trifle_a declamation_n but_o yet_o with_o his_o good_a leave_n i_o do_v yet_o belâ—eve_v that_o there_o be_v no_o save_v knowledge_n of_o or_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n or_o his_o property_n to_o be_v attain_v but_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o reveal_v unto_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o this_o i_o can_v confirm_v with_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n father_n schoolman_n and_o divine_n of_o all_o sort_n with_o reason_n and_o argument_n such_o as_o i_o know_v this_o author_n can_v answer_v and_o whatever_o great_a apprehension_n he_o may_v have_v of_o his_o skill_n and_o ability_n to_o know_v god_n and_o his_o property_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o he_o learn_v from_o thence_o and_o what_o he_o have_v imbibe_v in_o his_o education_n from_o a_o emanation_n of_o divine_a rvelation_n yet_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v as_o wise_a man_n as_o himself_o among_o those_o ancient_a philosopher_n concern_v who_o and_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n our_o apostle_n pronounce_v those_o censure_n rom._n 1._o 1_o cor._n 1._o but_o on_o this_o goodly_a foundation_n he_o proceed_v unto_o a_o particular_a inference_n pag._n 44._o saying_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o confident_a man_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o sinner_n and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o by_o christ_n when_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n confute_v he_o for_o whatever_o become_v of_o his_o new_a theory_n both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n who_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o what_o christ_n be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o recovery_n do_v believe_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a to_o sinner_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v assure_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n and_o those_o natural_a notion_n heathen_n have_v of_o god_n and_o all_o those_o discovery_n god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n do_v assure_v they_o that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n i_o beg_v his_o excuse_n truth_n and_o good_a company_n will_v give_v a_o modest_a man_n a_o little_a confidence_n sometime_o and_o against_o his_o experience_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n false_o pretend_v i_o can_v oppose_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n very_o few_o except_v we_o can_v know_v of_o god_n only_o what_o he_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o reveal_v of_o himself_o and_o nothing_o else_o and_o i_o say_v again_o that_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v his_o love_n unto_o sinner_n and_o his_o pardon_v mercy_n any_o other_o way_n but_o in_o and_o by_o jesus_n christ._n for_o what_o he_o add_v as_o to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o these_o thing_n by_o god_n revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n when_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o revelation_n or_o any_o of_o they_o have_v not_o respect_n unto_o the_o promise_a seed_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v exhibit_v in_o the_o flesh_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o will_v speak_v somewhat_o unto_o his_o purpose_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n this_o insertion_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o who_o enjoy_v that_o revelation_n of_o christ_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o build_v his_o church_n upon_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v weak_a and_o impertinent_a their_o apprehension_n i_o acknowledge_v concern_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o specialty_n of_o the_o work_n of_o his_o mediation_n be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a but_o so_o also_o proportionable_o be_v their_o knowledge_n of_o all_o other_o sacred_a truth_n which_o yet_o with_o all_o diligence_n they_o inquire_v into_o that_o whicâ—_n i_o intend_v be_v express_v by_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 2.9_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n what_o a_o confident_a man_n be_v this_o apostle_n as_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n do_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v nor_o will_v so_o have_v do_v have_v they_o not_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n through_o jesus_n christ._n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o transient_a charge_n there_o ensue_v that_o which_o be_v much_o more_o severe_a pag._n 45._o as_o for_o instance_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n for_o our_o sin_n god_n have_v manifest_v the_o naturalness_n of_o this_o righteousness_n i._n e._n vindictive_a justice_n in_o punish_v sin_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v divert_v from_o sinner_n without_o the_o interpose_v of_o a_o propitiation_n that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v so_o just_a and_o righteous_a that_o he_o can_v pardon_v sin_n without_o satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n now_o this_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v perfect_o new_a which_o neither_o scripture_n nor_o nature_n acquaint_v we_o with_o for_o all_o