fair._n and_o then_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o healing_n let_v a_o bleed_a church_n and_o state_n show_v how_o notable_o they_o be_v gift_v that_o way_n they_o play_v the_o surgeon_n indeed_o with_o a_o witness_n but_o we_o never_o yet_o hear_v that_o they_o act_v the_o physician_n all_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o body_n politic_a be_v with_o powder_n and_o ball_n sword_n and_o pistol_n no_o save_n of_o life_n with_o those_o man_n but_o by_o purge_v away_o the_o estate_n and_o likewise_o for_o the_o gift_n of_o discern_v of_o spirit_n they_o have_v their_o tryer_n that_o be_v a_o court_n appoint_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o minister_n but_o most_o proper_o call_v cromwell_n inquisition_n in_o which_o they_o will_v pretend_v to_o know_v man_n heart_n and_o inward_a bend_v of_o their_o spirit_n as_o their_o word_n be_v by_o their_o very_a look_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o the_o chief_a pretence_n of_o those_o tryer_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o man_n gift_n so_o if_o they_o find_v 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the_o best_a preacher_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o read_v and_o the_o able_a divine_v such_o as_o can_v not_o write_v in_o all_o their_o preachment_n they_o so_o high_o pretend_v to_o the_o spirit_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o so_o much_o as_o spell_v the_o letter_n to_o be_v blind_a be_v with_o they_o the_o proper_a qualification_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o to_o be_v book-learned_n as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o to_o be_v irreligious_a be_v almost_o term_n convertible_a none_o be_v think_v fit_a for_o the_o ministry_n but_o tradesman_n and_o mechanic_n because_o none_o else_o be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n those_o only_o be_v account_v like_o st._n paul_n who_o can_v work_v with_o their_o hand_n and_o in_o a_o literal_a sense_n drive_v the_o nail_n home_o and_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o pulpit_n before_o they_o preach_v in_o it_o but_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n take_v quite_o another_o method_n be_v still_o as_o careful_a to_o furnish_v the_o 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that_o as_o he_o bring_v to_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n so_o he_o never_o lead_v to_o true_a holiness_n but_o by_o the_o path_n of_o knowledge_n to_o which_o holy_a spirit_n together_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o concern_v of_o providence_n for_o the_o protection_n and_o defense_n of_o king_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n nou._n 5._o 1675._o psalm_n cxliv_o 10_o former_a part_n it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v salvation_n unto_o king_n the_o great_a and_o most_o magnificent_a title_n by_o which_o god_n
able_a to_o do_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o a_o insufferable_a perversion_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v it_o to_o affix_v such_o a_o sense_n to_o any_o text_n of_o it_o as_o this_o force_a exposition_n here_o do_v which_o manifest_o turn_v a_o most_o devout_a confession_n to_o almighty_a god_n into_o a_o piece_n of_o courtship_n a_o principal_a truth_n into_o a_o mere_a trope_n or_o figure_n and_o in_o a_o word_n one_o of_o the_o high_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a into_o a_o false_a fulsome_a and_o at_o best_o a_o empty_a expression_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o iii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a proportion_n of_o value_n between_o the_o action_n and_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o foundation_n already_o lay_v by_o we_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o merit_n consist_v proper_o in_o exchange_n and_o that_o we_o know_v must_v proceed_v according_a to_o a_o parity_n of_o worth_n on_o both_o side_n commutation_n be_v most_o proper_o between_o thing_n equivalent_a but_o now_o the_o prize_n we_o run_v for_o in_o all_o our_o religious_a performance_n be_v no_o less_o a_o thing_n than_o life_n eternal_a and_o a_o beatific_a enjoyment_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o ever_o and_o can_v any_o man_n not_o quite_o abandon_v by_o his_o reason_n imagine_v a_o few_o weak_a break_a action_n a_o competent_a price_n for_o heaven_n and_o immortality_n and_o fit_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o balance_n with_o a_o exceed_v and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o dust_n and_o ash_n that_o can_v deserve_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o angel_n oâ—_n can_v we_o who_o live_v by_o sense_n and_o act_n by_o sense_n do_v any_o thing_n worthy_a of_o those_o joy_n which_o not_o only_o exceed_v our_o sense_n but_o also_o transcend_v our_o intellectual_n can_v wâ—_n do_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v think_v and_o deserve_v beyond_o what_o we_o can_v do_v for_o let_v we_o rate_v our_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a service_n according_a to_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o carry_v so_o steady_a a_o hand_n in_o any_o religious_a performance_n as_o to_o observe_v all_o those_o condition_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o answer_v the_o full_a measure_n of_o the_o law_n no_o this_o be_v such_o a_o pitch_n of_o act_v as_o the_o present_a strength_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o not_o how_o can_v a_o action_n short_a of_o complete_a morality_n set_v up_o for_o meritorious_a the_o papist_n we_o know_v in_o their_o dispute_n upon_o this_o subject_n distinguish_v of_o merit_n into_o that_o which_o be_v de_fw-fr condigno_fw-la which_o merit_v a_o reward_n upon_o term_n of_o justice_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n of_o the_o work_v do_v and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la which_o though_o it_o can_v claim_v a_o reward_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o and_o from_o the_o precise_a worth_n and_o value_v of_o the_o work_n itself_o yet_o be_v such_o that_o god_n will_v not_o act_v suitable_o and_o congruous_o to_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n if_o he_o shall_v not_o reward_v