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
god_n may_v upon_o repentance_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o knowledge_n or_o power_n either_o defer_v or_o abate_v or_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n appear_v clear_o from_o that_o know_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o the_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v not_o false_a but_o when_o they_o have_v clear_a perception_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o err_v and_o mistake_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v be_v under_o a_o constant_a delusion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o this_o be_v our_o make_n and_o temper_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v then_o most_o of_o all_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o hence_o because_o veracity_n and_o truth_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o unless_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n we_o need_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o whatever_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a assent_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o and_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n therefore_o whoever_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v give_v we_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v who_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a and_o who_o word_n be_v true_a we_o ought_v upon_o this_o high_a and_o superior_a reason_n to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o dishonour_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o this_o essential_a property_n his_o veracity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believeh_n not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v we_o glorify_v this_o perfection_n of_o he_o and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o his_o veracity_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3.33_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v his_o testimony_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a three_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithful_a in_o perform_v his_o promise_n than_o here_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a we_o may_v hold_v fast_o our_o hope_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n isa_n 55.3_o we_o attribute_v much_o to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n as_o very_o good_a security_n but_o man_n may_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n shall_v prove_v liar_n man_n be_v fickle_a and_o murable_a but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v he_o can_v fail_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o when_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o may_v plead_v it_o with_o he_o and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o faithfulness_n so_o we_o find_v david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 7.25_o etc._n etc._n only_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n heb._n 4.1_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o that_o do_v release_v and_o discharge_v he_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v but_o upon_o condition_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o say_v before_o that_o if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v god_n will_v bestow_v the_o blessing_n promise_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o also_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o also_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o curse_n threaten_v will_n then_o take_v place_n and_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o and_o god_n be_v not_o unfaithful_a in_o do_v this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o assurance_n we_o may_v trust_v he_o with_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n with_o he_o psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v rely_v upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a improbability_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o do_v abraham_n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v also_o make_v we_o patient_a in_o hope_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o speedy_o accomplish_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v deject_v or_o disquiet_v david_n challenge_v himself_o upon_o this_o account_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n four_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a evil_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v because_o their_o sin_n deserve_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n employ_v in_o they_o upon_o which_o thou_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o the_o avoid_n or_o abate_v of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v but_o of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o threaten_n thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o bless_v thyself_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o thou_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o this_o very_a thing_n thou_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o spare_v thou_o and_o make_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o jealousy_n to_o smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o continue_v impenitent_a however_o he_o may_v defer_v the_o execution_n of_o temporal_a evil_n his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o such_o shall_v no_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n five_o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o imitation_n will_v you_o be_v like_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v divine_a perfection_n but_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o predominant_a quality_n of_o hell_n the_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n
3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n nay_o the_o scripture_n go_v further_a do_v not_o only_o remove_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o inconstancy_n from_o god_n but_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o thing_n impossible_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n 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 promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_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 we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_a attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o do_v more_o particular_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o he_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o word_n be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o mind_n god_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o remove_v this_o jealousy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v a_o secret_a design_n to_o ruin_v man_n therefore_o he_o interpose_v his_o oath_n for_o our_o great_a assurance_n ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o design_n to_o circumvent_v and_o possess_v we_o with_o error_n and_o delusion_n if_o he_o offer_v life_n and_o happiness_n we_o may_v believe_v he_o be_v real_a and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a glory_n he_o will_v not_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 14.2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n so_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o prediction_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prediction_n and_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o use_v this_o proverbial_a speech_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o mat._n 24.35_o for_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n the_o scripture_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o deut._n 7.9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n psal_n 89.33_o 34._o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n the_o scripture_n do_v record_n god_n punctual_a and_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n particular_o of_o that_o promise_n to_o abraham_n after_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o inheritance_n gen._n 15.13_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n you_o have_v record_v ex._n 12.41_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n even_o the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n see_v likewise_o jos_n 21.44_o 45._o and_o 23.14_o 1_o king_n 8.56_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v the_o god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n 1_o king_n 8.23_o neh._n 1.5.9.32_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o prediction_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v god_n be_v true_a in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 15._o â—9_n when_o the_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v saul_n to_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o he_o add_v 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 iii_o i_o come_v to_o remove_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n first_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o plain_a deal_n that_o he_o be_v sometime_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o inspire_v prophet_n with_o false_a message_n 1_o king_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 4.10.20.7_o ezek._n 14.9_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o three_o of_o these_o text_n it_o be_v a_o know_a hebraism_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o imperative_fw-it and_o active_a form_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o permissive_o so_o where_o the_o devil_n beseech_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v mat._n 8.31_o he_o do_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v they_o and_o so_o john_n 13.27_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o judas_n what_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o betray_v he_o though_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o form_n so_o likewise_o here_o where_o a_o evil_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o this_o only_a signify_v a_o permission_n not_o a_o command_n and_o so_o jer._n 4.