some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
divine_a perfection_n that_o these_o be_v lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n we_o may_v upon_o all_o occasion_n have_v recourse_n to_o they_o and_o govern_v our_o opinion_n and_o reason_n in_o religion_n about_o all_o doubtful_a matter_n by_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o unquestionable_a the_o ii_o inference_n be_v that_o the_o true_a and_o most_o substantial_a practice_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o the_o scripture_n be_v wont_a to_o comprehend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o holiness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n to_o imitate_v god_n in_o these_o be_v true_a religion_n or_o as_o st._n james_n express_v it_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o flaw_n or_o blemish_n allude_v to_o precious_a stone_n the_o great_a commendation_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v clear_a and_o without_o flaw_n religio_fw-la est_fw-la imitari_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la this_o be_v religion_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o we_o worship_v this_o the_o heathen_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v discover_v to_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v like_o god_n pythagoras_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o we_o honour_n god_n most_o when_o we_o be_v most_o like_o he_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o plato_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n be_v to_o resemble_v god_n as_o near_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o resemble_v god_n in_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a so_o likewise_o hierocles_n that_o a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o love_n and_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o benignity_n to_o all_o mankind_n plutarch_n have_v a_o excellent_a discourse_n about_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n towards_o sinner_n and_o give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v offender_n that_o he_o may_v give_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o gentleness_n and_o patience_n and_o check_v the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_a injury_n upon_o one_o another_o which_o nothing_o will_v do_v more_o effectual_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o then_o he_o cite_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o plato_n that_o god_n manifest_v himself_o and_o display_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n hand_n than_o to_o become_v virtuous_a by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o god_n seneca_n likewise_o have_v many_o passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n inter_fw-la viros_fw-la bonos_fw-es ac_fw-la deum_fw-la amicitia_fw-la est_fw-la imo_fw-la etiam_fw-la necessitudo_fw-la &_o similitudo_fw-la between_o god_n and_o good_a man_n there_o be_v a_o friendship_n yea_o and_o a_o intimacy_n and_o likeness_n and_o that_o a_o virtuous_a man_n be_v discipulus_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n dei_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o imitator_n and_o the_o very_a genuine_a offspring_n of_o god_n so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v always_o place_v the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o every_o where_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n to_o consist_v in_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o transcript_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o great_a business_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n our_o sanctification_n and_o our_o sanctification_n be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o scripture_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o holiness_n that_o be_v to_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 2_o cor._n 7.1_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n dear_o belove_v let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.15_o 16._o as_o he_o which_o have_v call_v you_o be_v holy_a so_o be_v you_o holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n because_o it_o be_v write_v be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o speak_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o also_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n so_o that_o the_o holiness_n the_o gospel_n design_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o partake_v of_o but_o by_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n this_o be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n express_v to_o we_o by_o the_o term_n of_o regeneration_n the_o new_a man_n and_o the_o new_a creature_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o be_v convert_v from_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a state_n and_o reclaim_v to_o goodness_n be_v say_v to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o truth_n ephes_n 4.23_o to_o be_v renew_v after_o the_o image_n of_o he_o that_o create_v we_o coloss_n 3.10_o this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o son_n and_o child_n of_o god_n to_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v god_n in_o our_o disposition_n and_o manner_n ephes_n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imitator_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n philip._n 2.15_o that_o you_o may_v be_v blameless_a and_o sincere_a the_o son_n of_o god_n without_o rebuke_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n 1_o john_n 3.10_o in_o this_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n whosoever_o do_v not_o righteousness_n be_v not_o of_o god_n there_o have_v be_v great_a inquiry_n concern_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o child_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o true_a character_n and_o that_o which_o in_o effect_n comprehend_v all_o other_o our_o imitation_n and_o resemblance_n of_o god_n in_o those_o perfection_n wherein_o he_o be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o pattern_n to_o we_o and_o in_o this_o main_o consist_v the_o practice_n both_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o of_o true_a christianity_n but_o do_v not_o religion_n consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o god_n worship_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o constant_a and_o frequent_a prayer_n to_o god_n and_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n in_o read_v and_o hear_v and_o meditate_v upon_o god_n word_n in_o fast_v and_o