it_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o merit_n i_o say_v they_o hold_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v which_o of_o the_o two_o they_o shall_v state_n the_o merit_n of_o their_o good_a work_n upon_o for_o some_o bold_o assert_v that_o they_o merit_v the_o former_a way_n to_o wit_n by_o their_o own_o inherent_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o some_o that_o they_o merit_v only_o the_o latter_a way_n that_o be_v by_o be_v such_o as_o the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n can_v but_o reward_n and_o last_o other_o as_o particular_o bellarmine_n hold_v that_o they_o merit_v both_o way_n to_o wit_n partly_o by_o condignity_n and_o partly_o by_o congruity_n in_o answer_n to_o which_o without_o dispute_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o merit_n of_o condignity_n since_o it_o more_o than_o sufficient_o confute_v itself_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o whole_a foundation_n of_o their_o merit_n de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la as_o to_o any_o obligation_n on_o god_n part_n to_o reward_v our_o religious_a service_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o equity_n since_o upon_o that_o account_n god_n can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o as_o much_o as_o therâ—_n be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o equity_n in_o god_n distinct_a from_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o mercy_n must_v on_o all_o hand_n needs_o be_v grant_v to_o be_v free_a how_o much_o soever_o that_o of_o his_o justice_n may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v otherwise_o among_o man_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o obligation_n as_o that_o of_o equity_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n stand_v oblige_v by_o a_o superior_a law_n to_o exercise_v mercy_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n which_o god_n do_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la between_o man_n and_o man_n yet_o between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o god_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o show_v mercy_n where_o his_o own_o word_n have_v not_o first_o oblige_v he_o no_o such_o merit_n can_v take_v place_n but_o beside_o this_o be_v not_o the_o point_n whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o reward_v such_o or_o such_o action_n for_o there_o may_v be_v many_o thousand_o of_o thing_n and_o action_n very_o congruous_a for_o god_n to_o do_v which_o yet_o by_o his_o nature_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o do_v nor_o ever_o will_v do_v so_o â—hat_n the_o bare_a congruity_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n lay_v no_o obligation_n upon_o god_n to_o do_v it_o at_o all_o but_o the_o point_n lie_v here_o to_o wit_n whether_o it_o be_v so_o congruous_a to_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n and_o good_a action_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o this_o i_o utter_o deny_v for_o if_o it_o be_v incongruous_a to_o his_o nature_n not_o to_o reward_v they_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v they_o and_o then_o indeed_o merit_n must_v upon_o equal_a necessity_n take_v place_n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o reward_v every_o act_n which_o it_o may_v be_v suitable_a or_o congruous_a for_o he_o to_o reward_v as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o he_o be_v not_o then_o meritum_fw-la de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v but_o merit_n equivocal_o so_o call_v and_o the_o forementioned_a division_n of_o merit_n be_v not_o a_o division_n of_o a_o genus_fw-la into_o two_o several_a species_n but_o only_o a_o distribution_n of_o a_o equivocal_a term_n into_o its_o several_a signification_n and_o consequent_o to_o give_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o only_a de_fw-fr congruo_fw-la be_v a_o mere_a trifle_a about_o word_n without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o here_o object_n the_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o term_n mereri_fw-la and_o meâ—â—ritum_fw-la by_o the_o father_n and_o other_o ancient_a church-writer_n for_o they_o use_v they_o not_o in_o a_o sense_n import_v claim_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o strict_a justice_n but_o only_o as_o they_o signify_v the_o actual_a obtainment_n of_o any_o thing_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o stock_n of_o free-promise_a by_o come_v up_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o it_o which_o by_o no_o mean_n reach_v that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o we_o have_v be_v hitherto_o dispute_v against_o in_o short_a therefore_o the_o question_n stand_v thus_o do_v this_o meritum_fw-la do_v congruo_fw-la from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o oblige_v god_n to_o reward_v it_o or_o do_v it_o not_o if_o it_o do_v than_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o merit_n of_o condignity_n do_v the_o same_o and_o can_v do_v no_o more_o and_o so_o the_o distinction_n between_o they_o be_v but_o verbal_a and_o superfluous_a but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o do_v not_o oblige_v god_n then_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o merit_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o one_o side_n there_o can_v be_v no_o merit_n on_o the_o other_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v this_o further_a consideration_n that_o the_o assert_v of_o such_o a_o merit_n of_o congruity_n be_v altogether_o as_o arrogant_a as_o to_o assert_v that_o of_o condignity_n forasmuch_o as_o it_o equal_o bind_v god_n and_o bring_v he_o under_o as_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o reward_v as_o the_o other_o can_v and_o that_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o
