o transcendent_o good_a but_o the_o creature_n be_v the_o best_a of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o good_a
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v a_o creature_n of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v its_o obedience_n try_v in_o order_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o such_o a_o creature_n be_v make_v mutable_a and_o by_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o its_o liberty_n capable_a of_o obey_v or_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o his_o creator_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o sin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n be_v capable_a of_o reward_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o be_v sufficient_o vindicate_v in_o that_o he_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n and_o power_n for_o the_o attain_n of_o that_o end_n and_o it_o do_v in_o no_o wise_n contradict_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o do_v not_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n for_o this_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o let_v man_n be_v the_o creature_n he_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n according_a to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o his_o own_o free_a choice_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n make_v man_n good_a at_o first_o though_o mutable_a and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o have_v continue_v so_o though_o he_o wilful_o determine_v himself_o to_o evil_a this_o acquit_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o make_v man_n upright_o but_o he_o find_v out_o to_o himself_o many_o invention_n 2._o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o a_o order_n and_o rank_n of_o creature_n as_o have_v be_v in_o their_o nature_n mutable_a there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n goodness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o mercy_n and_o patience_n so_o that_o though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o in_o case_n of_o their_o wilful_a transgression_n and_o disobedience_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n and_o in_o his_o merciful_a care_n and_o provision_n for_o their_o recovery_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a state_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o objection_n if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a whence_o then_o come_v evil_a the_o second_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v the_o decree_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n and_o fault_n this_o seem_v not_o only_o notorious_o to_o contradict_v the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o to_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o least_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n indeed_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v only_o mean_v that_o god_n in_o his_o own_o infinite_a knowledge_n foresee_v the_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n determine_v in_o himself_o what_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v so_o plain_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v impenitent_a sinner_n with_o everlasting_a destruction_n or_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v that_o god_n have_v not_o elect_v all_o mankind_n that_o be_v absolute_o decree_v to_o bring_v they_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n neither_o of_o these_o notion_n of_o reprobation_n be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o may_v foresee_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o determine_v to_o punish_v it_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o goodness_n he_o may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o all_o and_o yet_o not_o equal_o and_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n if_o god_n please_v to_o bring_v any_o infallible_o to_o salvation_n this_o be_v transcendent_a goodness_n but_o if_o he_o put_v all_o other_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o it_o and_o use_v all_o necessary_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o after_o all_o this_o any_o fall_n short_a of_o happiness_n through_o their_o own_o wilful_a fault_n and_o obstinacy_n these_o man_n be_v evil_a and_o cruel_a to_o themselves_o but_o god_n have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o merciful_a to_o they_o but_o if_o by_o reprobation_n be_v mean_v either_o that_o god_n have_v decree_v without_o respect_n to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n their_o absolute_a ruin_n and_o misery_n or_o that_o he_o have_v decree_v that_o they_o shall_v inevitable_o sin_v and_o perish_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o such_o a_o reprobation_n as_o this_o do_v clear_o overthrow_v all_o possible_a notion_n of_o goodness_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o true_a and_o only_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_o contrary_a to_o a_o disposition_n to_o make_v they_o happy_a than_o a_o absolute_a decree_n and_o a_o peremptory_a resolution_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a god_n be_v infinite_o better_a than_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o yet_o none_o can_v possible_o think_v that_o man_n a_o good_a man_n who_o shall_v absolute_o resolve_v to_o disinherit_v and_o destroy_v his_o child_n without_o the_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o any_o fault_n to_o be_v commit_v by_o they_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o devise_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n worse_o than_o this_o of_o the_o devil_n but_o it_o be_v say_v reprobation_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o goodness_n but_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o goodness_n and_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o we_o must_v not_o attribute_v such_o a_o sovereignty_n to_o god_n as_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n for_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n may_v break_v in_o at_o pleasure_n upon_o his_o other_o attribute_n than_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o wise_a and_o just_a if_o his_o sovereignty_n may_v at_o any_o time_n act_v contrary_a to_o these_o perfection_n now_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v possible_o stand_v together_o the_o question_n be_v which_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o give_v way_n to_o the_o other_o what_o st._n paul_n determine_v in_o another_o case_n concern_v the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n will_v equal_o hold_v concern_v his_o goodness_n let_v god_n be_v good_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o ever_o i_o can_v find_v and_o there_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o some_o great_a divine_n have_v hold_v this_o doctrine_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v reconcile_v together_o let_v they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o can_v but_o if_o they_o can_v rather_o let_v the_o school_n of_o the_o great_a divine_n be_v call_v in_o question_n than_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v the_o great_a and_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n three_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n this_o objection_n i_o have_v full_o answer_v in_o a_o discourse_n upon_o s._n matth._n 25.46_o and_o therefore_o shall_v proceed_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n from_o sundry_a instance_n of_o god_n severity_n to_o mankind_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v in_o several_a age_n either_o befall_v mankind_n in_o general_n or_o particular_a nation_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o scripture_n instance_n as_o be_v most_o know_v and_o most_o certain_a and_o remarkable_a or_o at_o least_o equal_o remarkable_a with_o any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o history_n such_o be_v the_o early_a and_o universal_a degeneracy_n of_o all_o mankind_n by_o the_o sin_n and_o transgression_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o general_a deluge_n the_o sudden_a and_o terrible_a destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o by_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n from_o heaven_n the_o cruel_a extirpation_n of_o the_o canaanite_n by_o the_o express_a command_n of_o god_n and_o last_o the_o great_a calamity_n which_o befall_v the_o jewish_a nation_n especial_o the_o final_a ruin_n