abstinence_n and_o keep_v our_o body_n in_o subjection_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o in_o frequent_a receive_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o religion_n do_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o these_o duty_n and_o they_o be_v unquestionable_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o beget_n and_o increase_v in_o we_o such_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o render_v we_o most_o like_a to_o god_n and_o for_o the_o production_n of_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n in_o our_o life_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o these_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v but_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o not_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o all_o these_o do_v but_o serve_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o near_a resemblance_n of_o god_n and_o where_o they_o fail_v of_o this_o end_n and_o be_v perform_v for_o their_o own_o sake_n only_o and_o we_o rest_v in_o they_o without_o aim_v at_o any_o thing_n far_o they_o lose_v their_o nature_n because_o they_o be_v not_o use_v as_o mean_n but_o rest_v in_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v there_o be_v many_o which_o fall_v into_o this_o fatal_a mistake_n about_o religion_n and_o think_v that_o if_o
who_o give_v he_o this_o authority_n our_o lord_n tell_v we_o plain_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o without_o any_o distinction_n of_o in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la spiritualia_fw-la and_o therefore_o he_o wrest_v no_o prince_n kingdom_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n nor_o seize_v it_o as_o forfeit_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o power_n the_o pope_n claim_v to_o himself_o and_o have_v exercise_v it_o many_o a_o time_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o nation_n and_o exercise_v the_o most_o barbarous_a cruelty_n in_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o if_o because_o religion_n be_v so_o very_o good_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o it_o will_v warrant_v man_n to_o do_v the_o very_o worst_a thing_n for_o its_o sake_n which_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a and_o odious_a and_o to_o make_v two_o of_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o religion_n good_a for_o nothing_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n any_o reverence_n and_o esteem_v for_o religion_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o undermine_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o follow_v divine_a revelation_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o church_n that_o can_v err_v for_o every_o church_n do_v certain_o err_v that_o teach_v any_o thing_n plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v â—f_o natural_a religion_n and_o utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o with_o the_o peace_n and_o order_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v not_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n but_o of_o order_n which_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o as_o a_o principle_n of_o eternal_a truth_n and_o natural_o know_v but_o they_o that_o pretend_v that_o religion_n prompt_v man_n to_o sedition_n and_o cruelty_n do_v represent_v god_n as_o the_o god_n of_o confusion_n and_o not_o of_o order_n therefore_o whatever_o man_n may_v through_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n or_o for_o ambitious_a end_n pretend_v to_o be_v religion_n let_v we_o place_v it_o in_o that_o which_o be_v unquestionable_a the_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o let_v we_o as_o the_o apostle_n exhort_v put_v on_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n meekness_n long-suffering_a and_o above_o all_o let_v we_o put_v on_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o perfection_n the_o great_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o rather_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n be_v love_n so_o st._n john_n speak_v god_n be_v love_n and_o he_o that_o dwell_v in_o love_n dwell_v in_o god_n and_o god_n in_o he_o and_o it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o in_o these_o very_a quality_n of_o charity_n and_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n which_o we_o peculiar_o call_v humanity_n we_o approach_v near_o to_o the_o divinity_n itself_o and_o that_o the_o contrary_a disposition_n do_v transform_v we_o into_o wild_a beast_n and_o devil_n and_o yet_o as_o severe_o as_o i_o speak_v against_o these_o principle_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v a_o hearty_a pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o so_o great_a a_o delusion_n and_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o be_v make_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v seduce_v from_o humanity_n itself_o and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v make_v good_a christian_n by_o these_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v hardly_o leave_v to_o be_v man_n be_v blind_v and_o lead_v by_o the_o blind_a they_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o foul_a immorality_n such_o as_o be_v plain_o enough_o condemn_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o bible_n in_o the_o world_n not_o but_o that_o we_o protestant_n have_v our_o fault_n and_o our_o folly_n too_o and_o those_o god_n know_v too_o many_o and_o too_o visible_a we_o possess_v more_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v little_a peace_n among_o we_o and_o yet_o god_n be_v as_o well_o and_o as_o often_o in_o scripture_n call_v the_o god_n of_o peace_n as_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n in_o this_o great_a light_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o reform_a religion_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v wanton_a and_o to_o quarrel_n and_o fall_v out_o we_o be_v full_a of_o heat_n and_o animosity_n of_o schism_n and_o division_n and_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n we_o have_v not_o know_v god_n grant_v that_o at_o last_o in_o this_o our_o day_n when_o it_o concern_v we_o so_o much_o we_o may_v know_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n before_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o our_o eye_n you_o see_v in_o what_o thing_n the_o practice_n of_o religion_n main_o consist_v in_o our_o likeness_n to_o god_n and_o resemblance_n of_o he_o in_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n and_o without_o this_o