mankind_n have_v account_v it_o a_o act_n of_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o injustice_n in_o it_o to_o remit_v injury_n and_o offence_n without_o exact_v any_o punishment_n that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v just_o that_o he_o be_v cruel_a and_o savage_a who_o will_v remit_v no_o offence_n till_o he_o have_v satisfy_v his_o revenge_n the_o reader_n who_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n or_o degree_n acquaint_v with_o these_o thing_n know_v full_a well_o what_o be_v intend_v by_o that_o which_o i_o have_v assert_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n and_o ruler_n of_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o rectitude_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o government_n to_o pass_v by_o sin_n absolute_o or_o to_o pardon_v it_o without_o satisfaction_n propitiation_n or_o atonement_n this_o i_o say_v be_v make_v evident_a in_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o christ_n wherein_o god_n make_v all_o our_o iniquity_n to_o meet_v upon_o he_o and_o spare_v he_o not_o that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o grace_n this_o be_v here_o now_o call_v out_o by_o our_o author_n as_o a_o very_a dangerous_a or_o foolish_a passage_n in_o my_o discourse_n which_o he_o think_v he_o may_v high_o advantage_v his_o reputation_n by_o reflect_v upon_o but_o as_o the_o orator_n say_v to_o his_o adversary_n equidem_fw-la uchementer_fw-la laetor_fw-la eum_fw-la esse_fw-la i_o in_o quem_fw-la tu_fw-la cumcuperes_fw-la nullam_fw-la contumeliam_fw-la jacere_fw-la potueris_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la ad_fw-la maximam_fw-la partem_fw-la civium_fw-la conveniret_fw-la so_o it_o be_v here_o fall_v out_o if_o this_o man_n know_v not_o that_o this_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n of_o europe_n upon_o the_o matter_n of_o all_o who_o have_v engage_v with_o any_o success_n against_o the_o socinian_o one_o or_o two_o only_o except_v i_o can_v pity_v he_o but_o not_o relieve_v he_o in_o his_o unhappiness_n unless_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o take_v more_o pain_n in_o read_v good_a book_n than_o as_o yet_o he_o appear_v to_o have_v do_v but_o for_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o his_o reflection_n upon_o it_o i_o shall_v observe_v yet_o some_o few_o thing_n and_o so_o pass_v on_o as_o first_o the_o opposition_n that_o he_o make_v unto_o my_o position_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o crude_a assertion_n of_o one_o of_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o absurd_a sophism_n which_o the_o socinian_o use_v in_o this_o cause_n namely_o that_o every_o one_o may_v remit_v injury_n and_o offence_n as_o he_o please_v without_o exact_v any_o punishment_n which_o as_o it_o be_v true_a in_o most_o case_n of_o injury_n and_o offence_n against_o private_a person_n wherein_o no_o other_o be_v concern_v but_o themselves_o nor_o be_v they_o oblige_v by_o any_o law_n of_o the_o community_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o right_n so_o with_o respect_n unto_o public_a ruler_n of_o the_o community_n &_o unto_o such_o injury_n and_o offence_n as_o be_v do_v against_o supreme_a rule_n tend_v direct_o unto_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o society_n centre_v in_o it_o to_o suppose_v that_o such_o ruler_n
surmise_v that_o the_o act_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n with_o respect_n unto_o the_o end_n and_o mean_n be_v so_o real_o distinct_a as_o the_o one_o to_o have_v a_o priority_n in_o time_n before_o the_o other_o alas_o that_o man_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o publish_v such_o slight_a &_o crude_a imagination_n again_o the_o scripture_n which_o so_o often_o express_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o his_o mediation_n thereon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n as_o that_o wherein_o the_o store_n riches_n and_o treasure_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v forth_o do_v no_o where_o so_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o comparison_n with_o other_o mean_v not_o so_o suit_v unto_o the_o same_o end_n but_o absolute_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n unless_o iâ—_n be_v when_o it_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o typical_a institution_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o resemble_v it_o some_o do_v rest_n in_o and_o last_o whereas_o there_o be_v but_o this_o one_o way_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o holiness_n as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lawgiver_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o whereas_o this_o one_o way_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o pervious_a unto_o any_o create_a understanding_n angelical_a or_o humane_a nor_o can_v the_o least_o of_o it_o concern_v have_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o any_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v shall_v they_o ever_o know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o find_v it_o out_o unto_o perfection_n but_o it_o will_v be_v leave_v the_o object_n of_o their_o admiration_n unto_o eternity_n if_o this_o author_n can_v see_v no_o wisdom_n or_o no_o great_a wisdom_n in_o the_o find_n out_o and_o appoint_v of_o this_o way_n who_o can_v help_v