goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o the_o sum_n of_o his_o perfection_n what_o one_o evangelist_n have_v be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a be_v render_v in_o another_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a goodness_n be_v so_o essential_a to_o a_o perfect_a be_v that_o if_o we_o once_o strip_v god_n of_o this_o property_n we_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o other_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o when_o moses_n desire_v to_o see_v god_n glory_n he_o say_v he_o will_v make_v all_o his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o exod._n 33.19_o this_o be_v the_o most_o amiable_a perfection_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v thy_o goodness_n how_o great_a be_v thy_o beauty_n sine_fw-la bonitate_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la without_o goodness_n there_o can_v be_v no_o majesty_n other_o excellency_n may_v cause_v fear_n and_o amazement_n in_o we_o but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v command_v sincere_a love_n and_o veneration_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o this_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n there_o be_v in_o every_o creature_n some_o representation_n of_o some_o divine_a perfection_n or_o other_o but_o god_n do_v not_o own_o any_o creature_n to_o be_v after_o his_o image_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o goodness_n the_o creature_n that_o want_v reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v incapable_a of_o this_o moral_a goodness_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o man_n be_v the_o first_o in_o the_o rank_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v endow_v with_o it_o and_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v make_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o to_o have_v dominion_n give_v he_o over_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v make_v after_o god_n image_n in_o respect_n of_o goodness_n he_o have_v be_v unfit_a to_o rule_v over_o other_o creature_n because_o without_o goodness_n dominion_n will_v be_v tyranny_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o more_o any_o creature_n partaker_n of_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n the_o more_o it_o resemble_v god_n as_o the_o bless_a angel_n who_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o god_n continual_o and_o be_v thereby_o transform_v into_o his_o image_n from_o glory_n to_o glory_n their_o whole_a business_n and_o employment_n be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o the_o devil_n though_o he_o resemble_v god_n in_o other_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o power_n yet_o because_o he_o be_v evil_a and_o envious_a and_o mischievous_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o god_n in_o this_o perfection_n he_o be_v the_o most_o opposite_a and_o and_z hateful_a to_o he_o of_o all_o creature_n whatsoever_o and_o if_o this_o perfection_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v much_o more_o in_o god_n if_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o he_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o possess_v of_o it_o himself_o all_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o the_o best_a nature_a of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n or_o in_o the_o most_o glorious_a angel_n of_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o weak_a representation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n together_o with_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o it_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a say_v david_n psal_n 119.68_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v act_v 14.17_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o send_v we_o rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n i_o shall_v consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o two_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n ii_o i_o shall_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o we_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o the_o whole_a creation_n furnish_v we_o with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o way_n soever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n we_o be_v encounter_v with_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o behold_v be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 19.1_o and_o again_o psal_n 33.5_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o whole_a frame_n of_o this_o world_n and_o every_o creature_n in_o it_o and_o all_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o be_v and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o all_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o and_o provide_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o in_o such_o degree_n as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v a_o plentiful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v in_o these_o four_o particular_n 1._o the_o universal_a goodness_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n 2._o in_o make_v they_o all_o so_o very_o good_a consider_v the_o variety_n and_o order_n and_o end_n of_o they_o 3._o in_o his_o continual_a preservation_n of_o they_o 4._o in_o provide_v so_o abundant_o for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a and_o sensible_a of_o it_o 1._o the_o extent_n of_o god_n goodness_n appear_v in_o give_v be_v to_o so_o many_o creature_n and_o this_o be_v a_o pure_a effect_n of_o goodness_n to_o impart_v and_o communicate_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n have_v not_o god_n be_v good_a but_o of_o a_o envious_a and_o narrow_a and_o contract_a nature_n he_o will_v have_v confine_v all_o be_v to_o himself_o and_o be_v unwilling_a that_o any_o thing_n beside_o himself_o shall_v have_v be_v but_o his_o goodness_n prompt_v he_o to_o spread_v and_o diffuse_v himself_o and_o set_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n on_o work_n to_o give_v be_v to_o all_o that_o variety_n of_o creature_n which_o we_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o probable_o to_o infinite_a more_o than_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o now_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n can_v have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o do_v this_o but_o pure_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n all_o the_o motive_n imaginable_a beside_o this_o must_v either_o be_v indigency_n and_o want_n or_o constraint_n and_o necessity_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v mere_a goodness_n that_o move_v he_o to_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n and_o therefore_o all_o creature_n have_v reason_n with_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o elder_n in_o the_o revelation_n to_o cast_v their_o crown_n before_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n say_v thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n that_o be_v of_o thy_o mere_a goodness_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v 1._o indigency_n and_o want_n can_v have_v no_o place_n in_o god_n because_o he_o that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n have_v all_o plenty_n in_o himself_o from_o whence_o result_v all-sufficiency_n and_o complete_a happiness_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n need_v not_o look_v out_o of_o itself_o for_o happiness_n be_v incapable_a of_o any_o addition_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v already_o possess_v of_o ipsa_fw-la suis_fw-la pollens_fw-la opibus_fw-la nihil_fw-la indiga_fw-la nostri_fw-la we_o make_v thing_n for_o our_o use_n house_n to_o shelter_v we_o and_o clothes_n to_o keep_v we_o warm_a and_o we_o propagate_v our_o kind_a to_o perpetuate_v ourselves_o in_o our_o posterity_n but_o all_o this_o suppose_v imperfection_n and_o want_v and_o mortality_n to_o none_o of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v liable_a and_o obnoxious_a nay_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o glory_n which_o make_v god_n to_o make_v the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n goodness_n do_v herein_o appear_v and_o creature_n endow_v with_o understanding_n have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o with_o thankfulness_n praise_n and_o admiration_n but_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n redound_v to_o god_n
