the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v his_o blessedness_n hence_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v god_n all-sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o say_v for_o and_o to_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o for_o and_o to_o his_o people_n gen._n 17.1_o i_o be_o god_n all-sufficient_a i_o be_o my_o own_o blessedness_n and_o abraham_n i_o be_o thy_o blessedness_n and_o i_o have_v enough_o for_o both_o the_o truth_n be_v all_o our_o happiness_n lie_v in_o god_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n joh._n 17.3_o and_o happy_a be_v the_o people_n who_o god_n be_v the_o lord_n psal_n 144.15_o meis_fw-la bone_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la fecit_fw-la i_o et_fw-la ipse_fw-la est_fw-la bonum_fw-la meum_fw-la et_fw-la ili_fw-la exulto_fw-la bonis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la meis_fw-la he_o that_o make_v i_o be_v good_a say_v austin_n and_o he_o be_v my_o good_a my_o happiness_n and_o in_o he_o will_v i_o exult_v and_o rejoice_v above_o all_o my_o other_o good_a thing_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a say_n which_o he_o have_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n else_o where_o aug._n where_o infoelix_fw-la homo_fw-la qui_fw-la seit_n illa_fw-la omne_fw-la te_fw-la autem_fw-la nescit_fw-la deus_fw-la beatus_fw-la autem_fw-la qui_fw-la te_fw-la scit_fw-la etiamsi_fw-la illa_fw-la nesciat_fw-la qut_o vero_fw-la et_fw-la te_fw-la et_fw-la illa_fw-la novit_fw-la non_fw-la propter_fw-la illabeatiorem_fw-la seal_n propter_fw-la te_fw-la solum_fw-la beatus_fw-la aug._n unhappy_a be_v that_o man_n say_v he_o who_o know_v all_o other_o thing_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o thou_o o_o god_n but_o bless_v be_v he_o who_o know_v thou_o though_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o other_o thing_n but_o he_o that_o know_v both_o thou_o and_o other_o thing_n too_o he_o be_v not_o the_o more_o happy_a because_o he_o know_v other_o thing_n but_o he_o be_v happy_a in_o thou_o only_o thus_o our_o happiness_n lie_v in_o god_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o he_o and_o where_o shall_v his_o own_o happiness_n lie_v but_o in_o himself_o he_o that_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v a_o everlasting_a fountain_n of_o happiness_n to_o himself_o aug._n tibi_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la aliud_fw-la vivere_fw-la aliud_fw-la beat_v vivere_fw-la quia_fw-la tua_fw-la beatitudo_fw-la tu_fw-la ipse_fw-la es_fw-la aug._n thou_o thyself_o say_v austin_n be_v thy_o own_o happiness_n i_o will_v close_v this_o head_n with_o a_o great_a say_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n god_n say_v he_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v to_o he_o nothing_o can_v be_v take_v from_o he_o he_o can_v want_v nothing_o out_o of_o himself_o nor_o can_v he_o receive_v any_o thing_n but_o from_o himself_o and_o he_o be_v infinite_o sufficient_a for_o and_o to_o himself_o have_v all_o thing_n in_o himself_o 3._o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o counsel_n and_o decree_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n several_a time_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n isa_n 25.1_o and_o in_o eph._n 1.11_o he_o be_v say_v to_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v else_o where_o mention_v under_o the_o notion_n sometime_o of_o his_o purpose_n and_o sometime_o his_o decree_n and_o to_o understand_v this_o you_o must_v know_v that_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n do_v as_o it_o be_v sit_v in_o council_n with_o his_o own_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o grace_n and_o in_o that_o council_n do_v absolute_o decree_n and_o deternine_a the_o futurition_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o infallible_a future_a be_v of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o himself_o unto_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n for_o that_o be_v the_o purpose_n counsel_n ames_n decretum_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la definita_fw-la ejus_fw-la sententia_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la omnibus_fw-la per_fw-la omnipotentiam_fw-la et_fw-la secundum_fw-la consilium_fw-la suum_fw-la efficiendis_fw-la ames_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n it_o be_v his_o free_a