some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
be_v utter_o impossible_a now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o declare_v his_o name_n that_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o we_o shall_v govern_v all_o our_o reason_n about_o god_n as_o concern_v his_o decree_n and_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n and_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v thing_n more_o dark_a and_o obscure_a by_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o scripture_n that_o in_o all_o these_o point_n holy_a man_n do_v constant_o appeal_v to_o these_o unquestionable_a and_o intelligible_a perfection_n of_o god_n will_v thou_o destroy_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a say_v abraham_n that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a we_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o god_n certain_o know_v who_o be_v wicked_a and_o who_o be_v righteous_a and_o he_o know_v how_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o save_v the_o righteous_a but_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v right_a thus_o moses_n satisfy_v himself_o and_o other_o concern_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n deut._n 32.3_o 4._o i_o will_v publish_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o way_n be_v judgement_n a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n just_a and_o right_o be_v he._n this_o we_o certain_o know_v of_o god_n so_o st._n paul_n rom._n 2.2_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whatsoever_o excuse_v man_n may_v pretend_v for_o their_o fault_n he_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o principle_n we_o be_v sure_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n second_o let_v we_o always_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o conjunction_n and_o so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v they_o with_o one_o another_o do_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o sovereignty_n as_o mere_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n as_o mere_a justice_n and_o severity_n but_o as_o all_o these_o together_o and_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o may_v make_v they_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o the_o great_a mistake_n in_o religion_n be_v certain_o spring_v from_o this_o root_n from_o separate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o consider_v they_o single_o and_o frame_v such_o wide_a and_o large_a notion_n of_o one_o as_o to_o exclude_v another_o whereas_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n agree_v together_o and_o that_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o contradict_v any_o other_o perfection_n among_o man_n indeed_o a_o eminent_a degree_n of_o any_o one_o excellency_n do_v usual_o shut_v out_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o power_n and_o moderation_n love_n and_o discretion_n do_v not_o often_o meet_v together_o that_o a_o great_a memory_n and_o a_o small_a judgement_n a_o good_a wit_n and_o a_o ill_a nature_n be_v many_o time_n find_v in_o conjunction_n but_o in_o infinite_a perfection_n all_o perfection_n do_v eminent_o meet_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o one_o excellency_n shall_v be_v raise_v upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o another_o and_o if_o this_o have_v be_v well_o consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o be_v too_o intent_n upon_o god_n sovereignty_n with_o neglect_n of_o his_o other_o perfection_n have_v speak_v those_o hard_a thing_n about_o predestination_n for_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n set_v he_o above_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o righteousness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v consider_v man_n will_v not_o by_o pore_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n be_v so_o swallow_v up_o in_o despair_n for_o god_n be_v not_o so_o severe_a but_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o the_o penitent_a and_o have_v leave_v a_o retreat_n for_o the_o return_a sinner_n if_o this_o be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v check_v the_o presumption_n of_o those_o who_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o sin_n by_o fancy_v to_o themselves_o a_o god_n all_o of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o because_o sentence_v against_o a_o evil_a work_n be_v not_o speedy_o execute_v therefore_o their_o heart_n be_v full_o set_v in_o they_o to_o do_v evil_a for_o it_o be_v not_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n final_o to_o bear_v with_o and_o forgive_v obstinate_a offender_n but_o want_v of_o prudence_n and_o good_a government_n three_o among_o different_a opinion_n concern_v god_n as_o there_o always_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v in_o the_o world_n choose_v those_o which_o be_v far_a from_o extremity_n because_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o virtue_n usual_o lie_v between_o the_o extreme_n and_o here_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o that_o controversy_n which_o have_v much_o disquiet_v the_o church_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n concern_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n about_o which_o there_o be_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o that_o god_n peremptory_o decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n without_o any_o regard_n or_o consideration_n of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n of_o men._n the_o other_o that_o god_n decree_v nothing_o concern_v any_o particular_a person_n but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o man_n find_v under_o such_o and_o such_o qualification_n shall_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a and_o put_v it_o into_o their_o own_o power_n to_o qualify_v themselves_o now_o he_o that_o be_v doubtful_a in_o this_o matter_n as_o every_o man_n must_v be_v that_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n have_v best_o take_v up_o in_o the_o middle_a opinion_n that_o god_n decree_v the_o final_a condition_n of_o particular_a person_n with_o respect_n to_o certain_a qualification_n which_o speak_v absolute_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n but_o yet_o under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o our_o power_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o st._n paul_n say_v i_o be_o able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n strengthen_v i_o for_o beside_o that_o this_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v this_o advantage_n in_o it_o that_o he_o that_o stand_v in_o the_o middle_n be_v like_a to_o be_v more_o moderate_a towards_o the_o dissenter_n on_o both_o side_n than_o either_o of_o they_o will_v be_v to_o one_o another_o because_o the_o middle_n be_v not_o so_o far_o from_o either_o extreme_a as_o the_o extreme_n be_v from_o one_o another_o at_o the_o worst_a he_o stand_v fair_a for_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o when_o he_o have_v satisfy_v himself_o where_o the_o truth_n lie_v he_o may_v more_o silent_o pass_v over_o to_o it_o without_o any_o great_a imputation_n of_o inconstancy_n which_o can_v but_o be_v remarkable_a in_o he_o who_o pass_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o four_o and_o last_o entertain_v no_o opinion_n concern_v god_n that_o do_v evident_o contradict_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n though_o never_o so_o specious_a and_o subtle_a argument_n may_v be_v use_v to_o persuade_v it_o truth_n be_v most_o easy_o see_v and_o discern_v in_o those_o reason_n and_o opinion_n which_o tend_v to_o practice_n because_o the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o they_o be_v soon_o discover_v whereas_o we_o can_v so_o certain_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o speculative_a man_n devise_v in_o their_o study_n without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o they_o serve_v any_o real_a purpose_n of_o life_n or_o not_o man_n indeed_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o form_v those_o notion_n which_o be_v most_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n and_o use_v because_o more_o pain_n and_o wit_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o plausible_a but_o there_o need_v no_o other_o argument_n to_o make_v a_o wise_a man_n despise_v they_o than_o that_o they_o be_v unprofitable_a and_o signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o to_o make_v man_n true_o better_a this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n but_o most_o considerable_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n because_o that_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o great_a consideration_n we_o need_v not_o scruple_n to_o admit_v some_o thing_n not_o so_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n if_o we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o a_o high_a and_o more_o cogent_a reason_n as_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o say_v it_o this_o general_a reason_n may_v persuade_v we_o of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o natural_a reason_n but_o we_o may_v not_o admit_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o evident_o contradict_v and_o weaken_v the_o practice_n of_o
a_o holy_a life_n because_o this_o be_v the_o main_a end_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o we_o know_v god_n only_o in_o order_n to_o the_o service_n and_o imitation_n of_o he_o let_v we_o then_o look_v upon_o all_o knowledge_n that_o contradict_v practice_n as_o vain_a and_o false_a because_o it_o destroy_v its_o end_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n that_o seem_v probable_a enough_o in_o speculation_n which_o yet_o we_o most_o pertinacious_o deny_v because_o they_o be_v not_o practicable_a and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v doubtful_a in_o speculation_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o great_a dispute_n which_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v find_v true_a in_o practice_n and_o experience_n be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idle_a reason_v of_o the_o stoic_n be_v a_o thing_n contemn_v by_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n as_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a subtlety_n zeno_n pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o motion_n and_o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o speculation_n but_o that_o man_n must_v stand_v still_o but_o so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n find_v he_o can_v walk_v all_o the_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n will_v not_o persuade_v he_o that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a in_o like_a manner_n they_o that_o will_v persuade_v we_o that_o man_n can_v do_v nothing_o nor_o contribute_v any_o more_o to_o their_o own_o sanctification_n than_o stock_n or_o stone_n and_o upon_o scripture_n metaphor_n misunderstand_v as_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n and_o create_v to_o good_a work_n graft_v notion_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o absurd_a in_o practice_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o man_n must_v do_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o religion_n never_o think_v of_o god_n nor_o pray_v to_o he_o nor_o read_v his_o word_n nor_o go_v to_o church_n but_o sit_v still_o and_o be_v whole_o passive_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n but_o however_o this_o may_v seem_v plausible_a and_o man_n may_v think_v they_o add_v much_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n while_o they_o deny_v any_o power_n in_o the_o creature_n yet_o every_o considerate_a man_n will_v present_o apprehend_v that_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v because_o it_o contradict_v practice_n and_o make_v all_o the_o command_n and_o exhortation_n of_o god_n word_n vain_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n because_o it_o destroy_v religion_n and_o discourage_v the_o endeavour_n of_o man_n make_v they_o slothful_a and_o careless_a of_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v set_v a_o man_n far_o from_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n and_o more_o immediate_o dispose_v he_o for_o ruin_n and_o upon_o some_o such_o false_a reason_v as_o this_o the_o slothful_a servant_n in_o the_o parable_n hide_v his_o talon_n in_o a_o napkin_n and_o bury_v it_o in_o the_o earth_n but_o when_o he_o be_v call_v to_o account_v his_o excuse_n be_v not_o admit_v but_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n the_o two_o other_o particular_n namely_o how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n and_o likewise_o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o enjoin_v be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o both_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n ii_o vi_o concern_v our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n matth_n v._o 48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o these_o word_n we_o have_v first_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v not_o only_o in_o those_o before_o mention_v of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n but_o in_o all_o other_o excellency_n whatsoever_o second_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v propound_v as_o a_o pattern_n for_o our_o imitation_n in_o the_o handle_n of_o these_o two_o particular_n i_o propound_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n i._o to_o show_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n ii_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n iii_o to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n iv._o to_o clear_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o this_o precept_n and_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n here_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a the_o two_o first_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v to_o i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o far_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o what_o those_o divine_a quality_n be_v which_o our_o saviour_n do_v here_o more_o especial_o propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n for_o though_o these_o word_n do_v suppose_v the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v several_a perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v incommunicable_a and_o a_o creature_n as_o such_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o they_o these_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o as_o the_o necessity_n and_o independency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o it_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o consequent_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n the_o immensity_n and_o eternity_n of_o his_o be_v these_o and_o perhaps_o several_a other_o