not_o positive_o promise_v to_o reward_v our_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o promise_v though_o his_o mere_a grace_n and_o goodness_n induce_v he_o to_o make_v yet_o his_o essential_a truth_n sâ—andâ—_n oblige_v 〈◊〉_d see_v perform_v for_o though_o some_o have_v venture_v so_o far_o as_o to_o declare_v god_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o inflict_v the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o hell_n how_o peremptory_o soever_o threaten_v by_o he_o upon_o man_n die_v in_o their_o sin_n yet_o i_o suppose_v none_o will_v be_v so_o hardy_a or_o rather_o shameless_a as_o to_o affirm_v it_o free_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v or_o not_o perform_v his_o promise_n the_o obligation_n of_o which_o be_v so_o absolute_a and_o unalterable_a i_o do_v here_o further_o affirm_v that_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o most_o â—â—sured_a principle_n of_o practical_a reason_n there_o be_v as_o strong_a and_o as_o enforce_v a_o motive_n from_o the_o immutable_a truth_n of_o god_n promise_n to_o raise_v man_n to_o the_o high_a and_o most_o heroic_a act_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n as_o if_o every_o such_o single_a act_n can_v by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a worth_a merit_n a_o glorious_a eternity_n for_o to_o speak_v the_o real_a truth_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o which_o excite_v endeavour_v and_o set_v obedience_n on_o work_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o belief_n or_o persuasion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o work_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o our_o reward_n and_o can_v we_o have_v a_o great_a assurance_n of_o this_o than_o that_o truth_n itself_o which_o can_v break_v its_o word_n have_v promise_v it_o for_o the_o most_o high_a and_o holy_a one_o as_o we_o have_v show_v and_o may_v with_o reverence_n speak_v have_v pawn_v his_o word_n his_o name_n and_o his_o honour_n to_o reward_v the_o steadfast_a final_o persevere_v obedience_n of_o every_o one_o within_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n notwithstand_v its_o legal_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o have_v alâ—_n the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o blush_v at_o thâ—â—â—_n worthless_a emptiness_n of_o our_o best_a duty_n and_o to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o poorness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o most_o complete_a action_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o think_v as_o mean_o of_o they_o and_o of_o ourselves_o for_o they_o as_o god_n himself_o do_v yet_o still_o let_v we_o build_v both_o our_o practice_n and_o our_o comfort_n upon_o this_o one_o conclusion_n as_o upon_o a_o rock_n that_o â—_o though_o after_o we_o have_v do_v all_o we_o be_v still_o unprofitable_a servant_n yet_o because_o we_o have_v do_v all_o god_n have_v engage_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o gracious_a master_n to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o christchurch_n in_o oxford_n before_o the_o university_n octob._n 29._o 1693._o luke_n xi_o 35_o take_v heed_n therefore_o that_o the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v not_o darkness_n as_o light_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o useful_a creature_n that_o ever_o issue_v from_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o world_n so_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o little_o weaken_v by_o the_o fall_n as_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n no_o doubt_n the_o light_n within_o we_o will_v appear_v as_o much_o more_o glorious_a than_o the_o light_n without_o we_o as_o the_o spiritual_a intellectual_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n exceed_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o sensible_a and_o corporeal_a as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o which_o light_n to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o it_o before_o i_o proceed_v further_o and_o that_o without_o enter_v into_o those_o various_a notion_n of_o it_o which_o some_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n with_o it_o be_v in_o short_a that_o which_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n about_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o first_o origin_n of_o knowledge_n do_v so_o much_o magnify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la that_o great_a source_n and_o principle_n as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o both_o of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o better_a explication_n of_o which_o i_o must_v according_a to_o a_o common_a but_o necessary_a distinction_n and_o elsewhere_o make_v use_n of_o by_o i_o observe_v that_o this_o recâ—â—_n ratio_fw-la may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o double_a sense_n first_o for_o those_o maxim_n or_o general_a truth_n which_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o reason_n and_o form_v thereby_o into_o certain_a proposition_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o man_n govern_v both_o their_o discourse_n and_o practice_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n that_o come_v before_o they_o or_o second_o it_o may_v be_v take_v for_o thaâ—_n faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o form_v these_o maxim_n or_o proposition_n and_o afterward_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o proposition_n themselves_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o increase_n or_o decrease_v improvement_n or_o diminution_n but_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o both_o that_o 〈◊〉_d of_o become_v strong_a or_o weak_a accord_v as_o man_n shall_v use_v or_o abuse_v cultivate_v or_o neglect_v they_o upon_o which_o account_n this_o recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la can_v be_v nothing_o â—lse_o but_o that_o intellectual_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o every_o one_o be_v â—â—â—urally_o endow_v with_o to_o which_o faculty_n as_o there_o belong_v two_o grand_a and_o principal_a office_n to_o 〈◊〉_d one_o to_o inform_v or_o direct_v and_o the_o â—ther_n to_o command_v or_o oblige_v so_o the_o 〈◊〉_d faculty_n sustain_v a_o different_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—r_o denomination_n according_a to_o each_o of_o â—hem_n for_o as_o it_o serve_v to_o inform_v the_o soul_n â—â—y_n discover_v thing_n to_o it_o so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o as_o it_o oblige_v the_o soul_n to_o do_v this_o or_o forbear_v that_o which_o it_o do_v as_o it_o be_v actuate_v or_o inform_v with_o those_o forementioned_a general_a truth_n or_o maxim_n so_o it_o be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o two_o office_n though_o