absolute_a and_o eternal_a determine_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v so_o as_o himself_o see_v fit_a to_o have_v they_o or_o it_o be_v that_o one_o free_a constant_a act_n of_o god_n whereby_o he_o have_v absolute_o determine_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n now_o in_o this_o counsel_n or_o decree_n of_o he_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o what_o he_o will_v he_o will_v always_o his_o willing_a of_o thing_n be_v one_o pure_a act_n without_o any_o interruption_n or_o shadow_n of_o change_n this_o the_o scripture_n be_v full_a in_o psal_n 33.11_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n stand_v for_o ever_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n to_o all_o generation_n so_o prov._n 19.21_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v man_n may_v plot_v and_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o his_o counsel_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v stand_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o and_o you_o have_v this_o truth_n assert_v by_o god_n himself_o you_o have_v it_o from_o his_o own_o mouth_n isa_n 46.10_o my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v say_v god_n and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n god_n deride_v the_o counsel_n of_o man_n that_o oppose_v he_o and_o his_o people_n tell_v they_o express_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o stand_v isa_n 8.10_o but_o as_o for_o his_o own_o counsel_n that_o shall_v stand_v hence_o also_o we_o read_v of_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n heb._n 6.17.18_o god_n will_v more_o abundant_o to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o oath_n that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n etc._n etc._n mark_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n and_o two_o immutable_a thing_n wherein_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v that_o be_v his_o counsel_n and_o his_o oath_n and_o his_o counsel_n confirm_v by_o his_o oath_n confirm_v namely_o to_o our_o faith_n not_o in_o itself_o for_o his_o counsel_n in_o itself_o be_v as_o firm_a without_o as_o with_o his_o oath_n and_o his_o oath_n be_v add_v mere_o as_o a_o indulgence_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o weakness_n therefore_o it_o be_v add_v that_o we_o may_v have_v strong_a consolation_n and_o it_o be_v to_o show_v unto_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o his_o counsel_n in_o general_a so_o his_o particular_a counsel_n concern_v man_n eternal_a estate_n be_v also_o immutable_a sac._n hic_fw-la et_fw-la fundationis_fw-la et_fw-la obsignationis_fw-la metaphora_fw-la propositum_fw-la electionis_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la aeternam_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la etc._n etc._n glass_n rhet._n sac._n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a say_v the_o apostle_n have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v who_o be_v his_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o by_o the_o metaphor_n both_o of_o a_o foundation_n and_o seal_n here_o as_o a_o learned_a man_n observe_v upon_o the_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v god_n decree_n of_o election_n unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o this_o stand_v sure_a say_v the_o apostle_n this_o change_n this_o vary_v not_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n calvin_n speak_v upon_o the_o place_n loc._n apostolus_fw-la nos_fw-la revocat_fw-la ad_fw-la dei_fw-la electionem_fw-la quam_fw-la metaphorice_v appellat_fw-la fundamentum_fw-la firmam_fw-la &_o stabilem_fw-la ejus_fw-la constantiam_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomine_fw-la indicans_fw-la calv._n in_o loc._n the_o apostle_n say_v he_o call_v we_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o election_n of_o god_n which_o he_o style_v a_o foundation_n hereby_o show_v the_o firm_a and_o stable_a constancy_n or_o immutability_n of_o it_o so_o rom._n 9.11_o that_o the_o purpose_n of_o god_n according_a to_o election_n may_v stand_v god_n will_v have_v his_o own_o eternal_a purpose_n according_a to_o his_o election_n stand_v and_o stand_v it_o shall_v and_o that_o for_o ever_o thus_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o counsel_n alas_o all_o his_o counsel_n be_v free_a wise_a absolute_a powerful_a