we_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o happiness_n we_o can_v see_v god_n unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n can_v administer_v no_o pleasure_n no_o felicity_n to_o we_o till_o we_o be_v change_v into_o his_o image_n till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o temper_n to_o hate_v sin_n and_o delight_n in_o purity_n and_o holiness_n we_o can_v have_v no_o delightful_a communion_n with_o the_o holy_a god_n till_o our_o passion_n be_v subdue_v and_o our_o soul_n dispossess_v of_o those_o devilish_a and_o ungodlike_a quality_n of_o hatred_n and_o malice_n of_o revenge_n and_o impatience_n and_o till_o we_o be_v endue_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n we_o be_v not_o fit_a company_n for_o our_o heavenly_a father_n we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o dwell_v with_o god_n who_o be_v love_n and_o dwell_v in_o love_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v defective_a in_o these_o divine_a quality_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o temper_n of_o happiness_n there_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o eternal_a opposition_n between_o the_o holy_a and_o good_a god_n and_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v remove_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v find_v any_o felicity_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n now_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v and_o unchangeable_a god_n can_v recede_v from_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v quit_v our_o sin_n thou_o can_v not_o change_v god_n therefore_o change_v thyself_o and_o rather_o think_v of_o put_v off_o thy_o corrupt_a nature_n which_o may_v be_v change_v than_o of_o alter_v the_o divine_a nature_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v god_n condescend_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o happiness_n but_o if_o this_o will_v not_o do_v he_o will_v not_o put_v off_o his_o own_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a sermon_n iii_o vi_o the_o happiness_n of_o god_n 1_o tim_n 1.11_o the_o bless_a god_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o according_a to_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o the_o bless_a god_n which_o be_v commit_v to_o my_o trust_n since_o all_o man_n natural_o desire_v happiness_n and_o thirst_n after_o it_o methinks_v we_o shall_v all_o desire_n to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v attain_v by_o we_o in_o that_o degree_n in_o which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o what_o job_n say_v of_o wisdom_n may_v be_v say_v also_o of_o happiness_n god_n understand_v the_o way_n thereof_o and_o he_o know_v the_o place_n thereof_o he_o only_o who_o be_v perfect_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v and_o what_o be_v the_o true_a ingredient_n of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o happiness_n the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v to_o contemplate_v and_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a pattern_n and_o idea_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o original_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o felicity_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n wherein_o the_o apostle_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n of_o bessedness_n or_o happiness_n to_o god_n the_o bless_a god_n and_o though_o this_o be_v as_o essential_a a_o part_n as_o any_o other_o of_o that_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n yet_o i_o no_o where_o find_v in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n this_o attribute_n of_o happiness_n give_v to_o god_n but_o only_o twice_o in_o this_o epistle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o title_n of_o blessedness_n be_v frequent_o give_v both_o to_o god_n and_o christ_n but_o in_o another_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a notion_n as_o mark_v 14.61_o where_o the_o highpriest_n ask_v our_o
3.4_o yea_o let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o lyar._n nay_o the_o scripture_n go_v further_a do_v not_o only_o remove_v lie_v and_o falsehood_n and_o inconstancy_n from_o god_n but_o speak_v of_o these_o as_o thing_n impossible_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n tit._n 1.2_o in_o hope_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o god_n that_o can_v lie_v promise_v before_o the_o world_n begin_v heb._n 6.18_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n who_o have_v flee_v for_o refuge_n to_o lay_v hold_n upon_o the_o hope_n set_v before_o we_o and_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o in_o general_a attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o do_v more_o particular_o assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o sincerity_n that_o he_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o and_o speak_v what_o he_o intend_v that_o his_o word_n be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o thought_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o mind_n god_n be_v very_o careful_a to_o remove_v this_o jealousy_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n as_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o he_o have_v declare_v he_o have_v a_o secret_a design_n to_o ruin_v man_n therefore_o he_o interpose_v his_o oath_n for_o our_o great_a assurance_n ezek._n 33.11_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o that_o the_o wicked_a turn_n from_o his_o way_n and_o live_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o he_o speak_v his_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o design_n to_o circumvent_v and_o possess_v we_o with_o error_n and_o delusion_n if_o he_o offer_v life_n and_o happiness_n we_o may_v believe_v he_o be_v real_a and_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o we_o or_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o future_a glory_n he_o will_v not_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n john_n 14.2_o in_o my_o father_n house_n be_v many_o mansion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o i_o will_v have_v tell_v you_o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o his_o sincerity_n so_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o prediction_n and_o performance_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n as_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o prediction_n and_o certain_a accomplishment_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o use_v this_o proverbial_a speech_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o