reprobate_n first_o for_o the_o elect_a we_o know_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v reveal_v himself_o unto_o they_o by_o many_o mean_n which_o now_o he_o have_v lay_v aside_o as_o first_o in_o sensible_a apparition_n vision_n voice_n and_o dream_n yea_o sometime_o in_o as_o plain_a and_o familiar_a manner_n as_o man_n use_v to_o talk_v and_o converse_v with_o their_o friend_n face_n to_o face_n without_o any_o colour_n show_n or_o vizard_n second_o god_n do_v usual_o bestow_v upon_o his_o servant_n many_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o pour_v forth_o upon_o the_o wicked_a grievous_a plague_n and_o punishment_n this_o be_v do_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o infancy_n and_o weak_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o godly_a who_o be_v as_o yet_o endue_v but_o with_o a_o small_a measure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n the_o time_n be_v not_o come_v wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v unfold_v will_v soon_o have_v fall_v into_o distrust_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n if_o that_o he_o have_v be_v strange_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o please_v he_o in_o mercy_n to_o visit_v they_o often_o in_o this_o sensible_a manner_n of_o bodily_a apparition_n and_o of_o temporal_a blessing_n that_o so_o he_o may_v as_o it_o be_v keep_v his_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o the_o which_o otherwise_o will_v soon_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o small_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n which_o they_o have_v have_v be_v forget_v and_o come_v to_o nought_o but_o now_o in_o this_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o spiritual_a grace_n be_v plentiful_o give_v and_o eternal_a glory_n so_o certain_o promise_v to_o the_o faithful_a yea_o even_a point_a at_o with_o the_o finger_n as_o be_v hard_o at_o hand_n and_o almost_o in_o sight_n shall_v god_n still_o dandle_v they_o in_o in_o his_o lap_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o with_o laking_n to_o toy_n and_o play_v with_o and_o still_o appear_v in_o visible_a manner_n as_o if_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o be_v either_o for_o doubtfulness_n believe_v or_o for_o obscurity_n understand_v we_o see_v that_o when_o as_o child_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o any_o stature_n and_o strength_n they_o be_v not_o only_o ashamed_a once_o to_o think_v of_o suck_v the_o dug_n again_o but_o also_o be_v by_o painful_a toil_n &_o labour_v continual_o exercise_v for_o the_o increase_n both_o of_o strength_n in_o their_o body_n and_o of_o patience_n in_o their_o mind_n howsoever_o it_o be_v grievous_a unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o doubt_v of_o the_o love_n of_o their_o parent_n by_o who_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o so_o unwelcome_a a_o task_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o his_o child_n not_o only_o in_o withdraw_v from_o they_o these_o temporal_a toy_n yet_o not_o leave_v they_o comfortless_o who_o have_v both_o plenty_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n in_o present_a fruition_n &_o the_o instant_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n wherewith_o to_o solace_v themselves_o but_o also_o in_o exercise_v their_o faith_n hope_n patience_n and_o love_n by_o continual_a trial_n and_o temptation_n cross_n and_o affliction_n as_o if_o he_o have_v clean_o forget_v they_o and_o cast_v they_o off_o for_o ever_o whereas_o indeed_o he_o do_v it_o only_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o commendation_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o by_o this_o mean_n be_v find_v to_o be_v firm_a and_o sound_a even_o as_o gold_n be_v try_v by_o the_o fire_n for_o if_o whensover_o we_o be_v pinch_v with_o any_o grief_n misery_n or_o want_v god_n be_v straightway_o at_o our_o elbow_n with_o comfort_n and_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o desire_v either_o for_o necessity_n or_o pleasure_n what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o the_o most_o blockish_a sot_n in_o the_o world_n will_v trust_v that_o which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o there_o be_v no_o brute_n beast_n in_o the_o world_n of_o so_o savage_a a_o nature_n but_o will_v bear_v good_a affection_n to_o he_o that_o do_v daily_o ply_v he_o with_o good_a and_o pleasant_a thing_n one_o in_o the_o neck_n of_o another_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o hope_v for_o that_o which_o he_o already_o have_v but_o when_o as_o by_o faith_n and_o hope_n we_o take_v such_o hold_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n that_o no_o temptation_n can_v make_v we_o let_v our_o hold_n go_v when_o as_o in_o the_o most_o bitter_a affliction_n we_o feel_v the_o sweet_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n when_o as_o we_o do_v steadfast_o behold_v that_o which_o be_v far_o out_o of_o sight_n then_o be_v our_o faith_n find_v to_o be_v not_o baggage_n dross_n but_o pure_a and_o precious_a gold_n fit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o king_n of_o heaven_n thus_o christ_n speak_v unto_o thomas_n joh_n 2._o 20._o 29._o thou_o have_v see_v feel_v and_o thereupon_o do_v believe_v that_o i_o be_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o do_v notsee_v or_o feel_v and_o yet_o believe_v that_o be_v their_o faith_n be_v more_o strong_a and_o excellent_a and_o therefore_o their_o salvation_n and_o blessedness_n more_o certain_a likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v needful_a that_o god_n shall_v by_o defer_v those_o plague_n that_o their_o blasphemy_n and_o other_o outrageous_a sin_n do_v deserve_v suffer_v they_o to_o go_v on_o in_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o in_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o if_o they_o see_v god_n present_a in_o the_o world_n in_o temporal_a plague_n give_v to_o every_o sin_n the_o deserved_a punishment_n as_o he_o do_v in_o old_a time_n &_o so_o stand_v over_o they_o with_o the_o whip_n and_o sword_n of_o vengeance_n they_o will_v then_o have_v some_o conscience_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o fear_n be_v restrain_v from_o that_o outrage_n whereunto_o now_o they_o rush_v headlong_o yea_o the_o near_a that_o the_o universal_a judgement_n wherein_o every_o one_o shall_v receive_v according_a to_o his_o work_n be_v at_o hand_n the_o more_o do_v god_n surcease_v from_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n purpose_v by_o eternal_a retribution_n to_o pay_v every_o one_o home_n and_o to_o the_o full_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v impute_v the_o confusion_n and_o abundance_n of_o sin_n which_o overflow_v the_o world_n to_o the_o want_n of_o government_n in_o god_n but_o to_o the_o just_a judgement_n who_o suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o â—un_v on_o in_o their_o seuâ—rall_a course_n of_o wickedness_n to_o their_o final_a destruction_n yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o he_o do_v plain_o show_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n in_o restrain_v these_o flood_n of_o wickedness_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o so_o overslow_v the_o earth_n but_o that_o always_o there_o be_v a_o place_n leave_v to_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o in_o even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o he_o keep_v by_o violence_n the_o sea_n within_o the_o appoint_a limit_n which_o by_o nature_n shall_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o restrain_v very_o quick_o will_v cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n as_o for_o the_o multitude_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o the_o great_a diversity_n of_o opinion_n among_o those_o that_o profess_v the_o truth_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o pathway_n of_o truth_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o by-ware_n be_v infinite_a the_o ignorance_n error_n and_o heresy_n of_o man_n can_v prejudice_n the_o substance_n &_o foundation_n of_o it_o safe_a and_o sound_a in_o the_o church_n last_o for_o the_o contradiction_n and_o untrueth_n wherewith_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v charge_v if_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v use_v in_o pen_v the_o scripture_n weâ—ke_v man_n who_o may_v err_v in_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n or_o some_o matter_n of_o no_o moment_n as_o he_o do_v daily_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o man_n who_o no_o doubt_n together_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v error_n and_o ignorance_n shall_v that_o make_v the_o doctrine_n and_o substance_n of_o religion_n itself_o to_o be_v suspect_v or_o reject_v but_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o false_a in_o the_o scripture_n if_o be_v right_o understand_v and_o that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o have_v a_o most_o perfect_a agreement_n &_o consonancy_n with_o the_o other_o the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o substance_n in_o christ_n the_o prophet_n with_o the_o apostle_n and_o each_o one_o with_o other_o but_o i_o marvel_v why_o you_o join_v the_o fire_n of_o purgatory_n whereat_o now_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v laugh_v as_o at_o a_o most_o ridiculous_a toy_n with_o hell_n and_o heaven_n whereby_o in_o scripture_n be_v mean_v the_o misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o