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v great_o deceive_v the_o people_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n when_o the_o sword_n reach_v to_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o deceive_v they_o by_o prophesy_v peace_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n ezek._n 14.9_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n that_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n as_o a_o just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o true_a prophet_n this_o he_o threaten_v at_o the_o 5_o the_o v_o i_o will_v take_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n because_o they_o be_v all_o estrange_v from_o i_o through_o their_o idol_n because_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o false_a god_n i_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n appear_v by_o the_o threaten_v add_v and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n now_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o text_n jer._n 20.7_o thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o when_o he_o give_v he_o his_o commission_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o by_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o no_o evil_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o and_o now_o he_o be_v become_v a_o derision_n and_o the_o people_n mock_v he_o and_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o weakness_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o expression_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o it_o be_v his_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o scorn_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n seconâ—_o objection_n against_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n all_o the_o land_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o abraham_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.19_o 20._o with_o josh_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o judg._n 2.20_o 21._o gen._n 15.18_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o a_o land_n the_o bound_n whereof_o he_o describe_v josh_n 13.1_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o there_o remain_v very_o much_o land_n yet_o unconquered_a which_o they_o have_v not_o get_v the_o possession_n of_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o
perform_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n god_n will_v suspend_v the_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o will_v not_o drive_v out_o any_o more_o of_o the_o nation_n before_o they_o and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o israelite_n never_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o promise_a land_n in_o the_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o promise_n ans_fw-fr this_o covenant_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n be_v upon_o consideration_n of_o his_o past_a faith_n and_o obedience_n though_o it_o seem_v the_o full_a performance_n of_o it_o do_v likewise_o depend_v upon_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o covenant_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o murmering_n and_o rebellion_n of_o that_o people_n god_n do_v bring_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n though_o they_o provoke_v he_o to_o destroy_v they_o many_o a_o time_n because_o he_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n when_o they_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o god_n give_v they_o a_o title_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o will_v have_v assist_v they_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v perform_v the_o condition_n require_v on_o their_o part_n that_o be_v continue_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o but_o they_o do_v not_o and_o thereby_o discharge_v god_n from_o any_o further_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o god_n when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o have_v full_o perform_v the_o covenant_n he_o make_v with_o abraham_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v his_o part_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o joshua_n even_o in_o a_o time_n when_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o land_n be_v unconquered_a josh_n 21.44_o and_o of_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.56_o yea_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o covenant_n as_o well_o upon_o consideration_n of_o abraham_n faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o upon_o condition_n of_o the_o future_a obedience_n of_o his_o posterity_n the_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n of_o the_o people_n in_o the_o wilderness_n have_v release_v god_n whole_o from_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o have_v not_o be_v unfaithful_a if_o he_o have_v destroy_v utter_o that_o people_n and_o make_v a_o full_a end_n of_o they_o and_o they_o have_v never_o enter_v into_o that_o land_n because_o a_o failure_n of_o the_o condition_n do_v make_v the_o obligation_n to_o cease_v and_o that_o this_o condition_n be_v imply_v in_o this_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n appear_v by_o these_o text_n deut._n 7.12_o 13.11.22.23.42_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o suspend_v the_o complete_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n and_o he_o say_v because_o that_o this_o people_n have_v transgress_v my_o covenant_n which_o i_o command_v their_o father_n and_o have_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n i_o also_o will_v not_o henceforth_o drive_v out_o any_o of_o the_o nation_n which_o joshua_n leave_v when_o he_o die_v three_o objection_n god_n be_v not_o punctual_a in_o perform_v his_o threaten_n as_o when_o he_o threaten_v adam_n gen._n 2.17_o in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o accomplish_v for_o he_o live_v many_o hundred_o year_n after_o god_n threaten_v ahab_n to_o bring_v evil_a upon_o he_o and_o his_o family_n 1_o king_n 21.21_o but_o upon_o his_o humiliation_n he_o be_v please_v to_o respite_v it_o v_o 29._o so_o god_n threaten_v hezekiah_n with_o death_n but_o upon_o his_o prayer_n add_v fifteen_o year_n to_o his_o life_n 2_o king_n 20._o thus_o nineveh_n be_v threaten_v but_o upon_o their_o repentance_n god_n repent_v of_o the_o evil_a jon._n 3.10_o now_o how_o be_v this_o defer_v and_o turn_v away_o of_o judgement_n consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n do_v not_o this_o seem_v to_o charge_v he_o with_o falsehood_n or_o levity_n ans_fw-fr this_o may_v be_v say_v in_o general_a that_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n can_v but_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o falsehood_n and_o levity_n be_v very_o far_o from_o god_n and_o though_o he_o can_v not_o untie_v some_o particular_a knot_n and_o answer_v all_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o this_o assurance_n i_o confess_v this_o objection_n be_v troublesome_a and_o require_v a_o distinct_a consideration_n i_o will_v not_o be_v peremptory_a in_o nice_a matter_n but_o i_o shall_v with_o submission_n offer_v these_o thing_n in_o answer_n to_o it_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o expression_n of_o god_n repent_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v it_o as_o many_o other_o in_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o not_o as_o cast_v any_o imputation_n of_o false_a hood_n or_o inconstancy_n upon_o god_n as_o if_o either_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v what_o he_o say_v or_o out_o of_o levity_n do_v alter_v his_o mind_n when_o god_n be_v say_v to_o repent_v the_o expression_n only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o have_v be_v his_o purpose_n that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v otherwise_o than_o his_o threaten_n seem_v open_o to_o express_v because_o of_o some_o tacit_n condition_n employ_v in_o they_o and_o this_o do_v not_o