it_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v more_o diligent_o attend_v unto_o their_o teach_n who_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v he_o better_o and_o from_o who_o as_o have_v no_o prejudice_n against_o they_o he_o may_v be_v willing_a to_o learn_v but_o this_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o what_o this_o worthy_a censurer_n of_o theological_a discourse_n rebuke_n and_o correct_v for_o whereas_o i_o have_v say_v that_o we_o may_v learn_v our_o disability_n to_o answer_v the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o all_o or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o obedience_n he_o require_v that_o be_v without_o christ_n or_o out_o of_o he_o he_o add_v that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a but_o we_o must_v be_v act_v like_o machine_n by_o a_o external_n force_n by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o the_o grace_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v a_o new_a discovery_n we_o learn_v no_o such_o thing_n from_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o a_o acquaintance_n with_o christ._n but_o if_o he_o intend_v what_o he_o speak_v we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a but_o must_v be_v act_v like_o machine_n by_o a_o external_n force_n and_o charge_v this_o on_o i_o it_o be_v a_o false_a accusation_n proceed_v from_o malice_n or_o ignorance_n or_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o we_o can_v of_o ourselves_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v spiritual_o good_a and_o acceptable_a before_o god_n without_o the_o efficacious_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o which_o i_o only_o deny_v he_o be_v a_o pelagian_a and_o stand_v anathematise_v by_o many_o council_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n and_o for_o what_o be_v my_o judgement_n about_o the_o impotency_n that_o be_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n unto_o any_o spiritual_a good_a the_o necessity_n of_o the_o effectual_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o and_o to_o our_o conversion_n with_o his_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o actual_a grace_n in_o our_o whole_a course_n of_o obedience_n which_o be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o of_o the_o ancient_a church_n the_o most_o learned_a father_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o in_o former_a day_n i_o have_v now_o sufficient_o declare_v and_o confirm_v it_o in_o another_o discourse_n whither_o this_o author_n be_v remit_v either_o to_o learn_v to_o speak_v honest_o of_o what_o he_o oppose_v or_o to_o understand_v it_o better_o or_o to_o answer_v it_o if_o he_o can_v he_o add_v but_o still_o there_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a discovery_n than_o this_o behind_o and_o that_o be_v the_o glorious_a end_n whereunto_o sin_n be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o god_n be_v discover_v in_o christ_n viz._n for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n in_o measure_v out_o to_o it_o a_o meet_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o for_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n s_o glorious_a grace_n in_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v how_o just_a and_o severe_a god_n be_v but_o by_o punish_v sin_n nor_o how_o good_a and_o gracious_a god_n be_v but_o by_o pardon_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o lest_o his_o justice_n and_o mercy_n shall_v never_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n he_o appoint_v and_o ordain_v sin_n to_o this_o end_n that_o be_v decree_v that_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v make_v some_o of_o they_o the_o vessel_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o the_o example_n of_o his_o fierce_a vengeance_n and_o displeasure_n and_o other_o the_o vessel_n of_o his_o mercy_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o free_a grace_n in_o christ._n this_o indeed_o be_v such_o a_o discovery_n as_o nature_n and_o revelation_n can_v not_o make_v pag._n 51._o which_o in_o the_o next_o page_n he_o call_v god_n truckling_n and_o barter_v with_o sin_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o his_o glory_n although_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o word_n here_o report_v as_o i_o which_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o fair_a defence_n see_v it_o be_v express_o affirm_v that_o god_n set_v forth_o his_o son_n to_o be_v a_o propitiation_n to_o declare_v his_o righteousness_n yet_o i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o turn_v unto_o the_o passage_n itself_o in_o my_o discourse_n which_o i_o have_v not_o do_v before_o on_o any_o occasion_n as_o not_o suppose_v that_o he_o will_v falsify_v my_o word_n with_o who_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o pervert_v my_o meaning_n at_o any_o time_n and_o to_o reproach_v what_o he_o can_v not_o confute_v but_o that_o i_o may_v give_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o this_o man_n honesty_n and_o ingenuity_n i_o shall_v transcribe_v the_o passage_n which_o he_o except_v against_o because_o i_o confess_v it_o give_v i_o some_o surprisal_n upon_o its_o first_o perusal_n my_o word_n be_v these_o there_o be_v a_o glorious_a end_n whereunto_o sin_n be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v discover_v in_o