he_o that_o forsake_v any_o worldly_a thing_n for_o my_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n shall_v both_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n and_o also_o receive_v a_o hundred_o fold_v even_o in_o this_o life_n thus_o god_n do_v from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o &_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n both_o remember_v and_o also_o recompense_v the_o godliness_n of_o his_o servant_n abraham_n david_n and_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o phinees_n in_o regard_n of_o that_o hiâ—_n zealous_a love_n of_o his_o glory_n to_o bless_v and_o honour_n both_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n from_o age_n to_o age_n thus_o god_n have_v do_v and_o thus_o he_o will_v do_v in_o all_o age_n yet_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o great_a measure_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n the_o godly_a have_v the_o less_o need_n they_o have_v of_o temporal_a blessing_n to_o confirm_v and_o cherish_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o near_o they_o come_v to_o the_o fruition_n of_o eternal_a glory_n the_o more_o they_o may_v &_o aught_o to_o contemn_v worldly_a pleasure_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o this_o temporal_a retribution_n be_v not_o so_o plentiful_a and_o so_o apparent_a in_o these_o age_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o flow_v in_o abundance_n of_o spiritual_a grace_n as_o it_o be_v before_o when_o they_o be_v scant_o but_o that_o which_o be_v want_v and_o doubtful_a in_o this_o life_n shall_v without_o doubt_n be_v full_o perform_v in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v where_o the_o obedience_n and_o good_a work_n the_o affliction_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o godly_a shall_v be_v reward_v not_o only_o with_o just_a praise_n &_o commendation_n the_o which_o reward_n be_v deserve_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o work_n and_o be_v mention_v 1._o cor._n 3._o 14._o 15._o if_o any_o man_n work_n stand_v he_o shall_v have_v wage_n or_o recompense_n but_o if_o it_o fail_v he_o shall_v want_v that_o recompense_n and_o yet_o be_v save_v but_o also_o with_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o which_o although_o it_o pass_v by_o a_o thousand_o degree_n the_o desert_n or_o rather_o although_o it_o can_v in_o any_o part_n or_o respect_n be_v deserve_v by_o any_o obedience_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o life_n because_o all_o their_o obedience_n be_v imperfect_a yet_o it_o please_v god_n in_o mercy_n to_o call_v it_o a_o reward_n yea_o to_o be_v content_a that_o they_o look_v for_o it_o in_o that_o name_n as_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v 2._o tim._n 4._o 7._o 8._o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n from_o hence_o forth_o i_o be_o to_o expect_v that_o crown_n of_o rightteousnesse_n which_o the_o lord_n that_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o and_o so_o rom._n 8._o 8._o although_o the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v yet_o he_o make_v the_o one_o to_o depend_v on_o the_o other_o gent._n i_o think_v you_o say_v that_o the_o reward_v justice_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o extend_v itself_o even_o to_o the_o reprobate_n recompense_v their_o good_a deed_n if_o they_o may_v be_v call_v good_a with_o blessing_n but_o what_o fruit_n can_v be_v look_v for_o from_o the_o root_n of_o infidelity_n but_o corrupt_v the_o which_o if_o god_n shall_v reward_v what_o shall_v he_o do_v else_o but_o bolster_n and_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n sch._n god_n do_v reward_n with_o good_a not_o the_o wicked_a deed_n of_o ungodly_a and_o unjust_a man_n but_o the_o honest_a &_o upright_a action_n of_o such_o as_o be_v civil_o and_o moral_o virtuous_a yea_o &_o perhaps_o affect_v with_o some_o blind_a zeal_n of_o religion_n the_o which_o although_o they_o can_v merit_v before_o god_n judgement_n seat_n be_v not_o only_o imperfect_a and_o in_o part_n sinful_a as_o be_v the_o action_n of_o the_o godly_a but_o also_o whole_o sinful_a in_o that_o they_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a root_n yet_o they_o have_v respect_n of_o good_a the_o which_o god_n reward_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n as_o he_o do_v achabs_n outward_a repentance_n and_o humiliation_n with_o immunity_n from_o those_o temporal_a plague_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o sin_n and_o thus_o do_v god_n reward_n jehu_n achabs_n successor_n for_o execute_v his_o anger_n &_o vengenace_v upon_o achabs_n house_n with_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o kingdom_n to_o the_o four_o generation_n thus_o you_o have_v hear_v somewhat_o of_o god_n justice_n the_o which_o although_o it_o shall_v without_o doubt_n have_v the_o full_a sway_n at_o length_n in_o punish_v and_o confound_v the_o wicked_a yet_o for_o the_o time_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v suspend_v and_o keep_v from_o execute_v the_o full_a force_n upon_o they_o that_o so_o there_o may_v be_v place_n use_v and_o declaration_n for_o another_o virtue_n of_o god_n call_v patience_n and_o long_a suffering_n the_o which_o who_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o consider_v the_o horrible_a outrage_n blasphemy_n curse_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o contemptuous_a and_o spiteful_a impiety_n which_o the_o ungodly_a do_v daily_o spew_v out_o against_o god_n &_o his_o holy_a truth_n and_o yet_o they_o go_v not_o only_o unpunished_a but_o also_o prosper_v and_o flourish_v as_o if_o they_o be_v bless_v of_o god_n who_o do_v by_o this_o patience_n only_o harden_v they_o to_o their_o eternal_a destruction_n sect._n 4._o there_o remain_v now_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o word_n or_o two_o the_o last_o knot_n of_o divine_a virtue_n consist_v in_o god_n natural_a inclination_n to_o do_v good_a unto_o his_o creature_n they_o may_v be_v call_v by_o the_o general_a name_n of_o goodness_n to_o the_o which_o his_o general_a favour_n to_o all_o his_o particular_a friendship_n with_o some_o few_o and_o his_o fidelity_n or_o faithfulness_n both_o to_o the_o one_o and_o to_o the_o other_o may_v be_v refer_v for_o as_o he_o be_v only_o good_a that_o be_v the_o first_o fountain_n and_o full_a treasure_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n so_o he_o do_v not_o envious_o keep_v it_o whole_o to_o himself_o but_o do_v gracious_o impart_v it_o to_o other_o even_o to_o all_o live_a thing_n base_a and_o excellent_a good_a and_o evil_a reasonable_a and_o unreasonable_a one_o and_o other_o all_o of_o they_o do_v either_o drink_n or_o taste_v of_o this_o sweet_a cup_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o blessing_n he_o suffer_v his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a he_o feed_v and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o a_o plentiful_a hand_n there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o measure_n of_o his_o goodness_n for_o why_o he_o have_v a_o favour_n unto_o