upon_o the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n for_o if_o he_o do_v foreknow_v all_o that_o every_o creature_n will_v do_v though_o his_o benevolence_n do_v arise_v from_o their_o act_n yet_o it_o can_v not_o be_v from_o the_o singular_a act_n but_o from_o the_o prevalence_n be_v it_o then_o possible_a that_o from_o eternity_n he_o shall_v have_v goodwill_n and_o hatred_n to_o the_o same_o person_n much_o less_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v so_o many_o change_n of_o it_o if_o he_o do_v foreknow_v that_o after_o the_o attainment_n of_o grace_n that_o creature_n will_v final_o forsake_v he_o can_v it_o consist_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o love_n of_o benevolence_n to_o that_o creature_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v i_o be_o god_n and_o change_v not_o and_o therefore_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n be_v not_o consume_v and_o who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n which_o can_v only_o be_v understand_v of_o his_o love_n of_o benevolence_n not_o of_o his_o complacence_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v manifest_a because_o his_o benevolence_n be_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o any_o moral_a goodness_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o but_o his_o beneplacence_n presuppose_v goodness_n give_v by_o god_n to_o the_o creature_n this_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n be_v further_o illustrate_v by_o his_o omniscience_n for_o from_o eternity_n know_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o can_v no_o unexpected_a case_n arise_v that_o may_v give_v occasion_n to_o he_o to_o change_v and_o therefore_o this_o unchangeableness_n be_v a_o incommunicable_a perfection_n of_o god_n creature_n can_v not_o act_v suitable_o to_o their_o nature_n and_o to_o their_o duty_n if_o in_o many_o of_o their_o purpose_n they_o shall_v not_o change_v if_o matter_n of_o moment_n that_o they_o expect_v not_o shall_v occur_v their_o constancy_n reach_v no_o further_o than_o that_o upon_o small_a and_o light_a occasion_n which_o they_o may_v neglect_v or_o contemn_v they_o will_v not_o change_v their_o profess_a resolution_n in_o matter_n of_o moment_n the_o unchangeableness_n of_o god_n import_v not_o that_o he_o be_v inexorable_a and_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pray_v to_o he_o because_o he_o have_v from_o eternity_n immutable_o decree_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o too_o hard_a objection_n if_o god_n do_v not_o determine_v with_o foresight_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o fervent_a supplication_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o the_o object_n of_o his_o decree_n and_o not_o as_o the_o mere_a antecedent_n of_o it_o but_o see_v he_o do_v so_o decree_n we_o may_v with_o as_o good_a warrant_n and_o confidence_n supplicate_v as_o if_o he_o be_v undetermined_a when_o we_o pray_v whence_o only_o there_o can_v a_o rational_a account_n be_v give_v why_o we_o shall_v pray_v with_o divine_a approbation_n even_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o change_n of_o inscient_a nature_n as_o against_o drought_n barrenness_n inundation_n etc._n etc._n be_v we_o thereby_o allow_v to_o implore_v of_o god_n a_o miracle_n that_o by_o his_o omnipotence_n he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n no_o but_o because_o he_o have_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n upon_o his_o foresight_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o of_o the_o earnest_a desire_n and_o supplication_n of_o his_o creature_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v correspondent_a to_o their_o desire_n it_o do_v not_o import_v a_o changeableness_n in_o god_n that_o he_o do_v not_o inflict_v the_o judgement_n he_o denounce_v against_o sinner_n general_o or_o particular_o and_o when_o he_o say_v to_o adam_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n in_o the_o day_n thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o die_v or_o when_o isaiah_n from_o the_o lord_n say_v to_o hezekiah_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v and_o yet_o by_o the_o same_o prophet_n he_o say_v i_o have_v hear_v thy_o prayer_n i_o have_v see_v thy_o tear_n behold_v i_o will_v heal_v thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v go_v up_o to_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n on_o the_o three_o day_n and_o i_o will_v add_v unto_o thy_o day_n fifteen_o year_n and_o when_o by_o jonah_n he_o prophesy_v to_o the_o ninevite_n yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v overthrow_v