Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n divine_a faith_n truth_n 2,294 5 6.3960 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61251 A vindication of the divine perfections illustrating the glory of God in them, by reason and revelation: methodically digested into several meditations. By a person of honour. Stair, James Dalrymple, Viscount of, 1619-1695. 1695 (1695) Wing S5181; ESTC R221836 207,616 368

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o god_n moral_a command_n which_o be_v unchangeable_a and_o his_o positive_a command_n which_o he_o have_v change_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o moral_a and_o positive_a law_n of_o god_n so_o that_o in_o the_o positive_a law_n or_o command_n the_o matter_n be_v indifferent_a and_o become_v only_o moral_o good_a by_o and_o during_o the_o command_n as_o the_o command_n to_o forbear_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n he_o institute_v circumcision_n and_o all_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o levitical_a law_n and_o many_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n therefore_o in_o the_o moral_a command_n there_o must_v be_v something_o more_o in_o the_o matter_n command_v than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o more_o than_o the_o command_n itself_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o god_n can_v deny_v himself_o it_o can_v be_v restrain_v unto_o his_o will_n nor_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v that_o he_o do_v exist_v but_o that_o he_o can_v deny_v his_o essential_a natural_a perfection_n by_o command_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n unsuitable_a to_o they_o the_o scripture_n say_v express_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v if_o this_o impossibility_n be_v only_o because_o of_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n than_o it_o shall_v be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v not_o do_v all_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n which_o he_o have_v decree_v yea_o it_o will_v lead_v to_o that_o blasphemous_a opinion_n that_o god_n have_v decree_v and_o have_v or_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a for_o he_o to_o do_v and_o that_o his_o power_n be_v no_o large_a than_o his_o will_n therefore_o the_o impossibility_n of_o god_n lie_v must_v not_o alone_o be_v because_o he_o have_v will_v or_o decree_v not_o to_o lie_v whatsoever_o depend_v upon_o mere_a will_n be_v ambulatory_a and_o changeable_a by_o a_o opposite_a act_n of_o the_o same_o will_n and_o both_o act_n will_v be_v equal_o good_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a positive_a law_n and_o precept_n which_o be_v change_v without_o changeableness_n in_o god_n because_o the_o change_n be_v suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a perfection_n especial_o to_o his_o freedom_n of_o indifferency_n and_o if_o he_o may_v so_o change_v his_o promise_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o expression_n no_o creature_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n of_o trust_n which_o will_v overturn_v the_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o horrid_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o have_v free_o from_o eternity_n decree_v be_v consider_v as_o prior_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n though_o not_o of_o time_n to_o these_o decree_n or_o as_o abstract_n from_o these_o decree_n be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n as_o he_o be_v to_o the_o create_v of_o creature_n or_o to_o the_o manner_n kind_n and_o individual_v of_o they_o which_o some_o have_v rather_o incline_v to_o than_o to_o suppose_v that_o in_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o wicked_a act_n god_n shall_v not_o be_v a_o actor_n to_o maintain_v a_o metaphysical_a extension_n of_o his_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n some_o have_v think_v that_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o obligation_n or_o debt_n to_o his_o creature_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o justice_n but_o that_o which_o be_v call_v distributive_a in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o give_v or_o perform_v to_o his_o creature_n and_o so_o not_o by_o commutative_a justice_n but_o though_o that_o kind_n of_o justice_n be_v common_o call_v commutative_a because_o it_o be_v frequent_o exert_v in_o exchange_v of_o one_o thing_n for_o another_o yet_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v thing_n mere_o by_o name_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o child_n and_o the_o performance_n of_o every_o gratuitous_a promise_n be_v not_o by_o distributive_a but_o by_o commutative_a justice_n the_o apostle_n paul_n accurate_o discuss_v that_o great_a question_n whether_o salvation_n be_v by_o grace_n