perfection_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unsufferable_a pride_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o high_a treason_n against_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o own_o state_n as_o we_o be_v creature_n to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o excellency_n of_o which_o the_o condition_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v utter_o incapable_a this_o be_v the_o sin_n of_o lucifer_n a_o ambition_n to_o step_v into_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a so_o that_o in_o our_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o the_o most_o high_a and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o arm_n like_o god_n and_o to_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o job_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o resemble_v he_o pro_fw-la modulo_fw-la creaturae_fw-la according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o those_o divine_a quality_n and_o in_o such_o measure_n and_o degree_n as_o our_o finite_a and_o dependent_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o more_o especial_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n such_o as_o be_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o and_o only_o these_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n not_o all_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o general_a but_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o those_o which_o i_o have_v name_v for_o with_o these_o and_o hardly_o with_o any_o other_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n join_v in_o scripture_n as_o holy_a and_o righteous_a holy_a and_o true_a etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n say_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a it_o signify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n in_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o righteousness_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n for_o these_o be_v the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o set_v he_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a impurity_n and_o sin_n for_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n here_o in_o the_o text_n more_o peculiar_o recommend_v to_o our_o imitation_n be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n of_o which_o his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n be_v two_o eminent_a branch_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n or_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n be_v his_o mercy_n in_o spare_v those_o who_o have_v deserve_v punishment_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o
will_v it_o produce_v what_o untoward_a combination_n of_o effect_n will_v there_o be_v if_o infinite_a power_n be_v let_v loose_a to_o act_v without_o the_o conduct_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o we_o take_v away_o his_o providence_n for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counsel_n no_o forecast_n of_o event_n no_o provision_n for_o the_o future_a no_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o without_o knowledge_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o goodness_n for_o he_o be_v not_o good_a that_o do_v good_a out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o from_o a_o blind_a necessity_n there_o can_v be_v no_o veracity_n nor_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n in_o god_n for_o all_o these_o suppose_v knowledge_n he_o that_o speak_v truth_n must_v know_v it_o he_o that_o be_v just_o must_v understand_v right_a from_o wrong_n he_o that_o show_v mercy_n must_v know_v who_o be_v miserable_a and_o how_o they_o may_v be_v relieve_v and_o not_o to_o labour_v in_o a_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o casie_a take_v away_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o you_o render_v he_o incapable_a of_o any_o honour_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o if_o he_o know_v not_o what_o honour_n we_o do_v he_o it_o be_v lose_v labour_n to_o give_v he_o any_o and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v these_o be_v the_o deduction_n of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o heathen_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n tully_n tell_v we_o that_o thales_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v deos_fw-la omne_fw-la cernere_fw-la and_o we_o know_v the_o heathen_n be_v wont_a to_o swear_v diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la testibus_fw-la interpositis_fw-la which_o be_v a_o own_n of_o his_o omniscience_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la deum_fw-la omne_fw-la pervidentem_fw-la &_o cogitantem_fw-la &_o animadvertentem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotii_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la de_fw-la nat._n deor._n l._n 1._o 2._o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o will_v not_o heap_v up_o all_o those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o argument_n i_o will_v only_o instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o job_n 36.4_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n be_v with_o thou_o 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o represent_v god_n by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n as_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n which_o signify_v his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o he_o as_o communicate_v to_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o understanding_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n dan._n 2.21_o and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a thing_n the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o heart_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n as_o future_a thing_n and_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n as_o the_o contingent_a act_n of_o free_a creature_n each_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v particular_o consider_v for_o in_o prove_v that_o god_n know_v all_o these_o his_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v prove_v with_o advantage_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o must_v in_o all_o probability_n be_v either_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v secret_a and_o hide_a as_o man_n secret_a action_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o else_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o come_v and_o depend_v upon_o no_o certain_a cause_n as_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o prove_v of_o this_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o as_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o practice_n it_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o our_o life_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o of_o these_o viz._n that_o god_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n even_o those_o that_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o in_o handle_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o to_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n take_v knowledge_n of_o all_o our_o action_n his_o eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n job_n 34.21_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n of_o they_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n he_o mark_v all_o his_o step_n take_v very_o exact_a and_o particular_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v 3._o he_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n may_v hide_v themselves_o job_n 34_o 22._o 1._o that_o god_n take_v notice_n of_o all_o our_o action_n and_o that_o this_o notion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o beam_n of_o the_o light_n which_o come_v with_o we_o into_o the_o world_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o heathen_n in_o it_o i_o will_v but_o produce_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n tully_n lay_v down_o this_o principle_n as_o that_o which_o make_v man_n regular_a and_o orderly_a and_o fit_a for_o society_n sit_v igitur_fw-la hoc_fw-la persuasum_fw-la civibus_fw-la qualis_fw-la cuique_fw-la sit_fw-la quid_fw-la agate_n quid_fw-la in_o se_fw-la admittat_fw-la deos_fw-la intueri_fw-la socrates_n as_o xenophon_n tell_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o epictetus_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v persuade_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o man_n be_v see_v of_o god_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o mention_n this_o psal_n 139.1_o etc._n etc._n prov._n 5.21_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o ponder_v all_o his_o go_n jer._n 32.19_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o give_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n 2._o he_o be_v a_o curious_a observer_n one_o that_o take_v exact_a notice_n of_o all_o that_o we_o do_v job_n say_v he_o see_v all_o our_o step_n and_o solomon_n that_o he_o ponder_v all_o our_o go_n the_o word_n be_v he_o weigh_v they_o in_o a_o balance_n so_o 1_o sam._n 2_o 3._o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n by_o he_o action_n be_v weigh_v job_n 31.4_o do_v he_o not_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v the_o difficulty_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n of_o god_n knowledge_n he_o know_v the_o quality_n of_o our_o action_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o they_o whatever_o may_v commend_v a_o action_n or_o blemish_v it_o whatever_o may_v aggravate_v a_o sin_n or_o excuse_v it_o isa_n 26.7_o thou_o most_o upright_o do_v weigh_v the_o path_n of_o the_o just_a there_o be_v not_o a_o good_a word_n that_o we_o speak_v but_o god_n hear_v it_o mal._n 3.16_o and_o the_o lord_n hearken_v and_o hear_v and_o a_o book_n of_o remembrance_n be_v write_v before_o he_o and_o all_o we_o do_v be_v note_v in_o his_o book_n psa_n 56.8_o 3._o he_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a the_o good_a as_o well_o as_o the_o bad_a when_o we_o do_v our_o alm_n in_o secret_a when_o we_o enter_v into_o our_o closet_n and_o shut_v the_o door_n our_o father_n see_v in_o secret_a mat._n 6._o nor_o can_v we_o retire_v ourselves_o to_o any_o place_n where_o we_o can_v sin_v so_o as_o god_n shall_v not_o see_v we_o where_o we_o can_v hide_v our_o sin_n from_o his_o sight_n or_o ourselves_o from_o his_o wrath_n hear_v how_o sensible_o a_o heathen_a speak_v of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arrian_n in_o ep._n l._n 1._o c._n 14._o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a of_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n psal_n 90.8_o thou_o have_v set_v our_o iniquity_n before_o thou_o and_o our_o secret_a sin_n in_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n those_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v in_o the_o dark_a be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n darkness_n and_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o psal_n 139.11_o 12._o jer._n 16.17_o 23_o 24._o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o ii_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n and_o thought_n of_o man_n which_o imply_v these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n
evident_o inconsistent_a with_o some_o other_o and_o great_a perfection_n some_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v perfection_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v plain_o impossible_a and_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n as_o that_o what_o have_v once_o be_v shall_v by_o any_o power_n be_v make_v not_o to_o have_v be_v or_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o by_o its_o nature_n be_v limit_v and_o confine_v to_o one_o place_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v in_o another_o these_o thing_n in_o reason_n be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v suppose_v to_o fall_v under_o any_o power_n how_o unlimited_a soever_o for_o if_o we_o once_o ascribe_v contradiction_n to_o god_n we_o destroy_v his_o be_v because_o then_o to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v power_n and_o no_o power_n will_v be_v all_o one_o and_o then_o there_o be_v some_o perfection_n which_o do_v argue_v and_o suppose_v imperfection_n in_o they_o as_o motion_n the_o quickness_n and_o swiftness_n thereof_o in_o creature_n be_v a_o perfection_n but_o than_o it_o suppose_v a_o finite_a and_o limit_a nature_n for_o a_o boundless_a and_o immense_a be_v that_o be_v every_o where_o present_a at_o once_o have_v no_o need_n to_o move_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o therefore_o though_o motion_n be_v a_o perfection_n in_o creature_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o ascribe_v it_o to_o god_n because_o it_o suppose_v a_o great_a imperfection_n and_o there_o be_v also_o some_o imaginable_a degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o because_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o other_o perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o instance_n such_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n may_v be_v imagine_v as_o will_v quite_o exclude_v and_o shut_v out_o justice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n such_o a_o strictness_n and_o a_o rigour_n of_o justice_n as_o will_v leave_v no_o room_n at_o all_o for_o patience_n and_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o such_o degree_n be_v not_o real_o to_o be_v esteem_v perfection_n for_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o nothing_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n which_o evident_o clash_v with_o any_o other_o necessary_a and_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v so_o consider_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o they_o may_v accord_v and_o consist_v together_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o good_a and_o gracious_a as_o to_o encourage_v sin_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o reverence_n of_o his_o own_o law_n and_o government_n it_o be_v not_o goodness_n but_o easiness_n and_o weakness_n to_o be_v content_v to_o be_v perpetual_o injure_v and_o affront_v it_o be_v not_o patience_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v everlasting_o trample_v upon_o so_o likewise_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v not_o a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a as_o to_o smite_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o instant_n that_o he_o offend_v not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o refrain_v from_o punishment_n and_o to_o give_v time_n for_o repentance_n but_o whatever_o perfection_n be_v conceivable_a or_o possible_a and_o argue_v no_o imperfection_n nor_o be_v repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o necessary_a perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o easy_a conception_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v this_o natural_a light_n do_v first_o suggest_v and_o