which_o doubtless_o have_v be_v upon_o a_o particular_a atrocious_a sin_n for_o which_o they_o humble_v themselves_o with_o fast_v and_o mourn_v in_o sackcloth_n and_o though_o their_o mourn_a be_v not_o repentance_n unto_o eternal_a life_n yet_o thereupon_o god_n forgive_v their_o overthrow_n which_o he_o have_v threaten_v these_o and_o like_a place_n signify_v not_o god_n will_n which_o be_v never_o without_o effect_n but_o the_o sanction_n of_o his_o justice_n intimate_v what_o be_v deserve_v or_o to_o be_v observe_v as_o his_o pleasure_n i_o know_v some_o man_n have_v consider_v the_o intimation_n of_o hezekiah_n death_n and_o nineveh_n overthrow_n as_o prediction_n wherein_o not_o only_o the_o unchangeableness_n but_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v and_o there_o be_v a_o whole_a treatise_n write_v on_o that_o subject_a whether_o the_o term_n of_o life_n be_v determine_v and_o fix_v and_o different_a judgement_n thereon_o which_o i_o think_v strange_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v suppose_v undetermined_a by_o the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n to_o do_v or_o permit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v see_v it_o be_v express_o say_v know_v unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o addition_n to_o hezekiah_n life_n import_v no_o more_o than_o god_n not_o inflict_v his_o threaten_a judgement_n against_o hezekiah_n for_o his_o confidence_n in_o his_o own_o strength_n by_o his_o armour_n and_o treasury_n which_o he_o show_v to_o the_o messenger_n of_o babylon_n nor_o be_v it_o congruous_a to_o say_v that_o the_o prophet_n design_n be_v to_o show_v when_o hezekiah_n by_o the_o course_n of_o his_o nature_n will_v die_v for_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o threaten_n for_o his_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n which_o appear_v more_o after_o his_o recovery_n but_o it_o be_v lurk_v before_o for_o before_o his_o sickness_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v magnify_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o example_n where_o god_n do_v ever_o use_v such_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o threaten_v for_o sin_n neither_o do_v i_o like_o that_o interpretation_n of_o jonah_n denunciation_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o secret_a exception_n of_o repentance_n in_o the_o denunciation_n of_o all_o judgement_n which_o the_o ninevite_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n know_v see_v jonah_n do_v not_o know_v it_o but_o be_v angry_a that_o god_n spare_v nineveh_n lest_o he_o may_v be_v think_v a_o false_a prophet_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n denounce_v evil_a for_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o prediction_n but_o a_o threaten_v import_v no_o more_o but_o that_o it_o be_v just_a to_o be_v inflict_v if_o there_o be_v no_o redress_n meditation_n xii_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n i_o do_v conceive_v that_o the_o first_o divine_a perfection_n in_o the_o natural_a order_n arise_v from_o god_n unchangeableness_n godlikeness_n or_o holiness_n in_o relation_n to_o creature_n be_v his_o goodness_n for_o the_o act_n of_o his_o goodness_n behove_v to_o be_v before_o the_o act_n of_o his_o justice_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n all_o which_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o creature_n but_o the_o give_v or_o design_v to_o give_v they_o existence_n and_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o god_n give_v they_o be_v act_n of_o mere_a goodness_n which_o no_o meritmonger_n can_v pretend_v to_o arise_v from_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o the_o clear_a way_n to_o a_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n be_v to_o follow_v their_o natural_a order_n goodness_n be_v in_o ordinary_a use_n of_o very_o different_a signification_n sometime_o it_o comprehend_v all_o perfection_n natural_a and_o moral_a for_o all_o that_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o that_o be_v profitable_a and_o pleasant_a be_v comprehend_v in_o that_o kind_n of_o goodness_n to_o which_o all_o the_o act_n of_o reason_n be_v bound_v and_o it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o latitude_n of_o the_o large_a freedom_n to_o choose_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o in_o some_o of_o these_o way_n be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v good_a but_o goodness_n in_o this_o latitude_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o never_o act_v upon_o mere_a appearance_n but_o all_o his_o act_n towards_o creature_n be_v moral_o good_a even_o then_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v natural_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v say_v there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o