or_o by_o work_n do_v clear_o oppose_v god_n give_v any_o thing_n by_o grace_n to_o his_o give_v on_o the_o account_n of_o work_n and_o say_v in_o express_a term_n to_o he_o that_o work_v be_v the_o reward_v not_o reckon_v of_o grace_n but_o of_o debt_n here_o the_o reckoner_n and_o the_o rewarder_n be_v god_n who_o account_v himself_o debtor_n of_o a_o reward_n to_o he_o that_o work_v good_a perfect_o without_o fail_v i_o know_v it_o sound_v yet_o more_o harsh_o to_o some_o pious_a and_o well-meaning_a soul_n to_o say_v that_o god_n govern_v his_o action_n by_o a_o law_n suppose_v it_o to_o import_v that_o he_o be_v under_o a_o law_n which_o it_o do_v not_o import_v for_o god_n be_v neither_o under_o nor_o above_o his_o own_o moral_a law_n for_o he_o be_v a_o law_n unto_o himself_o and_o in_o the_o narrow_a sense_n that_o law_n be_v sometime_o take_v as_o it_o require_v a_o sanction_n by_o a_o penalty_n in_o case_n of_o transgression_n a_o law_n can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n but_o that_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o a_o law_n for_o many_o law_n even_o of_o man_n have_v only_o a_o reward_n annex_v and_o no_o punishment_n and_o other_o have_v neither_o reward_v nor_o punishment_n but_o the_o deed_n otherwise_o do_v be_v only_o annul_v and_o make_v void_a or_o ineffectual_a a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n can_v be_v without_o a_o law_n for_o law_n be_v the_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o a_o obligation_n by_o which_o the_o person_n oblige_v be_v determine_v and_o rule_v himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v call_v a_o tie_n metaphorical_o whereby_o one_o be_v tie_v to_o walk_v only_o as_o agree_v with_o that_o tie_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o a_o debt_n or_o obligation_n be_v without_o a_o reason_n or_o cause_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o where_o a_o debt_n be_v there_o must_v be_v a_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o law_n it_o will_v sound_v harsh_a to_o these_o tender_a soul_n to_o say_v they_o worship_v a_o lawless_a god_n it_o breed_v horror_n to_o think_v how_o like_o these_o mistake_v will_v render_v god_n to_o tyrant_n who_o can_v hear_v of_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o their_o subject_n obedience_n but_o such_o be_v our_o pleasure_n and_o who_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v above_o all_o law_n and_o to_o be_v tie_v by_o no_o obligation_n to_o their_o subject_n i_o know_v it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v think_v a_o bold_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n decree_n and_o dispensation_n who_o do_v all_o that_o he_o will_v and_o who_o may_v say_v what_o do_v thou_o and_o who_o give_v account_n of_o none_o of_o his_o matter_n but_o god_n not_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n be_v not_o concern_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o holiness_n of_o which_o he_o give_v frequent_o a_o account_n but_o concern_v the_o particular_a mean_n and_o expedient_n by_o which_o he_o bring_v his_o purpose_n to_o pass_v neither_o be_v it_o the_o question_n that_o he_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o will_v do_v yea_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o he_o will_v and_o do_v upon_o a_o anterior_a motive_n not_o from_o the_o creature_n but_o from_o himself_o i_o mean_v anterior_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o it_o be_v require_v of_o all_o that_o be_v save_v to_o search_v so_o high_a but_o of_o those_o only_o to_o who_o god_n have_v give_v capacity_n and_o opportunity_n for_o to_o who_o much_o be_v give_v of_o they_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o though_o the_o simple_a ignorance_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impute_v as_o a_o offence_n error_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v very_o dangerous_a and_o therefore_o see_v they_o be_v so_o frequent_o vent_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o only_o profitable_a but_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v or_o cure_v error_n concern_v the_o representation_n and_o character_n of_o god_n reason_n be_v give_v in_o scripture_n so_o oft_o from_o such_o ground_n and_o not_o from_o mere_a will._n and_o beside_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a nature_n which_o raise_v and_o increase_v the_o admiration_n and_o adoration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o high_a pure_a and_o least_o selfish_a love_n to_o he_o and_o the_o great_a reverence_n and_o obsequiousness_n to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o mean_a capacity_n may_v love_v god_n because_o he_o have_v promise_v they_o happiness_n by_o repentance_n and_o faith_n and_o much_o more_o the_o love_n of_o gratitude_n may_v arise_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o give_v of_o these_o grace_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o small_a proportion_n between_o the_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