derogate_a either_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o sincerity_n or_o constancy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n not_o from_o his_o truth_n for_o he_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v real_o if_o something_o do_v nor_o intervene_v to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n threaten_v upon_o which_o he_o be_v resolve_v when_o he_o threaten_v to_o be_v take_v off_o and_o stop_v his_o judgement_n nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o his_o sincerity_n and_o plainness_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o his_o threaten_n have_v such_o condition_n imply_v in_o they_o nor_o do_v it_o derogate_v from_o the_o constancy_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n because_o god_n do_v not_o mutare_fw-la consilium_fw-la sed_fw-la sententiam_fw-la he_o do_v not_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o purpose_n but_o take_v off_o the_o sentence_n which_o he_o have_v pass_v with_o reserve_a condition_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o instance_n that_o i_o may_v give_v more_o particular_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o threaten_n of_o god_n with_o this_o double_a respect_n either_o with_o relation_n to_o law_n or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n with_o relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o something_o to_o come_v 1._o some_o threaten_n have_v only_a relation_n to_o a_o law_n as_o they_o be_v the_o sanction_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o consider_v they_o differ_v from_o promise_n for_o promise_n confer_v a_o right_n omne_fw-la promissum_fw-la cadit_fw-la in_o debitum_fw-la but_o a_o threaten_a do_v not_o convey_v any_o right_n nor_o if_o forbear_v can_v the_o party_n complain_v of_o wrong_n do_v to_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o this_o case_n it_o can_v only_o signify_v what_o the_o offence_n against_o the_o law_n deserve_v and_o what_o the_o offender_n may_v expect_v for_o the_o end_n of_o threaten_v be_v not_o punishment_n but_o the_o avoid_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v answer_v the_o first_o instance_n god_n give_v adam_n a_o law_n and_o by_o way_n of_o sanction_n not_o of_o prediction_n of_o a_o event_n he_o threaten_v the_o breach_n of_o it_o with_o death_n now_o god_n do_v not_o execute_v the_o punishment_n threaten_v at_o the_o time_n threaten_v but_o defer_v it_o and_o this_o without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o justice_n or_o truth_n because_o this_o threaten_n be_v only_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n 2._o we_o may_v consider_v threaten_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o event_n and_o as_o prediction_n and_o as_o to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o necessity_n because_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o power_n and_o truth_n seem_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o if_o his_o word_n be_v not_o fulfil_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o want_n of_o knowledge_n to_o foresee_v event_n or_o power_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v or_o constancy_n to_o his_o word_n now_o if_o we_o consider_v threaten_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o event_n as_o they_o be_v prediction_n of_o future_a judgement_n i_o think_v all_o the_o other_o instance_n may_v be_v satisfy_v by_o lay_v down_o this_o rule_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o they_o viz._n that_o all_o prophetical_a threaten_n or_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o tacit_n condition_n if_o there_o do_v not_o intervene_v the_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o prayer_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o the_o judgement_n be_v threaten_v and_o if_o so_o
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
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
to_o ourselves_o i._o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o by_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n we_o mean_v that_o he_o always_o be_v and_o be_v and_o to_o all_o eternity_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o he_o undergo_v no_o change_n either_o of_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v or_o of_o his_o property_n and_o perfection_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o his_o be_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v eternal_a incorruptible_a and_o only_o to_o have_v immortality_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o perfection_n he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a and_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v constant_a and_o immutable_a in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o counsel_n his_o purpose_n and_o promise_v we_o be_v uncertain_a and_o mutable_a in_o in_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o being_n and_o in_o all_o those_o quality_n and_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o all_o our_o purpose_n resolution_n and_o action_n we_o be_v continual_o grow_v or_o decrease_v in_o this_o or_o that_o quality_n and_o do_v frequent_o change_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o from_o that_o which_o be_v more_o perfect_a to_o the_o contrary_a now_o know_v and_o then_o ignorant_a sometime_o wise_a and_o often_o foolish_a strong_a and_o weak_a better_a or_o worse_o as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o we_o order_v ourselves_o continual_o wax_v or_o wane_v in_o our_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n we_o frequent_o change_v our_o mind_n and_o alter_v our_o purpose_n and_o break_v our_o promise_n and_o contradict_v our_o firm_a and_o most_o serious_a resolution_n and_o speak_v a_o thing_n and_o do_v it_o not_o say_v it_o and_o do_v not_o bring_v it_o to_o pass_v but_o god_n be_v everlasting_o the_o same_o in_o all_o his_o perfection_n constant_a to_o his_o intention_n steady_a to_o his_o purpose_n immutable_o fix_v and_o persevere_v in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o resolution_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o thing_n i_o propose_v namely_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o be_v unchangeable_o what_o he_o be_v and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v manifest_a both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o argue_v great_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n than_o inconstancy_n and_o change_n this_o be_v the_o great_a vanity_n of_o all_o creature_n that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o do_v not_o long_o continue_v in_o one_o state_n this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o general_n that_o the_o fashion_n of_o it_o pass_v away_o and_o of_o man_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o natural_a change_n by_o age_n and_o disease_n and_o death_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o be_v say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o be_v in_o his_o best_a estate_n altogether_o vanity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o so_o many_o moral_a change_n to_o be_v delude_v and_o deceive_v in_o his_o understanding_n and_o to_o alter_v his_o opinion_n so_o often_o to_o be_v so_o fickle_a in_o his_o will_n and_o to_o change_v so_o often_o his_o purpose_n and_o resolution_n according_a to_o the_o alteration_n or_o appearance_n of_o thing_n we_o attribute_v change_n and_o inconstancy_n to_o person_n of_o the_o weak_a age_n and_o understanding_n as_o child_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v toss_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v eph._n 4.14_o now_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o change_v this_o will_v cast_v a_o universal_a cloud_n upon_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o obscure_v all_o other_o excellency_n and_o make_v they_o like_o the_o flower_n of_o the_o field_n which_o how_o gay_a and_o glorious_a soever_o be_v fade_v and_o perish_v and_o the_o great_a the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v the_o great_a imperfection_n will_v mutability_n be_v for_o as_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o worst_a so_o the_o better_a any_o thing_n be_v so_o much_o the_o worse_o it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v it_o liable_a to_o corruption_n and_o change_n and_o as_o mutability_n in_o god_n will_v darken_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n so_o will_v it_o take_v away_o the_o foundation_n and_o comfort_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v of_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o god_n will_v be_v quite_o take_v away_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a honour_n or_o esteem_n for_o a_o be_v that_o be_v fickle_a and_o inconstant_a if_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n be_v uncertain_a his_o threating_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v their_o awe_n and_o force_n if_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n