god_n pleasure_n neither_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n nor_o of_o his_o will_n but_o a_o distinct_a act_n result_v from_o his_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o in_o his_o divine_a perfection_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n and_o in_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o and_o see_v this_o knowledge_n be_v unchangeable_a so_o must_v his_o pleasure_n be_v and_o so_o must_v his_o will_v be_v of_o the_o continuance_n of_o that_o pleasure_n as_o it_o result_v from_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o which_o his_o pleasure_n differ_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o creature_n who_o can_v necessary_o have_v the_o object_n of_o pleasure_n his_o pleasure_n also_o be_v infinite_a and_o can_v be_v no_o great_a nor_o no_o less_o intensive_o though_o it_o may_v be_v extensive_o for_o he_o delight_v not_o only_o in_o the_o idea_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o they_o exist_v not_o but_o he_o do_v also_o delight_v in_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n when_o they_o do_v exist_v yet_o do_v no_o more_o full_o delight_n nor_o be_v more_o happy_a when_o they_o do_v exist_v than_o before_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o infinite_a pleasure_n thence_o result_v admit_v of_o no_o grief_n in_o which_o also_o his_o pleasure_n differ_v from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o creature_n and_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o understand_v expression_n ascribe_v grief_n to_o god_n than_o as_o we_o understand_v those_o which_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o face_n a_o heart_n eye_n or_o hand_n that_o be_v by_o resemblance_n or_o similitude_n yet_o it_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o say_v that_o god_n take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v no_o grief_n arise_v thence_o but_o displeasure_n and_o it_o be_v the_o divine_a prerogative_n that_o he_o do_v take_v pleasure_n in_o good_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v but_o have_v no_o grief_n or_o abatement_n of_o his_o pleasure_n when_o they_o be_v not_o whereof_o great_a soul_n have_v some_o shadow_n of_o resemblance_n they_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o all_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o be_v congruous_a to_o their_o principle_n inbred_a or_o infuse_v and_o yet_o have_v no_o grief_n for_o want_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o have_v more_o noble_a mind_n than_o the_o stoic_n who_o do_v endeavour_v to_o eradicate_v all_o pleasure_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v grieve_v by_o the_o want_v of_o they_o which_o be_v only_o fit_a for_o weak_a mind_n who_o find_v in_o themselves_o that_o effect_n i_o have_v great_a aversion_n from_o the_o thought_n that_o any_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v ineffectual_a which_o i_o can_v see_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o his_o command_n prohibition_n institution_n or_o law_n be_v act_n of_o his_o will_n but_o of_o his_o pleasure_n or_o acceptance_n which_o be_v his_o pleasure_n in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o he_o which_o he_o do_v not_o reject_v otherwise_o they_o can_v not_o be_v without_o effect_v the_o thing_n command_v or_o ordain_v but_o be_v act_n of_o his_o plasure_n they_o do_v oblige_v the_o creature_n to_o be_v obsequious_a and_o by_o the_o annex_v penalty_n and_o reward_n according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n they_o become_v divine_a law_n and_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o reward_v and_o punish_v justice_n whereby_o his_o will_n may_v be_v exercise_v about_o they_o to_o apply_v reward_n punishment_n or_o remission_n which_o be_v ever_o effectual_a though_o the_o will_n of_o creature_n be_v not_o productive_a of_o natural_a effect_n yet_o it_o be_v productive_a of_o moral_a effect_n not_o only_o by_o promise_n whence_o there_o arise_v a_o right_a or_o power_n of_o exaction_n but_o in_o dominion_n and_o property_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v transmit_v by_o the_o will_v alone_o but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n must_v have_v the_o intendéd_v effect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o god_n will_n but_o his_o pleasure_n that_o be_v imply_v in_o his_o command_n and_o law_n so_o