person_n hypostasis_fw-la or_o subsistence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n it_o be_v too_o great_a presumption_n for_o any_o in_o the_o state_n of_o mortality_n to_o determine_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o oneness_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o eternal_a spirit_n which_o be_v so_o clear_o declare_v a_o mystery_n near_o the_o close_a of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n never_o unfold_v after_o in_o it_o the_o trinity_n have_v be_v assert_v and_o own_a with_o the_o great_a firmness_n and_o forwardness_n in_o the_o pure_a state_n of_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n and_o the_o least_o derogation_n attempt_v against_o it_o by_o the_o arian_n have_v be_v condemn_v with_o abhorrence_n by_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o orthodox_n father_n and_o by_o the_o determination_n and_o solemn_a confession_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a and_o it_o be_v among_o the_o most_o incontestable_o catholic_n doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n own_v by_o all_o national_a society_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n above_o the_o course_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n augustine_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o father_n have_v attempt_v to_o give_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n though_o he_o still_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mystery_n they_o can_v not_o full_o comprehend_v so_o augustine_n in_o his_o 15_o book_n of_o that_o treatise_n he_o write_v upon_o the_o trinity_n say_v that_o we_o have_v a_o representation_n of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n by_o the_o father_n in_o that_o he_o be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o all_o idea_n be_v conceive_v by_o word_n of_o the_o mind_n so_o god_n idea_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o decree_n be_v his_o word_n essential_a and_o substantial_a for_o all_o that_o be_v in_o god_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v also_o the_o character_n of_o his_o person_n his_o image_n the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n his_o wisdom_n that_o be_v with_o he_o from_o eternity_n he_o say_v also_o that_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v his_o love_n to_o himself_o by_o his_o idea_n of_o himself_o with_o his_o whole_a decree_n and_o that_o all_o the_o person_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v wise_a and_o powerful_a by_o the_o same_o power_n and_o wisdom_n because_o they_o have_v but_o one_o godhead_n the_o generation_n of_o a_o son_n do_v not_o import_v a_o imperfection_n or_o inequality_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o son_n more_o than_o of_o the_o father_n much_o less_o do_v the_o generation_n of_o the_o eternal_a son_n imply_v a_o inequality_n of_o the_o son_n with_o the_o father_n or_o a_o dependence_n of_o his_o be_v from_o the_o father_n as_o if_o he_o need_v preservation_n like_o creature_n yea_o all_o the_o person_n be_v increated_a without_o any_o cause_n and_o so_o self-existent_a and_o coeternal_a the_o error_n of_o socinian_o be_v much_o more_o abominable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o arian_n the_o socinian_o acknowledge_v nothing_o of_o the_o son_n before_o he_o be_v conceive_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o the_o virgin_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v ever_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v the_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o convince_v that_o there_o can_v only_o be_v one_o god_n albeit_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n do_v far_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v long_o before_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o not_o until_o god_n have_v give_v man_n up_o to_o their_o own_o way_n because_o of_o their_o wickedness_n against_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o know_v in_o love_n to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n be_v not_o alone_o among_o the_o hebrew_n or_o jewish_a nation_n as_o the_o scripture_n make_v evident_a in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n among_o who_o there_o be_v so_o much_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o even_o of_o a_o saviour_n and_o of_o a_o resurrection_n which_o be_v not_o deducible_a from_o any_o inbred_a principle_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v not_o want_v revelation_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o know_v