offer_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o god_n as_o mere_a power_n and_o will_n without_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o greek_n call_v god_n very_o often_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o best_a of_o being_n and_o the_o latin_a optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la the_o best_a and_o the_o great_a beatissima_fw-la &_o perfectissima_fw-la natura_fw-la constans_fw-la &_o perfecta_fw-la ratio_fw-la the_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a nature_n immutible_a and_o absolute_a reason_n and_o many_o other_o such_o expression_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a thought_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o of_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n but_o this_o necessary_o involve_v or_o infer_v his_o goodness_n as_o seneca_n excellent_o reason_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la dein_fw-ge 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 worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v to_o believe_v their_o be_v next_o to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o ascribe_v to_o they_o goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v all_o along_o in_o plato_n &_o tully_n and_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o every_o where_o attribute_v the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o do_v steer_v and_o govern_v all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n by_o this_o principle_n that_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v ascrbied_a to_o he_o and_o whenever_o any_o thing_n be_v say_v of_o god_n they_o examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v they_o give_v it_o he_o as_o his_o due_n if_o it_o be_v not_o they_o lay_v it_o aside_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o do_v every_o where_o find_v perfection_n ascribe_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o work_n and_o law_n of_o god_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o or_o proceed_v from_o he_o job_n 37.16_o do_v thou_o know_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o he_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o knowledge_n and_o again_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 to_o perfection_n ps_n 18.30_o as_o for_o god_n his_o way_n be_v perfect_a ps_n 19.7_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o consider_v particular_o the_o several_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v only_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a scheme_n and_o draught_n of_o they_o whatever_o perfection_n can_v be_v imagine_v either_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o be_v or_o act_v be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n therefore_o as_o to_o his_o nature_n we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v not_o mere_a body_n or_o matter_n because_o that_o will_v exclude_v several_a other_o perfection_n for_o mere_a matter_n be_v incapable_a both_o of_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n be_v determine_v by_o necessary_a law_n of_o motion_n and_o yet_o without_o knowledge_n and_o liberty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o goodness_n we_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v of_o himself_o and_o without_o cause_n and_o do_v not_o owe_v his_o be_v to_o any_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v necessary_o and_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o be_v for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n do_v not_o choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v or_o not_o nor_o whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o to_o suppose_v any_o thing_n to_o deliberate_v or_o consult_v about_o its_o own_o be_v be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v we_o must_v say_v of_o god_n likewise_o that_o he_o be_v immense_a and_o every_o where_o present_a because_o to_o be_v limit_v be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a that_o be_v ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n than_o sometime_o not_o to_o have_v be_v and_o then_o we_o be_v to_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o that_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n and_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n by_o a_o glance_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o by_o the_o mere_a beck_n and_o nod_n of_o his_o will_n without_o long_a study_n or_o deliberation_n without_o laborious_a pain_n and_o endeavour_n and_o consequent_o that_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o way_n of_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_o end_n all_o these_o perfection_n and_o all_o other_o that_o be_v possible_a we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o full_o and_o immutable_o possess_v of_o and_o that_o in_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a degree_n than_o our_o finite_a understanding_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v or_o comprehend_v 2._o as_o we_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a
possible_a perfection_n to_o god_n so_o we_o be_v to_o separate_v and_o remove_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o we_o must_v not_o obscure_a or_o blemish_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o blot_v of_o imperfection_n if_o we_o once_o admit_v of_o this_o to_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n we_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n and_o destroy_v one_o of_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o essential_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v the_o scripture_n very_o careful_a to_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o natural_a or_o moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n gen._n 18.25_o that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o to_o do_v after_o this_o manner_n to_o slay_v the_o righteous_a with_o the_o wicked_a and_o that_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v as_o the_o wicked_a that_o be_v far_o from_o thou_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v far_o be_v it_o from_o he_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n holiness_n be_v so_o frequent_o ascribe_v to_o god_n which_o signify_v the_o purity_n and_o freedom_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n and_o god_n be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o give_v we_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o himself_o as_o may_v remove_v sin_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o because_o that_o be_v the_o great_a of_o imperfection_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o countenance_n sin_n the_o scripture_n acquit_v god_n of_o it_o psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o go_v from_o one_o word_n or_o to_o change_v one_o mind_n this_o likewise_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v or_o repent_v he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o want_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o thing_n to_o depend_v upon_o any_o thing_n without_o one_o self_n for_o their_o happiness_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v set_v far_o from_o he_o job_n 22.2_o 3._o can_v a_o man_n be_v profitable_a to_o god_n or_o be_v it_o a_o gain_n to_o he_o that_o thou_o make_v thy_o way_n perfect_a job_n 35.6_o 7._o if_o thou_o sin_v what_o do_v thou_o against_o he_o or_o if_o thy_o transgression_n be_v multiply_v what_o do_v thou_o unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o receive_v he_o of_o thy_o hand_n thy_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n as_o thou_o be_v and_o thy_o righteousness_n may_v profit_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o tempt_v or_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o sin_n this_o be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o god_n he_o can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n say_v st._n james_n chap._n 1.17_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o be_v it_o a_o imperfection_n to_o be_v in_o any_o respect_n mutable_a this_o be_v deny_v of_o god_n with_o he_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n or_o shadow_n of_o turn_v thus_o you_o see_v how_o we_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n by_o ascribe_v all_o imaginable_a and_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o and_o removing_z all_o shadow_n of_o imperfection_n from_o he_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o ii_o place_n to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v rectify_v and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n concern_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o best_a i_o can_v think_v of_o be_v these_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o plain_a and_o easy_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o lay_v they_o for_o a_o foundation_n and_o rectify_v all_o our_o other_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o reason_v about_o he_o by_o these_o and_o these_o be_v his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o which_o most_o of_o the_o rest_n may_v be_v reduce_v right_o apprehension_n and_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o these_o will_v make_v it_o easy_o credible_a to_o we_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o for_o his_o goodness_n will_v dispose_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o communicate_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v make_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n render_v he_o able_a to_o do_v all_o this_o without_o any_o labour_n or_o difficulty_n and_o without_o any_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n or_o happiness_n as_o epicurus_n will_v seem_v vain_o to_o fear_v who_o in_o truth_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o pretend_v only_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o that_o he_o either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n because_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o lay_v so_o much_o trouble_v upon_o he_o vain_a man_n as_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v impossible_a and_o difficult_a to_o our_o weakness_n and_o folly_n may_v not_o be_v infinite_o easy_a to_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n particular_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a to_o apprehend_v as_o the_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v render_v they_o to_o many_o when_o we_o consider_v infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n we_o may_v easy_o lose_v ourselves_o and_o go_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n by_o wade_v too_o far_o into_o they_o there_o be_v something_o concern_v these_o that_o be_v unimaginable_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o something_o may_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o because_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o excess_n of_o power_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o either_o the_o world_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o nothing_o or_o that_o matter_n be_v eternal_o of_o itself_o which_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o hard_o to_o imagine_v as_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o from_o nothing_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v how_o god_n can_v certain_o know_v future_a event_n which_o depend_v upon_o voluntary_a and_o uncertain_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a knowledge_n but_o this_o we_o may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n may_v be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o know_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v know_v or_o do_v no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n can_v imagine_v how_o a_o great_a mathematician_n can_v demonstrate_v his_o proposition_n only_o this_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o no_o power_n can_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o impossible_a and_o imply_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o able_a perhaps_o to_o reconcile_v the_o particular_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o his_o universal_a goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n because_o we_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o his_o way_n and_o work_n at_o one_o view_n and_o see_v every_o part_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a which_o will_v appear_v very_o wise_a if_o we_o know_v the_o whole_a series_n of_o thing_n and_o see_v the_o entire_a design_n together_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v to_o who_o as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o all_o his_o way_n be_v know_v from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n be_v notion_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o if_o we_o can_v not_o understand_v these_o the_o whole_a bible_n will_v be_v insignificant_a to_o we_o for_o all_o revelation_n from_o god_n suppose_v we_o to_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v entertain_v any_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o plain_o contradict_v these_o and_o it_o be_v foolish_a for_o any_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o he_o can_v know_v what_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n in_o god_n be_v for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v this_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o whether_o god_n be_v good_a or_o not_o nor_o can_v we_o imitate_v his_o goodness_n for_o he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o make_v himself_o like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o idea_n of_o that_o to_o which_o he_o aim_v to_o be_v like_a so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a and_o settle_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n he_o will_v be_v altogether_o a_o unintelligible_a be_v and_o religion_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o he_o will_v
divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o