that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o discrepancy_n between_o what_o be_v express_v and_o what_o be_v mean_v these_o thought_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o those_o two_o eminent_a place_n in_o scripture_n for_o i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n and_o again_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_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 turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n here_o be_v a_o command_n to_o turn_v express_o attribute_v to_o god_n pleasure_n not_o to_o his_o operant_a will_n which_o can_v not_o have_v fail_v in_o the_o effect_n to_o make_v they_o to_o turn_v but_o their_o turn_n and_o their_o live_n be_v both_o please_a and_o their_o not_o turn_v and_o die_v be_v also_o both_o displease_v unto_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n concern_v their_o turn_n or_o not_o turn_v but_o it_o may_v be_v more_o doubtful_a how_o god_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a or_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v by_o his_o will_n see_v it_o be_v the_o execution_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o not_o simple_o and_o in_o itself_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n that_o a_o just_a judge_n may_v at_o once_o not_o only_o have_v pleasure_n in_o but_o may_v will_v the_o death_n of_o a_o malefactor_n but_o will_v be_v very_o far_o from_o take_v pleasure_n in_o or_o willing_a his_o death_n if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o necessary_a act_n of_o justice_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a will_v have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o continuance_n of_o his_o life_n though_o it_o be_v say_v god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v the_o former_a text_n clear_v it_o to_o be_v only_a god_n approbative_a will_n or_o pleasure_n i_o be_o convince_v that_o it_o must_v be_v a_o dangerous_a error_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n will_v the_o death_n of_o his_o rational_a creature_n as_o be_v in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n prior_n to_o the_o permission_n of_o sin_n or_o that_o he_o have_v pleasure_n in_o it_o without_o consideration_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v no_o way_n reconcilable_a with_o these_o text_n for_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o creature_n as_o a_o act_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n or_o freedom_n if_o any_o can_v please_v themselves_o in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n they_o can_v reconcile_v yet_o that_o be_v no_o way_n consistent_a with_o the_o sincerity_n bounty_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o far_o from_o represent_v he_o as_o infinite_o amiable_a i_o think_v it_o far_o from_o give_v satisfaction_n or_o from_o make_v a_o difficult_a objection_n from_o that_o metaphysical_a maxim_n that_o which_o be_v last_o in_o execution_n be_v first_o in_o intention_n which_o be_v very_o improper_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n who_o intention_n be_v all_o together_o and_o have_v its_o exception_n even_o as_o to_o creature_n for_o a_o lawgiver_n do_v not_o first_o intend_v the_o death_n of_o his_o subject_n by_o a_o capital_a law_n neither_o at_o all_o intend_v their_o death_n simple_o nor_o can_v he_o so_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o tyrant_n and_o yet_o be_v please_v in_o the_o execution_n after_o the_o capital_a crime_n deserve_v it_o but_o the_o bless_a and_o benign_a god_n do_v never_o intend_v the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_o and_o simple_o for_o his_o last_o end_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n whereunto_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o creature_n be_v no_o mean_a but_o his_o act_n of_o justice_n upon_o the_o sin_v creature_n neither_o be_v sin_n will_v or_o intend_v by_o god_n who_o exercise_v no_o other_o act_n in_o it_o but_o permission_n which_o be_v immanent_a have_v no_o positive_a extrinsic_a effect_n but_o restraint_n and_o overrule_a of_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o do_v holy_a act_n for_o his_o glory_n so_o that_o all_o the_o joint_n of_o that_o objection_n be_v enervate_v there_o be_v another_o eminent_a difference_n between_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o our_o will_n we_o do_v ofttimes_o wish_v that_o which_o be_v impossible_a as_o that_o that_o which_o be_v pass_v be_v recall_v or_o that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v all_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o also_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o blessedness_n there_o be_v proper_o no_o wish_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n for_o though_o sometime_o he_o do_v express_v himself_o as_o wish_v or_o wonder_v that_o