christ_n that_o other_o be_v unacquainted_a withal_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v mere_o to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o god_n the_o debasement_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o creature_n in_o who_o it_o be_v hell_n itself_o be_v but_o the_o fill_n of_o wretched_a creature_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o device_n the_o commination_n and_o threat_n of_o god_n in_o the_o law_n do_v manifest_a one_o other_o end_n of_o it_o even_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o vindictive_a justice_n of_o god_n in_o measure_v out_o unto_o it_o a_o meet_a recompense_n of_o reward_n but_o here_o the_o law_n stay_v and_o with_o it_o all_o other_o light_n and_o discover_v no_o other_o use_n or_o end_v of_o it_o at_o all_o in_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o another_o and_o more_o glorious_a end_n to_o wit_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n glorious_a grace_n in_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o god_n have_v take_v order_n in_o christ_n that_o that_o thing_n which_o tend_v mere_o to_o his_o dishonour_n shall_v be_v manage_v to_o his_o infinite_a glory_n and_o that_o which_o of_o all_o thing_n he_o desire_v to_o exalt_v even_o that_o he_o may_v be_v know_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o god_n pardon_v iniquity_n transgression_n and_o sin_n such_o be_v my_o ignorance_n that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o christian_n unless_o he_o be_v a_o profess_a socinian_n will_v ever_o have_v make_v exception_n against_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o discourse_n the_o whole_a of_o it_o be_v open_o proclaim_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o confirm_v in_o the_o particular_n by_o sundry_a text_n of_o scripture_n quote_v in_o the_o margin_n of_o my_o book_n which_o this_o man_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o for_o the_o advantage_n he_o will_v make_v from_o the_o expression_n about_o the_o end_n whereunto_o sin_n be_v appoint_v and_o ordain_v it_o be_v childish_a
already_o that_o i_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o nor_o any_o of_o his_o companion_n to_o learn_v to_o express_v myself_o in_o these_o thing_n and_o moreover_o that_o i_o despise_v their_o censure_n the_o discourse_n he_o be_v carp_n at_o in_o particular_a in_o this_o place_n be_v neither_o doctrinal_a nor_o argumentative_a but_o consist_v in_o the_o application_n of_o truth_n before_o prove_v unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o as_o i_o say_v i_o will_v not_o come_v to_o he_o nor_o his_o fraternity_n to_o learn_v how_o to_o manage_v such_o a_o subject_n much_o less_o a_o logical_a and_o argumentative_a way_n of_o reason_v nor_o have_v any_o inducement_n thereunto_o from_o any_o thing_n that_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v see_v in_o their_o write_n it_o also_o trouble_v he_o pag._n 208._o that_o whereas_o i_o know_v how_o unsuited_a the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a of_o our_o expression_n be_v unto_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o be_v of_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o what_o need_v we_o have_v to_o make_v use_n of_o allusion_n and_o sometime_o less_o proper_a expression_n to_o convey_v a_o sense_n of_o they_o unto_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n i_o have_v once_o or_o twice_o use_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v which_o yet_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v use_v in_o other_o good_a author_n treat_v of_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n he_o know_v i_o can_v take_v protection_n against_o his_o severity_n under_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n use_v word_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n upon_o a_o alike_a occasion_n heb._n 7._o but_o at_o length_n he_o intend_v to_o be_v serious_a and_o from_o those_o word_n of_o i_o here_o be_v mercy_n enough_o for_o the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n he_o add_v enough_o in_o all_o reason_n this_o what_o a_o comfort_n be_v it_o to_o sinner_n to_o have_v such_o a_o god_n for_o their_o saviour_n who_o grace_n be_v boundless_a and_o bottomless_a and_o exceed_v the_o large_a dimension_n of_o their_o sin_n though_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o but_o what_o now_o if_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o have_v not_o such_o a_o endless_a boundless_a bottomless_a grace_n and_o compassion_n as_o the_o doctor_n now_o talk_v of_o for_o at_o other_o time_n when_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n better_o we_o can_v hear_v nothing_o from_o he_o but_o the_o naturalness_n of_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n though_o god_n be_v rich_a in_o mercy_n he_o never_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v so_o boundless_a and_o bottomless_a he_o have_v give_v a_o great_a many_o demonstration_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o anger_n against_o sinner_n who_o can_v not_o be_v much_o worse_a than_o the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o stubborn_a transgressor_n let_v the_o reader_n take_v notice_n that_o i_o propose_v no_o grace_n in_o christ_n unto_o or_o for_o such_o sinner_n but_o only_o that_o which_o may_v invite_v all_o