off_o from_o perfect_a and_o complete_a happiness_n if_o the_o deity_n be_v subject_a to_o any_o change_n or_o impairment_n of_o his_o condition_n so_o that_o either_o his_o knowledge_n or_o power_n or_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n or_o any_o other_o perfection_n can_v any_o way_n decline_v or_o fall_v off_o there_o will_v be_v a_o proportionable_a abatement_n of_o happiness_n and_o from_o all_o these_o do_v result_v in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o last_o place_n infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o happiness_n 1._o infinite_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o condition_n and_o well_o may_v happiness_n be_v content_v with_o itself_o that_o be_v with_o such_o a_o condition_n that_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o can_v neither_o desire_v it_o shall_v be_v better_o nor_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o fear_v it_o shall_v be_v worse_o 2._o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o be_v something_o more_o than_o contentment_n for_o one_o may_v be_v content_v with_o a_o affliction_n and_o painful_a condition_n in_o which_o he_o be_v far_o from_o take_v any_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n no_o affliction_n be_v joyous_a for_o the_o present_a but_o grievous_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 12._o but_o there_o can_v be_v perfect_a happiness_n without_o pleasure_n in_o our_o condition_n full_a pleasure_n be_v a_o certain_a mixture_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n hard_o to_o be_v express_v in_o word_n but_o certain_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o describe_v to_o you_o as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v according_a to_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o expression_n of_o god_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o attribute_n of_o perfection_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v perfect_o bless_a and_o happy_a and_o this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a superfluous_a and_o impertinent_a work_n to_o trouble_v you_o with_o particular_a citation_n of_o heathen_a author_n to_o this_o purpose_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a in_o they_o than_o to_o call_v the_o deity_n beatissimam_fw-la &_o perfectissimam_fw-la naturam_fw-la the_o most_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v and_o therefore_o happy_a because_o felicity_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o perfection_n it_o shall_v suffice_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n out_o of_o heathen_a writer_n to_o my_o present_a purpose_n 1._o that_o they_o account_v happiness_n so_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o way_n which_o they_o take_v to_o find_v out_o what_o property_n be_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o what_o not_o to_o consider_v what_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o happiness_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o and_o whatever_o do_v signify_v happiness_n and_o be_v a_o perfection_n consistent_a with_o it_o they_o ascribe_v to_o god_n as_o a_o suitable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o whatever_o be_v otherwise_o they_o remove_v it_o from_o god_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v say_v of_o he_o 2._o whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o perfect_a felicity_n of_o it_o even_o epicurus_n himself_o who_o so_o bold_o attempt_v to_o strip_v the_o divine_a nature_n of_o most_o of_o its_o perfection_n by_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n whereby_o he_o take_v away_o at_o once_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o his_o goodness_n likewise_o and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n or_o at_o least_o make_v all_o these_o useless_a by_o take_v away_o all_o occasion_n and_o opportunity_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o man_n do_v frequent_o own_o and_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o then_o out_o of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o officious_a kindness_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o as_o he_o pretend_v for_o the_o security_n of_o his_o felicity_n do_v in_o effect_n take_v away_o his_o other_o perfection_n he_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n put_v god_n to_o the_o trouble_v and_o burden_n of_o make_v the_o world_n or_o take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o lest_o this_o shall_v discompose_v the_o deity_n or_o be_v a_o interruption_n or_o disturbance_n of_o his_o ease_n and_o felicity_n for_o thus_o lucretius_n the_o great_a disciple_n of_o epicurus_n describe_v his_o opinion_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n omnis_fw-la enim_fw-la diuûm_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la natura_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la immortali_fw-la aevo_fw-la summâ_fw-la cum_fw-la pace_fw-la fruatur_fw-la semota_fw-la à _fw-la nostris_fw-la rebus_fw-la sejunctaque_fw-la longè_fw-la nam_fw-la privata_fw-la dolore_fw-la omni_fw-la privata_fw-la periclis_fw-la ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostrî_fw-la nec_fw-la benè_fw-la pro_fw-la meritis_fw-la capitur_fw-la nec_fw-la tangitur_fw-la irâ_fw-la that_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unconcern_v in_o our_o affair_n free_a from_o all_o grief_n and_o danger_n sufficient_a for_o itself_o and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o no_o body_n neither_o please_v with_o our_o good_a action_n nor_o provoke_v by_o our_o fault_n this_o be_v a_o very_a false_a notion_n both_o of_o god_n and_o happiness_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o care_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v a_o pain_n and_o disturbance_n to_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o this_o be_v not_o now_o my_o business_n to_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v to_o my_o present_a purpose_n be_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v universal_o own_v and_o that_o blessedness_n be_v so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o whoever_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v perfect_o happy_a as_o for_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v already_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o text_n wherein_o this_o title_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o happy_a or_o bless_a be_v give_v to_o god_n but_o by_o consequence_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o declare_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n wherever_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o of_o the_o eternity_n and_o unchangeableness_n of_o these_o and_o of_o the_o infinite_a delight_n and_o complacency_n which_o he_o take_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o perfection_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o and_o last_o thing_n which_o i_o propose_v to_o consider_v viz._n how_o far_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n because_o that_o result_v from_o infinite_a perfection_n which_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o god_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o creature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a in_o a_o finite_a and_o limit_a degree_n by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o by_o be_v like_a to_o he_o and_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o be_v qualify_v for_o his_o favour_n and_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o as_o we_o be_v creature_n of_o a_o finite_a power_n and_o limit_v understanding_n and_o a_o mutable_a nature_n we_o do_v necessary_o want_v many_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o ingredient_n of_o a_o perfect_a happiness_n we_o be_v far_o from_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o own_o happiness_n we_o be_v neither_o so_o of_o ourselves_o nor_o can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o so_o by_o our_o own_o power_n for_o neither_o be_v we_o wise_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o direction_n nor_o good_a enough_o for_o our_o own_o satisfaction_n all_o the_o happiness_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v by_o communication_n from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o original_a and_o fountain_n of_o it_o by_o our_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o st._n peter_n speak_v by_o our_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v the_o most_o essential_a ingredient_n of_o happiness_n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o holiness_n these_o do_v immediate_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o favour_n and_o friendship_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o for_o the_o bless_a sight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n lift_v up_o upon_o we_o and_o his_o friendship_n and_o goodwill_n to_o
the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n fail_v not_o mat._n 3.6_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o change_v not_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o title_n of_o the_o live_a god_n be_v so_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o he_o swear_v by_o this_o as_o denote_v not_o only_a his_o eternity_n but_o his_o unchangeableness_n as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n hither_o likewise_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n where_o he_o be_v call_v the_o incorruptible_a god_n rom._n 1.23_o the_o immortal_a king_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o and_o be_v say_v only_o to_o have_v immortality_n 1_o tim._n 1.16_o and_o he_o be_v immutable_a likewise_o in_o his_o perfection_n hence_o it_o be_v so_o often_o say_v in_o the_o psalm_n that_o his_o goodness_n and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o his_o righteousness_n likewise_o be_v say_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o psal_n 111.3_o and_o psal_n 36.6_o to_o be_v like_o the_o great_a mountain_n not_o only_o visible_a and_o conspicuous_a but_o firm_a and_o immovable_a and_o the_o same_o likewise_o be_v say_v of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n psal_n 117.2_o his_o truth_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o of_o his_o power_n esa·_n 26.4_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_n psal_n 33.11_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o and_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n esa_n 14.24_o sure_o as_o i_o have_v think_v so_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o as_o i_o have_v purpose_v so_o shall_v it_o stand_v numb_a 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o he_o have_v make_v any_o promise_n or_o enter_v into_o any_o covenant_n with_o we_o it_o be_v firm_a and_o immutable_a psal_n 89.33_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n his_o covenant_n and_o his_o promise_n be_v in_o themselves_o immutable_a but_o for_o our_o further_a assurance_n god_n have_v give_v we_o his_o oath_n the_o high_a sign_n of_o immutability_n so_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n tell_v we_o chap._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n viz_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o oath_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n who_o be_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v set_v before_o we_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o iii_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o lie_v against_o what_o have_v be_v say_v from_o the_o mention_n so_o often_o make_v in_o scripture_n of_o god_n repent_v himself_o as_o gen._n 6.6_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o repent_v god_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n 1_o sam._n 15.11_o that_o he_o repent_v that_o he_o have_v make_v saul_n king_n and_o 2_o sam._n 24.16_o when_o the_o angel_n have_v stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n over_o jerusalem_n to_o destroy_v it_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_a and_o psal_n 135.14_o the_o lord_n say_v there_o that_o he_o will_v repent_v himself_o concern_v his_o servant_n to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o as_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o mutability_n and_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o out_o of_o levity_n or_o for_o want_n of_o foresight_n he_o do_v alter_v his_o mind_n but_o when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v that_o he_o make_v man_n or_o that_o he_o make_v saul_n king_n the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o he_o but_o they_o and_o it_o signify_v not_o that_o god_n be_v absolute_o deceive_v in_o his_o expectation_n but_o that_o thing_n have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o all_o reasonable_a expectation_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n clothes_v god_n with_o the_o humane_a passion_n of_o repent_v and_o grieve_v for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v when_o they_o be_v great_o disappoint_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o their_o expectation_n and_o as_o for_o the_o other_o instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v he_o of_o evil_n threaten_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o peremptory_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n that_o be_v he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o it_o which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o derogate_a from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n for_o when_o god_n do_v threaten_v he_o speak_v what_o he_o do_v real_o purpose_n and_o intend_v if_o something_o do_v not_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o in_o thus_o do_v god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o inward_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o be_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n and_o unknown_a to_o we_o on_o purpose_n to_o urge_v we_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o repentance_n and_o that_o god_n usual_o reserve_v such_o condition_n not_o only_o in_o his_o threaten_n but_o sometime_o also_o in_o his_o promise_n appear_v from_o that_o remarkable_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o the_o evil_a i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n than_o i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o and_o from_o this_o very_a consideration_n the_o same_o prophet_n encourage_v the_o people_n to_o repenpentance_n jer._n 26.13_o therefore_o now_o amend_v your_o way_n and_o your_o do_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n and_o the_o lord_n will_v repent_v he_o of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v pronounce_v against_o you_o and_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o the_o case_n of_o niniveh_n the_o destruction_n whereof_o within_o forty_o day_n after_o god_n have_v open_o proclaim_v by_o his_o prophet_n yet_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o the_o sentence_n upon_o their_o repentance_n jonah_n 3.10_o the_o man_n of_o niniveh_n turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o the_o lord_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o say_v he_o will_v do_v unto_o they_o and_o he_o do_v it_o not_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o several_a good_a purpose_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o bad_a and_o good_a men._n first_o in_o regard_n to_o sinner_n and_o wicked_a men._n and_o 1_o st_z the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n let_v but_o the_o sinner_n consider_v what_o god_n be_v and_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o unchangeable_a nature_n must_v need_v terrify_v he_o he_o be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o of_o pure_a eye_n than_o to_o behold_v iniquity_n hab._n 1.12_o he_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o he_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o his_o sight_n he_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n psal_n 5.4_o 5._o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o just_a god_n and_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n clear_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a exod._n 34.7_o he_o be_v also_o omnipotent_a and_o able_a to_o execute_v the_o vengeance_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o thy_o anger_n psal_n 90.11_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n when_o once_o