counsel_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v change_v and_o this_o calvin_n take_v to_o be_v a_o special_a part_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o text_n namely_o god_n unchangeableness_n in_o his_o counsel_n for_o thus_o he_o speak_v calv._n deus_fw-la manet_fw-la in_o svo_fw-la proposito_fw-la neque_fw-la huc_fw-la &_o illuc_fw-la flectitur_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la homines_fw-la penitent_a suscepti_fw-la consilii_fw-la etc._n etc._n calv._n god_n say_v he_o remain_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o his_o own_o purpose_n nor_o be_v he_o bend_v or_o vary_v this_o way_n and_o that_o way_n as_o man_n oftentime_o repent_v of_o and_o change_v their_o own_o counsel_n because_o thing_n come_v into_o their_o mind_n which_o
with_o stripe_n nevertheless_o o_o gracious_a nevertheless_o my_o loveing-kindness_n will_v i_o not_o take_v from_o he_o nor_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o braek_v etc._n etc._n we_o sin_n and_o break_v and_o break_v and_o sin_n and_o god_n chastise_v we_o it_o may_v be_v for_o our_o sin_n but_o yet_o still_o his_o covenant_n remain_v firm_a and_o unchangeable_a so_o 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o oh_o i_o have_v a_o unbelieving_a heart_n and_o i_o shall_v i_o fear_v forfeit_v all_o although_o thou_o have_v a_o unbelieving_a heart_n yet_o god_n remain_v faithful_a thus_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o covenant_n alas_o his_o covenant_n be_v build_v upon_o unchangeable_a love_n and_o seal_v with_o unchangeable_a blood_n and_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o as_o the_o covenant_n so_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o covenant_n be_v sure_a and_o unchangeable_a they_o be_v all_o yea_o and_o amen_o in_o christ_n 2_o cor._n 1.20_o that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o sure_a firm_a unchangeable_a promise_n promise_n that_o will_v certain_o be_v make_v good_a man_n promise_v many_o time_n and_o change_v but_o god_n promise_v and_o change_v not_o and_o this_o some_o conceive_v to_o be_v hold_v forth_o in_o that_o name_n of_o he_o i_o be_o exod._n 3.14_o i_o be_o that_o i_o be_o or_o i_o be_o what_o i_o be_v or_o i_o will_v be_v what_o i_o be_v that_o be_v as_o one_o expound_v it_o alt_v eroquteram_fw-la i._n e._n ero_fw-la factis_fw-la qut_fw-la eram_fw-la in_o promissis_fw-la alt_v i_o will_v be_v in_o my_o performance_n what_o i_o be_v in_o my_o promise_n god_n make_v good_a all_o his_o promise_n to_o a_o tittle_n he_o that_o be_v truth_n itself_o and_o faithfulness_n itself_o can_v lie_v can_v fail_v aug._n promissa_fw-la tua_fw-la sunt_fw-la domine_fw-la quis_fw-la falli_fw-la timeat_fw-la cum_fw-la promittit_fw-la veritas_fw-la aug._n it_o be_v a_o sweet_a say_n i_o have_v read_v in_o austin_n they_o be_v thy_o promise_n o_o lord_n and_o who_o need_n fear_v be_v deceive_v when_o truth_n itself_o promise_v oh_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n we_o need_v not_o question_n for_o god_n be_v true_a god_n be_v faithful_a oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o unchangeable_a covenant_n god_n have_v lay_v himself_o under_o bond_n to_o his_o people_n when_o he_o be_v infinite_o free_a in_o himself_o and_o under_o bond_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o to_o pardon_v their_o iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n to_o give_v they_o a_o new_a heart_n and_o a_o new_a spirit_n to_o pour_v out_o his_o spirit_n upon_o they_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n to_o do_v they_o to_o write_v his_o law_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o put_v they_o into_o their_o inward_a part_n to_o cleanse_v they_o from_o all_o their_o filthiness_n and_o idol_n to_o put_v his_o fear_n into_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v never_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o which_o be_v all_o in_o one_o to_o be_v a_o god_n unto_o they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n that_o be_v he_o have_v lay_v himself_o under_o bond_n to_o be_v to_o they_o and_o to_o do_v for_o they_o what_o a_o god_n can_v be_v to_o and_o do_v for_o they_o and_o he_o be_v firm_a and_o unchangeable_a in_o all_o and_o all_o shall_v assure_o have_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o its_o season_n oh_o how_o sweet_a be_v this_o this_o be_v david_n deathbed_n cordial_a 2_o