sort_n of_o they_o though_o under_o the_o most_o discourage_a qualification_n to_o come_v unto_o he_o for_o grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o on_o supposition_n that_o this_o be_v my_o sense_n as_o he_o can_v deny_v it_o to_o be_v i_o add_v only_o in_o answer_n that_o this_o his_o profane_a scoff_v at_o it_o be_v that_o which_o reflect_v on_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n and_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o word_n which_o must_v be_v account_v for_o see_v isa._n 55.7_o 2_o dly_z for_o the_o opposition_n which_o he_o childish_o frame_v between_o god_n vindictive_a justice_n and_o his_o mercy_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v answer_v already_o 3_o dly_z it_o be_v false_a that_o god_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o grace_n be_v boundless_a and_o bottomless_a in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o i_o use_v those_o word_n sufficient_a to_o pardon_v the_o great_a the_o old_a the_o stubborn_a of_o sinner_n namely_o that_o turn_v unto_o he_o by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o he_o who_o know_v not_o how_o this_o consist_v with_o severity_n and_o anger_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n be_v yet_o to_o learn_v his_o catechism_n but_o yet_o he_o add_v further_a pag._n 208_o 209._o suppose_v the_o divine_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o bottomless_a fountain_n of_o grace_n how_o come_v this_o to_o be_v a_o personal_a grace_n of_o the_o mediator_n for_o a_o mediator_n as_o mediator_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o fountain_n but_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o grace_n god_n the_o father_n certain_o aught_o to_o come_v in_o for_o a_o share_n at_o least_o in_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n though_o the_o doctor_n be_v please_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o he_o but_o how_o excellent_a be_v the_o grace_n of_o christ_n person_n above_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o that_o be_v a_o bound_a and_o limit_a thing_n a_o straight_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n that_o lead_v unto_o life_n there_o be_v no_o such_o boundless_a mercy_n as_o all_o the_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v equal_v its_o dimension_n as_o will_v save_v the_o great_a the_o old_a and_o the_o stubborn_a transgressor_n i_o beg_v the_o reader_n to_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o now_o so_o utter_o weary_a with_o the_o repetition_n of_o these_o impertinency_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o fill_v my_o pen_n once_o more_o with_o ink_n about_o they_o and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n now_o to_o go_v on_o but_o only_o that_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o on_o all_o account_n i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a as_o possible_a i_o say_v then_o first_o i_o do_v not_o consider_v this_o boundless_a grace_n in_o christ_n as_o mediator_n but_o consider_v it_o as_o in_o he_o who_o be_v mediator_n and_o so_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o all_o its_o property_n be_v great_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o he_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o 2_o dly_a it_o be_v untrue_a that_o christ_n as_o mediator_n be_v only_o the_o minister_n of_o grace_n and_o not_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o for_o he_o be_v mediator_n as_o god_n and_o man_n in_o one_o person_n 3_o dly_z to_o suppose_v a_o exemption_n of_o the_o person_n of_o the_o father_n from_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n absolute_o in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o divine_a subsistence_n of_o the_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o their_o operation_n suit_v thereunto_o upon_o the_o ascription_n of_o it_o unto_o the_o son_n be_v a_o fond_a imagination_n which_o can_v befall_v no_o man_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n it_o do_v as_o well_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o son_n create_v the_o world_n the_o father_n do_v not_o if_o the_o son_n uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n the_o father_n do_v not_o that_o be_v that_o the_o son_n be_v not_o in_o the_o father_n nor_o the_o father_n in_o the_o son_n the_o act_n indeed_o of_o christ_n mediation_n respect_v the_o ministration_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o procure_n and_o communicate_v cause_n thereof_o but_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n the_o mediator_n be_v the_o fountain_n of_o grace_n so_o they_o think_v who_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o only_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n but_o the_o especial_a relation_n of_o grace_n unto_o the_o father_n as_o send_v the_o son_n unto_o the_o son_n as_o send_v by_o he_o and_o incarnate_a and_o unto_o the_o holy_a spirit_n as_o proceed_n from_o and_o send_v by_o they_o both_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o full_o declare_v and_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n which_o indeed_o will_v scarce_o give_v admittance_n unto_o any_o thing_n of_o so_o serious_a a_o nature_n again_o insist_v thereon_o 4_o thly_a the_o opposition_n which_o he_o will_v again_o set_v between_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v