thou_o be_v angry_a psal_n 76.7_o strong_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n who_o judge_v rev._n 18.8_o and_o which_o give_v a_o sad_a accent_n to_o all_o this_o he_o that_o be_v thus_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a continue_v for_o ever_o the_o same_o and_o will_v never_o alter_v or_o put_v off_o any_o of_o these_o property_n will_v never_o cease_v to_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o to_o be_v a_o implacable_a enemy_n to_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o this_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o omnipotent_a god_n who_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o let_v all_o obstinate_a sinner_n hear_v this_o and_o tremble_v you_o can_v be_v more_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o continue_v in_o your_o wicked_a way_n than_o god_n be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o make_v you_o miserable_a if_o you_o be_v determine_v upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n god_n be_v also_o determine_v how_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o you_o that_o he_o will_v not_o spare_v but_o that_o his_o anger_n and_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o you_o and_o that_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o his_o book_n shall_v light_v upon_o you_o and_o that_o he_o will_v blot_v out_o your_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o unbelieving_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n and_o for_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n he_o have_v confirm_v they_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o this_o immutable_a sign_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v sinner_n may_v have_v strong_a terror_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o fly_v to_o any_o in_o hope_n of_o refuge_n 2_o lie_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n shall_v likewise_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o urge_v sinner_n to_o repententance_n if_o they_o will_v but_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o he_o they_o will_v find_v he_o ready_a to_o receive_v they_o upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o submission_n for_o he_o be_v a_o god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v he_o be_v unchangeable_o good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o come_v in_o and_o submit_v to_o these_o term_n there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o but_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n nothing_o then_o remain_v but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v they_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o come_v up_o to_o they_o he_o be_v at_o a_o point_n he_o can_v change_v his_o nature_n nor_o will_v he_o alter_v the_o term_n of_o his_o covenant_n there_o be_v a_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o one_o shall_v be_v happy_a till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v and_o to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a by_o change_v god_n or_o by_o change_v ourselves_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unalterable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o pure_a nature_n therefore_o we_o must_v depart_v from_o our_o sinful_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n god_n can_v quit_v his_o holiness_n therefore_o we_o must_v leave_v our_o sin_n we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n to_o change_n god_n therefore_o we_o must_v change_v ourselves_o rectify_v sinner_n thy_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o renounce_v thy_o lust_n do_v not_o venture_v upon_o impossibility_n rather_o think_v of_o alter_v thy_o sinful_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v essential_o immutable_a with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n have_v once_o condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o can_v go_v no_o low_o he_o will_v not_o he_o can_v put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a second_o in_o reference_n to_o good_a man_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n unchangeableness_n be_v matter_n of_o great_a consolation_n to_o they_o in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o the_o world_n their_o main_a comfort_n and_o hope_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o rock_n the_o rock_n of_o age_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 26.4_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o unchangeable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n all_o who_o promise_n be_v yea_o and_o amen_o truth_n and_o certainty_n all_o other_o support_n and_o hope_n may_v fail_v we_o but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v his_o covenant_n will_v he_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o his_o lip_n as_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o psal_n 89.33_o man_n may_v break_v their_o word_n and_o be_v less_o than_o their_o promise_n but_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v grace_n and_o glory_n and_o to_o withhold_v no_o good_a thing_n from_o they_o that_o walk_v upright_o he_o be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v or_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o do_v it_o have_v he_o say_v it_o and_o shall_v not_o he_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o change_n in_o god_n it_o be_v usual_o on_o the_o merciful_a side_n as_o when_o he_o stop_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o threaten_n upon_o the_o repentance_n of_o a_o sinful_a nation_n as_o in_o that_o remarkable_a text_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o jer._n 18.7_o 8._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o their_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o so_o likewise_o when_o his_o faithful_a people_n and_o servant_n be_v in_o great_a distress_n and_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a help_n and_o mean_n of_o relief_n in_o this_o case_n likewise_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v and_o to_o appear_v for_o their_o rescue_n deut._n 32.36_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v his_o people_n and_o repent_v himself_o for_o his_o servant_n when_o he_o see_v that_o their_o power_n be_v go_v thus_o we_o shall_v comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o great_a extremity_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o immutable_a goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n be_v mutable_a and_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o constant_a as_o the_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o sure_a foundation_n as_o the_o earth_n yet_o these_o shall_v be_v change_v psal_n 102.25_o 26_o 27._o of_o old_a have_v thou_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o thy_o hand_n they_o shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v endure_v all_o of_o they_o shall_v wax_v old_a like_o a_o garment_n as_o a_o vesture_n shall_v thou_o change_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n from_o whence_o the_o psalmist_n infer_v this_o comfort_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n v_o 28_o the_o child_n of_o thy_o servant_n shall_v continue_v and_o their_o seed_n shall_v be_v establish_v before_o thou_o nothing_o that_o be_v mutable_a can_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n of_o comfort_n and_o confidence_n man_n be_v inconstant_a and_o riches_n be_v uncertain_a and_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o man_n common_o trust_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n but_o in_o the_o live_a god_n he_o only_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n of_o hope_n and_o confidence_n when_o god_n will_v comfort_v the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n under_o their_o great_a oppression_n he_o bid_v moses_n only_o to_o declare_v to_o they_o his_o immutability_n exod._n 3.14_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o have_v send_v i_o unto_o you_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a comfort_n of_o christian_n that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o same_o saviour_n and_o their_o hope_n be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o he_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v and_o that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o all_o duration_n the_o same_o we_o be_v
continual_o change_v and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o we_o be_v some_o of_o we_o be_v young_a and_o now_o be_v old_a once_o perhaps_o flourish_v in_o great_a prosperity_n but_o now_o be_v poor_a and_o needy_a be_v once_o strong_a and_o healthful_a but_o now_o sickly_a and_o weak_a it_o shall_v comfort_v we_o in_o all_o these_o change_n that_o god_n be_v still_o the_o same_o and_o he_o alone_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o comfort_n and_o support_v when_o all_o other_o thing_n fail_v we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n youth_n and_o health_n and_o riches_n and_o friend_n may_v forsake_v we_o but_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o leave_v we_o nor_o forsake_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o be_v old_a nor_o forsake_v we_o when_o our_o strength_n fail_v when_o our_o strength_n fail_v and_o our_o heart_n fail_v then_o be_v he_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o and_o when_o our_o great_a change_n shall_v come_v and_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n shall_v take_v hold_n of_o we_o we_o have_v still_o the_o same_o comfort_n the_o lord_n live_v and_o bless_v be_v the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n the_o consideration_n of_o god_n immutability_n shall_v keep_v we_o fix_v and_o unmoved_a in_o all_o the_o change_n and_o accident_n of_o this_o world_n and_o not_o apt_a to_o be_v startle_v and_o surprise_v at_o they_o according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o evil_a tiding_n because_o his_o heart_n be_v fix_v trust_v in_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o constant_a to_o he_o and_o his_o truth_n steadfast_a and_o unmoveable_a and_o always_o abound_v in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o know_v that_o our_o labour_n shall_v not_o be_v in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v make_v we_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_v in_o full_a assurance_n that_o god_n will_v be_v as_o good_a to_o we_o as_o his_o word_n and_o in_o a_o firm_a hope_n and_o persuasion_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v sermon_n v._o vi_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 1_o sam_n 2.3_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o god_n of_o knowledge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o will_v and_o manner_n and_o power_n of_o act_v knowledge_n consider_v thing_n absolute_o and_o in_o themselves_o wisdom_n consider_v the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o and_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o all_o their_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n one_o to_o another_o of_o their_o harmony_n and_o opposition_n of_o their_o fitness_n and_o unfitness_n to_o such_o and_o such_o ends._n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n only_o imply_v his_o bare_a understanding_n of_o thing_n but_o his_o wisdom_n imply_v the_o skill_n of_o order_v and_o dispose_v thing_n to_o the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n to_o make_v every_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v and_o administer_v all_o thing_n in_o number_n weight_n and_o measure_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o as_o i_o say_v be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o nature_n of_o the_o power_n and_o quality_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n these_o word_n signify_v god_n to_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v that_o he_o possess_v it_o himself_o and_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o in_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n belong_v to_o god_n second_o show_v the_o perfection_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n three_o draw_v some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a first_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o two_o way_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n i_o begin_v with_o this_o first_o because_o unless_o this_o be_v establish_v all_o divine_a revelation_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n unless_o natural_a reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o inquire_v after_o divine_a revelation_n for_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n credible_a two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o revealer_n ability_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o have_v a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o he_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o now_o unless_o our_o reason_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v endow_v with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n the_o first_o condition_n be_v evident_o want_v viz._n ability_n and_o consequent_o the_o second_o integrity_n for_o there_o can_v be_v goodness_n and_o veracity_n without_o knowledge_n this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o from_o such_o argument_n as_o our_o natural_a reason_n suggest_v to_o we_o i_o have_v former_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o we_o deny_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n we_o must_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v in_o any_o of_o the_o creature_n we_o must_v attribute_v many_o other_o imperfection_n to_o god_n all_o which_o be_v absurd_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n for_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o knowledge_n be_v a_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o it_o to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o these_o be_v so_o many_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o prove_v that_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o god_n natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o knowledge_n excel_v ignorance_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n now_o whatever_o be_v perfect_a and_o excellent_a be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o this_o be_v the_o first_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a 2._o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o some_o of_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n the_o creator_n because_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o our_o very_a understanding_n whereby_o we_o know_v god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n be_v in_o god_n if_o he_o give_v wisdom_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o knowledge_n to_o they_o that_o know_v understanding_n if_o he_o communicate_v this_o perfection_n to_o the_o creature_n he_o himself_o be_v much_o more_o possess_v of_o it_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o use_v this_o argument_n but_o i_o mention_v it_o as_o that_o which_o natural_a reason_n do_v suggest_v to_o the_o most_o brutish_a and_o ignorant_a of_o men._n psal_n 94.8_o 9_o 10._o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v 3._o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n nothing_o will_v more_o eclipse_v the_o divine_a nature_n than_o to_o take_v away_o this_o perfection_n from_o it_o this_o will_v bring_v a_o universal_a obscurity_n upon_o god_n other_o perfection_n this_o will_v be_v to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o turn_v the_o brightness_n of_o the_o morning_n into_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n if_o we_o remove_v this_o perfection_n from_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o wisdom_n he_o that_o do_v not_o know_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v how_o to_o apply_v mean_n to_o end_n to_o fit_a or_o suit_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o and_o we_o weaken_v his_o power_n what_o a_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n will_v power_n be_v without_o knowledge_n what_o irregular_a thing_n