they_o as_o a_o father_n have_v to_o his_o child_n and_o as_o a_o skilful_a workman_n to_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n wherein_o his_o nature_n and_o image_n or_o his_o skill_n and_o cunning_a do_v plain_o appear_v yea_o so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n towards_o they_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o enter_v into_o bond_n and_o covenant_n with_o they_o bind_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o promise_n and_o oath_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o that_o good_a unto_o they_o which_o come_v from_o he_o not_o as_o of_o necessity_n and_o by_o constraint_n or_o yet_o by_o their_o desert_n but_o only_o of_o mere_a favour_n and_o his_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o performance_n whereof_o he_o be_v so_o sure_a yea_o so_o careful_a as_o we_o see_v honest_a man_n to_o be_v in_o keep_v their_o promise_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v soon_o fail_v than_o any_o jot_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v promise_v whereof_o we_o may_v gather_v how_o odious_a to_o god_n be_v the_o impiety_n of_o those_o man_n or_o rather_o blasphemous_a monster_n that_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o call_v into_o question_n if_o not_o flat_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o god_n have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n promise_v to_o his_o church_n as_o touch_v eternal_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yea_o and_o that_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o while_o they_o often_o doubt_v within_o themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n of_o god_n in_o make_v good_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v speak_v do_v no_o doubt_n great_o both_o displease_v and_o dishonour_v god_n but_o most_o of_o all_o in_o this_o kind_n we_o be_v to_o admire_v the_o friendship_n and_o familiarity_n which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o have_v with_o man_n yea_o with_o sinful_a and_o mortal_a man_n to_o some_o of_o who_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o only_o this_o general_a favour_n whereof_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n be_v partaker_n and_o that_o eternal_a love_n which_o bring_v with_o it_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o also_o a_o more_o special_a favour_n admit_v they_o into_o his_o secret_a
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n by_o t._n morton_n psal_n 18._o 11._o he_o have_v make_v darkness_n his_o secret_a place_n london_n print_v by_o tho._n creed_n for_o robert_n dexter_n dwell_v in_o paul_n churchyard_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o brazen_a serpent_n 1599_o to_o the_o reader_n hereis_n good_a reader_n a_o little_a treatise_n of_o a_o great_a argument_n in_o the_o which_o if_o ever_o in_o any_o that_o may_v be_v see_v which_o do_v daily_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o book_n itself_o do_v nothing_o less_o than_o perform_v that_o which_o the_o title_n do_v promise_n and_o pretend_v as_o we_o see_v and_o find_v often_o that_o the_o countenance_n of_o man_n do_v make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o many_o singular_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a part_n which_o in_o trial_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n either_o of_o their_o soul_n or_o body_n how_o then_o may_n any_o and_o will_v some_o man_n say_v do_v you_o of_o purpose_n go_v about_o to_o deceive_v we_o with_o gloss_a title_n which_o have_v under_o they_o no_o substance_n of_o matter_n or_o be_v you_o yourselves_o deceive_v in_o take_v in_o hand_n that_o which_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o accomplish_v surely_n whatsoever_o we_o be_v he_o have_v the_o truth_n plain_o tell_v he_o and_o the_o fault_n reveal_v need_v not_o now_o be_v deceive_v unless_o he_o will_v himself_o and_o then_o volenti_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a iniuria_fw-la but_o for_o our_o part_n we_o do_v enterprise_v this_o conference_n not_o in_o hope_n of_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o this_o bottomless_a mystery_n but_o only_o purpose_v to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o that_o knowledge_n of_o it_o which_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o which_o no_o doubt_n be_v most_o needful_a and_o also_o comfortable_a to_o all_o christian_n for_o what_o either_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n but_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o continual_a contemplation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o which_o purpose_n if_o this_o treatise_n do_v any_o whit_n further_o thou_o we_o be_v glad_a otherwise_o take_v our_o good_a will_n in_o good_a part_n and_o so_o we_o commend_v the_o good_a reader_n as_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v commend_v by_o thou_o to_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n to_o be_v by_o he_o instruct_v and_o preserve_v in_o all_o truth_n the_o epistle_n dedicatory_a sir_n my_o duty_n remember_v unto_o you_o desire_v of_o god_n your_o welfare_n as_o hearty_o &_o more_o earnest_o than_o i_o either_o do_v or_o ever_o do_v i_o own_o i_o have_v once_o purpose_v not_o to_o make_v any_o dedication_n of_o this_o little_a pamphlet_n that_o so_o none_o shall_v need_v to_o be_v trouble_v with_o it_o save_v only_o they_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o that_o will_v trouble_v themselves_o with_o it_o but_o the_o persuasion_n of_o some_o friend_n wish_v that_o this_o little_a body_n go_v abroad_o may_v have_v some_o head_n to_o direct_v it_o have_v prevail_v so_o far_o that_o i_o begin_v to_o think_v of_o some_o friend_n with_o who_o i_o may_v make_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o use_v his_o name_n at_o least_o understand_v the_o which_o may_v serve_v for_o once_o unless_o we_o have_v imitate_v that_o unskilful_a painter_n who_o must_v needs_o set_v this_o epigram_n over_o every_o thing_n y_o it_o he_o paint_v this_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n the_o forefront_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o give_v to_o these_o few_o sheet_n of_o paper_n the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o a_o perfe_a book_n the_o which_o they_o do_v so_o earnest_o affect_v whereupon_o while_o i_o do_v bethink_v myself_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n which_o usual_o man_n follow_v in_o dedicate_a book_n among_o the_o rest_n for_o there_o be_v diverse_a beside_o yet_o above_o the_o rest_n for_o they_o be_v the_o chief_a these_o three_o come_v to_o mind_n the_o first_o be_v necessarium_fw-la the_o second_o utile_a and_o the_o three_o honestum_fw-la necessity_n make_v man_n write_v of_o matter_n not_o only_o great_o controvert_v but_o even_o flat_o contradict_v yea_o perhaps_o spiteful_o oppugn_v as_o be_v almost_o every_o truth_n by_o one_o or_o other_o shroud_v themselves_o under_o the_o authority_n &_o countenance_n of_o some_o great_a personage_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v shelter_n against_o the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o their_o malicious_a enemy_n raise_v against_o their_o person_n and_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v profess_v but_o this_o seem_v not_o needful_a for_o this_o treatise_n which_o be_v rather_o a_o philosophical_a than_o a_o theological_a discourse_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n in_o general_n wherein_o not_o only_o all_o christian_n but_o also_o the_o jew_n yea_o the_o very_a turk_n and_o all_o other_o infidel_n do_v agree_v may_v safe_o travel_v into_o any_o country_n without_o a_o safe-conduct_n or_o arrive_v on_o any_o coast_n without_o a_o convoy_n the_o second_o motive_n be_v utile_a a_o planet_n that_o now_o adays_o reign_v by_o his_o powerful_a influence_n in_o the_o very_a will_n of_o man_n the_o which_o god_n himself_o can_v compel_v and_o be_v the_o cynosura_n or_o north_n star_n by_o who_o aspect_n most_o man_n lay_v their_o plot_n &_o course_n and_o sure_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v if_o by_o this_o officious_a kind_n of_o salute_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o virtue_n of_o worthy_a man_n it_o be_v do_v without_o flattery_n