any_o communication_n between_o the_o hebrew_n and_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o few_o person_n endue_v with_o that_o light_n but_o a_o city_n and_o commonwealth_n have_v judge_n and_o counsellor_n that_o sit_v at_o their_o gate_n balaam_n also_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o only_a true_a god_n not_o by_o communication_n with_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o no_o communication_n between_o aram_n and_o egypt_n the_o three_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n that_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o star_n to_o come_v to_o bethlehem_n when_o christ_n be_v bear_v can_v not_o possible_o by_o astrology_n have_v discover_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o mediator_n and_o therefore_o do_v neither_o want_n revelation_n nor_o a_o miraculous_a sign_n neither_o be_v there_o any_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v idolater_n but_o that_o they_o know_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n and_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a person_n of_o their_o country_n that_o do_v so_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o desire_v for_o aught_o i_o know_v to_o become_v proselyte_n of_o the_o jew_n neither_o be_v there_o ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o moab_n or_o ammon_n the_o son_n of_o lot_n or_o ishmael_n and_o abraham_n other_o son_n by_o keturah_n or_o esau_n their_o near_a posterity_n be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n nor_o can_v their_o posterity_n be_v soon_o bring_v to_o believe_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o god_n do_v long_o and_o large_o propagate_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n though_o through_o defect_n of_o history_n the_o particular_n be_v little_o know_v i_o do_v not_o hear_v of_o idolatry_n before_o the_o flood_n the_o cause_n of_o it_o in_o god_n just_a judgement_n be_v attribute_v to_o man_n corrupt_v of_o their_o way_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o work_n after_o the_o flood_n the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n do_v long_o remain_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o common_a name_n of_o baal_n or_o lord_n which_o be_v long_o almost_o universal_a and_o the_o several_a nation_n that_o worship_v baal_n give_v he_o different_a epithet_n according_a to_o their_o apprehension_n of_o his_o attribute_n of_o which_o there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n in_o the_o scripture_n so_o the_o moabite_n god_n be_v baal_n without_o addition_n the_o sidonian_n also_o call_v their_o god_n baal_n so_o do_v the_o canaanite_n some_o nation_n call_v their_o god_n baal_n berith_n that_o be_v curse_v baal_n other_o baal_n gad_n baal_n hamon_n baal_n meon_n baal_n peor_n baal_n hanan_n baal_n hazor_n baal_n hermon_n baal_n perazin_n baal_n zebub_n the_o god_n of_o ekron_n place_n also_o be_v denominate_v from_o baal_n as_o baal_n perazin_n baal_n shalisha_n baal_n zebub_n baal_n zephon_n and_o bell_n of_o the_o babylonian_n be_v but_o a_o different_a dialect_n of_o baal_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o name_n of_o one_o god_n with_o different_a epithet_n do_v easy_o come_v to_o be_v apprehend_v as_o so_o many_o god_n yet_o the_o several_a nation_n do_v not_o worship_v many_o god_n but_o their_o own_o so_o after_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o their_o place_n be_v plague_v conceive_v it_o be_v by_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o god_n of_o that_o place_n and_o therefore_o send_v for_o the_o jewish_a priest_n to_o appease_v he_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o that_o worship_v many_o god_n and_o after_o they_o the_o roman_n for_o then_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eminent_a upon_o earth_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v cooptate_v among_o the_o god_n in_o different_a order_n and_o as_o the_o nation_n and_o place_n have_v interest_n in_o they_o they_o have_v confidence_n in_o they_o and_o become_v forgetful_a of_o the_o true_a god_n after_o arise_v image_n and_o the_o relative_a honour_n and_o worship_n attribute_v to_o they_o not_o only_o to_o the_o image_n and_o picture_n of_o these_o deify_v man_n but_o also_o to_o those_o body_n wherein_o the_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o delight_n and_o to_o reside_v it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o so_o many_o man_n of_o discretion_n and_o spirit_n can_v with_o direct_a worship_n adore_v inanimate_a creature_n or_o the_o mean_a brute_n or_o plant_n but_o that_o they_o think_v they_o be_v delightful_a to_o and_o reside_v in_o by_o deity_n and_o so_o the_o sun_n the_o moon_n planet_n come_v to_o be_v worship_v even_o by_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v life_n or_o understanding_n or_o be_v body_n inform_v by_o a_o deity_n but_o that_o