of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o contrary_a be_v a_o imperfection_n and_o argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n therefore_o wisdom_n belong_v to_o god_n among_o man_n folly_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a defect_n it_o be_v account_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o disgrace_n than_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n it_o be_v of_o so_o ill_a a_o report_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v not_o many_o but_o have_v rather_o be_v account_v knave_n than_o fool_n but_o in_o a_o true_a esteem_n and_o value_v of_o thing_n it_o be_v next_o to_o wickedness_n the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wisdom_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n next_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n it_o be_v usual_o more_o cry_v up_o in_o the_o world_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o reason_n tell_v we_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o say_v it_o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n eccl._n 2.13_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o man_n make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v eccl._n 8.1_o wisdom_n be_v a_o defence_n 7.12_o and_o v_o 19_o wisdom_n strengthen_v the_o wise_a more_o than_o ten_o mighty_a man_n that_o be_v in_o the_o city_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o this_o perfection_n to_o god_n will_v argue_v many_o other_o imperfection_n it_o will_v be_v a_o universal_a blemish_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n it_o will_v weaken_v the_o power_n of_o god_n how_o impotent_a and_o ineffectual_a will_v power_n be_v without_o wisdom_n what_o irregular_a thing_n will_v it_o produce_v what_o untoward_a combination_n of_o effect_n will_v there_o be_v if_o infinite_a power_n shall_v act_v without_o the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n it_o will_v eclipse_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o put_v out_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v in_o the_o wheel_n as_o the_o prophet_n represent_v god_n providence_n there_o can_v be_v no_o counsel_n no_o forecast_a no_o orderly_a government_n of_o the_o world_n without_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n can_v not_o shine_v with_o that_o lustre_n be_v it_o not_o for_o his_o wisdom_n which_o do_v illustrate_v these_o with_o so_o much_o advantage_n i_o need_v not_o bring_v testimony_n from_o heathen_a writer_n to_o confirm_v this_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o expression_n of_o their_o admiration_n of_o god_n wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o quotation_n of_o particular_a testimony_n epicurus_n indeed_o deny_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o he_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a wise_a be_v because_o he_o make_v he_o happy_a which_o can_v be_v without_o wisdom_n though_o he_o have_v take_v away_o all_o other_o evidence_n of_o his_o wisdom_n aristotle_n seem_v to_o have_v suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a result_n and_o emanation_n from_o god_n but_o then_o the_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n do_v suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o free_a product_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n 2._o from_o scripture_n job_n 9.4_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n 36.5_o he_o be_v mighty_a in_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n dan._n 2.20_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o wisdom_n and_o might_n be_v he_o hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o singular_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n rom._n 16.27_o and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o who_o communicate_v and_o bestow_v it_o upon_o his_o creature_n dan._n 2.21_o james_n 1.5_o and_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n psal_n 104.24_o o_o lord_n how_o wonderful_a be_v thy_o work_n in_o wisdom_n have_v thou_o make_v they_o all_o jer._n 10.12_o who_o have_v establish_v the_o world_n by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n by_o his_o discretion_n in_o the_o providence_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n dan._n 2.20_o wisdom_n and_o strength_n be_v his_o and_o he_o change_v time_n and_o season_n he_o remove_v king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o christ_n be_v call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1.24_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n eph._n 2.10_o if_o then_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a the_o original_a and_o only_a fountain_n of_o it_o from_o hence_o we_o learn_v first_o to_o go_v to_o he_o for_o it_o jam._n 1.5_o if_o any_o man_n lack_v wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o conceit_a man_n that_o think_v they_o be_v rich_a and_o increase_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o nothing_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v as_o if_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o want_v wisdom_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o so_o proud_a and_o conceit_a that_o they_o think_v that_o they_o lack_v nothing_o those_o be_v stark_a fool_n and_o god_n resist_v such_o foolish_a and_o proud_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n sensible_a of_o his_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n come_v to_o god_n he_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o learn_v wisdom_n of_o man_n lest_o they_o shall_v contemn_v and_o upbraid_v we_o with_o our_o folly_n man_n be_v envious_a and_o unwilling_a that_o other_o shall_v be_v as_o wise_a as_o themselves_o but_o god_n goodness_n make_v he_o willing_a to_o impart_v wisdom_n he_o give_v liberal_o and_o upbraid_v no_o man_n this_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a accomplishment_n and_o perfection_n happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o get_v wisdom_n wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n it_o be_v better_a than_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o high_a value_n among_o man_n as_o solomon_n often_o make_v the_o comparison_n now_o because_o it_o come_v down_o from_o above_o we_o shall_v look_v up_o for_o it_o it_o be_v by_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o the_o wise_a counsel_n of_o his_o word_n that_o we_o be_v make_v wise_a unto_o salvation_n therefore_o we_o shall_v beg_v of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o revelation_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o eph._n 1.17_o 2._o if_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a in_o such_o a_o eminent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n then_o let_v we_o be_v humble_a there_o be_v no_o cause_n of_o boast_v see_v we_o have_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o low_a instance_n the_o least_o specimen_fw-la of_o divine_a wisdom_n outshine_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n the_o foolishness_n of_o god_n be_v wise_a than_o man_n 1_o cor._n 1.25_o therefore_o let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n jer._n 9.29_o of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v proud_a of_o wisdom_n the_o proud_a man_n throw_v down_o the_o reputation_n of_o his_o wisdom_n by_o the_o way_n that_o he_o will_v raise_v it_o no_o such_o evidence_n of_o our_o folly_n as_o as_o a_o conceit_n that_o we_o be_v wise_a sapientis_fw-la animus_n nunquam_fw-la turgescit_fw-la nunquam_fw-la tumet_fw-la cic._n to_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o wisdom_n be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v our_o folly_n make_v manifest_a god_n threaten_v to_o destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o to_o turn_v their_o wisdom_n into_o foolishness_n 3._o we_o shall_v labour_v to_o partake_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v communicable_a the_o great_a wisdom_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v wise_a to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v rom._n 16.19_o that_o be_v to_o provide_v for_o the_o future_a in_o time_n to_o make_v provision_n for_o eternity_n to_o think_v of_o our_o latter_a end_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o obey_v he_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o peaceable_a to_o receive_v instruction_n and_o to_o win_v soul_n these_o be_v the_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o wisdom_n when_o job_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v by_o man_n he_o tell_v we_o what_o that_o wisdom_n be_v which_o be_v proper_a for_o we_o and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n there_o be_v many_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o worldly_a end_n and_o purpose_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o wise_a to_o get_v riches_n and_o to_o ascend_v to_o honour_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o wisdom_n which_o we_o be_v to_o
of_o this_o design_n and_o the_o mean_n how_o it_o be_v accomplish_v this_o be_v wisdom_n to_o fit_a mean_n to_o end_n and_o the_o more_o difficult_a the_o end_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v require_v to_o find_v out_o suitable_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o end_n now_o the_o wisdom_n of_o redemption_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n and_o what_o fit_n and_o proper_a and_o suitable_a mean_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v for_o our_o recovery_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o fall_v man_n which_o be_v very_o sad_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o man_n who_o be_v make_v holy_a and_o upright_a by_o god_n have_v by_o his_o voluntary_a transgression_n and_o wilful_a disobedience_n fall_v from_o he_o do_v present_o sink_v into_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a into_o a_o miserable_a and_o curse_a condition_n of_o which_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n bear_v he_o witness_n man_n be_v become_v a_o sinner_n be_v not_o only_o deprive_v of_o the_o image_n of_o god_n but_o be_v liable_a to_o his_o justice_n here_o be_v his_o misery_n 2._o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o man_n can_v not_o recover_v himself_o and_o raise_v himself_o out_o of_o his_o own_o ruin_n no_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o so_o that_o our_o help_n be_v only_o in_o god_n and_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o do_v not_o desire_v our_o ruin_n nor_o delight_n in_o our_o destruction_n but_o suppose_v his_o mercy_n never_o so_o willing_a to_o save_v we_o will_v not_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n check_v those_o forward_a inclination_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o design_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o sin_n contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n have_v not_o he_o declare_v his_o infinite_a hatred_n of_o it_o have_v not_o he_o threaten_v it_o with_o heavy_a and_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o say_v that_o the_o sinner_n shall_v die_v that_o he_o will_v not_o acquit_v the_o guilty_a nor_o let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a shall_v he_o now_o without_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o offend_a justice_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n remit_v his_o punishment_n and_o receive_v he_o to_o favour_n will_v this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n will_v this_o become_v the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o love_v righteousness_n and_o order_n who_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o discountenance_v sin_n so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o conflict_n of_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n pity_v our_o misery_n and_o will_v recover_v we_o will_v open_v paradise_n to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v a_o flame_a sword_n that_o keep_v we_o out_o the_o incense_a justice_n of_o god_n that_o must_v be_v satisfy_v and_o if_o he_o take_v vengeance_n of_o we_o we_o be_v eternal_o ruin_v if_o he_o spare_v we_o how_o shall_v mercy_n and_o justice_n meet_v together_o how_o shall_v god_n at_o once_o express_v his_o love_n to_o the_o sinner_n and_o his_o hatred_n to_o sin_n here_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o case_n ii_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v what_o mean_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n use_v for_o our_o recovery_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v devise_v this_o expedient_a to_o accommodate_v all_o these_o difficulty_n to_o reconcile_v the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v undertake_v this_o work_n and_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n and_o repair_v the_o ruine_a nature_n of_o man._n he_o shall_v bring_v