accomplishment_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o my_o word_n shall_v not_o pass_v away_o mat._n 24.35_o for_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o his_o promise_n the_o scripture_n make_v frequent_a mention_n of_o it_o deut._n 7.9_o know_v therefore_o that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n he_o be_v god_n the_o faithful_a god_n which_o keep_v covenant_n and_o mercy_n psal_n 89.33_o 34._o i_o will_v not_o suffer_v my_o faithfulness_n to_o fail_v my_o covenant_n will_v i_o not_o break_v nor_o alter_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v go_v out_o of_o my_o lip_n the_o scripture_n do_v record_n god_n punctual_a and_o full_a performance_n of_o his_o promise_n particular_o of_o that_o promise_n to_o abraham_n after_o four_o hundred_o year_n to_o bring_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o to_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o inheritance_n gen._n 15.13_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n you_o have_v record_v ex._n 12.41_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n even_o the_o self_n same_o day_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o all_o the_o host_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o from_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n see_v likewise_o jos_n 21.44_o 45._o and_o 23.14_o 1_o king_n 8.56_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n style_v the_o god_n that_o keep_v covenant_n 1_o king_n 8.23_o neh._n 1.5.9.32_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o so_o likewise_o of_o prediction_n of_o evil_a to_o come_v god_n be_v true_a in_o fulfil_v his_o word_n 1_o sam._n 15._o â—9_n when_o the_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v saul_n to_o rend_v the_o kingdom_n from_o he_o he_o add_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v iii_o i_o come_v to_o remove_v some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n first_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o sincerity_n of_o god_n and_o his_o plain_a deal_n that_o he_o be_v sometime_o represent_v in_o scripture_n as_o inspire_v prophet_n with_o false_a message_n 1_o king_n 22.20_o etc._n etc._n jer._n 4.10.20.7_o ezek._n 14.9_o ans_fw-fr as_o to_o three_o of_o these_o text_n it_o be_v a_o know_a hebraism_n to_o express_v thing_n in_o a_o imperative_fw-it and_o active_a form_n which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o permissive_o so_o where_o the_o devil_n beseech_v christ_n that_o he_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n he_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v mat._n 8.31_o he_o do_v not_o command_v but_o permit_v they_o and_o so_o john_n 13.27_o where_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o judas_n what_o thou_o do_v do_v quick_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o command_v he_o to_o betray_v he_o though_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v in_o the_o form_n so_o likewise_o here_o where_o a_o evil_a spirit_n offer_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o god_n say_v go_v forth_o and_o do_v so_o this_o only_a signify_v a_o permission_n not_o a_o command_n and_o so_o jer._n 4.10_o where_o the_o prophet_n complain_v that_o god_n have_v great_o deceive_v the_o people_n say_v they_o shall_v have_v peace_n when_o the_o sword_n reach_v to_o the_o soul_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v this_o no_o otherwise_o but_o that_o god_n permit_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o deceive_v they_o by_o prophesy_v peace_n to_o they_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n ezek._n 14.9_o i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n that_o be_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o to_o deceive_v the_o people_n as_o a_o just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n with_o respect_n to_o his_o true_a prophet_n this_o he_o threaten_v at_o the_o 5_o the_o v_o i_o will_v take_v the_o house_n of_o israel_n in_o their_o own_o heart_n because_o they_o be_v all_o estrange_v from_o i_o through_o their_o idol_n because_o they_o have_v choose_v to_o themselves_o false_a god_n i_o will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v with_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n appear_v by_o the_o threaten_v add_v and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o i_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n now_o god_n will_v not_o punish_v that_o whereof_o he_o be_v the_o author_n that_o text_n jer._n 20.7_o thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o promise_n of_o god_n to_o he_o who_o when_o he_o give_v he_o his_o commission_n tell_v he_o he_o will_v be_v with_o he_o by_o which_o he_o understand_v that_o no_o evil_n shall_v come_v to_o he_o and_o now_o he_o be_v become_v a_o derision_n and_o the_o people_n mock_v he_o and_o in_o his_o passion_n and_o weakness_n he_o break_v forth_o into_o this_o expression_n thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o it_o be_v his_o own_o mistake_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n promise_n which_o be_v not_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o scorn_n and_o opposition_n and_o persecution_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o he_o as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o chapter_n seconâ—_o objection_n against_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o performance_n of_o his_o promise_n it_o be_v object_v that_o god_n do_v not_o give_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n all_o the_o land_n which_o he_o promise_v to_o abraham_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o compare_v gen._n 18.19_o 20._o with_o josh_n 13.1_o etc._n etc._n and_o judg._n 2.20_o 21._o gen._n 15.18_o god_n promise_v to_o give_v abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n such_o a_o land_n the_o bound_n whereof_o he_o describe_v josh_n 13.1_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o there_o remain_v very_o much_o land_n yet_o unconquered_a which_o they_o have_v not_o get_v the_o possession_n of_o and_o judg._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o people_n have_v not_o