can_v fail_v no_o promise_n and_o declaration_n how_o gracious_a soever_o will_v be_v any_o security_n or_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n and_o this_o reason_v be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o clear_o found_v in_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o cite_v one_o or_o two_o testimony_n to_o this_o burpose_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o natural_a light_n plato_n in_o his_o phoedo_n inquire_v whether_o the_o most_o perfect_a that_o be_v god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o or_o sometime_o thus_o and_o sometime_o otherwise_o that_o be_v say_v he_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v equality_n and_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n itself_o receive_v any_o the_o least_o change_n at_o any_o time_n and_o be_v not_o constant_a and_o uniform_a and_o of_o itself_o always_o the_o same_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v never_o in_o any_o wise_a upon_o any_o account_n subject_n to_o any_o change_n or_o alteration_n whatsoever_o to_o which_o he_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o and_o always_o alike_o and_o lib._n 2._o de_fw-fr repub._n where_o he_o lay_v down_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitutition_n of_o religion_n he_o mention_n these_o two_o which_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v he_o borrow_a from_o st._n james_n but_o that_o he_o live_v so_o long_o before_o he_o viz._n first_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o good_a and_o and_o in_o no_o wise_a of_o any_o evil_n answerable_o to_o what_o our_o apostle_n here_o assert_n that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o that_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o he_o second_o that_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o by_o make_v various_a representation_n of_o himself_o to_o we_o sometime_o in_o one_o form_n and_o sometime_o in_o another_o for_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o always_o the_o same_o and_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pass_v out_o of_o his_o own_o idea_n or_o be_v any_o other_o than_o what_o he_o be_v which_o he_o further_o confirm_v by_o this_o excellent_a reason_v that_o which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o alteration_n but_o such_o a_o be_v be_v god_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v change_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v weak_a and_o less_o perfect_a than_o himself_o and_o he_o can_v will_v to_o change_v himself_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v it_o must_v either_o be_v for_o the_o better_a or_o for_o the_o worse_o it_o can_v be_v for_o the_o better_a for_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o all_o perfection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o accession_n of_o any_o to_o he_o by_o any_o change_n and_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a be_v as_o god_n be_v that_o will_v change_v for_o the_o worse_o and_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o goodly_a and_o best_a be_v that_o be_v possible_a he_o always_o continue_v simple_o the_o same_o seneca_n likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o immutability_n of_o god_n counsel_n l._n 6._o de_fw-fr benef._n statuerunt_fw-la say_v he_o quae_fw-la non_fw-la mutarent_fw-la neque_fw-la unquam_fw-la primi_fw-la consilii_fw-la deos_fw-la poenitet_fw-la the_o god_n make_v unchangeable_a decree_n and_o never_o repent_v they_o of_o their_o first_o counsel_n 2._o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v from_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o his_o perfection_n in_o all_o his_o decree_n and_o purpose_n and_o promise_v in_o his_o essence_n and_o be_v exod._n 3.14_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o this_o be_v his_o name_n whereby_o he_o make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o people_n and_o to_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o egyptian_n their_o oppressor_n psal_n 90.2_o from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a thou_o be_v god_n psal_n 102.27_o thou_o be_v
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
keep_v nothing_o close_o from_o god_n for_o he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o intimate_v to_o our_o thought_n so_o that_o you_o see_v this_o principle_n be_v deep_o root_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o man_n do_v natural_o reason_n themselves_o into_o it_o 2._o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o man_n be_v likewise_o a_o secret_a acknowledgement_n of_o this_o and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n that_o a_o man_n natural_a action_n and_o such_o as_o happen_v upon_o surprise_n and_o without_o deliberation_n be_v a_o better_a argument_n of_o the_o intimate_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o do_v more_o true_o discover_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o what_o notion_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o than_o our_o contrive_a and_o deliberate_a discourse_n if_o i_o see_v a_o man_n upon_o the_o sudden_a sight_n of_o a_o serpent_n recoil_v and_o start_v back_o though_o he_o tell_v i_o never_o so_o often_o that_o he_o be_v not_o afraid_a yet_o i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a because_o i_o see_v in_o his_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o fear_n and_o danger_n so_o if_o man_n find_v that_o upon_o the_o design_v of_o a_o secret_a wickedness_n which_o never_o go_v further_a than_o their_o own_o heart_n their_o conscience_n do_v sting_n and_o lash_v they_o that_o they_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o feel_v inward_a fright_v and_o horror_n whatever_o they_o may_v say_v to_o the_o contrary_a this_o be_v a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o invisible_a eye_n that_o see_v they_o and_o disallow_n their_o wicked_a design_n if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o the_o heathen_a poet_n say_v that_o scelus_fw-la intra_fw-la se_fw-la tacitum_fw-la qui_fw-la cogitat_fw-la ullum_fw-la facti_fw-la crimen_fw-la habet_fw-la he_o that_o meditate_v any_o secret_a wickedness_n in_o his_o heart_n be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o as_o if_o he_o have_v commit_v it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o the_o man_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o something_o beside_o himself_o and_o be_v jealous_a that_o there_o be_v one_o that_o be_v conscious_a to_o what_o he_o think_v 2._o that_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a and_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v the_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o god_n this_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n who_o can_v know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o this_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n and_o one_o of_o his_o chief_a title_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o knower_n of_o the_o heart_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o thou_o even_o thou_o only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o man_n man_n may_v make_v a_o probable_a conjecture_n at_o the_o thought_n and_o design_n of_o other_o from_o their_o word_n and_o action_n but_o god_n only_o know_v they_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o purpose_n the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o they_o can_v see_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o another_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v a_o privilege_a place_n and_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o cognisance_n of_o any_o but_o god_n alone_o the_o limit_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o action_n 1_o sam._n 16.7_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o as_o man_n see_v for_o man_n look_v on_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o the_o lord_n look_v on_o the_o heart_n our_o knowledge_n be_v but_o superficial_a and_o glide_v upon_o the_o outside_n and_o surface_n of_o thing_n but_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n pierce_v to_o the_o very_a centre_n of_o every_o thing_n now_o the_o dark_a place_n the_o most_o inward_a retirement_n the_o private_a closet_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o this_o god_n only_o be_v privy_a to_o deus_fw-la author_n omnium_fw-la &_o speculator_n omnium_fw-la à _fw-la quo_fw-la nihil_fw-la secretum_fw-la esse_fw-la potest_fw-la tenebris_fw-la interest_n interest_n &_o cogitationibus_fw-la nostris_fw-la quasi_fw-la alteris_fw-la tenebris_fw-la say_v min._n foelix_n god_n make_v all_o thing_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v secret_a from_o he_o he_o be_v present_a in_o darkness_n and_o he_o be_v present_a to_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v another_o and_o a_o thick_a darkness_n the_o devil_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o this_o knowledge_n he_o