sam._n 23.5_o although_o my_o house_n be_v not_o so_o with_o god_n yet_o he_o have_v make_v with_o i_o a_o everlasting_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v all_o my_o salvation_n and_o all_o my_o desire_n and_o indeed_o well_o it_o may_v for_o what_o can_v david_n or_o any_o desire_n more_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o god_n covenant_n which_o have_v heaven_n and_o earth_n god_n and_o the_o creature_n time_n and_o eternity_n all_o in_o it_o oh_o study_v this_o covenant_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o it_o and_o you_o will_v find_v it_o a_o unchangeable_a spring_n of_o comfort_n to_o you_o god_n himself_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o first_o covenant_n it_o be_v say_v and_o why_o why_o because_o it_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o his_o people_n against_o sin_n but_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o find_v no_o fault_n with_o this_o covenant_n this_o be_v well-ordered_a in_o all_o thing_n and_o sure_a as_o in_o the_o place_n last_o quote_v you_o have_v it_o 6._o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o grace_n and_o love_n to_o his_o people_n god_n love_v his_o people_n and_o that_o with_o a_o choice_n and_o peculiar_a love_n a_o love_n like_o that_o wherewith_o he_o love_v christ_n himself_o joh._n 17.23_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n as_o you_o have_v it_o jer._n 12.7_o and_o in_o this_o love_n of_o he_o towards_o they_o he_o be_v unchangeable_a always_o the_o same_o which_o i_o shall_v at_o once_o a_o little_a open_a and_o evince_v unto_o you_o in_o three_o proposition_n 1._o god_n be_v unchangeable_a in_o his_o love_n itself_o to_o his_o people_n that_o be_v always_o the_o same_o towards_o they_o i_o have_v love_v thou_o say_v god_n to_o his_o people_n with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n jer._n 31.3_o with_o a_o love_n that_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a without_o change_n or_o period_n god_n love_n to_o his_o people_n be_v so_o firm_a and_o stable_a that_o nothing_o whatever_o can_v possible_o null_a or_o alter_v it_o nothing_o can_v possible_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o heart_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o it_o will_v be_v their_o sinning_n against_o he_o and_o their_o break_n with_o he_o but_o these_o do_v not_o can_v do_v it_o so_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o psal_n 89.30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o if_o they_o sin_v i_o will_v correct_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n but_o my_o loveing-kindness_n i_o will_v not_o take_v from_o they_o or_o as_o some_o render_v it_o i_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o interrupt_v my_o love_n towards_o they_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v say_v though_o they_o sin_n yet_o i_o will_v love_v they_o still_o god_n do_v not_o love_v the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n no_o he_o hate_v they_o but_o he_o love_v their_o person_n notwithstanding_o their_o sin_n but_o what_o if_o affliction_n and_o temptation_n be_v add_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o rise_v high_a will_v not_o this_o break_v off_o his_o love_n from_o they_o no_o see_v that_o triumph_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o this_o account_n rom._n 8._o ult_n who_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distress_n or_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n nor_o principalitye_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o come_v nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o other_o creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v we_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n here_o you_o see_v be_v affliction_n and_o temptation_n add_v to_o sin_n yea_o here_o be_v height_n and_o depth_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o all_o can_v separate_v god_n people_n from_o his_o love_n nor_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o his_o heart_n one_o i_o remember_v give_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o this_o short_a word_n loc_n ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la dilexit_fw-la in_fw-la aeternum_fw-la diliget_fw-la scult_a in_o loc_n god_n have_v love_v from_o eternity_n and_o he_o will_v love_v to_o eternity_n the_o truth_n be_v can_v