belong_v to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faculty_n be_v very_o different_a for_o the_o former_a of_o they_o to_o wit_n iâ—â—_n enlighten_v or_o inform_v quality_n extend_v much_o further_a than_o itâ—â—_n obligingâ—_n virtue_n do_v even_o to_o all_o thing_n knowable_a by_o the_o mind_n of_o manâ—_n but_o the_o latter_a only_o to_o such_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d be_v matter_n of_o practice_n and_o so_o fall_v undeâ—_n a_o moral_a consideration_n beside_o that_o this_o oblige_a quality_n must_v needs_o also_o preâ—suppose_v the_o enlighten_v quality_n as_o essentiâ—ally_o go_v before_o it_o for_o as_o no_o law_n 〈◊〉_d bind_v till_o it_o be_v notify_v or_o promulge_v so_o neither_o can_v this_o faculty_n of_o the_o soâ—â—_n oblige_v a_o man_n till_o it_o have_v first_o inform_v 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n according_a â—o_o the_o essential_a order_n 〈◊〉_d thing_n precede_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n anâ—_n consequently_n in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o how_o much_o soever_o some_o have_v think_v fit_a 〈◊〉_d confound_v they_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v this_o which_o the_o text_n here_o principal_o intend_v by_o the_o light_n within_o we_o nevertheless_o since_o the_o word_n conscience_n take_v in_o both_o and_o signify_v as_o well_o a_o light_n to_o inform_v as_o it_o import_v and_o carrieâ—_n with_o 〈◊〉_d also_o a_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o i_o shall_v indifferent_o express_v this_o light_n by_o the_o name_n of_o conscience_n as_o a_o term_n equivalent_a to_o it_o in_o all_o the_o follow_a particulars_n but_o still_o this_o shall_v be_v with_o respect_n 〈◊〉_d its_o inform_v rather_o than_o to_o its_o oblige_a office_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o former_a of_o these_o only_a which_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d light_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a for_o though_o conscience_n be_v both_o a_o light_n and_o as_o it_o command'_v under_o god_n a_o law_n too_o yet_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o light_n it_o be_v not_o formal_o ah_o law_n â—â—or_n if_o it_o be_v than_o whatsoever_o it_o disâ—â—vered_v to_o we_o it_o will_v also_o oblige_v we_o 〈◊〉_d but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o since_o it_o both_o may_v use_v do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o indifferent_a â—â—ture_n oâ—_n many_o thing_n and_o action_n â—â—thout_v oblige_v we_o either_o to_o the_o practise_n or_o forbearance_n of_o they_o which_o one_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o enlighten_v and_o the_o oblige_a
enhance_v its_o gild_n as_o it_o will_v look_v like_o a_o very_a strange_a and_o odd_a commendation_n of_o a_o tree_n to_o apologise_v for_o the_o sourness_n of_o its_o fruit_n by_o plead_v that_o all_o its_o goodness_n lie_v in_o the_o root_n but_o in_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o weakness_n and_o shortness_n of_o its_o reach_n that_o it_o seldom_o suggest_v argument_n à _fw-la priore_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o a_o low_a and_o humble_a gradation_n creep_v from_o the_o effect_n up_o to_o the_o cause_n because_o these_o first_o strike_v and_o alarm_n the_o sense_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v as_o good_a philosophy_n as_o divinity_n when_o he_o say_v jam._n 2.18_o show_v i_o thy_o faith_n by_o thy_o work_n every_o action_n be_v the_o most_o lively_a pourtraicture_n and_o impartial_a expression_n of_o its_o efficient_a principle_n as_o the_o complexion_n be_v the_o best_a comment_n upon_o the_o constitution_n for_o in_o natural_a production_n â—here_o be_v no_o hypocrisy_n only_o we_o must_v observe_v here_o that_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n bear_v a_o very_a different_a relation_n to_o their_o respective_a principle_n as_o it_o be_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o argumentation_n so_o it_o be_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o matter_n of_o practice_n for_o though_o from_o a_o artificial_a contrivance_n of_o false_a principle_n or_o premise_n may_v emerge_n a_o true_a conclusion_n yet_o from_o true_a premise_n can_v ensue_v a_o false_a so_o though_o a_o evil_a heart_n may_v frame_v itself_o to_o the_o do_v of_o a_o action_n in_o its_o kind_n or_o nature_n good_a yet_o a_o renew_a sanctify_a principle_n can_v of_o its_o self_n design_n action_n real_o vicious_a the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o former_a in_o such_o a_o case_n act_n upon_o a_o principle_n of_o dissimulation_n and_o no_o man_n by_o dissemble_a affect_n to_o appear_v worse_o than_o he_o be_v but_o better_o but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o a_o single_a action_n but_o of_o a_o conversation_n or_o course_n of_o act_v for_o a_o pious_a man_n may_v do_v a_o evil_a action_n upon_o temptation_n or_o surprise_n but_o not_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o stand_a principle_n and_o resolution_n but_o when_o a_o man_n sin_n be_v his_o business_n and_o the_o form_a purpose_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o piety_n shrink_v only_o into_o mean_v and_o intention_n when_o he_o tell_v i_o his_o heart_n be_v right_a with_o god_n while_o his_o hand_n be_v in_o my_o pocket_n he_o upbraid_v my_o reason_n and_o outface_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a discourse_n with_o a_o impudence_n equal_a to_o the_o absurdity_n this_o therefore_o i_o affirm_v that_o he_o who_o place_v his_o christianity_n only_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o his_o mean_v have_v fair_o secure_v himself_o against_o a_o discovery_n in_o case_n he_o shall_v have_v none_o but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o shall_v at_o the_o last_o find_v his_o portion_n with_o those_o who_o indeed_o have_v none_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o who_o be_v thus_o intentional_o pious_a do_v in_o a_o very_a ill_a and_o untoward_a sense_n verify_v that_o philosophical_a maxim_n that_o what_o they_o so_o much_o pretend_v to_o be_v chief_a and_o first_o in_o their_o intention_n be_v always_o last_v if_o at_o all_o in_o the_o execution_n three_o the_o three_o and_o last_o false_a ground_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v