god_n and_o man_n together_o make_v up_o this_o gulf_n and_o renew_v the_o commerce_n and_o correspondence_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o be_v break_v off_o by_o sin_n the_o work_n that_o god_n design_n be_v the_o redemption_n of_o man_n that_o be_v his_o recovery_n from_o a_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a death_n to_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n and_o eternal_a life_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o engage_v in_o this_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n to_o satisfy_v the_o offend_a justice_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o so_o as_o to_o purchase_v our_o deliverance_n from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o so_o as_o to_o restore_v we_o to_o the_o image_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v sanctify_v and_o be_v make_v heir_n of_o eternal_a life_n for_o open_v of_o this_o we_o will_v consider_v 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o 1._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o person_n design_v for_o this_o work_n and_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n the_o dignity_n and_o credit_n of_o his_o person_n his_o dearness_n to_o his_o father_n and_o interest_n in_o he_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o undertake_v this_o work_n to_o mediate_v a_o reconciliation_n between_o god_n and_o man._n 2._o the_o fitness_n of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o be_v to_o accomplish_v it_o and_o these_o i_o shall_v refer_v to_o two_o head_n his_o humiliation_n and_o exaltation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o these_o be_v very_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o redemption_n i._o the_o humiliation_n of_o christ_n which_o consist_v of_o three_o principal_a part_n his_o incarnation_n his_o life_n and_o his_o death_n 1._o his_o incarnation_n which_o be_v set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n by_o several_a expression_n his_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o john_n 1.14_o his_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n rom._n 1.3_o his_o be_v make_v of_o a_o woman_n gal._n 4.4_o the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o tim._n 3.16_o his_o take_a part_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n heb._n 2.14_o his_o take_n on_o he_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o his_o brethren_n heb._n 2.16_o 17._o his_o come_n in_o the_o flesh_n 1_o john_n 2.2_o all_o which_o signify_v his_o take_n upon_o he_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v real_o a_o man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n take_v our_o nature_n that_o be_v assume_v a_o real_a soul_n and_o body_n into_o union_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o this_o person_n who_o be_v real_o both_o god_n and_o man_n be_v admirable_o fit_v for_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o general_n this_o make_v he_o a_o fit_a mediator_n a_o equal_a and_o middle_a person_n to_o interpose_v in_o this_o difference_n and_o take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o man._n be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n he_o be_v concern_v for_o both_o party_n and_o interest_v both_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o engage_v to_o be_v tender_a of_o both_o and_o to_o procure_v the_o one_o by_o such_o way_n as_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o other_o more_o particular_o his_o incarnation_n do_v fit_v he_o for_o those_o two_o office_n which_o he_o be_v to_o perform_v in_o his_o humiliation_n of_o prophet_n and_o priest_n 1._o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n to_o teach_v we_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o life_n by_o his_o doctrine_n his_o be_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n this_o make_v he_o more_o familiar_a to_o we_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n raise_v up_o from_o among_o his_o brethren_n as_o moses_n speak_v and_o he_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v hear_v he_o shall_v god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o we_o can_v not_o hear_v he_o and_o live_v god_n condescend_v to_o we_o and_o comply_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n from_o among_o our_o brethren_n we_o shall_v hear_v he_o and_o then_o his_o be_v god_n do_v add_v credit_n and_o authority_n to_o what_o he_o speak_v he_o can_v confirm_v the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v by_o miracle_n of_o his_o teach_v we_o by_o his_o life_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v present_o 2._o for_o the_o office_n of_o priest_n he_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v our_o priest_n because_o he_o be_v take_v from_o among_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v fit_a to_o suffer_v as_o be_v man_n have_v a_o body_n prepare_v as_o it_o be_v heb._n 10.5_o and_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v by_o his_o suffering_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o man_n as_o be_v god_n which_o put_v a_o infinite_a dignity_n and_o value_n upon_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o offence_n do_v
the_o holiness_n of_o good_a men._n and_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n that_o be_v from_o sin_n and_o impurity_n and_o this_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o primary_n notion_n of_o iâ—_n be_v negative_a and_o signify_v the_o absence_n and_o remotion_n of_o sin_n and_o this_o appear_v iâ—_n those_o explication_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v explain_v by_o opposition_n to_o sin_n and_o impurity_n 2_o cor_fw-la 7.1_o let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o aâ—â—_n filthiness_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n perfect_a holiness_n where_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o filthiness_n sometime_o by_o the_o negation_n of_o sin_n and_o defilement_n so_o we_o find_v holy_a and_o without_o blame_v put_v together_o eph._n 1.4_o holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n eph._n 5.27_o holy_a harmless_a and_o undefiled_a heb._n 7.26_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o this_o negative_a notion_n do_v imply_v something_o that_o be_v positive_a it_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n but_o a_o contrariety_n to_o it_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o absence_n of_o sin_n without_o the_o presence_n of_o grace_n as_o take_v away_o crookedness_n from_o a_o thing_n and_o it_o immediate_o become_v straight_o when_o ever_o we_o be_v make_v holy_a every_o lust_n and_o corruption_n in_o we_o be_v supplant_v by_o the_o contrary_a grace_n now_o this_o habitual_a holiness_n of_o person_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o separation_n from_o sin_n be_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v come_v to_o understand_v what_o holiness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o it_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a eminency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereby_o it_o be_v separate_v and_o remove_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n that_o be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o malice_n or_o envy_n or_o hatred_n or_o revenge_n or_o impatience_n or_o cruelty_n or_o tyranny_n or_o injustice_n or_o falsehood_n or_o unfaithfulness_n in_o god_n or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o thing_n that_o signify_v sin_n and_o vice_n and_o moral_a imperfection_n holiness_n signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o all_o these_o and_o possess_v of_o the_o contrary_a perfection_n therefore_o all_o those_o text_n that_o remove_v moral_a imperfection_n from_o god_n and_o declare_v the_o repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n do_v set_v forth_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n jam._n 1.13_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n job_n 34.10_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o be_v there_o then_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v zeph._n 3.5_o the_o just_a lord_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o he_o will_v not_o do_v iniquity_n and_o so_o falsehood_n and_o unfaithfulness_n and_o inconstancy_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v have_v promise_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v therefore_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o holiness_n be_v join_v with_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o put_v for_o they_o hos_fw-la 11.9_o i_o be_o the_o holy_a one_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o that_o be_v the_o merciful_a one_o psal_n 145.17_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n rom._n 7.12_o the_o commandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a psal_n 105.42_o he_o remember_v his_o holy_a promise_n holy_a that_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o it_o isa_n 55.3_o the_o sure_a mercy_n of_o david_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o holy_a mercy_n of_o david_n which_o will_v not_o fail_v so_o that_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o particular_a but_o a_o universal_a perfection_n and_o run_v through_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n take_v away_o this_o and_o you_o bring_v a_o universal_a stain_n and_o blemish_n upon_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o holiness_n power_n will_v be_v oppression_n and_o wisdom_n subtilty_n and_o sovereignty_n tyranny_n and_o goodness_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o justice_n cruelty_n and_o mercy_n foolish_a pity_n and_o truth_n falsehood_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o this_o as_o god_n high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o holiness_n ex._n 15.11_o holiness_n be_v call_v god_n throne_n psal_n 47.8_o he_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o holiness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v heaven_n isa_n 63.15_o it_o be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o of_o his_o glory_n as_o if_o this_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o pro._n 9.10_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o god_n holiness_n be_v equivalent_a expression_n 2_o pet._n 3.4_o heb._n 12.10_o and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o perfection_n of_o god_n great_a therefore_o he_o be_v represent_v as_o swear_v by_o this_o psal_n 60.6_o god_n have_v speak_v in_o his_o holiness_n psal_n 89.35_o once_o have_v i_o swear_v by_o my_o holiness_n the_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n they_o sum_v up_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n in_o this_o isa_n 6.3_o and_o one_o cry_v unto_o another_o and_o say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a be_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n rev._n 4.8_o and_o they_o rest_v not_o day_n and_o night_n say_v holy_a holy_a holy_a lord_n god_n almighty_a which_o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v there_o be_v no_o attribute_n of_o god_n so_o often_o repeat_v as_o this_o in_o some_o copy_n it_o be_v nine_o time_n ii_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n first_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o philosopher_n in_o all_o their_o discourse_n of_o god_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o whatever_o sound_v like_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n be_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o holiness_n plato_n speak_v of_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dan._n 4.9_o king_n nabuchadnezzar_n call_v god_n by_o this_o title_n i_o know_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n be_v in_o thou_o in_o a_o word_n whatever_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o prove_v any_o of_o god_n moral_a perfection_n prove_v his_o holiness_n second_o from_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o title_n more_o frequent_o give_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n and_o so_o often_o ingeminated_a as_o this_o of_o his_o holiness_n he_o be_v call_v holiness_n itself_o isa_n 63.15_o where_o heaven_n be_v call_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o holiness_n that_o be_v of_o god_n his_o name_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a luke_n 1.49_o and_o holy_a be_v his_o name_n he_o be_v call_v the_o holy_a one_o isa_n 40.25_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa_n 41.20_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o jacob._n 49.23_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o promise_v psal_n 105.42_o in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o work_n psal_n 145.17_o this_o title_n be_v give_v to_o each_o of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n to_o god_n the_o father_n in_o innumerable_a place_n to_o god_n the_o son_n dan._n 9.24_o to_o anoint_v the_o most_o holy_a the_o devil_n can_v deny_v he_o this_o title_n luke_n 4.34_o i_o know_v thou_o who_o thou_o be_v the_o holy_a one_o of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v this_o title_n constant_o give_v it_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o holy_a spirit_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n the_o scripture_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o god_n 1_o sam._n 2.2_o there_o be_v none_o holy_a as_o the_o lord_n rev._n 15.4_o for_o thou_o only_o be_v holy_a holiness_n be_v a_o communicable_a perfection_n but_o no_o creature_n can_v