letter_n without_o admit_v any_o trope_n or_o figure_n in_o the_o word_n which_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v or_o else_o show_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o this_o shall_v be_v understand_v so_o more_o than_o a_o thousand_o other_o which_o they_o have_v not_o do_v and_o i_o think_v never_o can_v do_v but_o if_o it_o be_v further_o argue_v if_o we_o grant_v in_o one_o case_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v contradiction_n to_o we_o may_v be_v possible_a why_o not_o in_o all_o case_n unless_o we_o have_v some_o certain_a way_n of_o distinguish_v between_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o and_o if_o we_o grant_v all_o contradiction_n possible_a then_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o exempt_v these_o from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n can_v make_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o i_o do_v not_o grant_v that_o any_o thing_n that_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n aught_o to_o be_v grant_v by_o i_o to_o be_v possible_a unless_o i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a than_o i_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o example_n suppose_v it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o two_o body_n may_v be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n at_o the_o same_o time_n which_o be_v not_o nor_o any_o thing_n like_o it_o then_o have_v a_o revelation_n for_o this_o and_o no_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n i_o have_v high_a assurance_n and_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v possible_a than_o that_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o consequent_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n and_o that_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o though_o in_o case_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o may_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v no_o contradiction_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o without_o great_a necessity_n and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o reason_n and_o affront_v the_o faculty_n of_o understade_v which_o god_n have_v endow_v i_o withal_o by_o entertain_v any_o thing_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n which_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o the_o business_n of_o transubstantiation_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o without_o necessity_n 2._o but_o if_o this_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o because_o i_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n if_o that_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v if_o it_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v than_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v no_o divine_a revelation_n and_o when_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v a_o thing_n i_o may_v be_v bind_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o so_o all_o thing_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o assurance_n and_o of_o all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n both_o of_o faith_n and_o practice_n will_v be_v take_v away_o the_o ii_o objection_n be_v from_o the_o power_n of_o creation_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o make_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o now_o say_v the_o objector_n this_o seem_v as_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o ans_fw-fr to_o we_o indeed_o who_o converse_v with_o material_a thing_n and_o never_o see_v any_o thing_n make_v but_o out_o of_o pre-existent_a matter_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v create_v that_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o but_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v strange_a be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o we_o and_o hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o spirit_n who_o never_o see_v nor_o can_v see_v any_o thing_n but_o matter_n and_o yet_o we_o grant_v there_o be_v spirit_n it_o be_v hard_a to_o we_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v but_o out_o of_o matter_n and_o yet_o spirit_n if_o it_o be_v make_v of_o any_o thing_n pre-existent_a can_v be_v make_v of_o matter_n but_o if_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o those_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n which_o every_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o must_v assent_v to_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v creation_n to_o be_v possible_a and_o free_a from_o contradiction_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o i_o will_v proceed_v by_o these_o step_n 1._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o creation_n be_v the_o bring_n of_o something_o into_o be_v which_o before_o have_v no_o be_v at_o all_o for_o the_o phrase_n of_o make_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o out_o of_o no_o pre-existent_a matter_n do_v mislead_v our_o understanding_n into_o odd_a conceit_n as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o material_a cause_n of_o something_o or_o as_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v what_o be_v material_a 2._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v for_o we_o see_v that_o thing_n be_v however_o they_o come_v to_o be_v 3._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o whether_o matter_n or_o that_o be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n 4._o every_o one_o must_v grant_v that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v always_o for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o be_v of_o itself_o 5._o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o thing_n that_o once_o be_v not_o may_v sometime_o be_v bring_v into_o be_v by_o another_o than_o how_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v always_o of_o itself_o for_o that_o which_o once_o be_v not_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v something_o before_o it_o by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v make_v though_o not_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v but_o that_o which_o be_v always_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o thing_n by_o which_o or_o out_o of_o which_o it_o can_v be_v make_v and_o why_o can_v a_o thing_n come_v into_o a_o be_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v as_o well_o as_o a_o thing_n be_v always_o when_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o out_o of_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v second_o i_o exempt_v those_o thing_n from_o the_o extent_n of_o omnipotence_n which_o imply_v imperfection_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n both_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n for_o these_o also_o destroy_v power_n because_o they_o be_v not_o argument_n of_o power_n but_o of_o impotence_n natural_a imperfection_n as_o to_o die_v to_o be_v sick_a to_o be_v in_o want_n to_o eat_v to_o sleep_v to_o forget_v etc._n etc._n moral_a imperfection_n those_o which_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n as_o sin_n and_o vice_n or_o to_o compel_v any_o to_o sin_n which_o contradict_v his_o goodness_n as_o to_o be_v cruel_a which_o contradict_v his_o truth_n as_o to_o lie_v to_o deceive_v to_o break_v his_o promise_n to_o deny_v himself_o tit._n 1.2_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o jam._n 1.13_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d contrary_n to_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o to_o change_v his_o decree_n to_o repent_v contrary_a to_o justice_n and_o equity_n as_o for_o ever_o to_o spare_v and_o to_o pardon_v obstinate_a sinner_n eternal_o to_o punish_v innocent_a and_o good_a man_n for_o these_o be_v moral_a imperfection_n and_o contradict_v the_o holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o distinction_n between_o god_n absolute_a and_o ordinate_a power_n that_o be_v that_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a power_n of_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o yet_o upon_o supposition_n of_o his_o decree_n or_o promise_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n he_o can_v do_v be_v vain_a and_o frivolous_a unless_o man_n mean_v by_o it_o only_o this_o that_o some_o thing_n which_o argue_v a_o imperfection_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v most_o true_a but_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o and_o equal_o impossible_a to_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n i._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o usual_a title_n which_o the_o