they_o labour_v to_o procure_v unto_o they_o deserve_a fame_n &_o renown_n &_o to_o purchase_v to_o themselves_o some_o lawful_a favour_n as_o a_o recompense_n of_o their_o good_a affection_n this_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o it_o be_v more_o lawful_a than_o commendable_a for_o it_o be_v better_a to_o give_v then_o to_o to_o take_v and_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n to_o want_v then_o to_o crave_v the_o three_o respect_n be_v the_o most_o honest_a and_o praise_v worthy_a for_o it_o have_v a_o eye_n not_o to_o present_v safety_n or_o to_o future_a profit_n but_o to_o benefit_n past_a and_o go_v and_o in_o a_o manner_n wear_v out_o of_o mind_n the_o voluntary_a acknowledge_v whereof_o especial_o before_o so_o many_o witness_n show_v a_o good_a nature_n and_o a_o most_o ingenuous_a mind_n here_o i_o do_v set_v down_o my_o staff_n as_o mind_v out_o of_o this_o company_n to_o make_v my_o choice_n yet_o be_v i_o not_o as_o yet_o come_v to_o my_o journey_n end_n for_o as_o we_o all_o have_v many_o benefactor_n to_o who_o we_o be_v much_o indebt_v so_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v which_o of_o they_o may_v by_o best_a right_a challenge_n this_o duty_n to_o himself_o our_o best_a benefactor_n be_v he_o from_o who_o only_o come_v every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n who_o have_v enrich_v we_o both_o with_o temporal_a and_o with_o spiritual_a blessing_n and_o therefore_o do_v most_o worthy_o deserve_v to_o be_v honour_v above_o all_o other_o with_o the_o first_o and_o best_a of_o all_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v and_o without_o question_n the_o zeal_n and_o good_a affection_n of_o those_o man_n who_o even_o in_o this_o our_o age_n in_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n the_o giver_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n have_v make_v he_o and_o no_o other_o the_o patron_n of_o their_o book_n and_o labour_n yea_o though_o they_o be_v not_o direct_o write_v of_o his_o nature_n deserve_v high_o to_o be_v praise_v yet_o i_o think_v as_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o give_v to_o man_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v due_a and_o proper_a to_o god_n so_o it_o sound_v somewhat_o harsh_a though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o evil_a and_o to_o be_v condemn_v as_o simple_o unlawful_a to_o give_v those_o honour_n to_o god_n which_o be_v common_o bestow_v on_o man_n and_o therefore_o even_o the_o godly_a man_n have_v think_v it_o most_o meet_a to_o dedicate_v their_o book_n to_o man_n like_v to_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o both_o body_n and_o soul_n to_o god_n so_o then_o we_o must_v descend_v to_o humane_a benefactor_n of_o all_o which_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o public_a patron_n &_o father_n of_o our_o country_n to_o be_v as_o most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o howsoever_o the_o envy_n which_o man_n bear_v to_o the_o good_a one_o of_o another_o make_v common_a benefit_n not_o to_o be_v esteem_v so_o most_o worthy_a to_o who_o in_o the_o first_o place_n all_o honour_n love_n and_o duty_n shall_v be_v perform_v both_o by_o this_o and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_n whatsoever_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o stay_v here_o for_o though_o public_a person_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v yet_o private_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v neglect_v the_o which_o thing_n the_o very_a heathen_a do_v see_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o assoon_o as_o they_o have_v end_v their_o public_a service_n and_o sacrifice_n to_o the_o public_a god_n of_o
and_o rather_o show_v my_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n then_o seem_v injurious_a and_o unthankful_a sch._n you_o may_v speak_v your_o pleasure_n but_o by_o all_o liklihood_n you_o be_v a_o scholar_n according_a to_o your_o own_o acception_n howsoever_o it_o please_v you_o to_o make_v yourself_o for_o the_o time_n one_o in_o my_o sense_n and_o it_o may_v be_v you_o be_v so_o by_o your_o call_n and_o kind_n of_o life_n howsoever_o your_o outward_a state_n seem_v better_a than_o usual_o scholar_n attain_v unto_o yea_o i_o be_o persuade_v by_o this_o great_a desire_n to_o increase_v in_o knowledge_n which_o appear_v in_o you_o that_o you_o have_v already_o attain_v to_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o it_o and_o know_v what_o belong_v unto_o it_o as_o we_o see_v that_o usual_o the_o rich_a be_v most_o covetous_a sect._n 2._o gent._n well_o well_o let_v we_o leave_v these_o thing_n and_o come_v to_o the_o purpose_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o haste_n one_o thing_n i_o must_v needs_o desire_v of_o you_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o you_o will_v not_o be_v offend_v nor_o yet_o think_v scorn_n to_o answer_v and_o resolve_v i_o even_o in_o those_o question_n which_o be_v most_o certain_a manifest_a and_o without_o all_o question_n as_o if_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v resolve_v of_o this_o point_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v and_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n not_o that_o i_o doubt_v of_o this_o or_o any_o other_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o that_o i_o may_v know_v and_o hold_v that_o more_o firm_o which_o i_o do_v already_o both_o believe_v and_o also_o know_v in_o part_n sch._n we_o can_v if_o we_o speak_v proper_o call_v this_o a_o point_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o all_o the_o heathenish_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v or_o that_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o world_n agree_v in_o this_o as_o in_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n whereon_o they_o rest_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n yet_o you_o say_v very_o true_a that_o our_o knowledge_n both_o in_o this_o and_o in_o all_o other_o point_n concern_v god_n be_v unperfect_a and_o therefore_o we_o may_v lawful_o yea_o we_o must_v necessary_o labour_v for_o a_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o pleerophoria_n that_o be_v a_o full_a knowledge_n and_o certain_a persuasion_n mention_v in_o scripture_n yea_o if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o point_n for_o that_o if_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v handle_v as_o it_o be_v seldom_o it_o be_v seldom_o call_v into_o question_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o first_o place_n assign_v unto_o it_o gent._n indeed_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o this_o blockish_a atheism_n shall_v be_v in_o any_o that_o have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n yet_o he_o that_o do_v consider_v the_o life_n of_o many_o lead_v without_o any_o knowledge_n fear_n love_n care_n or_o any_o regard_n whatsoever_o have_v unto_o god_n may_v see_v that_o verify_v which_o be_v speak_v psal_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n yea_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o as_o will_v open_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o that_o judgement_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o may_v without_o danger_n defend_v it_o by_o argument_n against_o any_o whosoever_o the_o which_o shameless_a impiety_n although_o i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n detest_v and_o shall_v i_o trust_v while_o i_o live_v yet_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o there_o have_v often_o such_o doubt_n rise_v and_o â—unne_v in_o my_o mind_n as_o i_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a and_o therefore_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o utter_v sch._n nay_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o conceal_v &_o cherish_v not_o to_o declare_v and_o abandon_v they_o but_o what_o i_o pray_v you_o have_v at_o any_o time_n make_v you_o doubt_n of_o god_n gent._n sure_o to_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o order_n of_o gonâ—rnement_n but_o rather_o extreme_a confusion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o by_o any_o providence_n or_o power_n of_o god_n but_o partly_o by_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o natural_a cause_n work_v