when_o a_o consequent_a conclusion_n be_v infer_v from_o false_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v no_o deceit_n to_o express_v truth_n for_o good_a end_n though_o the_o speaker_n may_v know_v that_o the_o hearer_n will_v make_v bad_a use_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o speaker_n be_v oblige_v not_o to_o suffer_v the_o hearer_n to_o make_v that_o use_n deception_n also_o may_v be_v without_o word_n or_o sign_n signify_v thought_n as_o when_o a_o tempt_a object_n be_v bring_v unto_o the_o sense_n mind_n or_o memory_n with_o design_n to_o tempt_v or_o seduce_v in_o all_o these_o way_n god_n be_v perfect_o true_a he_o never_o express_v word_n or_o sign_n but_o such_o as_o be_v both_o conform_a to_o his_o thought_n and_o the_o thing_n signify_v he_o never_o design_n to_o deceive_v by_o any_o word_n or_o sign_n nor_o do_v he_o tempt_v by_o these_o or_o any_o other_o object_n represent_v for_o god_n can_v neither_o tempt_v nor_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a he_o may_v represent_v object_n to_o prove_v the_o firmness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o with_o the_o temptation_n he_o give_v always_o strength_n either_o effectual_a or_o at_o least_o sufficient_a to_o escape_v he_o make_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n very_o pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n and_o it_o be_v like_a to_o the_o smell_n also_o which_o be_v appoint_v a_o badge_n of_o man_n obedience_n to_o god_n will_v alone_o it_o can_v not_o reach_v the_o end_n if_o it_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a but_o it_o be_v just_a and_o fit_a that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o contrary_a excitation_n in_o the_o sense_n which_o may_v be_v overrule_v by_o a_o more_o powerful_a inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o require_v attention_n and_o diligence_n to_o keep_v that_o principle_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o remembrance_n thereby_o to_o over-rule_v the_o incitation_n of_o the_o sense_n therefore_o it_o may_v warrantable_o be_v think_v that_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o any_o other_o in_o the_o garden_n for_o it_o be_v a_o unsuitable_a sign_n of_o affection_n and_o obedience_n unto_o god_n if_o god_n have_v forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n upon_o the_o one_o side_n of_o the_o tree_n and_o allow_v the_o eat_n of_o it_o on_o the_o other_o circumcision_n and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n be_v of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o have_v all_o a_o great_a contrariety_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n yea_o though_o god_n permit_v satan_n to_o tempt_v to_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n not_o only_o from_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o from_o a_o false_a expectation_n of_o great_a wisdom_n there_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o the_o mind_n full_o sufficient_a to_o resist_v both_o that_o god_n can_v not_o be_v envious_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o advantage_n to_o transgress_v his_o command_n and_o therefore_o though_o god_n foreknow_v the_o event_n he_o be_v not_o nccessory_a to_o the_o transgression_n nor_o put_v any_o necessity_n upon_o the_o man_n or_o woman_n to_o commit_v it_o and_o therefore_o do_v just_o and_o severe_o punish_v they_o both_o nor_o do_v they_o even_o by_o their_o after-thought_n plead_v that_o the_o temptation_n be_v insuperable_a and_o that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficiency_n of_o strength_n to_o resist_v it_o though_o they_o omit_v not_o very_o insufficient_a excuse_n there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o stumble_v at_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n say_v thou_o have_v deceive_v i_o and_o i_o be_v deceive_v nor_o the_o word_n of_o the_o same_o prophet_n say_v ah_o lord_n god_n sure_o thou_o have_v great_o deceive_v this_o people_n and_o jerusalem_n say_v you_o shall_v have_v peace_n whereas_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o weak_a roving_n of_o saint_n in_o the_o ecstasy_n of_o trouble_n such_o as_o be_v many_o of_o job_n expression_n and_o david_n saying_n that_o in_o vain_a have_v be_v wash_v his_o hand_n in_o innocence_n when_o he_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n never_o say_v to_o jerusalem_n you_o shall_v have_v peace_n simple_o but_o if_o you_o follow_v the_o path_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o inconsistency_n with_o the_o event_n that_o the_o sword_n reach_v unto_o the_o soul_n see_v they_o follow_v not_o the_o way_n of_o peace_n neither_o do_v the_o parabolical_a representation_n of_o micah_n the_o