have_v promise_v he_o be_v not_o indifferent_a as_o to_o performance_n the_o performance_n of_o god_n promise_n be_v attribute_v ofttimes_o to_o his_o faithfulness_n or_o to_o his_o bounty_n but_o to_o speak_v accurate_o it_o be_v only_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o his_o justice_n for_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n be_v faithful_a who_o have_v promise_v where_o both_o faithfulness_n and_o a_o promise_n be_v join_v so_o god_n may_v promise_v that_o which_o his_o justice_n will_v require_v without_o a_o promise_n as_o he_o do_v also_o to_o confirm_v man_n not_o only_o promise_v but_o sometime_o swear_v to_o perform_v commutative_a justice_n be_v not_o competent_a to_o god_n for_o who_o have_v give_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v repay_v yet_o such_o be_v his_o gracious_a condescension_n to_o man_n that_o he_o have_v frequent_o enter_v with_o they_o in_o covenant_n the_o most_o excellent_a of_o which_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o yet_o can_v be_v call_v commutative_a as_o if_o god_n part_n and_o man_n part_n be_v the_o mutual_a cause_n every_o convert_a man_n enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o his_o consent_n to_o god_n offer_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o free_a grant_n require_v acceptance_n when_o by_o way_n of_o offer_n in_o which_o it_o differ_v from_o a_o absolute_a gift_n which_o be_v effectual_a if_o it_o be_v not_o reject_v but_o man_n acceptance_n or_o consent_n be_v also_o by_o the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v divide_v into_o premiative_a and_o punitive_a justice_n both_o be_v exact_o proportion_v to_o the_o occasion_n to_o which_o god_n holiness_n direct_v itself_o which_o be_v call_v the_o deserve_n or_o meritorious_a cause_n no_o other_o way_n than_o as_o a_o occasion_n come_v in_o among_o cause_n when_o a_o merciful_a man_n see_v a_o miserable_a lie_n have_v compassion_n and_o help_v he_o can_v this_o miser_n boast_v that_o his_o misery_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o mercy_n no_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o the_o man_n mercifulness_n be_v the_o cause_n so_o it_o be_v in_o god_n justice_n though_o mankind_n be_v like_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n devour_v each_o other_o it_o can_v not_o reach_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o congruity_n of_o his_o glorious_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o he_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o evil._n all_o christian_n agree_v that_o god_n punitive_a justice_n be_v adjust_v to_o desert_n or_o merit_n but_o some_o have_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o claim_v eternal_a happiness_n by_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v just_a if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v it_o not_o by_o his_o promise_n nor_o for_o christ_n merit_n alone_o as_o only_o take_v away_o punishment_n but_o they_o think_v the_o reward_n be_v from_o their_o own_o merit_n other_o have_v so_o much_o abhor_v this_o that_o they_o have_v run_v to_o the_o other_o extreme_a hold_v that_o all_o reward_n be_v absolute_o free_a without_o any_o thing_n of_o justice_n so_o that_o god_n shall_v only_o have_v punitive_a and_o not_o premiative_a justice_n as_o man_n condition_n now_o stand_v after_o the_o fall_n and_o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o fall_v he_o have_v by_o his_o merit_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o heavenly_a estate_n not_o by_o god_n promise_n or_o by_o his_o bounty_n but_o by_o his_o premiative_a justice_n but_o that_o now_o man_n have_v fall_v nothing_o belong_v to_o he_o by_o the_o premiative_a justice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a authority_n of_o learned_a man_n on_o all_o hand_n in_o this_o matter_n but_o when_o i_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n he_o have_v give_v i_o i_o can_v assent_v to_o either_o of_o these_o extreme_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o god_n have_v with_o so_o strong_a a_o asseveration_n declare_v very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a to_o who_o he_o faith_n also_o that_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o give_v tribulation_n to_o they_o that_o trouble_v you_o and_o to_o give_v to_o you_o that_o be_v trouble_v peace_n with_o we_o and_o that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v