according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a and_o set_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o inclination_n devise_n consultation_n and_o purpose_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o free_a motion_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o foolish_a and_o superstitious_a people_n do_v ascribe_v many_o thing_n as_o war_n dearth_n famine_n plague_n sickness_n poverty_n and_o many_o other_o casualty_n to_o some_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n which_o the_o wise_a do_v plain_o see_v to_o come_v by_o the_o ordinary_a connexion_n and_o consequence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o as_o touch_v those_o few_o who_o do_v whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v themselves_o upon_o god_n and_o do_v daily_o and_o hourly_o call_v upon_o he_o for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o it_o happen_v to_o they_o no_o better_o yea_o for_o the_o most_o part_n far_o worse_a than_o to_o the_o wicked_a that_o for_o all_o their_o faith_n and_o prayer_n they_o must_v either_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o the_o world_n or_o else_o utter_o perish_v and_o miscarry_v that_o many_o who_o most_o outrageous_o blaspheme_v yea_o open_o both_o deny_v &_o defy_v god_n as_o we_o read_v of_o a_o certain_a pope_n who_o say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v and_o eat_v of_o a_o meat_n that_o he_o fancy_v in_o despite_n of_o god_n and_o so_o he_o do_v prosper_v and_o fare_v as_o well_o yea_o much_o better_a than_o they_o that_o serve_v he_o most_o devout_o that_o there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n any_o argument_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n nor_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v make_v a_o wise_a man_n wonder_n whereas_o in_o all_o reason_n it_o shall_v seem_v more_o possible_a to_o hide_v the_o sun_n be_v above_o our_o horizon_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o either_o by_o heat_n beam_n light_n or_o any_o other_o mean_n show_v itself_o to_o be_v present_a then_o that_o god_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o no_o way_n apparent_a as_o for_o the_o scripture_n out_o of_o the_o which_o we_o use_v so_o plain_o to_o teach_v prove_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o out_o of_o his_o only_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o certanitie_n can_v be_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o every_o kingdom_n country_n and_o city_n yea_o almost_o every_o private_a man_n do_v gather_v out_o of_o it_o a_o diverse_a and_o different_a â—orme_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v god_n that_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o fabulous_a as_o of_o the_o flame_n of_o purgatory_n the_o fire_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o light_n of_o heaven_n prepare_v and_o appoint_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n depart_v from_o their_o body_n according_a as_o they_o have_v live_v in_o this_o world_n either_o well_o or_o else_o wicked_o that_o all_o these_o doctrine_n and_o infinite_a other_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v but_o counterfeit_n and_o both_o devise_v and_o use_v to_o keep_v people_n in_o some_o awe_n and_o order_n yea_o which_o seem_v worst_a of_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v contradict_v not_o only_o by_o other_o but_o also_o by_o itself_o in_o many_o point_n and_o place_n whereas_o in_o truth_n there_o be_v not_o any_o discord_n or_o harsh_a jar_a but_o a_o most_o sweet_a and_o full_a consort_n and_o harmony_n so_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n and_o diverse_a other_o that_o i_o will_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v of_o god_n as_o elias_n say_v of_o baal_n that_o in_o all_o likelihood_n he_o be_v either_o a_o sleep_n or_o in_o bat_n tell_v or_o about_o some_o weighty_a affair_n or_o as_o he_o think_v and_o mentindeed_o no_o where_n exist_v yet_o these_o doubt_n be_v but_o as_o fly_a cloud_n in_o my_o mind_n which_o the_o glory_n majesty_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n shine_v both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o work_n as_o clear_o as_o the_o sun_n do_v at_o noon_n day_n do_v soon_o dissolve_v yet_o not_o so_o that_o you_o shall_v think_v it_o lose_v labour_n to_o speak_v somewhat_o to_o that_o effect_n sch._n i_o may_v for_o fashion_n sake_n but_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n needless_a and_o that_o you_o be_v not_o now_o to_o learn_v how_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o sufficient_o by_o diverse_a evident_a mean_n do_v now_o in_o a_o manner_n hide_v and_o absent_v himself_o from_o the_o world_n yea_o even_o from_o his_o church_n and_o choose_a people_n and_o that_o upon_o good_a ground_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o elect_a and_o of_o the_o
if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o very_a elect_v shall_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n and_o be_v deceive_v but_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o you_o be_v far_o from_o that_o fearful_a estate_n gen._n that_o which_o you_o have_v say_v as_o touch_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n dothful_o satisfy_v i_o and_o may_v content_v any_o reasonable_a man_n yet_o because_o i_o do_v sometime_o meet_v with_o man_n that_o be_v even_o root_v and_o confirm_v in_o atheism_n and_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o pray_v you_o furnish_v i_o with_o some_o few_o argument_n wherewith_o to_o convince_v and_o to_o confound_v they_o sch._n indeed_o there_o be_v many_o which_o be_v to_o be_v account_v atheist_n for_o that_o they_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o promise_n make_v to_o his_o church_n of_o eternal_a glory_n the_o proof_n and_o declaration_n whereof_o must_v be_v refer_v to_o their_o proper_a place_n wherein_o we_o do_v both_o agree_v but_o sure_o i_o think_v you_o meet_v with_o few_o or_o none_o that_o be_v either_o so_o brutish_a in_o mind_n or_o so_o shameless_a in_o face_n as_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n neither_o to_o my_o remembrance_n have_v i_o ever_o either_o hear_v or_o read_v of_o any_o such_o the_o epicurean_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_a be_v count_v atheist_n as_o they_o may_v well_o be_v for_o they_o exempt_v god_n from_o the_o care_n of_o humane_a thing_n and_o from_o the_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o neither_o deny_v nor_o doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o so_o i_o think_v of_o our_o epicure_n and_o atheist_n in_o these_o day_n that_o howsoever_o they_o may_v as_o well_o deny_v god_n to_o exist_v as_o to_o contemn_v and_o reject_v his_o word_n threaten_n and_o promise_n as_o mere_a fable_n and_o to_o be_v altogether_o void_a of_o any_o care_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o yet_o if_o they_o be_v examine_v i_o think_v they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o think_v there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o they_o have_v neither_o knowledge_n nor_o care_n of_o he_o gen._n you_o may_v in_o favour_n &_o gentleness_n make_v the_o best_a of_o their_o atheism_n though_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n the_o best_a be_v bad_a enough_o but_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o of_o my_o own_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o that_o deny_v not_o only_o the_o providence_n but_o even_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o existence_n of_o god_n sc._n they_o be_v not_o man_n but_o beast_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o man_n altogether_o unworthy_a of_o any_o favour_n neither_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o such_o shall_v i_o either_o bear_v oâ—_n show_v they_o any_o but_o rather_o extreme_a &_o yet_o not_o sufficient_a hatred_n for_o howsoever_o i_o use_v to_o be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o too_o easy_a and_o indifferent_a in_o judge_v and_o condemn_v those_o that_o hold_v even_o gross_a heresy_n as_o think_v that_o either_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n and_o grace_n with_o great_a error_n or_o at_o the_o least_o that_o they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v