impious_a in_o itself_o and_o if_o he_o think_v to_o charge_v it_o on_o i_o open_o false_a i_o challenge_v he_o and_o all_o his_o complice_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o word_n out_o of_o any_o write_n of_o i_o that_o from_o a_o plea_n or_o pretence_n of_o grace_n in_o christ_n shall_v give_v countenance_n unto_o any_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o least_o precept_n give_v or_o duty_n require_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v or_o teach_v concern_v the_o boundless_a bottomless_a grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o christ_n towards_o believe_v humble_a penitent_a sinner_n i_o do_v believe_v the_o way_n of_o gospel_n obedience_n indispensible_o require_v to_o be_v walk_v in_o by_o all_o that_o will_v come_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o narrow_a that_o no_o reviler_n nor_o false_a accuser_n nor_o scoffer_n nor_o despiser_n of_o gospel_n mystery_n continue_v so_o to_o be_v can_v walk_v
so_o unchangeable_a and_o fruitful_a as_o this_o author_n persuade_v we_o it_o be_v now_o for_o if_o this_o love_n have_v always_o love_v life_n and_o and_o holiness_n into_o we_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o shall_v sin_v and_o die_v it_o be_v well_o if_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o aim_v at_o in_o these_o word_n i_o be_o sure_a what_o he_o say_v do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o impeach_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o design_n to_o oppose_v the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o in_o the_o scripture_n propose_v unto_o we_o as_o the_o object_n of_o and_o encouragement_n unto_o our_o faith_n and_o his_o love_n in_o particular_a be_v therein_o represent_v unchangeable_a because_o he_o himself_o be_v so_o but_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n love_v any_o one_o natural_o or_o necessary_o his_o love_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v like_o himself_o such_o as_o become_v his_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o determine_v on_o any_o object_n nor_o limit_v as_o unto_o the_o nature_n degree_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o love_v who_o he_o please_v and_o as_o unto_o what_o end_v he_o please_v jacob_n he_o love_v and_o esau_n he_o hate_v and_o those_o effect_n which_o from_o his_o love_n or_o out_o of_o it_o he_o will_v communicate_v unto_o they_o be_v various_a according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o will._n some_o he_o love_v only_o as_o to_o temporal_a and_o common_a mercy_n some_o as_o to_o spiritual_a grace_n and_o glory_n for_o he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n wherefore_o it_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a unto_o and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o eternity_n the_o immutability_n and_o fruitfulness_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o he_o suffer_v sin_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o do_v dispense_v more_o grace_n in_o jesus_n christ_n under_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o he_o do_v under_o the_o old_a god_n be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o he_o be_v love_n in_o god_n be_v always_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o object_n act_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n with_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o they_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o council_n or_o free_a purpose_n of_o his_o will._n want_n of_o the_o understanding_n hereof_o make_v this_o man_n imagine_v that_o if_o god_n love_n in_o christ_n wherewith_o he_o love_v we_o be_v eternal_a and_o fruitful_a then_o must_v god_n necessary_o always_o in_o or_o out_o of_o christ_n under_o the_o old_a or_o new_a covenant_n love_v all_o person_n elect_a or_o not_o elect_a with_o the_o same_o love_n as_o to_o the_o effect_n and_o fruit_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o wondrous_a profound_a apprehension_n the_o reader_n therefore_o if_o he_o please_v may_v take_v notice_n that_o the_o love_n which_o i_o intend_v and_o whereunto_o i_o ascribe_v those_o property_n be_v the_o especial_a love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n unto_o the_o elect._n concern_v this_o himself_o say_v that_o he_o love_v they_o with_o a_o everlasting_a love_n and_o therefore_o draw_v they_o with_o love_a kindness_n jerem._n 31.3_o which_o love_n i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o say_v be_v eternal_a and_o fruitful_a and_o hence_o as_o he_o change_v not_o whereon_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v mal._n 3.6_o there_o be_v with_o he_o neither_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v jam._n 1.17_o so_o according_o he_o have_v in_o this_o matter_n by_o his_o promise_n and_o oath_n declare_v the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n heb._n 6.17_o 18._o which_o seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o his_o love_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o whereas_o this_o eternal_a love_n be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o make_v it_o certain_a in_o all_o its_o effect_n and_o with_o respect_n unto_o its_o whole_a design_n it_o be_v fruitful_a in_o all_o grace_n and_o glory_n ephes._n 1.3_o 4_o 5._o and_o if_o he_o can_v understand_v