upon_o which_o some_o man_n build_v to_o their_o confusion_n be_v party_n and_o singularity_n if_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v as_o some_o say_v the_o property_n of_o a_o roman_n catholic_n then_o i_o be_o sure_a popery_n may_v be_v find_v where_o the_o name_n of_o papist_n be_v adhor_v for_o what_o account_n can_v some_o give_v of_o their_o religion_n or_o of_o that_o assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v whole_o resign_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o front_n and_o boldness_n to_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o the_o godly_a to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o party_n of_o such_o a_o name_n nay_o of_o such_o a_o sneak_a look_n be_v to_o some_o the_o very_a spirit_n and_o characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n see_v what_o st._n paul_n himself_o build_v upon_o before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christ_n act_v 26.5_o i_o be_v say_v he_o after_o the_o strict_a sect_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o pharisee_fw-mi so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o the_o sect_n upon_o which_o st._n paul_n then_o embark_v his_o salvation_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o fraternity_n or_o sect_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o origination_n of_o their_o name_n pharisee_n it_o be_v derive_v from_o parasch_n separavit_fw-la discrevit_fw-la whence_o in_o greek_a they_o be_v call_v puritan_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d separati_fw-la so_o that_o the_o word_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o st._n paul_n before_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v a_o rigid_a separatist_n but_o singularity_n be_v not_o sincerity_n though_o too_o often_o and_o mischievous_o mistake_v for_o it_o and_o as_o a_o house_n build_v upon_o the_o sand_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v ruin_v by_o storm_n so_o a_o house_n build_v out_o of_o the_o road_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o invasion_n of_o robber_n and_o want_v both_o the_o convenience_n and_o assistance_n of_o society_n christ_n be_v not_o therefore_o call_v the_o corner_n stone_n in_o the_o spiritual_a building_n as_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o church_n shall_v consist_v only_o of_o corner_n or_o be_v drive_v into_o they_o there_o be_v a_o by-path_n as_o well_o as_o a_o broad-way_n to_o destruction_n and_o it_o both_o argue_v the_o nature_n and_o portend_v the_o doom_n of_o chaff_n upon_o agitation_n to_o separate_v and_o divide_v from_o the_o wheat_n but_o to_o such_o as_o venture_v their_o eternal_a interest_n upon_o such_o a_o bottom_n i_o shall_v only_o suggest_v these_o two_o word_n first_o that_o admit_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o the_o party_n which_o they_o adhere_v to_o may_v be_v true_o pious_a yet_o the_o piety_n of_o the_o party_n can_v sanctify_v its_o proselyte_n a_o church_n may_v be_v proper_o call_v holy_a when_o yet_o that_o holiness_n do_v not_o diffuse_v itself_o to_o each_o particular_a member_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o the_o whole_a may_v receive_v denomination_n from_o a_o quality_n inherent_a only_o in_o some_o of_o its_o part_n company_n may_v occasion_v but_o it_o can_v transfuse_v holiness_n no_o man_n righteousness_n but_o christ_n alone_n can_v be_v impute_v to_o another_o to_o rate_v a_o man_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o companion_n be_v a_o rule_n frequent_a indeed_o but_o not_o infallible_a judas_n be_v as_o much_o a_o wretch_n among_o the_o apostle_n as_o among_o the_o priest_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a argument_n for_o a_o man_n to_o derive_v his_o saintship_n from_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o society_n he_o belong_v to_o and_o to_o conclude_v himself_o no_o weed_n only_o because_o he_o grow_v among_o the_o corn._n second_o such_o a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o party_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o strong_a suspicion_n and_o tangle_n of_o the_o rank_a of_o all_o ill_a quality_n spiritual_a pride_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n natural_a almost_o to_o all_o men._n first_o a_o desire_n of_o pre-eminence_n in_o any_o perfection_n but_o especial_o religious_a second_o a_o spirit_n of_o opposition_n or_o contradiction_n to_o such_o as_o be_v not_o of_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o way_n now_o both_o these_o be_v eminent_o gratify_v by_o a_o man_n list_a himself_n of_o a_o party_n in_o religion_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o some_o be_v more_o real_o proud_a of_o the_o affect_a sordidness_n of_o a_o pretend_a mortification_n than_o other_o be_v of_o the_o great_a affluence_n and_o splendour_n of_o life_n and_o that_o many_o who_o call_v the_o execution_n of_o law_n and_o justice_n persecution_n do_v yet_o suffer_v it_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o please_a relish_n of_o pride_n than_o other_o can_v inflict_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a zeal_n rise_v from_o a_o hearty_a concernment_n for_o religion_n but_o a_o ill_a restless_a cross_a humour_n which_o be_v imp_v with_o smart_n and_o quicken_v with_o opposition_n the_o godly_a party_n be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o adjunct_n for_o he_o who_o be_v true_o godly_a be_v humble_a and_o peaceable_a and_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o be_v of_o a_o party_n according_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n let_v such_o pretender_n therefore_o suspect_v the_o sandiness_n and_o hollowness_n of_o their_o foundation_n and_o know_v that_o such_o imitator_n of_o corah_n dathan_n and_o abiram_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o into_o which_o