god_n may_v upon_o repentance_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o truth_n or_o knowledge_n or_o power_n either_o defer_v or_o abate_v or_o remit_v the_o punishment_n and_o that_o the_o prediction_n of_o judgement_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v with_o this_o condition_n appear_v clear_o from_o that_o know_a text_n jer._n 18.7_o 8._o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v some_o use_n of_o this_o doctrine_n first_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o this_o give_v we_o assurance_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o that_o the_o faculty_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o be_v not_o false_a but_o when_o they_o have_v clear_a perception_n of_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o err_v and_o mistake_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n we_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v be_v under_o a_o constant_a delusion_n and_o no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a but_o that_o this_o be_v our_o make_n and_o temper_n and_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o be_v then_o most_o of_o all_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v ourselves_o to_o be_v most_o certain_a i_o say_v no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o contrary_a but_o from_o hence_o because_o veracity_n and_o truth_n be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o error_n and_o delusion_n therefore_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o a_o cheat_n but_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v true_a and_o unless_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n we_o need_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n second_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n than_o there_o be_v reason_n why_o we_o shall_v believe_v and_o assent_v to_o whatever_o we_o be_v satisfy_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o god_n a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o most_o firm_a assent_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n and_o aught_o to_o give_v we_o the_o most_o firm_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n yea_o and_o truth_n itself_o john_n 17.17_o thy_o word_n be_v truth_n therefore_o whoever_o entertain_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o yea_o though_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o no_o reasonable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o which_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n can_v give_v we_o particular_a satisfaction_n in_o yet_o because_o we_o be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v who_o knowledge_n be_v infallible_a and_o who_o word_n be_v true_a we_o ought_v upon_o this_o high_a and_o superior_a reason_n to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o dishonour_v this_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o this_o essential_a property_n his_o veracity_n 1_o john_n 5.10_o he_o that_o believe_v on_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v the_o witness_n in_o himself_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believeh_n not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n if_o we_o do_v believe_v what_o god_n have_v reveal_v we_o glorify_v this_o perfection_n of_o he_o and_o set_v our_o seal_n to_o his_o veracity_n so_o it_o be_v say_v of_o abraham_n rom._n 4.20_o that_o he_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n speak_v concern_v our_o saviour_n say_v john_n 3.33_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v his_o testimony_n have_v set_v to_o his_o seal_n that_o god_n be_v true_a three_o if_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o faithful_a in_o perform_v his_o promise_n than_o here_o be_v a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n if_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n we_o may_v secure_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a we_o may_v hold_v fast_o our_o hope_n without_o waver_v because_o he_o be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v heb._n 10.23_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n covenant_n be_v call_v sure_a mercy_n isa_n 55.3_o we_o attribute_v much_o to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o faithful_a friend_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n as_o very_o good_a security_n but_o man_n may_v fail_v we_o when_o we_o rely_v upon_o they_o but_o god_n be_v true_a though_o all_o man_n shall_v prove_v liar_n man_n be_v fickle_a and_o murable_a but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v fix_v he_o can_v fail_v those_o that_o trust_v in_o he_o when_o god_n have_v make_v any_o promise_n to_o we_o we_o may_v plead_v it_o with_o he_o and_o urge_v he_o with_o his_o faithfulness_n so_o we_o find_v david_n do_v 2_o sam._n 7.25_o etc._n etc._n only_o we_o shall_v be_v careful_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n which_o be_v require_v on_o our_o part_n heb._n 4.1_o we_o shall_v take_v heed_n lest_o a_o promise_n be_v leave_v we_o any_o one_o shall_v come_v short_a of_o it_o by_o not_o perform_v the_o condition_n for_o that_o do_v release_v and_o discharge_v he_o of_o the_o promise_n and_o he_o be_v faithful_a though_o he_o do_v not_o perform_v what_o he_o promise_v because_o he_o do_v not_o promise_v but_o upon_o condition_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n 2_o tim._n 2.13_o if_o we_o believe_v not_o yet_o he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o he_o say_v before_o that_o if_o we_o perform_v the_o condition_n require_v god_n will_v bestow_v the_o blessing_n promise_v it_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n for_o if_o we_o be_v dead_a with_o he_o we_o also_o shall_v live_v with_o he_o if_o we_o suffer_v we_o also_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o but_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o the_o curse_n threaten_v will_n then_o take_v place_n and_o he_o will_v deny_v we_o and_o god_n be_v not_o unfaithful_a in_o do_v this_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v himself_o now_o if_o we_o have_v such_o assurance_n we_o may_v trust_v he_o with_o our_o great_a concernment_n and_o venture_v our_o soul_n with_o he_o psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n we_o shall_v rely_v upon_o he_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a improbability_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n thus_o do_v abraham_n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o shall_v also_o make_v we_o patient_a in_o hope_n if_o a_o promise_n be_v not_o speedy_o accomplish_v we_o shall_v not_o be_v deject_v or_o disquiet_v david_n challenge_v himself_o upon_o this_o account_n psal_n 42.11_o why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n and_o why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o hope_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n though_o at_o a_o distance_n yet_o we_o