their_o labour_n of_o love_n yet_o these_o righteous_a be_v not_o innocent_n i_o be_o not_o move_v with_o that_o argument_n that_o all_o sinful_a man_n even_o when_o regenerate_v do_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n though_o for_o christ_n sake_n it_o be_v forgive_v and_o therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v do_v can_v deserve_v good_a from_o god_n they_o forfeit_v that_o by_o their_o deserve_a death_n for_o one_o may_v as_o well_o withhold_v from_o a_o enemy_n that_o which_o be_v due_a as_o take_v from_o he_o that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o but_o when_o i_o consider_v that_o christ_n have_v by_o his_o merit_n through_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n procure_v a_o full_a pardon_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o regenerate_v through_o repentance_n and_o faith_n both_o the_o similitude_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o fail_v for_o he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o enmity_n and_o have_v make_v reconciliation_n whereby_o the_o justify_v become_v not_o only_a servant_n but_o son_n heir_n and_o coheir_n with_o christ_n of_o glory_n i_o be_o far_o from_o fancy_v that_o any_o mere_a creature_n do_v or_o can_v deserve_v the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n no_o not_o adam_n though_o he_o have_v continue_v innocent_a nor_o the_o most_o glorious_a seraphim_n the_o angel_n be_v create_v in_o the_o state_n of_o celestial_a glory_n which_o be_v by_o god_n free_a bounty_n they_o can_v pretend_v no_o merit_n for_o deserve_v that_o glory_n that_o they_o have_v at_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o their_o be_v nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o their_o consirmation_n and_o assurance_n be_v a_o act_n grant_v by_o god_n of_o reward_v justice_n but_o of_o free_a bounty_n it_o be_v so_o high_a a_o advancement_n from_o a_o fallible_a to_o a_o infallible_a state_n which_o the_o best_a of_o their_o service_n can_v not_o deserve_v it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dependence_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o his_o dominion_n and_o government_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o righteous_a law_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v in_o a_o labile_fw-la estate_n and_o even_o in_o that_o estate_n god_n do_v reward_v the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a capacity_n by_o add_v far_a degree_n to_o they_o of_o their_o love_n to_o he_o and_o joy_n in_o he_o which_o crown_v their_o happiness_n but_o his_o promise_n or_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o purpose_n that_o if_o during_o their_o trial_n they_o be_v faithful_a in_o that_o fallible_a estate_n he_o will_v never_o suffer_v they_o to_o fall_v i_o do_v not_o doubt_v that_o they_o acknowledge_v it_o as_o his_o free_a bounty_n and_o even_o in_o that_o confirm_a estate_n their_o perfection_n can_v never_o be_v so_o great_a but_o they_o can_v be_v increase_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v still_o place_n for_o god_n premiative_a justice_n if_o then_o the_o angel_n have_v the_o celestial_a glory_n without_o merit_n by_o mere_a bounty_n and_o yet_o god_n by_o his_o premiative_a justice_n be_v still_o add_v to_o their_o perfection_n which_o be_v clear_o reveal_v by_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o evil_a angel_n and_o that_o these_o that_o stand_v be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o elect_a angel_n whence_o all_o i_o have_v say_v will_v follow_v can_v man_n though_o innocent_a pretend_v by_o merit_n and_o justice_n to_o arrogate_v more_o to_o himself_o than_o the_o angel_n he_o be_v create_v innocent_a able_a to_o have_v so_o continue_v but_o in_o all_o perfection_n far_o inferior_a to_o the_o angel_n in_o his_o fallible_a estate_n he_o be_v capable_a of_o god_n reward_v justice_n as_o be_v the_o angel_n in_o the_o like_a estate_n before_o confirmation_n but_o can_v he_o have_v deserve_v confirmation_n and_o exaltation_n from_o a_o animal_n to_o a_o angelical_a from_o a_o earthly_a to_o a_o heavenly_a state_n at_o man_n creation_n god_n have_v promise_v he_o immortality_n not_o by_o his_o nature_n for_o his_o body_n be_v fragile_a and_o may_v by_o second_o cause_n have_v be_v render_v unserviceable_a to_o his_o soul_n but_o only_o by_o god_n providence_n he_o behove_v to_o eat_v drink_v sleep_n roast_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o his_o child_n so_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v need_v not_o his_o care_n and_o trouble_v though_o they_o have_v be_v as_o perfect_a as_o christ_n in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o