noble_a and_o pregnant_a place_n of_o scripture_n john_n 8.58_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o from_o be_v any_o proof_n at_o all_o of_o christ_n eternal_a pre-existence_n to_o his_o incarnation_n and_o so_o to_o give_v up_o one_o of_o the_o main_a fort_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o socinian_o have_v yet_o be_v force_v by_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o this_o chapter_n notwithstanding_o all_o his_o shift_n too_o manifest_o show_v what_o he_o will_v be_v at_o to_o express_v himself_o upon_o this_o subject_a more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n than_o in_o many_o other_o place_n he_o have_v do_v and_o well_o indeed_o may_v he_o even_o for_o shame_n itself_o do_v so_o much_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o may_v have_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o such_o a_o command_a majesty_n be_v there_o in_o every_o period_n almost_o of_o this_o chapter_n that_o it_o have_v force_v even_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n person_n who_o value_v themselves_o not_o a_o little_a upon_o their_o philosophy_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o control_v truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n here_o deliver_v and_o instead_o of_o contradict_v or_o dispute_v to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n for_o the_o thing_n here_o utter_v be_v mystery_n keep_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o such_o as_o god_n have_v for_o four_o thousand_o year_n together_o by_o all_o the_o wise_a art_n and_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v prepare_v the_o world_n for_o before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a or_o ripe_a to_o receive_v they_o and_o therefore_o a_o most_o worthy_a subject_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v for_o this_o belove_a apostle_n to_o impart_v to_o mankind_n who_o have_v so_o long_o lie_v in_o the_o bosom_n of_o truth_n itself_o receive_v all_o thing_n from_o that_o great_a original_a by_o more_o intimate_v and_o immediate_a communication_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v honour_v with_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v of_o the_o cabinet_n and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o he_o speak_v oracle_n in_o the_o text_n we_o have_v these_o two_o part_n first_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o those_o word_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o second_o christ_n entertainment_n be_v come_v in_o those_o other_o word_n his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o there_o be_v a_o account_n give_v we_o of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o stupendous_a action_n that_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o yet_o witness_v of_o there_o can_v i_o suppose_v be_v a_o true_a measure_n take_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o than_o by_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n of_o the_o several_a circumstance_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v these_o first_o the_o person_n who_o come_v second_o the_o condition_n from_o which_o he_o come_v three_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o come_v and_o four_o and_o last_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n of_o all_o which_o in_o their_o order_n and_o 1._o first_o for_o the_o person_n who_o come_v it_o be_v the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n the_o ever_o bless_a and_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o a_o kind_a of_o paradox_n to_o our_o reason_n consider_v the_o condition_n of_o his_o person_n how_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v at_o all_o for_o since_o all_o come_n be_v motion_n or_o progression_n from_o a_o place_n in_o which_o we_o be_v to_o a_o place_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o before_o and_o since_o infinity_o imply_v a_o actual_a comprehension_n of_o and_o a_o presence_n to_o all_o place_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o he_o who_o be_v god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o come_v any_o whither_o who_o infinity_o have_v make_v all_o progression_n to_o or_o acquisition_n of_o a_o new_a place_n impossible_a but_o christ_n who_o delight_v to_o mingle_v every_o mercy_n with_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n take_v a_o finite_a nature_n into_o the_o society_n and_o union_n of_o his_o person_n whereupon_o what_o be_v impossible_a to_o a_o divine_a nature_n be_v render_v very_o possible_a to_o a_o divine_a person_n which_o can_v rightful_o and_o proper_o entitle_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o respective_a action_n and_o property_n of_o either_o nature_n comprehend_v within_o its_o personality_n so_o that_o be_v make_v man_n he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n that_o man_n can_v do_v except_o only_o sin_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v pure_o humane_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o any_o sinful_a deficiency_n or_o turpitude_n cleave_v to_o it_o fall_v within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o his_o action_n but_o now_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o wonder_n comparable_a to_o this_o to_o behold_v divinity_n thus_o clothe_v in_o flesh_n the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n humble_v not_o only_o to_o the_o company_n but_o also_o to_o the_o cognation_n of_o his_o creature_n it_o be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v imagine_v the_o whole_a world_n not_o only_o represent_v upon_o but_o also_o contain_v in_o one_o of_o our_o little_a artificial_a globe_n or_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n enveloped_v in_o a_o cloud_n as_o big_a as_o a_o man_n hand_n all_o which_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o astonish_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o as_o short_a of_o the_o other_o as_o the_o great_a finite_a be_v of_o a_o infinite_a between_o which_o the_o disparity_n be_v immeasurable_a for_o that_o god_n shall_v thus_o in_o a_o manner_n transform_v himself_o and_o subdue_v and_o master_n all_o his_o glory_n to_o a_o possibility_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n and_o converse_n the_o best_a reason_n will_v have_v think_v it_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o god_n can_v not_o do_v have_v it_o not_o see_v it_o actual_o do_v it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v to_o cancel_v the_o essential_a distance_n of_o thing_n to_o remove_v the_o bound_n of_o nature_n to_o bring_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o what_o be_v more_o both_o end_n of_o the_o contradiction_n together_o and_o thereupon_o