shall_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n four_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n be_v matter_n of_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a all_o the_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a evil_n may_v just_o be_v expect_v because_o their_o sin_n deserve_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o condition_n employ_v in_o they_o upon_o which_o thou_o can_v reasonable_o hope_v for_o the_o avoid_n or_o abate_v of_o the_o evil_n threaten_v but_o of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o these_o threaten_n thou_o continue_v in_o thy_o sin_n and_o bless_v thyself_o say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o thou_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o thy_o heart_n by_o this_o very_a thing_n thou_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n not_o to_o spare_v thou_o and_o make_v his_o wrath_n and_o his_o jealousy_n to_o smoke_v against_o thou_o and_o if_o thou_o continue_v impenitent_a however_o he_o may_v defer_v the_o execution_n of_o temporal_a evil_n his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v concern_v to_o inflict_v eternal_a punishment_n upon_o thou_o for_o he_o have_v swear_v in_o his_o wrath_n that_o such_o shall_v no_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n five_o let_v we_o propound_v to_o ourselves_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n for_o our_o pattern_n and_o imitation_n will_v you_o be_v like_o god_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v divine_a perfection_n but_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o predominant_a quality_n of_o hell_n the_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n
partake_v of_o it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o degree_n as_o the_o divine_a nature_n possess_v it_o god_n be_v eternal_o holy_a the_o fountain_n of_o holiness_n the_o creature_n be_v derivative_o and_o by_o participation_n holy_a god_n be_v eminent_o and_o transcendent_o so_o the_o creature_n in_o a_o finite_a degree_n god_n be_v immutable_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o no_o creature_n be_v out_o of_o a_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v say_v job_n 4.18_o that_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o his_o angel_n he_o charge_v with_o folly_n and_o chap._n 15.15_o he_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v not_o pure_a in_o his_o sight_n from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v draw_v these_o inference_n 1._o if_o holiness_n be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o property_n of_o god_n if_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n there_o be_v include_v a_o everlasting_a separation_n and_o distance_n from_o moral_a imperfection_n a_o eternal_a repugnance_n to_o sin_n and_o iniquity_n from_o hence_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a and_o evil_n in_o thing_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o respect_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o mutable_a and_o inconstant_a and_o arbitrary_a principle_n but_o be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a eternal_a and_o indispensable_a therefore_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v so_o safe_o who_o make_v the_o divine_a will_n precise_o and_o abstract_o consider_v the_o rule_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n antecedent_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v therefore_o good_a or_o evil_n because_o god_n will_v they_o to_o be_v so_o for_o if_o this_o be_v so_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n will_v not_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o accidental_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a which_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a for_o if_o these_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v not_o necessary_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o malice_n and_o envy_n and_o unrighteousness_n and_o falsehood_n do_v not_o imply_v any_o essential_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v lie_v that_o he_o can_v be_v unrighteous_a if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n have_v now_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v just_o and_o good_a and_o faithful_a and_o now_o he_o can_v be_v otherwise_o because_o he_o be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o he_o change_v not_o this_o be_v to_o grant_v the_o thing_n for_o this_o suppose_v the_o veracity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n to_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o why_o not_o justice_n and_o goodness_n as_o well_o i_o say_v it_o suppose_v veracity_n and_o immutability_n to_o be_v essential_a perfection_n and_o not_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a and_o unchangeable_a for_o if_o he_o can_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o possible_o have_v but_o that_o when_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a he_o be_v or_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o to_o carry_v its_o own_o evidence_n along_o with_o it_o i_o will_v only_o use_v this_o argument_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o no_o be_v can_n will_v its_o own_o nature_n and_o essential_a perfection_n that_o be_v choose_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v thus_o or_o otherwise_o for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o it_o be_v and_o before_o it_o have_v a_o be_v to_o deliberate_v about_o its_o own_o nature_n therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v deny_v to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o necessary_o to_o be_v what_o he_o be_v then_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n do_v not_o depend_v up-the_a will_n of_o god_n but_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n such_o notion_n antecedent_o to_o any_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n and_o this_o do_v no_o way_n prejudice_v the_o liberty_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n to_o be_v necessary_o good_a and_o just_o and_o true_a and_o a_o liberty_n or_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v impotency_n and_o imperfection_n for_o liberty_n no_o where_o speak_v perfection_n but_o be_v the_o thing_n and_o action_n about_o which_o it_o be_v conversant_a be_v indifferent_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o high_a perfection_n not_o to_o be_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o immutable_a and_o fix_v and_o necessary_o bind_v up_o