how_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o sin_z so_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n under_o the_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o the_o first_o covenant_n as_o to_o defeat_v in_o we_o all_o the_o benefit_n thereof_o at_o present_a i_o can_v help_v he_o for_o as_o i_o be_o sure_a enough_o he_o will_v scorn_v to_o learn_v any_o thing_n of_o i_o so_o i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n his_o own_o account_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n succeed_v pag._n 211._o not_o that_o i_o deny_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a unchangeable_n fruitful_a that_o be_v that_o god_n be_v always_o good_a and_o always_o continue_v good_a and_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o goodness_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o fruitfulness_n of_o it_o but_o then_o the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n love_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o be_v always_o determine_v to_o the_o same_o object_n but_o that_o he_o always_o love_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o be_v that_o he_o always_o love_v true_a virtue_n and_o goodness_n wherever_o he_o see_v it_o and_o never_o cease_v to_o love_v any_o person_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v good_a and_o then_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o love_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o love_v no_o long_o for_o shall_v he_o love_v a_o wicked_a man_n the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o his_o love_n will_v change_v and_o the_o fruitfulness_n of_o god_n love_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o produce_v what_o he_o love_v by_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irrisistble_a power_n for_o then_o sin_n and_o death_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n but_o he_o govern_v and_o do_v good_a to_o his_o creature_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n he_o govern_v reasonable_a creature_n by_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o do_v the_o material_a world_n by_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o matter_n and_o brute_n creature_n by_o the_o instinct_n and_o propensity_n of_o nature_n this_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o systeme_n of_o his_o divinity_n which_o how_o he_o will_v reconcile_v unto_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o her_o article_n she_o and_o he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v but_o whatever_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n always_o determine_v unto_o the_o same_o object_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o contradiction_n that_o person_n be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n eternal_a love_n as_o well_o as_o thing_n and_o qualification_n be_v of_o his_o approbation_n or_o that_o he_o love_v some_o person_n with_o a_o everlasting_a and_o unchangeable_a love_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v they_o from_o all_o ruine_v evil_n and_o so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v always_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o approve_v love_n unto_o his_o glory_n and_o whereas_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v debate_v and_o dispute_v on_o all_o hand_n with_o much_o learning_n and_o diligence_n our_o author_n be_v a_o very_a happy_a man_n if_o with_o a_o few_o such_o loose_a expression_n as_o these_o repeat_v he_o think_v to_o determine_v all_o the_o controversy_n about_o election_n and_o effectual_a grace_n with_o perseverance_n on_o the_o pelagian_a side_n the_o hypothesis_n here_o maintain_v that_o because_o god_n always_o and_o unchangeable_o approve_v of_o what_o be_v good_a in_o any_o or_o of_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o disapprove_v or_o hate_v sin_n condemn_v it_o in_o his_o law_n that_o therefore_o he_o may_v love_v the_o same_o person_n one_o day_n and_o hate_v he_o another_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretence_n that_o he_o be_v constant_a unto_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o love_n will_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o one_o of_o these_o conclusion_n either_o that_o god_n indeed_o never_o love_v any_o man_n be_v he_o who_o he_o will_v or_o that_o he_o be_v changeable_a in_o his_o love_n upon_o outward_a external_a reason_n as_o we_o be_v and_o let_v he_o choose_v which_o he_o will_v own_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n such_o a_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o believer_n as_o shall_v always_o effectual_o preserve_v they_o meet_v object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o approbation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v baffle_v by_o such_o trifle_a impertinency_n his_o next_o reflection_n be_v on_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n operation_n in_o the_o communication_n of_o grace_n and_o holiness_n which_o he_o say_v be_v not_o by_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o irresistible_a power_n confirm_v his_o assertion_n by_o that_o consideration_n that_o then_o sin_n and_o death_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n which_o be_v resolve_v into_o another_o sweet_a supposition_n that_o god_n must_v needs_o act_v the_o same_o power_n