world_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v add_v to_o the_o former_a because_o they_o suppose_v that_o the_o one_o be_v present_o to_o follow_v the_o other_o and_o therefore_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v they_o both_o and_o it_o appear_v by_o our_o saviour_n answer_n that_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o rectify_v they_o in_o this_o mistake_n which_o may_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o they_o both_o to_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o propagate_v the_o gospel_n since_o there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o little_a time_n for_o it_o and_o likewise_o to_o wean_v their_o affection_n from_o this_o world_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v so_o near_o a_o end_n one_o thing_n indeed_o our_o saviour_n say_v which_o have_v they_o not_o be_v prepossess_v with_o another_o opinion_n do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o considerable_a space_n of_o time_n betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o this_o we_o find_v only_o in_o st._n luke_n ch._n 21.24_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n that_o shall_v come_v upon_o the_o jew_n he_o say_v they_o shall_v fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v carry_v into_o captivity_n into_o all_o nation_n and_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v tread_v down_o of_o the_o gentile_n until_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v fulfil_v so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o great_a many_o event_n foretell_v betwixt_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o accomplishment_n whereof_o may_v take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n jerusalem_n be_v at_o this_o day_n still_o tread_v down_o by_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o jew_n still_o continue_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n it_o seem_v do_v not_o much_o mind_n this_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o a_o prejudicate_a conceit_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v much_o confirm_v by_o what_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n say_v of_o st._n john_n upon_o occasion_n of_o peter_n question_n concern_v he_o john_n 21.21_o 22._o lord_n what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o upon_o which_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v he_o st._n john_n himself_o add_v v._o 23._o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v live_v till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o then_o be_v take_v up_o with_o he_o into_o heaven_n from_o all_o which_o they_o probable_o as_o they_o think_v conclude_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v happen_v before_o the_o end_n of_o that_o age_n whilst_o st._n john_n be_v alive_a but_o st._n john_n who_o write_v last_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o and_o live_v till_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o he_o acquaint_v we_o with_o this_o mistake_n which_o be_v currant_n among_o the_o christian_n so_o he_o take_v care_n to_o rectify_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n say_v not_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o affirm_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o to_o repress_v st_n peter_n curiosity_n he_o say_v if_o it_o be_v my_o pleasure_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v at_o all_o but_o live_v till_o i_o come_v to_o judgement_n what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o and_o st._n peter_n likewise_o or_o whoever_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o second_o epistle_n or_o at_o least_o of_o this_o three_o chapter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o new_a epistle_n by_o itself_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o mistake_n about_o the_o nearness_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o that_o which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o scoffer_n to_o deride_v the_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n among_o the_o christian_n because_o they_o have_v be_v already_o deceive_v about_o the_o time_n of_o it_o and_o this_o the_o scoffer_n twit_v they_o with_o in_o that_o question_n where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a grotius_n conjecture_n very_o probable_o that_o this_o last_o epistle_n contain_v in_o the_o three_o chapter_n be_v write_v after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v the_o time_n fix_v for_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o this_o scoff_n till_o after_o that_o time_n st._n peter_n indeed_o do_v not_o live_v so_o long_o and_o therefore_o grotius_n think_v that_o this_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o simeon_n or_o simon_n who_o be_v successor_n of_o st._n james_n in_o the_o bishopric_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o live_v to_o the_o time_n of_o trajan_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o in_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v where_o the_o ground_n and_o force_v of_o this_o scoff_n lie_v namely_o in_o this_o that_o because_o the_o christian_n have_v general_o be_v very_o confident_a that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n to_o judgement_n will_v be_v present_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o be_v now_o find_v to_o be_v deceive_v in_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o regard_n to_o be_v have_v at_o all_o to_o their_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n because_o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o but_o herein_o they_o argue_v very_o false_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v positive_o and_o peremptory_o foretell_v his_o come_n to_o judgement_n but_o have_v never_o fix_v and_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v he_o from_o that_o that_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n god_n have_v reserve_v as_o a_o secret_a to_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v not_o impart_v to_o any_o no_o not_o to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n nor_o to_o the_o son_n himself_o mark_v 13.32_o 33._o but_o of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v no_o man_n no_o not_o the_o