from_o they_o yet_o when_o i_o think_v of_o such_o monster_n as_o you_o speak_v of_o i_o feel_v my_o heart_n to_o rise_v against_o they_o so_o that_o i_o can_v more_o willing_o tear_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o my_o tooth_n then_o teach_v they_o with_o my_o tongue_n yea_o to_o tell_v you_o plain_o i_o think_v that_o such_o have_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o word_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o or_o persuade_v by_o reason_n but_o rather_o as_o man_n give_v up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o brand_v with_o the_o most_o fearful_a mark_n of_o the_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n to_o be_v lest_o to_o his_o just_a judgement_n for_o if_o a_o heretic_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o leave_v after_o a_o few_o admonition_n as_o be_v wilful_a and_o obstinate_a what_o then_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o these_o that_o have_v reject_v a_o thousand_o admonition_n give_v they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n but_o also_o by_o the_o creature_n word_n and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o let_v we_o not_o trouble_v ourselves_o any_o further_a with_o they_o but_o rather_o go_v on_o to_o some_o matter_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o may_v be_v profitable_a unto_o we_o for_o as_o you_o know_v contra_fw-la principia_fw-la negantem_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la disputandun_v gent._n i_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o most_o fearful_a case_n &_o deserve_v to_o be_v abhor_v both_o of_o god_n &_o man_n yet_o when_o as_o i_o be_o by_o some_o necessary_a occasion_n in_o company_n with_o they_o and_o hear_v they_o protest_v themselves_o to_o be_v not_o wilful_a in_o gainsay_v but_o willing_a to_o learn_v the_o truth_n i_o wish_v they_o may_v be_v reclaim_v or_o at_o y_z e_z least_z that_o their_o mouth_n be_v so_o stop_v that_o they_o do_v no_o harm_n to_o other_o &_o therefore_o i_o pray_v you_o show_v i_o how_o i_o shall_v deal_v with_o they_o sch._n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o show_v or_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n by_o any_o other_o argument_n than_o have_v be_v bring_v for_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o by_o those_o only_a and_o by_o no_o other_o mean_n to_o wit_n by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n to_o his_o church_n and_o by_o his_o work_n to_o the_o world_n now_o the_o first_o kind_n of_o these_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v use_v against_o the_o temptation_n and_o doubt_n arise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o believe_v christian_n but_o not_o against_o the_o horrible_a blasphemy_n of_o these_o shameless_a atheist_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v insist_v in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o which_o be_v sensible_a can_v be_v deny_v by_o they_o by_o these_o you_o may_v show_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n both_o by_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o which_o in_o truth_n be_v most_o miraculous_a as_o also_o by_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n for_o the_o first_o you_o must_v ask_v he_o if_o he_o see_v not_o in_o the_o creature_n to_o wit_n in_o their_o greatness_n and_o number_n proportion_n and_o beauty_n force_n and_o efficacy_n cerraine_a sign_n and_o argument_n of_o some_o great_a wit_n cunning_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n will_v he_o confess_v this_o think_v you_o gent._n sure_o if_o he_o deny_v it_o i_o will_v leave_v he_o as_o be_v not_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o reason_n but_o a_o brute_n beast_n or_o rather_o a_o senseless_a stock_n sch._n well_o then_o if_o these_o thing_n appear_v in_o the_o creature_n they_o must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v in_o some_o subject_n or_o person_n and_o that_o either_o in_o the_o creature_n themselves_o or_o in_o some_o other_o but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o for_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v endue_v with_o so_o great_a wisdom_n and_o power_n as_o be_v necessare_o require_v to_o the_o make_n and_o preserve_v of_o the_o world_n that_o without_o question_n be_v to_o beâ—_n magnify_v and_o worship_v as_o god_n and_o to_o be_v account_v god_n this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v plain_a as_o plain_a need_n be_v to_o any_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n do_v more_o affect_v man_n although_o in_o themselves_o they_o be_v nothing_o so_o miraculous_a even_o as_o we_o see_v that_o man_n do_v more_o gaze_v on_o and_o admire_v a_o stately_a house_n which_o they_o never_o see_v before_o and_o think_v that_o there_o be_v more_o cunning_a workmanship_n and_o bravery_n in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v continual_o in_o their_o eye_n and_o therefore_o you_o must_v lay_v before_o the_o eye_n of_o your_o atheist_n the_o strange_a &_o miraculous_a thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n more_o or_o less_o contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o he_o reject_v all_o story_n both_o divine_a and_o profane_a yet_o god_n do_v never_o leave_v himself_o without_o some_o of_o of_o these_o extraordinary_a witness_n not_o that_o he_o do_v now_o send_v his_o angel_n visible_o to_o good_a man_n with_o blessing_n for_o they_o believe_v his_o word_n need_v no_o extraordinary_a proof_n but_o for_o that_o he_o suffer_v satan_n to_o show_v himself_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o unbeliever_n not_o only_o in_o strange_a illusion_n but_o also_o by_o searful_a plague_n &_o punishment_n the_o which_o i_o warrant_v you_o he_o will_v confess_v to_o come_v not_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o goddess_n nature_n but_o
ubiquity_n invisibilitie_n pure_a simplicity_n and_o pierce_a subtlety_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o as_o i_o have_v often_o tell_v you_o we_o do_v not_o make_v any_o comparison_n between_o this_o or_o any_o other_o creature_n and_o god_n the_o creator_n but_o only_o a_o resemblance_n which_o may_v be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o show_n of_o equality_n as_o in_o this_o instance_n the_o air_n be_v to_o our_o sense_n and_o capacity_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o creature_n subtle_a simple_a perch_a insensible_a mighty_a large_a and_o universal_a but_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v more_o gross_a confuse_a blunt_a palpable_a weak_a narrow_a and_o want_v then_o can_v be_v say_v and_o therefore_o in_o resemble_v god_n in_o word_n or_o in_o imagination_n either_o to_o angel_n or_o to_o the_o air_n we_o must_v remember_v to_o add_v the_o difference_n for_o otherwise_o we_o commit_v gross_a and_o heinous_a idolatry_n for_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n which_o howsoever_o it_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o own_o nature_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v use_v as_o a_o resemblance_n of_o god_n will_v not_o be_v find_v want_v in_o many_o respect_n man_n be_v indeed_o the_o image_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o be_v too_o little_a and_o weak_a to_o fill_v his_o chair_n of_o estate_n yea_o indeed_o too_o gross_a for_o that_o purpose_n how_o soever_o it_o have_v please_v gnd_v sometime_o to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o moses_n daniel_n esay_n exechiell_n and_o other_o of_o his_o prophet_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o a_o man_n for_o some_o respect_n and_o signification_n the_o angel_n be_v not_o little_a weak_a and_o gross_a as_o man_n be_v yet_o before_o we_o can_v make_v they_o a_o fit_a type_n of_o god_n i_o must_v stretch_v they_o far_o beyond_o their_o own_o compass_n even_o throughout_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o air_n be_v large_a and_o universal_a but_o it_o want_v life_n sense_n and_o a_o internal_a beginning_n of_o motion_n howsoever_o it_o move_v as_o nimble_o as_o if_o it_o have_v a_o thousand_o life_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v it_o a_o fit_a resemblance_n of_o god_n we_o must_v inspire_v it_o with_o life_n or_o rather_o if_o