by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o swerve_v from_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v his_o holiness_n 2._o if_o holiness_n be_v the_o chief_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n this_o show_v we_o what_o account_n we_o be_v to_o make_v of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n we_o may_v judge_v of_o every_o privation_n by_o the_o habit_n for_o they_o bear_v a_o exact_a proportion_n one_o to_o another_o light_a and_o darkness_n be_v oppose_v as_o habit_n and_o privation_n if_o light_n be_v pleasant_a and_o comfortable_a than_o darkness_n be_v dismal_a and_o horrid_a and_o so_o holiness_n and_o sin_n be_v oppose_v if_o holiness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o any_o nature_n than_o sin_n be_v the_o grand_a imperfection_n and_o the_o low_a debasement_n of_o any_o be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a to_o that_o and_o at_o the_o further_a distance_n from_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n this_o shall_v rectify_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n we_o admire_v and_o esteem_v riches_n and_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o we_o scorn_v and_o contemn_v poverty_n and_o weakness_n and_o meanness_n yea_o grace_n and_o holiness_n if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o company_n of_o these_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o reverence_n and_o and_o value_v the_o great_a and_o the_o rich_a and_o the_o mighty_a of_o this_o world_n though_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o despise_v the_o poor_a man_n wisdom_n and_o holiness_n but_o we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v a_o foundation_n of_o respect_n that_o aught_o to_o command_v our_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n but_o real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o we_o ought_v to_o bestow_v our_o respect_n and_o raise_v our_o esteem_n what_o st._n james_n say_v of_o respect_n of_o person_n i_o may_v apply_v in_o this_o case_n jam._n 2.4_o be_v you_o not_o then_o partial_a in_o yourselves_o and_o become_v judge_n of_o evil_a thought_n we_o be_v extreme_o partial_a we_o make_v a_o false_a judgement_n and_o reason_n ill_o concern_v thing_n when_o we_o admire_v gild_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n exalt_v to_o high_a place_n i_o mean_v ungodly_a rich_a man_n and_o ungodly_a great_a man_n for_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v proper_o ungodly_a unlike_a to_o god_n and_o when_o we_o contemn_v poor_a and_o mean_v and_o afflict_a holiness_n and_o piety_n be_v but_o our_o eye_n open_a and_o our_o judgement_n clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a we_o shall_v see_v a_o beauty_n and_o resplendency_n in_o goodness_n even_o when_o it_o be_v under_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n when_o it_o be_v clothe_v with_o rag_n and_o sit_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o will_v shine_v through_o all_o these_o mist_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o native_a light_n and_o beauty_n in_o it_o throw_v the_o darkness_n of_o a_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v wickedness_n to_o be_v a_o most_o vile_a and_o abject_a thing_n when_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o gallantry_n and_o bravery_n we_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o poor_a righteous_a man_n as_o more_o excellent_a than_o his_o neighbour_n and_o the_o profane_a gallant_a as_o the_o offscouring_a of_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v value_v a_o man_n that_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n we_o shall_v esteem_v any_o one_o more_o
for_o he_o as_o to_o silence_v all_o consideration_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o after_o all_o he_o be_v a_o man_n and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o and_o the_o consideration_n of_o humanity_n ought_v for_o that_o time_n to_o prevail_v over_o all_o objection_n against_o the_o man_n and_o to_o prefer_v he_o to_o our_o charity_n before_o the_o near_a relation_n and_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o like_a extremity_n in_o other_o case_n we_o not_o only_o may_v but_o aught_o to_o relieve_v our_o friend_n and_o those_o that_o have_v deserve_v well_o of_o we_o in_o the_o first_o place_n but_o if_o our_o enemy_n be_v in_o extremity_n than_o that_o divine_a precept_n take_v place_n if_o thy_o enemy_n hunger_n feed_v he_o if_o he_o thirst_v give_v he_o to_o drink_v second_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o think_v that_o the_o obligation_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o nearness_n of_o relation_n do_v challenge_v a_o preference_n for_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n if_o other_o thing_n be_v equal_a that_o we_o shall_v consider_v and_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o our_o blood_n and_o kindred_n and_o member_n of_o our_o family_n before_o the_o necessity_n of_o stranger_n and_o those_o who_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o we_o there_o be_v a_o special_a duty_n incumbent_a upon_o we_o and_o another_o obligation_n beside_o that_o of_o charity_n to_o have_v a_o particular_a care_n and_o regard_v for_o they_o in_o this_o case_n not_o only_a christianity_n but_o nature_n tie_v this_o duty_n upon_o we_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o if_o any_o man_n provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o for_o his_o domestic_n for_o they_o that_o be_v of_o his_o family_n he_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n and_o be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o only_o offend_v against_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n but_o against_o the_o very_a dictate_v of_o nature_n which_o prevail_v even_o among_o the_o infidel_n and_o our_o saviour_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o when_o our_o parent_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o relief_n it_o be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n to_o employ_v our_o estate_n that_o way_n than_o to_o devote_v they_o to_o he_o and_o his_o immediate_a service_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o sacrilege_n to_o consecrate_v that_o to_o god_n whereby_o our_o parent_n may_v be_v profit_v and_o provide_v for_o in_o their_o necessity_n three_o the_o obligation_n of_o kindness_n and_o benefit_n lay_v the_o next_o claim_n to_o our_o charity_n if_o they_o fall_v into_o want_n who_o have_v oblige_v we_o by_o their_o former_a kindness_n and_o charity_n