either_o sin_n or_o suffering_n cast_v we_o out_o of_o god_n heart_n and_o separate_v we_o from_o his_o love_n who_o then_o among_o the_o saint_n can_v hope_v to_o continue_v in_o his_o love_n and_o upon_o his_o heart_n beside_o in_o the_o place_n late_o quote_v isa_n 54.9.10_o god_n say_v express_o that_o though_o the_o mountain_n shall_v be_v remove_v yet_o his_o kindness_n to_o his_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v remove_v no_o that_o remain_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o true_o god_n may_v possible_o afflict_v his_o people_n and_o that_o many_o way_n and_o very_o sore_o he_o may_v speak_v against_o they_o as_o against_o ephraim_n jer._n 31.20_o write_v against_o they_o and_o that_o bitter_a thing_n as_o against_o job_n job_n 13.26_o he_o may_v fight_v against_o they_o as_o against_o those_o isa_n 63.10_o he_o may_v frown_v upon_o they_o and_o let_v in_o his_o terror_n into_o they_o as_o he_o do_v upon_o and_o into_o heman_n psal_n 88_o ult_n but_o yet_o still_o he_o love_v they_o still_o they_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o 2._o
they_o with_o who_o he_o be_v before_o at_o peace_n so_o job_n 30.21_o thou_o be_v become_v cruel_a to_o i_o or_o thou_o be_v turn_v or_o change_v q._n d._n thou_o be_v good_a and_o gracious_a but_o now_o thou_o be_v severe_a and_o cruel_a so_o isa_n 63.10_o he_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n and_o fight_v against_o they_o thus_o both_o these_o way_n god_n seem_v to_o be_v represent_v under_o change_n and_o how_o then_o be_v he_o unchangeable_a nevertheless_o unchangeable_a for_o all_o this_o and_o to_o vindicate_v god_n unchangeableness_n notwithstanding_o this_o i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o consider_v that_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a under_o the_o most_o various_a and_o changeable_a dispensation_n that_o he_o do_v or_o can_v walk_v in_o towards_o we_o it_o be_v true_a the_o external_a dispensation_n change_v his_o outward_a course_n and_o carriage_n towards_o we_o be_v very_o changeable_a and_o various_a now_o he_o smile_v and_o then_o he_o frown_v now_o he_o fill_v and_o then_o he_o emtye_v now_o he_o lift_v up_o and_o then_o he_o cast_v down_o now_o he_o break_v and_o then_o he_o bind_v up_o etc._n etc._n thus_o the_o outward_a deal_n and_o dispensation_n of_o god_n be_v very_o changeable_a and_o various_a yet_o in_o and_o under_o all_o he_o himself_o change_v not_o but_o be_v still_o the_o same_o the_o same_o in_o his_o be_v and_o in_o his_o blessedness_n and_o the_o same_o in_o his_o counsel_n covenant_n and_o love_n to_o we_o hence_o psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n that_o be_v the_o providence_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o his_o people_n his_o path_n towards_o they_o be_v very_o various_a in_o themselves_o but_o god_n love_n and_o grace_n be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o the_o outward_a dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o it_o may_v be_v be_v change_v he_o do_v smile_v but_o now_o he_o frown_v he_o do_v give_v but_o now_o he_o take_v away_o he_o do_v form_n light_n but_o now_o he_o create_v darkness_n for_o we_o and_o hereupon_o we_o apprehend_v that_o god_n himself_o his_o heart_n his_o counsel_n his_o covenant_n his_o love_n be_v change_v but_o it_o be_v only_o in_o our_o apprehension_n for_o indeed_o and_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v the_o same_o still_o the_o most_o variable_a of_o his_o dispensation_n do_v not_o argue_v the_o least_o variableness_n in_o he_o at_o all_o and_o indeed_o where_o he_o be_v a_o friend_n he_o be_v a_o friend_n for_o ever_o and_o where_o he_o be_v a_o enemy_n he_o be_v a_o enemy_n for_o ever_o the_o change_n be_v only_o in_o the_o external_a dispensation_n 2._o consider_v that_o the_o change_n be_v in_o we_o and_o not_o in_o god_n god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o but_o we_o be_v not_o the_o same_o when_o god_n be_v pacify_v towards_o those_o with_o who_o he_o be_v offend_v they_o be_v change_v not_o he_o he_o be_v the_o same_o he_o be_v and_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o saint_n with_o who_o he_o be_v before_o at_o peace_n they_o be_v change_v not_o he_o the_o change_n be_v in_o job_n not_o in_o god_n when_o he_o say_v thou_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v cruel_a to_o i_o the_o change_n be_v in_o