we_o think_v that_o life_n be_v not_o proper_o attribute_v to_o god_n with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o which_o without_o question_n do_v most_o proper_o and_o essential_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o so_o we_o may_v for_o the_o weak_a capacity_n of_o the_o unlearned_a describe_v god_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a element_n of_o air_n as_o before_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o learned_a we_o make_v he_o to_o be_v a_o infinite_a angel_n thus_o to_o make_v up_o and_o finish_v this_o pattern_n and_o picture_n of_o god_n we_o be_v constrain_v to_o imitate_v apelles_n that_o famous_a painter_n who_o go_v about_o and_o enterprise_v by_o the_o curiosity_n of_o his_o art_n and_o cunning_a to_o counterfeit_v yea_o to_o surpass_v the_o perfection_n of_o natural_a beauty_n will_v not_o insist_v in_o any_o one_o particular_a but_o out_o of_o diverse_a person_n make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o in_o each_o one_o of_o they_o seem_v most_o excellent_a take_v from_o one_o the_o complexion_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o hair_n from_o a_o other_o the_o form_n and_o straightness_n of_o the_o nose_n from_o the_o three_o the_o breadth_n and_o largeness_n of_o the_o forehead_n &_o so_o forth_o in_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o visage_n until_o at_o length_n with_o much_o ado_n he_o get_v together_o into_o one_o face_n or_o countenance_v a_o exquisite_a and_o absolute_a idea_n of_o beauty_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o any_o one_o creature_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v sufficient_a matter_n whereof_o to_o make_v this_o infinite_a image_n that_o do_v fill_v both_o heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o that_o the_o shop_n of_o any_o creature_n how_o excellent_a so_o ever_o have_v sufficient_a variety_n of_o colour_n wherewith_o to_o set_v it_o forth_o as_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o do_v require_v it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n bring_v together_o into_o one_o picture_n do_v make_v but_o a_o reasonable_a resemblance_n of_o he_o gent._n indeed_o i_o must_v needs_o confess_v that_o you_o have_v now_o fit_v i_o a_o penny_n worth_n &_o serve_v i_o in_o my_o kind_n and_o as_o i_o can_v true_o call_v myself_o either_o learned_a or_o altogithe_a unlearned_a for_o i_o go_v long_o to_o the_o grammar_n school_n and_o i_o be_v a_o year_n or_o two_o at_o the_o university_n before_o i_o go_v to_o the_o inn_n of_o court_n but_o rather_o a_o mongrel_n betwixt_o both_o so_o now_o i_o may_v choose_v of_o whether_o side_n and_o sect_n i_o will_v be_v and_o so_o worship_n either_o the_o air_n with_o the_o common_a people_n or_o with_o the_o learned_a your_o asspire_a lucifer_n climb_v up_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n yet_o by_o your_o patience_n as_o touch_v your_o airy_a god_n although_o i_o confess_v that_o element_n to_o be_v fit_a than_o any_o other_o of_o these_o elementary_a body_n yet_o i_o think_v y_z e_z the_o element_n of_o the_o fire_n will_v have_v serve_v your_o turn_n better_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v both_o far_o large_a as_o be_v high_o as_o also_o far_o more_o subtle_a and_o simple_a more_o pierce_a and_o forceable_a then_o be_v the_o misty_a and_o fogayre_a as_o all_o man_n know_v and_o confess_v neither_o can_v you_o take_v exception_n against_o the_o visibilitie_n of_o it_o as_o you_o make_v it_o very_o dangerous_a and_o a_o great_a occasion_n of_o idolatry_n to_o resemble_v god_n to_o any_o visible_a thing_n for_o although_o our_o fire_n here_o below_o be_v compose_v of_o all_o the_o other_o element_n be_v visible_a and_o sensible_a yet_o the_o element_n of_o fire_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o proper_a place_n and_o sphere_n we_o see_v to_o be_v invisible_a sch._n the_o same_o reason_n that_o will_v not_o suffer_v you_o to_o rest_v content_v in_o the_o similitude_n of_o the_o angel_n because_o as_o you_o say_v true_o their_o nature_n be_v great_o doubt_v of_o among_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n unknown_a to_o the_o wise_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o itself_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o give_v light_n to_o any_o other_o thing_n so_o i_o say_v of_o your_o fiery_a element_n that_o although_o the_o philosopher_n prove_v by_o good_a reason_n that_o howsoever_o it_o weet_v never_o see_v yet_o there_o be_v some_o such_o thing_n true_o exist_v for_o that_o otherwise_o there_o can_v be_v that_o perfect_a quaternitie_n and_o correspondency_n of_o primarie_a quality_n which_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o mixture_n of_o these_o inferior_a body_n yet_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a but_o that_o some_o who_o think_v themselves_o to_o be_v philosopher_n have_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o much_o more_o the_o common_a people_n who_o do_v not_o weigh_v reason_n nor_o admit_v any_o other_o evidence_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a and_o lawful_a title_n of_o assertion_n save_v only_o their_o own_o sense_n i_o think_v that_o i_o shall_v fit_v your_o humour_n and_o fulfil_v your_o request_n which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o plain_a and_o popular_a demonstration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n not_o so_o well_o by_o this_o unknown_a and_o insensible_a element_n of_o fire_n as_o with_o that_o other_o of_o the_o air_n with_o the_o which_o as_o with_o a_o daily_a companion_n and_o friend_n that_o will_v not_o be_v keep_v out_o a_o door_n nor_o yet_o out_o from_o our_o heart_n we_o be_v so_o familiar_o and_o so_o entire_o acquaint_v sect._n 6._o there_o i_o confess_v you_o have_v answer_v i_o to_o the_o full_a and_o give_v i_o as_o good_a as_o i_o bring_v yet_o see_v i_o have_v begin_v to_o pick_v a_o quarrel_n with_o these_o discourse_n and_o definition_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n so_o little_a learning_n as_o i_o have_v i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o i_o can_v find_v a_o fault_n in_o they_o that_o you_o shall_v not_o wipe_v away_o so_o easy_o as_o you_o have_v do_v this_o but_o i_o dare_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a with_o you_o sch._n i_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v it_o boldness_n that_o i_o shall_v think_v myself_o much_o behold_v to_o you_o for_o so_o do_v yea_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o both_o i_o may_v and_o do_v challenge_v of_o you_o and_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o promise_n to_o perform_v for_o i_o do_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o deliver_v the_o whole_a truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v undoubted_a oracle_n but_o rather_o in_o hope_n that_o by_o our_o mutual_a help_a one_o another_o where_o either_o of_o we_o shall_v chauncâ—_n
of_o god_n sch._n sure_o even_o that_o that_o follow_v the_o understanding_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n from_o the_o which_o we_o borrow_v all_o these_o attribute_n as_o type_n and_o similitude_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o we_o do_v after_o a_o sort_n put_v our_o own_o coat_n on_o god_n back_n or_o rather_o put_v our_o whole_a nature_n both_o the_o body_n and_o especial_o the_o soul_n upon_o his_o divine_a nature_n as_o he_o himself_o do_v in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n that_o so_o we_o may_v see_v &_o know_v that_o which_o otherwise_o and_o of_o itself_o be_v invisible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v know_v and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o humane_a so_o also_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o must_v to_o the_o understanding_n join_v the_o faculty_n of_o will_n the_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v sever_v from_o a_o understanding_n for_o that_o there_o be_v no_o understanding_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o actual_a or_o in_o complete_a act_n of_o it_o own_o nature_n and_o eternal_o as_o be_v the_o understanding_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o be_v potential_o actual_a that_o be_v it_o tend_v to_o action_n whereof_o this_o faculty_n