prophet_n that_o the_o lord_n say_v who_o shall_v entice_v ahab_n that_o he_o may_v go_v up_o and_o fall_v at_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o when_o a_o spirit_n say_v he_o will_v go_v out_o and_o be_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v thou_o shall_v entice_v he_o and_o thou_o shall_v also_o prevail_v now_o therefore_o behold_v the_o lord_n have_v put_v a_o lie_a spirit_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o ahab_n prophet_n these_o and_o the_o like_a expression_n such_o as_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n in_o consistency_n with_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v elsewhere_o explicate_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o wicked_a harden_v their_o own_o heart_n and_o that_o god_n give_v man_n up_o who_o have_v refuse_v the_o offer_n and_o mean_n of_o grace_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o way_n and_o unto_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v lie_n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o truth_n in_o love_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v attribute_v no_o other_o way_n to_o god_n than_o that_o they_o can_v be_v without_o his_o permission_n and_o his_o permissive_a will_n and_o decree_n and_o his_o overrule_a providence_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n some_o very_a learned_a have_v hold_v truth_n not_o to_o be_v distinct_a from_o goodness_n or_o bounty_n but_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o and_o where_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v use_v lie_n may_v be_v use_v as_o well_o as_o stratagem_n against_o enemy_n if_o this_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v but_o truth_n be_v a_o perfection_n whole_o distinct_a from_o bounty_n and_o from_o justice_n and_o be_v rather_o a_o point_n of_o decency_n how_o unbecoming_a be_v it_o and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o infinite_o bless_a and_o glorious_a god_n to_o express_v a_o lie_n for_o creature_n may_v be_v blameless_a in_o express_v word_n not_o conform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v not_o a_o lie_n because_o not_o disconform_v to_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o the_o omniscient_a god_n can_v never_o use_v expression_n disconform_v to_o the_o thing_n signify_v but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v disconform_v to_o his_o own_o thought_n i_o know_v there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o to_o uphold_v their_o philosophic_a notion_n do_v suppose_v that_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n speak_v many_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o man_n and_o not_o according_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n derogatory_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v abhor_v though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o evil_a consequence_n but_o there_o be_v many_o for_o instance_n a_o way_n be_v thence_o open_v to_o innumerable_a error_n which_o when_o redargue_v by_o expression_n in_o scripture_n though_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o plain_a yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o evasion_n that_o these_o be_v but_o speak_v according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o prepossession_n of_o man_n which_o in_o some_o thing_n they_o think_v evident_a and_o take_v the_o authority_n to_o extend_v to_o the_o like_a so_o far_o as_o they_o please_v neither_o be_v there_o any_o evidence_n or_o rule_n in_o scripture_n where_o to_o stop_v god_n use_v figurative_a and_o parabolical_a speech_n but_o never_o any_o falsehood_n be_v speak_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n i_o admire_v and_o abhor_v to_o see_v a_o professor_n of_o divinity_n in_o a_o treatise_n heap_v up_o so_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o speak_v by_o erroneous_a prepossession_n of_o man_n but_o not_o true_a and_o conform_a to_o the_o thing_n signify_v which_o yet_o may_v easy_o be_v answer_v god_n speak_v often_o to_o man_n capacity_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n but_o never_o untrue_a the_o matter_n king_n and_o state_n may_v infer_v good_a from_o the_o false_a prepossession_n of_o people_n which_o they_o presuppose_v but_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o or_o approve_v at_o least_o shall_v not_o though_o they_o may_v suppress_v their_o disapprobation_n who_o shall_v then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v approve_v false_a opinion_n to_o infer_v true_a unless_o they_o be_v relate_v not_o as_o his_o opinion_n but_o express_v as_o they_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o god_n truth_n be_v whole_o his_o moral_a perfection_n or_o if_o partly_o natural_a which_o i_o do_v not_o inquire_v out_o of_o