the_o church_n not_o in_o god_n when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v turn_v to_o be_v their_o enemy_n god_n say_v a_o worthy_a divine_a be_v the_o same_o his_o love_n be_v the_o same_o his_o wrath_n be_v the_o same_o his_o mercy_n be_v the_o same_o his_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o for_o ever_o but_o we_o change_v be_v cast_v sometime_o under_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o love_n and_o sometime_o under_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o wrath_n we_o be_v sometime_o under_o the_o sad_a dropping_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o sometime_o under_o the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o a_o man_n that_o change_v his_o aspect_n and_o turn_v about_o his_o body_n to_o another_o point_n of_o the_o heaven_n that_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v before_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v now_o at_o his_o left_a not_o but_o that_o the_o heaven_n be_v as_o they_o be_v they_o change_v not_o either_o their_o position_n or_o motion_n but_o the_o man_n have_v change_v he_o so_o the_o wrath_n and_o love_n the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n stand_v always_o at_o the_o same_o point_n but_o we_o turn_v sometime_o justice-ward_n sometime_o mercy-ward_n now_o we_o face_n his_o wrath_n and_o then_o his_o love_n thus_o the_o change_n be_v in_o we_o and_o not_o in_o god_n and_o so_o he_o remain_v unchangeable_a still_o 4._o the_o four_o proposition_n be_v this_o that_o god_n unchangeableness_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v or_o invalidate_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n if_o god_n be_v unchangeable_a then_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n why_o do_v we_o pray_v or_o hear_v or_o use_v any_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a good_a why_o my_o belove_a god_n unchangeableness_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v or_o invalidate_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n for_o pray_v consider_v first_o that_o god_n will_v the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n and_o the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n he_o will_v our_o pray_v as_o well_o as_o our_o pardon_n our_o hear_v as_o well_o as_o our_o happiness_n our_o sow_v as_o well_o as_o our_o reap_v our_o sow_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reap_v in_o the_o harvest_n of_o mercy_n he_o will_v our_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o our_o blessedness_n he_o will_v the_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o yea_o he_o will_v the_o one_o in_o order_n to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o absolute_a immutable_a and_o eternal_a will_n he_o have_v ordain_v we_o shall_v walk_v in_o good_a work_n eph._n 2.10_o and_o he_o ha_o h_z choose_v we_o to_o salvation_n through_o the_o sanctification_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n 2_o thes_n 2.13_o second_o consider_v that_o as_o god_n will_v the_o mean_n as_o well_o as_o the_o end_n so_o through_o the_o use_n of_o these_o it_o be_v that_o he_o give_v out_o himself_o and_o his_o blessing_n to_o we_o and_o at_o last_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o end_n god_n make_v a_o covenant_n with_o his_o people_n and_o therein_o lay_v himself_o under_o bond_n to_o do_v great_a thing_n for_o they_o as_o great_a as_o a_o god_n can_v do_v but_o he_o will_v have_v they_o pray_v for_o they_o nor_o will_v he_o do_v they_o but_o in_o a_o way_n of_o prayer_n ezek._n 36.37_o and_o god_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o never_o say_v to_o the_o seed_n of_o jacoh_n seek_v you_o i_o in_o vain_a isa_n 45.19_o indeed_o god_n be_v not_o want_v to_o his_o people_n in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_a the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o they_o that_o wait_v for_o he_o to_o the_o soul_n that_o seek_v he_o lam._n 3.26_o ordinary_o god_n will_v not_o communicate_v himself_o and_o his_o love_n any_o other_o way_n and_o that_o soul_n that_o neglect_v this_o put_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o manifestation_n and_o communication_n of_o god_n and_o his_o love_n indeed_o god_n have_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v himself_o to_o soul_n under_o a_o conscientious_a use_n of_o mean_n to_o do_v they_o good_a