will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o know_v the_o integrity_n of_o job_n heart_n better_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n give_v of_o his_o integrity_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v but_o sound_o try_v by_o affliction_n he_o will_v renounce_v god_n and_o curse_v he_o to_o his_o face_n but_o the_o event_n prove_v how_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a this_o suggestion_n be_v but_o there_o be_v a_o far_o great_a difficulty_n in_o this_o matter_n from_o the_o passage_n of_o some_o divine_n concern_v the_o devil_n immediate_a access_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o his_o power_n to_o cast_v in_o wicked_a thought_n into_o they_o which_o seem_v by_o consequence_n to_o grant_v he_o some_o knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v imprint_v thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n he_o may_v see_v those_o that_o be_v imprint_v there_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o very_a sagacious_a spirit_n and_o can_v make_v very_o shrewd_a conjecture_n at_o the_o bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o probable_a work_n of_o our_o thought_n from_o a_o general_a knowledge_n and_o observation_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o interest_n and_o design_n and_o from_o the_o general_a tenor_n of_o our_o action_n in_o public_a and_o private_a and_o from_o our_o prayer_n and_o confession_n to_o god_n if_o he_o permit_v he_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v so_o near_o good_a man_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o this_o be_v far_o from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o our_o heart_n all_o this_o be_v but_o conjecture_n and_o such_o as_o man_n may_v make_v of_o one_o another_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n but_o as_o to_o the_o business_n of_o cast_v in_o blasphemous_a and_o despair_a thought_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o this_o i_o will_v say_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o case_n which_o may_v not_o more_o probable_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o wickedness_n and_o infidelity_n of_o man_n heart_n or_o into_o the_o darkness_n and_o melancholy_n of_o our_o temper_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o raise_v and_o suggest_v strange_a thought_n to_o man_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v have_v no_o rise_v from_o ourselves_o not_o consider_v what_o a_o odd_a and_o strange_a influence_n the_o disorder_n of_o our_o bodily_a humour_n may_v have_v upon_o our_o mind_n as_o we_o see_v in_o violent_a fever_n and_o several_a other_o disease_n and_o melancholy_a though_o the_o work_n of_o it_o be_v more_o still_a and_o quiet_a be_v as_o true_o a_o disease_n as_o any_o other_o so_o that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o ascribe_v as_o much_o of_o these_o to_o a_o bodily_a distemper_n as_o may_v be_v because_o it_o be_v a_o very_a uncomfortable_a consideration_n to_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v such_o a_o immediate_a power_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n 2._o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o by_o any_o mean_n it_o can_v be_v grant_v without_o prejudice_n to_o this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o give_v he_o of_o be_v the_o only_a knower_n of_o the_o heart_n that_o the_o devil_n can_v have_v so_o immediate_a a_o access_n to_o our_o mind_n as_o to_o put_v wicked_a thought_n into_o they_o nor_o can_v i_o think_v that_o when_o it_o be_v say_v 1_o chron._n 21.1_o that_o satan_n provoke_v david_n to_o number_v the_o people_n and_o luke_n 22.3_o that_o the_o devil_n enter_v into_o judas_n and_o act_n 5.3_o that_o satan_n have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v unto_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o eph._n 2.2_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o spirit_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n i_o say_v i_o can_v think_v that_o any_o or_o all_o of_o these_o expression_n do_v amount_v to_o such_o a_o immediate_a power_n of_o put_v wicked_a thought_n into_o man_n mind_n but_o they_o only_o signify_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o some_o sin_n than_o other_o and_o that_o a_o heart_n wicked_o bend_v and_o incline_v give_v he_o a_o great_a advantage_n to_o tempt_v man_n more_o powerful_o by_o present_v the_o occasion_n of_o
minister_n of_o god_n say_v he_o must_v be_v without_o house_n and_o harbour_n and_o worldly_a accommodation_n must_v be_v arm_v with_o such_o patience_n for_o the_o great_a suffering_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o stone_n and_o devoid_a of_o sense_n he_o must_v be_v a_o spectacle_n of_o misery_n and_o contempt_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o two_o wise_a heathen_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v unbecoming_a the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o improper_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n beside_o that_o they_o serve_v a_o further_a end_n which_o they_o do_v not_o dream_v of_o the_o satisfy_n of_o divine_a justice_n second_o his_o exaltation_n the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o sit_v the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o perfect_a and_o carry_v on_o of_o this_o design_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o deliver_v rom._n 1.4_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a this_o great_a miracle_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v determine_v the_o controversy_n and_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o question_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o his_o ascension_n and_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o give_v we_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o a_o pledge_n of_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n tend_v more_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o make_v we_o dead_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n and_o then_o the_o consequent_n of_o his_o exaltation_n they_o do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o our_o recovery_n the_o send_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o all_o truth_n to_o sanctify_v we_o to_o assist_v we_o and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o affliction_n and_o the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o christ_n in_o our_o behalf_n and_o his_o return_n to_o judgement_n the_o expectation_n whereof_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n to_o repentance_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n act_n 17.30_o 31._o and_o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o redemption_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o design_n of_o admirable_a wisdom_n the_o use_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o uunreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n and_o the_o folly_n and_o madness_n of_o impenitency_n first_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o unbelief_n the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n for_o our_o redemption_n and_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o unbelieve_a pharisee_n and_o lawyer_n luke_n 7.30_o the_o gospel_n reveal_v to_o we_o a_o design_n so_o reasonable_a and_o full_a of_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o can_v disbelieve_v it_o be_v desperate_a person_n devote_v to_o ruin_n 1_o cor._n 1.18_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o they_o that_o perish_v foolishness_n 2_o cor._n 4.3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o eye_n of_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o the_o gospel_n carry_v so_o much_o light_n and_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o any_o but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o their_o lust_n he_o that_o will_v due_o weigh_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o look_v narrow_o into_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n shall_v find_v nothing_o to_o object_n against_o it_o nay_o shall_v discover_v in_o it_o the_o great_a motive_n and_o inducement_n to_o believe_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v reasonable_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v for_o our_o advantage_n now_o this_o wise_a dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o but_o beneficial_a to_o we_o it_o do_v at_o once_o high_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o satisfy_v our_o interest_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o believe_v and_o entertain_v it_o i._o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reasonable_a and_o gratify_v our_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o gospel_n have_v incomparable_a advantage_n above_o any_o other_o religion_n the_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o advance_v piety_n and_o holiness_n and_o real_a goodness_n among_o man_n and_o the_o more_o any_o religion_n advance_v