some_o who_o think_v it_o a_o imputation_n upon_o their_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v which_o be_v no_o thanks_o to_o they_o at_o all_o have_v invent_v several_a strange_a hypothesis_n and_o salvo_n to_o clear_v up_o these_o thing_n to_o their_o apprehension_n as_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v never_o personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a but_o only_o pass_v through_o it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o imaginary_a fantastic_a way_n that_o be_v to_o speak_v plain_o in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o which_o neither_o scripture_n sense_n nor_o reason_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o and_o other_o have_v by_o one_o bold_a stroke_n cut_v off_o all_o such_o relation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o in_o much_o another_o sense_n than_o that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n make_v christ_n altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o that_o be_v a_o mere_a man._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o socinus_n will_v needs_o be_v as_o good_a a_o man_n as_o his_o saviour_n but_o this_o opinion_n whatsoever_o ground_n it_o may_v have_v get_v in_o this_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o no_o soon_o be_v it_o vent_v and_o defend_v by_o photinus_n bishop_n of_o sirmium_n but_o it_o be_v immediate_o crush_v and_o universal_o reject_v by_o the_o church_n so_o that_o although_o several_a other_o heresy_n have_v their_o course_n and_o be_v but_o at_o length_n extinguish_v and_o not_o without_o some_o difficulty_n yet_o this_o like_o a_o indigested_a meteor_n appear_v and_o disappear_v almost_o at_o the_o same_o time_n however_o socinus_n beginning_n where_o photinus_n have_v long_o before_o leave_v off_o lick_v up_o his_o desert_a forlorn_a opinion_n and_o light_v upon_o worse_a time_n have_v find_v much_o better_a success_n but_o be_v it_o true_a that_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n then_o sure_a i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a inference_n that_o he_o have_v a_o existence_n and_o a_o be_v before_o he_o come_v hither_o since_o every_o motion_n or_o passage_n from_o one_o place_n or_o condition_n to_o another_o suppose_v the_o thing_n or_o person_n so_o move_v to_o have_v actual_o exi_v under_o both_o term_n to_o wit_n as_o well_o under_o that_o from_o which_o as_o that_o to_o which_o he_o pass_v but_o if_o christ_n have_v nothing_o but_o a_o humane_a nature_n which_o never_o exist_v till_o it_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o can_v that_o possible_o be_v say_v to_o come_v into_o the_o world_n the_o fruit_n that_o grow_v upon_o a_o tree_n and_o so_o have_v the_o first_o moment_n of_o its_o existence_n there_o can_v with_o any_o propriety_n or_o truth_n of_o speech_n be_v say_v to_o have_v come_v to_o that_o tree_n since_o that_o must_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v somewhere_o else_o before_o i_o be_o far_o from_o build_v so_o great_a and_o so_o
they_o may_v indeed_o beg_v a_o alm_n but_o must_v not_o think_v to_o â—â—and_v upon_o their_o teâ—ms_n but_o second_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o have_v sufficient_o show_v exclude_v a_o man_n from_o all_o plea_n of_o merit_n but_o also_o that_o further_a obligation_n lie_v upon_o he_o and_o all_o his_o service_n from_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o command_v of_o god_n equal_o cut_v he_o off_o from_o the_o same_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o that_o law_n be_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v matth._n 4.10_o and_o thâ—n_o for_o the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o that_o service_n it_o be_v to_o be_v with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n and_o all_o the_o soul_n mark_n 12.30_o which_o one_o comprehensive_a injunction_n grasp_a in_o it_o all_o that_o humane_a nature_n be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o by_o consequence_n bring_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o man_n within_o the_o compass_n and_o verge_n of_o duty_n have_v leave_v no_o vacancy_n or_o possibility_n for_o merit_n to_o take_v place_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v actual_o do_v more_o than_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n and_o all_o his_o strength_n and_o all_o his_o soul_n he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v than_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a even_o for_o common_a sense_n to_o conceive_v any_o thing_n more_o senseless_a and_o contradictious_a and_o so_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o ii_o condition_n require_v to_o render_v a_o action_n meritorious_a and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o shall_v real_o add_v to_o and_o better_a the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n of_o who_o it_o be_v to_o merit_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v because_o all_o merit_n as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o consist_v proper_o in_o a_o right_a to_o receive_v some_o benefit_n on_o the_o account_n of_o some_o benefit_n first_o do_v the_o natural_a order_n of_o thing_n require_v that_o where_o a_o considerable_a advantage_n have_v be_v receive_v something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n shall_v be_v return_v for_o that_o otherwise_o if_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v always_o upon_o the_o receive_v hand_n and_o never_o upon_o the_o restore_a that_o part_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o monstrous_a dead_a weight_n upon_o the_o other_o and_o all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o useful_a to_o mankind_n will_v by_o a_o enormous_a disparity_n lean_v whole_o on_o one_o side_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o forementioned_a condition_n of_o merit_n home_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o thereby_o to_o show_v how_o far_o god_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v from_o man_n aâ—â—_n man_n of_o give_v to_o god_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o brief_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o what_o god_n be_v and_o what_o man_n be_v and_o by_o consequence_n how_o the_o case_n of_o give_v and_o receive_v