ask_v and_o you_o shall_v receive_v seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v to_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o every_o one_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o be_v open_v as_o you_o therefore_o value_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o love_n take_v heed_n of_o lay_v aside_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n three_o consider_v that_o these_o thing_n we_o call_v mean_n such_o as_o prayer_n hear_v and_o the_o like_a be_v instance_n of_o our_o homage_n worship_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n hereby_o we_o worship_v god_n and_o give_v so_o far_o the_o glory_n to_o he_o that_o be_v due_a unto_o his_o name_n and_o consequent_o to_o cast_v off_o these_o be_v to_o cast_v off_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v we_o owe_v homage_n to_o he_o lay_v all_o these_o together_o and_o our_o proposition_n be_v clear_a that_o god_n s_o unchangeableness_n do_v no_o way_n exclude_v or_o invalidate_v the_o use_n of_o mean_n and_o when_o we_o use_v mean_n it_o be_v not_o to_o change_v but_o fulfil_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o alter_v but_o to_o accomplish_v his_o counsel_n and_o bring_v we_o into_o the_o fruition_n of_o they_o thus_o by_o these_o proposition_n i_o have_v vindicate_v the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n from_o cavil_n and_o contradiction_n and_o it_o remain_v a_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v a_o unchangeable_a god_n chap._n vi_o several_a
submit_v it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a message_n which_o samuel_n tell_v he_o from_o the_o lord_n but_o so_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a as_o it_o be_v yet_o have_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n he_o free_o acquiesce_n suitable_a whereunto_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n upon_o this_o place_n mendoz._n magnam_fw-la exprimit_fw-la patientiam_fw-la magnumque_fw-la cum_fw-la voluntate_fw-la divina_fw-la consensum_fw-la non_fw-la expostulavit_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la sed_fw-la humiliter_fw-la concordavit_fw-la mendoz._n eli_n say_v he_o in_o these_o word_n express_v great_a patience_n and_o a_o great_a consent_n or_o agreement_n with_o the_o divine_a will_n he_o do_v not_o expostulate_v with_o god_n but_o humble_o comply_v and_o comport_v with_o he_o god_n my_o belove_a have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o all_o and_o may_v do_v with_o we_o as_o he_o please_v it_o be_v wat_fw-mi he_o challenge_v to_o himself_o as_o his_o prerogative_n all_o soul_n be_v i_o say_v he_o ezek._n 18.4_o i_o to_o do_v with_o they_o to_o dispose_v of_o they_o as_o i_o will_v and_o you_o know_v how_o god_n assert_v this_o his_o sovereignty_n in_o jer._n 18.6.0_o house_n of_o israel_n can_v i_o do_v with_o you_o as_o this_o potter_n say_v the_o lord_n behold_v as_o the_o clay_n be_v in_o the_o potter_n hand_n so_o be_v you_o in_o my_o hand_n o_o house_n of_o israel_n pray_v mark_v he_o have_v before_o at_o vers_fw-la 4._o show_v they_o how_o the_o potter_n deal_v by_o the_o clay_n and_o what_o a_o absolute_a power_n he_o have_v over_o it_o make_v it_o a_o vessel_n and_o mar_v it_o again_o as_o he_o please_v and_o now_o here_o in_o v._o 6_o say_v he_o can_v i_o do_v with_o you_o as_o this_o potter_n do_v with_o his_o clay_n i_o can_v behold_v as_o the_o clay_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o potter_n so_o be_v you_o in_o my_o hand_n i.e._n i_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o you_o to_o do_v with_o you_o and_o dispose_v of_o you_o as_o i_o see_v good_a and_o i_o may_v make_v or_o mar_v you_o upon_o the_o wheel_n of_o my_o providence_n as_o i_o please_v and_o you_o know_v how_o god_n by_o the_o apostle_n argue_v in_o that_o great_a of_o case_n rom._n 9.21_o have_v not_o thr_fw-mi potter_n power_n over_o the_o clay_n of_o the_o same_o lump_n to_o make_v one_o vessel_n unto_o honour_n and_o another_o unto_o dishonour_n in_o which_o word_n god_n assert_v his_o absolute_a sovereignty_n to_o dispose_v of_o all_o man_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a estate_n as_o he_o please_v thus_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a sovereignty_n over_o all_o now_o the_o holy_a soul_n apprehend_v this_o sovereignty_n in_o god_n fall_v under_o the_o awe_n and_o dread_n of_o it_o and_z