of_o will_n be_v the_o fountain_n and_o beginning_n gent._n nay_o sure_o you_o need_v go_v no_o further_o in_o declare_v what_o be_v the_o will_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o you_o say_v that_o these_o attribute_n be_v not_o true_o in_o god_n but_o only_a resemblance_n and_o shadow_n of_o his_o nature_n belike_o we_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v conserring_n about_o moonshine_n in_o water_n &_o strive_v about_o shadow_n altogether_o void_a of_o the_o substance_n of_o truth_n i_o do_v very_o think_v that_o the_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n whereof_o you_o have_v speak_v have_v be_v true_o &_o real_o in_o god_n and_o not_o only_a shadow_n of_o his_o unknown_a nature_n i_o may_v well_o use_v the_o similitude_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o compare_v myself_o to_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a dream_v that_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v according_a to_o his_o own_o appetite_n but_o awake_v on_o a_o sudden_a he_o find_v himself_o dry_a and_o empty_a so_o i_o do_v all_o this_o while_n imagine_v that_o you_o do_v feed_v and_o in_o truth_n even_o fill_v my_o hungry_a and_o thirsty_a soul_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o which_o i_o do_v far_o more_o earnest_o and_o greedy_o desire_v they_o ever_o i_o do_v meat_n or_o drink_n and_o behold_v on_o a_o sudden_a you_o awaken_v i_o out_o of_o this_o pleasant_a dream_n and_o tell_v i_o that_o all_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a imagination_n sch._n you_o take_v i_o at_o the_o worst_a and_o far_o worse_a than_o you_o shall_v do_v i_o have_v not_o feed_v you_o with_o wind_n or_o vain_a dream_n as_o you_o infer_v of_o my_o word_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a and_o so_o faare_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a wit_n that_o when_o we_o have_v come_v as_o near_o it_o as_o we_o can_v and_o have_v to_o our_o think_n get_v some_o hold_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o ourowne_a weakness_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o it_o make_v to_o we_o to_o distrust_v and_o suspect_v ourselves_o as_o be_v deceive_v with_o a_o false_a conceit_n of_o that_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v true_o conceive_v &_o comprehend_v here_o of_o it_o come_v that_o although_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v that_o understanding_n knowledge_n &_o wisdom_n be_v in_o god_n not_o only_o true_o and_o real_o but_o also_o most_o proper_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a subject_n or_o rather_o substantial_o without_o any_o subject_n but_o be_v to_o themselves_o a_o uphold_v subject_a yet_o we_o doubt_v the_o worst_a and_o think_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v something_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a than_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n although_o in_o truth_n there_o can_v be_v any_o nature_n more_o excellent_a than_o a_o understanding_n or_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_a and_o also_o think_v that_o for_o so_o much_o as_o these_o thing_n to_o wit_n understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n have_v place_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o we_o see_v and_o feel_v to_o be_v a_o most_o weak_a and_o silly_a creature_n that_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v true_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n hereof_o it_o come_v that_o we_o rather_o call_v they_o the_o attribute_n or_o resemblance_n of_o his_o nature_n than_o his_o very_a essence_n or_o nature_n itself_o the_o which_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v gent._n that_o be_v a_o other_o matter_n but_o then_o we_o must_v not_o foster_v in_o ourselves_o this_o vain_a fear_n and_o doubt_v to_o affirmi_fw-la he_o to_o be_v that_o which_o we_o learn_v and_o know_v out_o of_o his_o word_n that_o he_o be_v indeed_o but_o rather_o bold_o without_o any_o waver_a or_o doubt_v affirm_v he_o to_o be_v that_o he_o be_v know_v most_o certain_o that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v and_o if_o we_o be_v deceive_v that_o then_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o with_o who_o it_o be_v better_a to_o err_v then_o to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o our_o own_o conceit_n but_o i_o can_v but_o laugh_v to_o myself_o when_o i_o think_v of_o one_o thing_n that_o you_o say_v that_o we_o doubt_v lest_o that_o understanding_n knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v not_o true_o in_o god_n because_o they_o be_v true_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n whereas_o you_o shall_v have_v infer_v the_o clean_a contrary_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o know_v assure_o that_o god_n be_v a_o understanding_n or_o reasonable_a nature_n because_o man_n who_o be_v reasonable_a be_v the_o image_n of_o similitude_n of_o god_n yea_o and_o make_v for_o this_o end_n to_o show_v &_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o how_o i_o pray_v you_o can_v a_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v a_o image_n or_o similitude_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o reasonable_a now_o proceed_v i_o pray_v you_o and_o show_v i_o how_o and_o what_o you_o make_v will_n to_o be_v in_o god_n sch._n will_n be_v very_o fit_o and_o true_o yea_o essential_o give_v to_o god_n for_o as_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n will_n be_v not_o a_o accidental_a quality_n which_o may_v be_v spare_v without_o the_o diminish_n or_o abolish_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o may_v knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n but_o a_o essential_a faculty_n issue_v proper_o and_o immediate_o out_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o clean_v inseparable_o unto_o it_o for_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o conceit_n receive_v into_o the_o mind_n shall_v rest_v yd_o there_o and_o not_o tebound_v back_o again_o into_o action_n even_o as_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n light_v upon_o a_o solid_a body_n can_v but_o reflect_v and_o so_o make_v heat_n so_o we_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o essential_a understanding_n of_o god_n do_v natural_o necessare_o and_o eternal_o bring_v forth_o the_o essential_a will_n of_o god_n the_o which_o may_v be_v define_v the_o essential_a act_n of_o his_o understanding_n the_o fountain_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o his_o action_n which_o be_v simple_o good_a sect._n 5._o gent._n how_o do_v you_o make_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o the_o action_n of_o god_n sch._n even_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o have_v will_v the_o which_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o in_o what_o subject_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o will_v there_o domineer_v and_o have_v the_o sole_a and_o supreme_a authority_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o may_v true_o be_v call_v primus_fw-la motor_n the_o first_o mover_n and_o beginning_n of_o all_o action_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v will_n do_v that_o only_a or_o at_o the_o least_o tend_v to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o which_o it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o understanding_n although_o it_o be_v in_o order_n &_o nature_n before_o y_z t_z will_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o say_v to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o action_n because_o it_o only_o move_v persuade_v and_o direct_v but_o do_v not_o enforce_v or_o compel_v for_o as_o we_o usual_o say_v counsel_n be_v no_o command_n whereof_o it_o come_v that_o although_o in_o god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o disagreement_n yet_o in_o y_z e_z creature_n it_o do_v ofâ—en_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o will_n reject_v the_o counsel_n and_o direction_n which_o the_o mind_n give_v and_o work_v without_o or_o against_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o own_o inclination_n but_o the_o will_n be_v follow_v and_o obey_v by_o the_o action_n in_o all_o thing_n possible_a even_o as_o the_o commandment_n of_o a_o sovereign_a monarch_n