must_v stand_v on_o god_n part_n and_o how_o on_o man_n and_o here_o in_o the_o 1_o st_z place_n god_n offer_v himself_o to_o our_o consideration_n as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a infinite_o happy_a and_o self-sufficient_a depend_v upon_o no_o supply_n or_o revenue_n from_o abroad_o but_o as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o retreat_v whole_o into_o himself_o and_o there_o live_v for_o ever_o upon_o the_o inexhaustible_a stock_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a fullness_n and_o as_o a_o fountain_n owe_v not_o its_o stream_n to_o any_o poor_a adventitious_a infusion_n from_o without_o but_o to_o the_o internal_a unfailing_a plenty_n of_o its_o own_o spring_n so_o this_o mighty_a all-comprehending_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n needs_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o to_o contemplate_v upon_o that_o which_o he_o actual_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o beatitude_n can_v no_o more_o admit_v of_o any_o addition_n to_o it_o than_o we_o can_v add_v degree_n to_o infinity_o new_a measure_n to_o immensity_n and_o further_a improvement_n to_o a_o boundless_a absolute_a vnimproveable_a perfection_n for_o such_o a_o be_v be_v the_o great_a god_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o party_n who_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o nevertheless_o to_o carry_v the_o case_n a_o little_a further_o suppose_v for_o the_o present_a that_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o felicity_n be_v capable_a of_o some_o further_a addition_n and_o increase_n let_v we_o in_o the_o 2._o place_n cast_v our_o eye_n upon_o the_o other_o party_n concern_v and_o consider_v whether_o man_n be_v a_o be_v fit_a and_o able_a to_o make_v this_o addition_n man_n i_o say_v that_o poor_a slight_a inconsiderable_a nothing_o or_o at_o best_a a_o pitiful_a something_o behold_v to_o every_o one_o of_o the_o element_n as_o well_o as_o compound_v of_o they_o and_o live_v as_o a_o eleemosinary_a upon_o a_o perpetual_a contribution_n from_o all_o and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n this_o creature_n clothe_v he_o another_o feed_v he_o a_o three_o cure_v he_o when_o sick_a and_o a_o four_o comfort_v and_o refresh_v he_o when_o well_o in_o a_o word_n he_o subsist_v by_o the_o joint_a alm_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o stand_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v able_a either_o to_o help_v or_o hurt_v he_o and_o be_v this_o now_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o oblige_v hiâ—_n maker_n to_o indent_v and_o drive_v bargain_n with_o the_o almighty_a those_o i_o be_o sure_a who_o in_o their_o several_a age_n have_v be_v repute_v most_o eminent_a for_o their_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o themselves_o too_o use_v to_o speak_v at_o much_o another_o rate_n concern_v both_o my_o goodness_n say_v david_n extend_v not_o to_o theeâ—_n ps._n 16.2_o and_o again_o if_o thou_o be_v righteous_a say_v elihu_n to_o job_n what_o give_v thou_o he_o or_o what_o do_v he_o receive_v at_o thy_o hand_n job_n 35.7_o so_o that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o make_v that_o challenge_n without_o expect_v ever_o to_o see_v it_o answer_v in_o rom._n 11.35_o who_o have_v first_o give_v to_o he_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v recompense_v to_o he_o again_o for_o let_v man_n but_o first_o prove_v the_o debt_n and_o the_o almighty_a will_v be_v sure_a to_o pay_v it_o but_o most_o full_o of_o all_o do_v our_o saviour_n himself_o determine_v this_o point_n in_o that_o remarkable_a conclusion_n of_o the_o forecited_a parable_n in_o luk._n 17.10_o where_o he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n after_o they_o have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v command_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n that_o be_v to_o say_v such_o as_o god_n upon_o no_o account_n whatsoever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v at_o all_o the_o better_a for_o and_o a_o clear_a text_n certain_o and_o more_o direct_a and_o home_n against_o all_o pretence_n of_o merit_n neither_o law_n nor_o gospel_n can_v afford_v nevertheless_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o some_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o exposition_n of_o it_o as_o if_o admit_v render_v it_o â—f_o no_o force_n at_o all_o against_o this_o doctrine_n of_o merit_n for_o first_o they_o absolute_o cashier_v and_o literal_a express_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o introduce_v a_o figure_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o to_o diminish_v or_o degrade_v a_o thing_n express_v it_o in_o term_n represent_v it_o much_o less_o than_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o when_o we_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v small_a than_o a_o atom_n less_o than_o nothing_o and_o the_o like_a such_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v literal_o but_o import_v only_o that_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a according_o when_o christ_n bid_v his_o disciple_n after_o their_o best_a and_o most_o exact_a performance_n acknowledge_v themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n we_o be_v not_o say_v these_o expositor_n to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o real_o they_o be_v so_o but_o that_o christ_n only_o read_v theâ—_n 〈◊〉_d lecture_n of_o humility_n and_o self-abasement_n towards_o god_n in_o speak_v but_o mean_o and_o low_o of_o their_o own_o piety_n how_o different_o soever_o it_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v value_v according_a to_o the_o strâ—â—â—_n estimate_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o by_o all_o this_o it_o seem_v our_o saviour_n be_v only_o teach_v those_o about_o he_o how_o to_o paâ—â—_n compliment_n upon_o almighty_a god_n their_o profess_v of_o themselves_o unprofitable_a servant_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v tell_v he_o they_o be_v his_o humble_a servant_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o word_n if_o they_o have_v any_o meaning_n at_o all_o the_o fashionable_a custom_n of_o gentile_n lie_v will_n much_o better_a account_n for_o than_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n the_o word_n of_o truth_n be_v