these_o the_o more_o reasonable_a it_o be_v now_o the_o great_a incitement_n and_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n fear_v of_o punishment_n and_o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n now_o the_o gospel_n represent_v all_o these_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n 1._o it_o represent_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n especial_o those_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o promotion_n of_o piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o we_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n 1._o his_o justice_n the_o gospel_n represent_v it_o inflexible_a in_o its_o right_n and_o inexorable_a and_o that_o will_v not_o in_o any_o case_n let_v sin_n go_v unpunished_a the_o impartiality_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n appear_v in_o this_o dispensation_n that_o when_o god_n pardon_v the_o sinner_n yet_o he_o will_v punish_v sin_n so_o severe_o in_o his_o own_o son_n who_o be_v the_o surety_n now_o what_o can_v more_o tend_v to_o discountenance_v sin_n and_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n of_o it_o 2._o his_o mercy_n this_o dispensation_n be_v a_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o in_o save_v we_o by_o devote_v and_o sacrifice_v he_o john_n 3.16_o for_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n rom._n 5.8_o but_o god_n commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o in_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o 1_o john_n 4.9_o 10._o in_o this_o be_v manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o because_o god_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o we_o may_v live_v through_o he_o herein_o be_v love_n not_o that_o we_o love_v god_n but_o that_o he_o love_v we_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n now_o this_o representation_n of_o god_n mercy_n and_o love_n which_o the_o gospel_n make_v be_v of_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o melt_v our_o heart_n into_o love_n to_o god_n 2._o the_o second_o argument_n to_o piety_n be_v fear_n of_o punishment_n the_o gospel_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o the_o misery_n of_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o have_v make_v clear_a and_o terrible_a discovery_n of_o those_o torment_n which_o attend_v sinner_n in_o another_o world_n and_o have_v open_v to_o we_o the_o treasure_n of_o god_n wrath_n so_o that_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n hell_n be_v naked_a before_o we_o and_o destruction_n have_v no_o cover_n and_o this_o be_v one_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o engine_n to_o destroy_v sin_n rom._n 1.16_o 18._o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n for_o therein_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n 3._o hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o add_v to_o the_o former_a render_v the_o gospel_n the_o most_o powerful_a instrument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o engage_v they_o to_o holiness_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o mean_n to_o draw_v man_n from_o sin_n when_o they_o be_v once_o awaken_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v hope_n of_o pardon_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o way_n to_o encourage_v obedience_n for_o the_o future_a be_v hope_n of_o
promiscuous_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a it_o will_v not_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o sin_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o they_o fall_v likewise_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o example_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n upon_o all_o these_o account_v you_o see_v that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_v as_o to_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o in_o these_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v immediate_o and_o miraculous_o inflict_v by_o god_n he_o have_v always_o make_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o deluge_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n be_v so_o universal_a because_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v because_o in_o this_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n he_o alone_o be_v righteous_a thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n so_o likewise_o in_o that_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n when_o god_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v they_o up_o none_o perish_v but_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n the_o rest_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o wicked_a men._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n reason_n concern_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v very_o firm_a and_o conclude_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o discourse_n upon_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v yet_o want_v we_o have_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o vast_a and_o admirable_a frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o we_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v receive_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v the_o one_o and_o to_o discountenance_v the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n of_o his_o like_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o one_o and_o of_o his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o other_o which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o however_o the_o heathen_a reason_v about_o this_o matter_n whatever_o premise_n they_o lay_v they_o firm_o believe_v the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v just_o plato_n lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a unjust_a but_o as_o righteous_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o can_v resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o this_o quality_n and_o disposition_n so_o likewise_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o receive_v a_o injury_n nor_o of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unjust_a antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v doubtful_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n or_o remain_v afterward_o if_o it_o be_v just_a say_v he_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o just_a you_o may_v certain_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o be_v so_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o all_o moral_a precept_n that_o god_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o qui_fw-la secus_fw-la faxit_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la vindex_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o any_o man_n do_v contrary_a to_o they_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v it_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a awe_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o will_v overtake_v offender_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o will_v more_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o those_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n either_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o general_a or_o such_o as_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o which_o declare_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o that_o either_o by_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o he_o or_o by_o remove_v the_o contrary_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o 1._o those_o which_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o many_o psal_n 129.4_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a dan._n 9.7_o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o this_o good_a man_n have_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n ezra_n 9.15_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o this_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o own_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o extremity_n ex._n 9.27_o then_o pharaoh_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a this_o have_v be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o jer._n 12.1_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v the_o prophet_n notwithstanding_o he_o see_v the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n yet_o before_o he_o will_v so_o much_o as_o reason_n about_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n to_o this_o head_n likewise_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n as_o god_n dwell_v place_n and_o his_o throne_n of_o his_o delight_n in_o justice_n and_o of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o which_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o recite_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o text_n which_o remove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o there_o be_v to_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n nor_o accept_v of_o person_n nor_o take_v of_o gift_n 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 which_o be_v a_o vehement_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n job_n 34.10_o 11_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 for_o the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v he_o render_v unto_o he_o and_o cause_v every_o man_n to_o find_v according_a to_o his_o way_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 what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v second_o there_o be_v other_o text_n which_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v not_o constant_o appear_v in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o time_n