of_o child_n from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n yet_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v one_o for_o all_o the_o son_n have_v covenant_v from_o eternity_n for_o all_o the_o elect_n to_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n by_o regeneration_n exert_v according_a to_o their_o capacity_n by_o actual_a believe_v of_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a so_o to_o act_v which_o also_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o save_v by_o any_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a in_o itself_o but_o by_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n the_o three_o point_n propose_v be_v what_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o which_o man_n enter_v into_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o which_o be_v their_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n many_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o covenant_a person_n that_o christ_n die_v for_o he_o whereby_o it_o must_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o i_o see_v not_o how_o that_o can_v hold_v for_o covenant_v must_v be_v by_o a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n promise_v or_o otherwise_o perform_v the_o covenanter_n part_n which_o be_v oftentimes_o in_o the_o one_o party_n no_o more_o than_o a_o acceptance_n as_o in_o a_o trust_n or_o commission_n the_o one_o party_n give_v the_o trust_n or_o commission_n which_o do_v make_v no_o covenant_n but_o a_o offer_n but_o when_o the_o other_o party_n accept_v than_o the_o contract_n be_v complete_a and_o the_o accepter_n be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o follow_v the_o trust_n and_o commission_n and_o make_v a_o account_n and_o the_o giver_n be_v oblige_v to_o refund_v the_o expense_n albeit_o contract_v be_v by_o mutual_a consent_n and_o that_o consent_n signify_v to_o have_v the_o same_o thought_n yet_o agreement_n in_o one_o mind_n make_v no_o more_o a_o covenant_n than_o when_o two_o be_v of_o one_o opinion_n in_o contemplation_n but_o a_o covenant_n be_v ever_o somewhat_o practicable_a and_o therefore_o though_o act_n of_o understanding_n precede_v the_o covenant_n itself_o be_v by_o act_n of_o the_o will._n the_o description_n of_o save_a faith_n by_o persuasion_n be_v but_o by_o a_o consequent_a which_o ought_v to_o be_v endeavour_v by_o all_o yet_o be_v not_o attain_v by_o all_o for_o many_o be_v in_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o come_v not_o the_o length_n of_o persuasion_n that_o christ_n die_v effectual_o for_o they_o and_o that_o thereby_o they_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o though_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n die_v for_o all_o and_o every_o man_n that_o will_v import_v nothing_o to_o save_v faith_n for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o evident_a that_o the_o effect_v of_o christ_n death_n for_o all_o man_n be_v not_o the_o same_o see_v so_o many_o trample_n under_o foot_n the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o so_o few_o be_v save_v therefore_o no_o man_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n die_v effectual_o for_o he_o or_o with_o intention_n to_o make_v he_o holy_a and_o happy_a or_o any_o further_a than_o to_o put_v he_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v holy_a and_o happy_a if_o he_o himself_o do_v not_o hinder_v it_o therefore_o though_o believe_v in_o christ_n be_v not_o only_o propose_v to_o all_o but_o impose_v on_o all_o as_o a_o duty_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o duty_n in_o the_o order_n god_n have_v impose_v it_o to_o wit_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v consider_v their_o sinful_a natural_a estate_n and_o that_o the_o just_a reward_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v eternal_a death_n without_o repentance_n which_o none_o can_v escape_v who_o cleave_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n and_o hate_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v willing_a and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v reform_v and_o use_v the_o mean_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n and_o shall_v throw_v themselves_o upon_o god_n mercy_n through_o christ_n merit_n if_o thereby_o they_o find_v that_o the_o delight_v in_o sin_n in_o those_o kind_n especial_o which_o do_v most_o easy_o beset_v they_o do_v cease_v and_o that_o the_o love_n to_o and_o delight_n in_o god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n take_v place_n but_o to_o think_v to_o reach_v the_o