according_o acquiesce_n in_o his_o will_n whatever_o it_o be_v 2._o the_o soul_n look_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o to_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o righteous_a as_o well_o as_o a_o sovereign_n will_v and_o providence_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n also_o acquiesce_n therein_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a say_v the_o church_n lam._n 1.18_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a for_o i_o have_v rebel_v against_o his_o commandment_n q.d._n it_o be_v true_a my_o sorrow_n be_v great_a and_o my_o affliction_n heavy_a but_o god_n be_v just_a and_o holy_a in_o it_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o nor_o in_o truth_n so_o much_o as_o my_o sin_n have_v deserve_v indeed_o god_n deal_n with_o her_o be_v very_o terrible_a and_o amaze_a but_o yet_o apprehend_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o they_o she_o submit_v to_o he_o under_o all_o so_o dan._n 9.7_o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o but_o unto_o we_o confusion_n of_o face_n they_o see_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o and_o so_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o his_o will._n god_n be_v righteous_a the_o scrippture_n tell_v we_o in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o he_o be_v a_o just_a lord_n that_o do_v that_o can_v do_v no_o wrong_n no_o iniquity_n zeph._n 3.5_o now_o the_o holy_a soul_n get_v a_o sight_n of_o this_o and_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o sense_n thereof_o and_o according_o acquiesce_n in_o god_n will_n true_a say_v he_o this_o and_o that_o be_v sharp_a it_o smart_v sore_o it_o run_v cross_v to_o my_o carnal_a appetite_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a in_o all_o i_o have_v deserve_v all_o and_o more_o at_o his_o hand_n and_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o he_o acquiesce_n in_o his_o will_n and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o his_o deal_n 3._o the_o soul_n look_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o a_o holy_a will_n and_o providence_n and_o thereupon_o also_o bow_v to_o it_o and_o acquiesce_n in_o it_o god_n my_o belove_a be_v the_o only_a wise_a god_n and_o all_o his_o work_n be_v do_v in_o wisdom_n his_o will_n be_v a_o wise_a will_n a_o will_n guide_v and_o order_v by_o counsel_n he_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n eph._n 1.11_o god_n be_v never_o out_o in_o what_o he_o do_v but_o do_v all_o as_o become_v a_o only_a and_o a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n which_o the_o holy_a soul_n get_v a_o sight_n and_o sense_n of_o he_o free_o acquiesce_n in_o whatever_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v he_o and_o rest_v full_o satisfy_v with_o what_o god_n do_v in_o job_n 1.22_o we_o read_v that_o in_o all_o this_o job_n sin_v not_o neither_o charge_v he_o god_n foolish_o in_o all_o this_o that_o be_v in_o all_o his_o trial_n and_o affliction_n though_o many_o though_o great_a in_o all_o this_o job_n sin_v not_o neither_o charge_v he_o god_n foolish_o or_o as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o margin_n of_o some_o of_o your_o bibles_n he_o do_v not_o attribute_v folly_n to_o god_n he_o sin_v not_o by_o attribute_v of_o folly_n to_o god_n but_o he_o worship_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o deal_n with_o he_o he_o acquit_v god_n providence_n of_o folly_n and_o bow_v to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n thereof_o and_o be_v satisfy_v with_o all_o as_o best_a for_o he_o all_o this_o say_v the_o holy_a soul_n be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o wise_a will_n regulate_v by_o counsel_n true_a all_o run_v cross_a to_o my_o will_n and_o my_o outward_a interest_n but_o it_o be_v all_o balance_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v therewith_o thus_o he_o be_v at_o rest_n in_o god_n 4._o the_o soul_n look_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n concern_v he_o to_o be_v a_o good_a as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a will_n and_o providence_n and_o thus_o also_o acquiesce_n in_o it_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o testimony_n psal_n 25.10_o by_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n here_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v 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