in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o the_o child_n of_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v cast_v out_o into_o utter_a darkness_n and_o however_o man_n may_v bear_v up_o themselves_o now_o upon_o their_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o power_n certain_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o great_a person_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o overturn_v kingdom_n and_o lay_v waste_a country_n and_o oppress_v and_o ruin_v million_o of_o mankind_n for_o the_o gratify_n of_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o ambition_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n come_v when_o even_o these_o as_o much_o nay_o more_o than_o other_o shall_v fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n rev._n 6.15_o and_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o great_a man_n and_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o the_o chief_a captain_n and_o the_o mighty_a man_n and_o every_o bondman_n and_o every_o freeman_n hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o den_n and_o in_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o mountain_n for_o the_o great_a day_n of_o his_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o impartial_a justice_n of_o god_n will_v treat_v the_o great_a and_o the_o mean_a person_n alike_o rev._n 20.12_o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n and_o the_o book_n be_v open_v and_o another_o book_n be_v open_v which_o be_v the_o book_n of_o life_n and_o the_o dead_a be_v judge_v out_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n according_a to_o their_o work_n all_o judge_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o shall_v next_o proceed_v to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o those_o objection_n which_o seem_v to_o impeach_v it_o but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o this_o it_o will_v be_v convenient_a to_o satisfy_v one_o question_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v how_o far_o justice_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o offender_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v brief_o lay_v down_o these_o proposition_n first_o i_o take_v this_o for_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n that_o every_o perfection_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n because_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o perfection_n second_o the_o actual_a constant_a exercise_n of_o those_o divine_a perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v without_o himself_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o god_n for_o instance_n though_o god_n be_v essential_o powerful_a and_o good_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v always_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o goodness_n but_o at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o this_o be_v likewise_o true_a of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n because_o these_o be_v perfection_n the_o effect_n whereof_o be_v terminate_v upon_o something_o without_o himself_o three_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n to_o love_v goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n wherever_o he_o see_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o world_n or_o reasonable_a creature_n in_o it_o but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o god_n make_v such_o creature_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o give_v they_o good_a and_o righteous_a law_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o discourage_v they_o from_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a which_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o reward_v goodness_n and_o to_o punish_v sin_n four_o as_o for_o those_o reward_n which_o the_o gospel_n promise_v and_o the_o punishment_n which_o it_o threaten_v there_o be_v some_o difference_n to_o be_v make_v between_o the_o reward_v and_o punish_v justice_n of_o god_n 1._o as_o for_o that_o abundant_a reward_n god_n be_v please_v to_o promise_v to_o good_a man_n the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o his_o goodness_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o promise_n in_o his_o justice_n for_o it_o be_v justice_n to_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v though_o the_o promise_n of_o so_o great_a and_o abundant_a a_o reward_n be_v mere_a goodness_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o punish_a justice_n of_o god_n about_o which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a question_n whether_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o god_n or_o not_o it_o seem_v very_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v inflict_v those_o judgement_n which_o he_o threaten_v because_o he_o have_v threaten_v they_o for_o there_o be_v not_o the_o like_a obligation_n upon_o person_n to_o perform_v their_o threaten_n that_o there_o be_v to_o perform_v their_o promise_n because_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n become_v a_o debtor_n to_o those_o to_o who_o he_o make_v the_o promise_n but_o when_o he_o threaten_v he_o be_v the_o creditor_n and_o we_o be_v debtor_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o as_o a_o creditor_n he_o may_v remit_v the_o punishment_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o love_a goodness_n and_o hate_v sin_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o concern_v to_o preserve_v good_a order_n to_o encourage_v holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o to_o discountenance_v sin_n under_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v essential_a to_o he_o to_o punish_v sin_n at_o such_o time_n and_o in_o such_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o move_v by_o that_o which_o be_v urge_v by_o some_o learned_a man_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o punish_a justice_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n than_o he_o must_v punish_v the_o sinner_n immediate_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v offend_v and_o to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o power_n because_o whatever_o act_v natural_o act_v necessary_o and_o to_o the_o utmost_a for_o i_o do_v not_o suppose_v such_o a_o justice_n essential_a to_o god_n as_o act_n necessary_o but_o such_o a_o justice_n which_o as_o to_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o its_o act_n be_v regulate_v and_o determine_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n likewise_o of_o his_o goodness_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o objection_n which_o be_v take_v partly_o from_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o first_o as_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v these_o two_o thing_n object_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n i._o the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n ii_o the_o translation_n of_o punishment_n punish_v one_o man_n sin_n upon_o another_o as_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o the_o prince_n upon_o the_o people_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o i._o objection_n the_o inequality_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n in_o this_o life_n thing_n happen_v promiscuous_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a if_o the_o wicked_a suffer_v and_o be_v afflict_v so_o be_v the_o righteous_a if_o the_o righteous_a sometime_o flourish_n so_o do_v the_o wicked_a and_o be_v not_o this_o unjust_a that_o those_o who_o be_v so_o unequal_a as_o to_o their_o desert_n shall_v be_v equal_o deal_v withal_o or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inequality_n it_o be_v usual_o the_o wrong_a way_n the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n prosper_v more_o in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o righteous_a be_v frequent_o more_o afflict_v this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o old_a against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n take_v so_o much_o pain_n to_o answer_v nay_o it_o do_v often_o shake_v the_o faith_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n job_n 12.6_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o robber_n prosper_v and_o they_o that_o provoke_v god_n be_v secure_a into_o who_o hand_n god_n bring_v abundant_o and_o chap._n 21.7_o 8_o 9_o he_o expostulate_v the_o same_o matter_n again_o and_o david_n say_v this_o be_v a_o great_a stumbling-block_n to_o he_o psal_n 73.2_o 3._o and_o the_o like_a we_o find_v in_o the_o prophet_n jer._n 12.1_o and_o hab._n 1.13_o this_o objection_n i_o have_v elsewhere_o consider_v i_o shall_v now_o very_o brief_o offer_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o break_v the_o force_n of_o it_o 1._o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o justice_n to_o show_v itself_o immediate_o