both_o justice_n and_o charity_n do_v challenge_v from_o we_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o their_o case_n and_o proportionable_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v oblige_v to_o their_o family_n or_o to_o any_o that_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o they_o four_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o same_o religion_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o mystical_a body_n and_o do_v partake_v of_o the_o same_o holy_a mystery_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o strict_a bond_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n these_o fall_n under_o a_o very_a particular_a consideration_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o of_o this_o the_o apostle_n put_v we_o in_o mind_n in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o my_o text_n let_v we_o do_v good_a unto_o all_o man_n especial_o unto_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o household_n of_o faith_n god_n have_v a_o special_a love_n and_o regard_v for_o such_o and_o those_o who_o god_n love_v aught_o to_o be_v very_o dear_a to_o we_o and_o this_o perhaps_o be_v a_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n in_o those_o time_n when_o christian_n live_v among_o heathen_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o continual_a want_n and_o suffering_n but_o it_o signify_v much_o less_o now_o that_o christianity_n be_v the_o general_a profession_n of_o a_o nation_n and_o be_v too_o often_o make_v use_n of_o to_o very_o uncharitable_a purpose_n to_o confine_v man_n bounty_n and_o benefit_n to_o their_o own_o sect_n and_o party_n as_o if_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v the_o household_n of_o faith_n a_o principle_n which_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o have_v more_o of_o judaisme_n or_o of_o popery_n in_o it_o five_o after_o these_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v to_o be_v value_v and_o consider_v and_o we_o be_v according_o to_o proportion_n our_o charity_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o particular_n by_o which_o a_o prudent_a man_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n those_o who_o labour_n in_o a_o honest_a call_n but_o yet_o be_v oppress_v with_o their_o charge_n or_o disable_v for_o a_o time_n by_o sickness_n or_o some_o other_o casualty_n these_o many_o a_o time_n need_v as_o much_o and_o certain_o deserve_v much_o better_a than_o common_a beggar_n for_o these_o be_v useful_a member_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n and_o we_o can_v place_v our_o charity_n better_o than_o upon_o those_o who_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o support_v themselves_o those_o likewise_o who_o be_v fall_v from_o a_o rich_a and_o plentiful_a condidion_n without_o any_o fault_n or_o prodigality_n of_o their_o own_o mere_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o some_o general_a calamity_n these_o be_v more_o especial_o object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o liberal_a relief_n and_o those_o also_o who_o have_v be_v charitable_a and_o have_v liberal_o relieve_v other_o when_o they_o be_v in_o condition_n to_o do_v it_o or_o the_o child_n or_o near_a relation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v eminent_o charitable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n do_v deserve_v a_o particular_a regard_n in_o our_o charity_n mankind_n be_v as_o i_o may_v say_v bind_v in_o justice_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o preserve_v such_o from_o extreme_a necessity_n and_o last_o those_o who_o visible_a want_v and_o great_a age_n and_o infirmity_n do_v plead_v for_o more_o than_o ordinary_a pity_n and_o do_v at_o first_o sight_n convince_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o that_o they_o do_v not_o beg_v out_o of_o laziness_n but_o of_o necessity_n and_o because_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n towards_o their_o own_o support_n and_o subsistence_n there_o be_v innumerable_a circumstance_n more_o which_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o reckon_v up_o but_o these_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v be_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o by_o proportion_n to_o these_o we_o may_v direct_v ourselves_o in_o other_o case_n six_o those_o who_o we_o certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v by_o we_o before_o those_o who_o be_v stranger_n to_o we_o and_o who_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o know_v yea_o though_o in_o common_a charity_n we_o do_v not_o disbelieve_v they_o because_o in_o reason_n and_o prudence_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o prefer_v those_o who_o be_v certain_o know_v to_o we_o since_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v many_o cheat_n and_o counterfeit_v beggar_n who_o can_v tell_v a_o fair_a story_n and_o carry_v about_o testimonial_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o likewise_o because_o we_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o misplace_v our_o charity_n when_o there_o be_v object_n enough_o beside_o where_o we_o be_v sure_o we_o shall_v place_v it_o right_o and_o charity_n misplace_v as_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o reality_n no_o charity_n in_o its_o self_n so_o it_o be_v hardly_o any_o in_o we_o when_o we_o squander_v it_o so_o imprudent_o as_o to_o pass_v by_o a_o certain_a and_o real_a object_n and_o give_v it_o to_o those_o of_o who_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v true_a object_n of_o charity_n in_o this_o blind_a way_n a_o man_n may_v give_v all_o his_o good_n to_o the_o poor_a as_o he_o think_v and_o yet_o do_v no_o real_a charity_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o be_v able_a to_o relieve_v every_o one_o that_o ask_v we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v a_o difference_n and_o use_v our_o best_a prudence_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o most_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o charity_n and_o yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o observe_v this_o rule_n so_o strict_o as_o to_o shut_v out_o all_o who_o we_o do_v not_o know_v without_o exception_n because_o their_o case_n if_o it_o be_v true_a may_v sometime_o be_v much_o more_o pitiable_a and_o of_o great_a extremity_n than_o the_o case_n of_o many_o who_o we_o do_v know_v and_o than_o it_o will_v be_v uncharitable_a to_o reject_v such_o and_o to_o harden_v our_o heart_n so_o far_o against_o they_o as_o utter_o to_o disbelieve_v they_o