partake_v of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o degree_n as_o the_o divine_a nature_n possess_v it_o god_n be_v eternal_o holy_a the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n the_o creature_n be_v derivative_o and_o by_o participation_n holy_a god_n be_v eminent_o and_o transcendent_o so_o the_o creature_n in_o a_o finite_a degree_n god_n be_v immutable_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o no_o creature_n be_v out_o of_o a_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 4.18_o that_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o charge_v with_o folly_n and_o chap._n 15.15_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o his_o sight_n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o holiness_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o property_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n there_o be_v include_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n a_o eternal_a repugnance_n to_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a and_o evil_n in_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o mutable_a and_o inconstant_a and_o arbitrary_a principle_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a eternal_a and_o indispensable_a therefore_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v so_o safe_o who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n precise_o and_o abstract_o consider_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v therefore_o good_a or_o evil_n because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v not_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o accidental_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a for_o if_o these_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o essential_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v that_o he_o can_v be_v unrighteous_a if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n have_v now_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v just_o and_o good_a and_o faithful_a and_o now_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o change_v not_o this_o be_v to_o grant_v the_o thing_n for_o this_o suppose_v the_o veracity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n to_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o why_o not_o justice_n and_o goodness_n as_o well_o i_o say_v it_o suppose_v veracity_n and_o immutability_n to_o be_v essential_a perfection_n and_o not_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o if_o he_o can_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v but_o that_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o to_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o i_o will_v only_o use_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o no_o be_v can_n will_v its_o own_o nature_n and_o essential_a perfection_n that_o be_v choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v and_o before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v to_o deliberate_v about_o its_o own_o nature_n therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v then_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n do_v not_o depend_v up-the_a will_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n such_o notion_n antecedent_o to_o any_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o this_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v necessary_o good_a and_o just_o and_o true_a and_o a_o liberty_n or_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v impotency_n and_o imperfection_n for_o liberty_n no_o where_o speak_v perfection_n but_o be_v the_o thing_n and_o action_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v indifferent_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o immutable_a and_o fix_v and_o necessary_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o swerve_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v his_o holiness_n 2._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o show_v we_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o every_o privation_n by_o the_o habit_n for_o they_o bear_v a_o exact_a proportion_n one_o to_o another_o light_a and_o darkness_n be_v oppose_v as_o habit_n and_o privation_n if_o light_n be_v pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a than_o darkness_n be_v dismal_a and_o horrid_a and_o so_o holiness_n and_o sin_n be_v oppose_v if_o holiness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o any_o nature_n than_o sin_n be_v the_o grand_a imperfection_n and_o the_o low_a debasement_n of_o any_o be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o that_o and_o at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n this_o shall_v rectify_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n we_o admire_v and_o esteem_v riches_n and_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o we_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v poverty_n and_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n yea_o grace_n and_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o these_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reverence_n and_o and_o value_v the_o great_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o mighty_a of_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a man_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o respect_n that_o aught_o to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n but_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bestow_v our_o respect_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n what_o st._n james_n say_v of_o respect_n of_o person_n i_o may_v apply_v in_o this_o case_n jam._n 2.4_o be_v you_o not_o then_o partial_a in_o yourselves_o and_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n we_o be_v extreme_o partial_a we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n and_o reason_n ill_o concern_v thing_n when_o we_o admire_v gild_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n exalt_v to_o high_a place_n i_o mean_v ungodly_a rich_a man_n and_o ungodly_a great_a man_n for_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v proper_o ungodly_a unlike_a to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o contemn_v poor_a and_o mean_v and_o afflict_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v but_o our_o eye_n open_a and_o our_o judgement_n clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a we_o shall_v see_v a_o beauty_n and_o resplendency_n in_o goodness_n even_o when_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n when_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o rag_n and_o sit_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o will_v shine_v through_o all_o these_o mist_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o native_a light_n and_o beauty_n in_o it_o throw_v the_o darkness_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v wickedness_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a thing_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o gallantry_n and_o bravery_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a righteous_a man_n as_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o profane_a gallant_a as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v a_o man_n that_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n we_o shall_v esteem_v any_o one_o more_o
upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o one_o of_o these_o simple_a quality_n than_o we_o will_v another_o man_n destitute_a of_o these_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o hundred_o title_n of_o honour_n and_o ten_o thousand_o acre_n of_o land_n a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a man_n he_o be_v a_o vile_a person_n who_o deserve_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o a_o holy_a man_n he_o be_v the_o right_n honourable_a psal_n 15.4_o in_o who_o eye_n a_o vile_a person_n be_v contemn_v but_o he_o honour_v they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n the_o vile_a person_n be_v oppose_v to_o he_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n he_o that_o be_v bold_a to_o affront_n god_n and_o sin_n against_o he_o be_v the_o base_a and_o ignoble_a person_n god_n himself_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o all_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o know_v best_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o we_o shall_v value_v ourselves_o and_o other_o jer._n 9.23_o 24._o let_v not_o the_o wise_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o wisdom_n neither_o let_v the_o mighty_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o might_n let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n to_o know_v these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n signify_v here_o to_o understand_v they_o so_o as_o to_o imitate_v they_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o value_n of_o any_o that_o be_v advance_v in_o this_o world_n or_o to_o lessen_v the_o respect_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o i_o will_v have_v nothing_o undervalue_v but_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n and_o i_o will_v have_v those_o who_o have_v store_n of_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o recommend_v they_o to_o add_v religion_n to_o their_o riches_n and_o holiness_n to_o their_o honour_n that_o they_o may_v be_v current_n for_o their_o intrinsic_a value_n rather_o than_o for_o the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o worth_n which_o the_o world_n have_v stamp_v upon_o they_o 3._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o what_o a_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n be_v it_o to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v holiness_n to_o mock_v and_o deride_v man_n under_o this_o very_a title_n the_o world_n be_v much_o blind_v that_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o holiness_n but_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o infatuate_v as_o to_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o mistake_v thing_n of_o so_o vast_a difference_n as_o sin_n and_o holiness_n to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a that_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o vile_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v esteem_v and_o cherish_v and_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n and_o reckon_v among_o the_o excellency_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n shall_v be_v a_o name_n of_o hatred_n and_o disgrace_n to_o be_v contemn_v and_o persecute_v that_o that_o which_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o most_o radiant_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v matter_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n behold_v you_o despiser_n and_o wonder_v and_o perish_v do_v you_o think_v the_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n will_v put_v up_o these_o affront_v and_o indignity_n you_o do_v not_o only_o despise_v man_n but_o you_o despise_v god_n also_o you_o can_v contemn_v that_o which_o god_n account_v his_o glory_n without_o revile_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o offer_v despite_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o malice_n reach_v heaven_n and_o be_v level_v against_o god_n whenever_o you_o slight_a holiness_n 4._o if_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a god_n and_o have_v such_o a_o repugnancy_n in_o his_o nature_n to_o sin_n than_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o wicked_a men._n the_o holy_a god_n can_v but_o hate_v sin_n and_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o wickedness_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o god_n be_v terrible_a we_o dread_v the_o hatred_n of_o a_o great_a man_n because_o where_o hatred_n be_v back_v with_o power_n the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v terrible_a but_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o eternal_a god_n be_v much_o more_o dreadful_a because_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o last_a than_o of_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o weak_a mortal_a man_n we_o know_v the_o utmost_a they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v but_o kill_v the_o body_n after_o that_o they_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v hurt_v our_o soul_n they_o can_v follow_v we_o beyond_o the_o grave_a and_o pursue_v we_o into_o another_o world_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n hatred_n and_o displeasure_n be_v mighty_a and_o last_a they_o extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o eternity_n for_o who_o know_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n who_o can_v tell_v the_o utmost_a of_o what_o omnipotent_a justice_n can_v do_v to_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n because_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o can_v punish_v for_o ever_o we_o be_v miserable_a if_o god_n do_v not_o love_v we_o those_o word_n my_o soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o he_o signify_v great_a misery_n and_o express_v a_o dreadful_a curse_n but_o it_o be_v a_o more_o positive_a expression_n of_o misery_n for_o god_n to_o hate_v we_o that_o signify_v ruin_n and_o destruction_n to_o the_o utmost_a psal_n 5.4_o 5._o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o this_o be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o express_v less_o than_o be_v intend_v god_n be_v far_o from_o be_v of_o a_o indifferent_a negative_a temper_n towards_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n therefore_o the_o psalmist_n add_v thou_o hate_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n and_o then_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n hatred_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v therefore_o sinner_n fear_n and_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n holiness_n 5._o imitate_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o inference_n here_o in_o the_o text_n be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a holiness_n in_o one_o word_n contain_v all_o the_o imitable_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v be_v you_o holy_a it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v be_v you_o good_a and_o patient_n and_o merciful_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a for_o i_o be_o so_o therefore_o religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o prov._n 9.10_o and_o chap._n 30.3_o and_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n be_v express_v by_o our_o put_n on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n eph._n 4.24_o see_v then_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o imitate_v and_o wherein_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o god_n let_v we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o holy_a god_n endeavour_v to_o be_v habitual_o holy_a which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o actual_o holy_a which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o have_v press_v the_o imitation_n of_o these_o particular_a perfection_n goodness_n patience_n justice_z truth_n and_o faithfulness_n upon_o other_o text_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o argument_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o desire_n and_o endeavour_n after_o holiness_n 1._o holiness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o high_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n holiness_n i_o tell_v you_o signify_v a_o separation_n from_o sin_n and_o vice_n and_o all_o moral_a imperfection_n and_o consequent_o do_v comprehend_v and_o take_v in_o all_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n and_o justice_n and_o veracity_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n now_o these_o be_v the_o very_a beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o first_o thing_n that_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n next_o to_o his_o be_v be_v his_o goodness_n and_o those_o other_o attribute_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o it_o for_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o glory_n which_o result_v from_o his_o unite_a perfection_n especial_o from_o his_o goodness_n and_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v akin_a to_o it_o separate_a from_o god_n these_o perfection_n which_o