be_v that_o he_o abide_v not_o in_o the_o truth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o he_o when_o he_o speak_v a_o lie_n it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o it_o john_n 8.44_o one_o of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v to_o imitate_v god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a and_o to_o contradict_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o high_a sin_n because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n no_o man_n can_v be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a false_a and_o treacherous_a without_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n of_o guilt_n because_o these_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n lie_v be_v a_o sin_n that_o will_v fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o heathen_a because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o every_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n therefore_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n be_v more_o ashamed_a of_o than_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o lie_n and_o it_o be_v esteem_v the_o high_a reproach_n to_o be_v charge_v with_o it_o it_o argue_v such_o a_o direct_a contrariety_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o perfection_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o so_o much_o imperfection_n and_o baseness_n he_o that_o tell_v a_o lie_n out_o of_o fear_n be_v at_o once_o bold_a towards_o god_n and_o base_a towards_o men._n upon_o these_o account_n god_n express_v himself_o high_o offend_v with_o those_o that_o practise_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o to_o have_v a_o detestation_n of_o they_o pro._n 12.22_o lie_v lip_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n it_o render_v we_o unlike_a to_o he_o eph._n 4.24_o 25._o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n or_o in_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o infer_v wherefore_o put_v away_o lie_v speak_v every_o man_n truth_n with_o his_o neighbour_n for_o we_o be_v member_n one_o of_o another_o col._n 3.9.10_o lie_v not_o one_o to_o another_o see_v that_o you_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n and_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v renew_v in_o knowledge_n after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v he_o that_o be_v because_o we_o profess_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o image_n of_o god_n more_o particular_o we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n 1._o towards_o god_n in_o our_o oath_n and_o vow_n and_o covenant_n in_o our_o oath_n when_o we_o swear_v in_o any_o matter_n we_o tell_v god_n that_o what_o we_o speak_v be_v truth_n and_o invoke_v he_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o to_o falsify_v in_o a_o oath_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o solemn_a affront_n that_o we_o can_v put_v upon_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o so_o in_o our_o vow_n which_o be_v a_o solemn_a promise_n to_o god_n of_o such_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o have_v no_o precedent_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o we_o he_o that_o regard_v truth_n will_v neither_o be_v rash_a in_o make_v a_o vow_n nor_o careless_a to_o perform_v it_o eccles_n 5.4_o when_o thou_o vowe_v a_o vow_n to_o god_n defer_v not_o to_o pay_v it_o for_o he_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n not_o to_o perform_v what_o we_o have_v vow_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o folly_n either_o of_o rashness_n in_o the_o make_n of_o it_o or_o of_o inconstancy_n in_o not_o keep_v it_o so_o likewise_o in_o all_o our_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o obey_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n we_o shall_v strict_o charge_v ourselves_o with_o performance_n of_o these_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o very_a law_n of_o our_o creation_n though_o we_o shall_v never_o solemn_o make_v any_o such_o promise_n nor_o enter_v into_o any_o such_o engagement_n because_o it_o be_v a_o tacit_n condition_n of_o our_o being_n but_o the_o take_n of_o this_o covenant_n solemn_o upon_o we_o in_o baptism_n strengthen_v the_o obligation_n and_o make_v our_o unfaithfulness_n the_o great_a sin_n all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n be_v found_v in_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n and_o if_o thou_o be_v false_a to_o he_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v he_o shall_v be_v faithful_a to_o thou_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o but_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o ingenuity_n in_o thou_o this_o shall_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o can_v be_v no_o encouragement_n to_o thou_o to_o be_v unfaithful_a for_o if_o thou_o break_v the_o covenant_n thou_o have_v enter_v into_o and_o neglegcte_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o god_n have_v suspend_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n thou_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n on_o his_o part_n 2._o towards_o man_n we_o shall_v charge_v ourselves_o with_o truth_n in_o all_o our_o word_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o all_o our_o promise_n it_o become_v we_o who_o worship_n the_o god_n of_o truth_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o use_v plainness_n and_o sincerity_n in_o all_o our_o word_n to_o abhor_v falsehood_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o those_o more_o refine_a way_n of_o lie_v by_o equivocation_n of_o word_n and_o secret_a reservation_n of_o our_o mind_n on_o purpose_n to_o deceive_v those_o that_o plead_v for_o these_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o meet_v with_o many_o complaint_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n among_o man_n psal_n 12.1.2_o isa_n 59.13_o 14_o 15._o jer._n 7.2_o 8_o 9.2.4_o 5_o 6._o hos_fw-la 4.1_o i_o be_o afraid_a there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o this_o complaint_n now_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o great_a light_n which_o do_v reprove_v and_o make_v manifest_a this_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o methinks_v there_o be_v no_o sad_a sign_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o little_a power_n and_o influence_n that_o the_o gospel_n have_v upon_o we_o than_o that_o there_o be_v so_o little_a regard_n have_v by_o christian_n to_o these_o moral_a duty_n which_o because_o moral_a however_o man_n may_v slight_v that_o word_n be_v therefore_o of_o eternal_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v all_o that_o man_n that_o can_v dispense_v with_o himself_o as_o to_o moral_a duty_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o tell_v a_o lie_n or_o break_v his_o word_n what_o badge_n soever_o he_o may_v wear_v what_o title_n soever_o he_o may_v call_v himself_o by_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a as_o it_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n sermon_n xiii_o vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n i._n 16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n i_o shall_v i._o inquire_v what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n ii_o endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o fix_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o â—t_a for_o though_o there_o be_v no_o property_n more_o frequent_o attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n than_o this_o of_o holiness_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o of_o all_o god_n attribute_n which_o divine_n have_v speak_v more_o spare_o of_o than_o this_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o separation_n from_o a_o common_a and_o ordinary_a to_o a_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n and_o this_o notion_n of_o holiness_n be_v applicable_a either_o to_o thing_n or_o person_n to_o thing_n thus_o the_o vessel_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o vestment_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v say_v to_o be_v holy_a because_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o common_a use_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o peculiar_a and_o excellent_a use_n of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n holiness_n oâ—_n person_n be_v twofold_a either_o relative_n and_o external_n which_o signify_v the_o peculiar_a relation_n of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n such_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d priest_n or_o holy_a man_n or_o else_o habitual_a and_o inherent_a such_o be_v