high_a step_n of_o the_o scale_n per_fw-la saltum_fw-la be_v altogether_o without_o warrant_n unless_o it_o be_v extraordinary_a as_o in_o paul_n conversion_n paul_n to_o the_o roman_n give_v the_o true_a warrant_n of_o that_o persuasion_n as_o many_o as_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o spirit_n itself_o bear_v witness_n with_o our_o spirit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o if_o child_n than_o heir_n heir_n of_o god_n and_o joint-heir_n with_o christ._n hence_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o little_a moment_n be_v in_o that_o arminian_n quibble_n so_o much_o magnify_v by_o they_o that_o christ_n must_v have_v die_v for_o all_o man_n because_o all_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o die_v for_o they_o we_o must_v therefore_o yet_o inquire_v the_o particular_a convenant_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a be_v many_o way_n express_v and_o set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v reach_v by_o several_a capacity_n it_o be_v call_v a_o look_v to_o christ_n for_o salvation_n look_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o end_v of_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v save_v a_o turn_n to_o god_n turn_v you_o turn_v you_o for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o house_n of_o israel_n a_o come_n to_o christ_n come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a laden_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n to_o your_o soul_n and_o to_o the_o refractory_a it_o be_v say_v you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n a_o draw_v near_o to_o god_n draw_v near_o unto_o god_n and_o he_o will_v draw_v near_o unto_o you_o a_o answer_v of_o god_n call_v thou_o say_v seek_v you_o my_o face_n my_o heart_n answer_v thy_o face_n lord_n will_v i_o seek_v hide_v not_o thy_o face_n from_o i_o a_o receive_n of_o christ_n he_o come_v to_o his_o own_o but_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o but_o to_o all_o that_o do_v receive_v he_o he_o give_v power_n to_o become_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o then_o the_o save_a act_n of_o faith_n must_v imply_v all_o these_o not_o that_o he_o who_o enter_v in_o the_o covenant_n must_v have_v express_o all_o these_o act_n but_o that_o the_o act_n he_o must_v have_v must_v imply_v and_o import_v they_o all_o and_o be_v virtual_o as_o much_o as_o they_o all_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o branch_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n do_v not_o proceed_v in_o one_o way_n with_o all_o the_o elect_a as_o the_o wind_n move_v whither_o it_o list_v and_o no_o man_n know_v whence_o it_o come_v or_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n some_o be_v chase_v in_o by_o the_o thundering_n and_o terror_n of_o the_o law_n run_v as_o a_o pursue_a man_n to_o a_o rock_n a_o fortress_n a_o tower_n or_o a_o strength_n or_o as_o in_o the_o hazard_n of_o shipwreck_n run_v into_o a_o harbour_n as_o those_o who_o by_o peter_n sermon_n convince_a the_o jew_n that_o they_o have_v deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o have_v kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o same_o jesus_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v both_o lord_n and_o christ._n now_o when_o they_o hear_v this_o they_o be_v prick_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o say_v unto_o peter_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v and_o god_n open_v their_o ear_n and_o their_o heart_n to_o receive_v instruction_n but_o god_n gain_v other_o by_o the_o sweet_a and_o still_a voice_n of_o the_o gospel_n allure_a their_o heart_n to_o trust_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n as_o be_v so_o gracious_a that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o live_v that_o he_o will_v not_o disappoint_v those_o who_o becoming_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o sometime_o begin_v with_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o lead_v in_o the_o reveal_v light_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o paul_n deal_v with_o the_o athenian_n and_o say_v to_o timothy_n god_n have_v not_o give_v we_o the_o spirit_n of_o fear_n but_o of_o power_n and_o of_o love_n and_o of_o a_o sound_a mind_n with_o some_o the_o spirit_n proceed_v by_o degree_n give_v a_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n to_o fear_v before_o the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n as_o paul_n say_v we_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o bondage_n again_o to_o fear_v but_o we_o receive_v the_o spirit_n of_o adoption_n whereby_o we_o cry_v abba_n