angel_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n neither_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n take_v you_o heed_n watch_n and_o pray_v for_o you_o know_v not_o when_o the_o time_n be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o presume_v to_o make_v any_o conjecture_n about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v they_o do_v it_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o our_o lord_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o determine_v the_o time_n of_o it_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o express_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o father_n have_v reserve_v this_o as_o a_o secret_a which_o he_o have_v never_o communicate_v to_o any_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v about_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n but_o their_o mistake_n in_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n clear_a prediction_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n without_o any_o determination_n of_o the_o time_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v be_v at_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n distance_n and_o yet_o be_v certain_a for_o all_o that_o and_o the_o delay_n of_o it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o saviour_n prediction_n concern_v it_o but_o only_o of_o god_n great_a patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n in_o expectation_n of_o their_o repentance_n god_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n and_o this_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a in_o the_o text_n namely_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o mankind_n he_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o us-ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n and_o for_o this_o st._n peter_n cite_v st._n paul_n v._o 15_o the_o of_o this_o chapter_n and_o account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v salvation_n that_o be_v that_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o sinner_n be_v that_o they_o may_v repent_v and_o be_v save_v account_v that_o the_o long-suffering_a of_o our_o lord_n be_v salvation_n even_o as_o our_o belove_a brother_n paul_n also_o according_a to_o the_o wisdom_n give_v unto_o he_o have_v write_v unto_o you_o now_o these_o word_n be_v not_o express_o find_v in_o st._n paul_n write_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v viz._n in_o rom._n 2.4_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long-suffering_a not_o know_v that_o the_o
come_v to_o answer_v objection_n against_o this_o doctrine_n there_o be_v two_o objection_n against_o this_o 1._o from_o reason_n 2._o from_o scripture_n 1._o obj._n reason_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o suggest_v that_o this_o be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o tie_v his_o presence_n to_o this_o vile_a dunghill_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o fordo_v sink_v of_o hell_n this_o be_v a_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o a_o measure_n of_o he_o by_o ourselves_o indeed_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o capable_a of_o injury_n and_o suffer_v and_o offence_n from_o the_o contagion_n of_o any_o thing_n here_o below_o as_o we_o be_v than_o indeed_o there_o be_v some_o strength_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o he_o be_v a_o bless_a and_o pure_a be_v mens_fw-la segregata_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la concretione_fw-la mortali_fw-la a_o mind_n free_a from_o all_o mortal_a composition_n or_o mixture_n tully_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disentangle_v from_o every_o thing_n passable_a as_o plut._n those_o thing_n that_o be_v nauseous_a to_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o affect_v he_o darkness_n be_v uncomfortable_a to_o we_o but_o the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o wickedness_n may_v hurt_v a_o man_n or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o if_o we_o multiply_v our_o transgression_n we_o do_v nothing_o to_o god_n as_o elihu_n speak_v job_n 35.6_o nothing_o can_v disquiet_v or_o discompose_v his_o happy_a and_o bless_a nature_n but_o he_o converse_v here_o in_o this_o dark_a and_o trouble_a world_n with_o less_o danger_n of_o disturbance_n or_o any_o impure_a contagion_n than_o the_o sunbeam_n 2._o obj._n do_v not_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o dwell_v on_o high_a that_o heaven_n be_v his_o throne_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a god_n do_v not_o the_o lord_n prayer_n teach_v we_o to_o say_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o to_o hear_v in_o heaven_n his_o dwelling-place_n be_v it_o not_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o dwell_v in_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n and_o do_v not_o solomon_n 1_o king_n 8.27_o put_v it_o as_o a_o strange_a question_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n be_v he_o not_o say_v to_o come_v down_o and_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v afar_o off_o from_o we_o now_o how_o do_v this_o agree_v with_o his_o immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o must_v distinguish_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v 1_o st_z his_o glorious_a presence_n that_o be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a manifestation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o that_o be_v especial_o and_o chief_o confine_v to_o heaven_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o be_v call_v his_o seat_n and_o throne_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n some_o degree_n of_o this_o be_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o solomon_n admiration_n will_v god_n indeed_o dwell_v on_o earth_n 2_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o gracious_a presence_n which_o discover_v itself_o by_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o goodness_n and_o assistance_n and_o thereby_o he_o be_v say_v to_o dwell_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o good_a man_n and_o with_o they_o that_o be_v of_o a_o humble_a and_o contrite_a spirit_n isa_n 57.15_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o he_o be_v say_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o we_o to_o look_v down_o upon_o we_o and_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o absence_n of_o this_o to_o be_v far_o from_o we_o 3_o dly_z there_o be_v his_o essential_a presence_n which_o be_v equal_o and_o alike_o in_o all_o place_n and_o this_o be_v not_o exclude_v by_o those_o former_a expression_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o denote_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a and_o gracious_a presence_n of_o god_n four_o to_o make_v some_o inference_n i_o will_v mention_v only_o such_o as_o the_o scripture_n here_o take_v notice_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n immensity_n i._o inf._n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o necessary_o flow_v from_o his_o immensity_n for_o if_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o diffuse_v the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v spiritual_a otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n be_v body_n and_o matter_n be_v but_o must_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o i_o speak_v more_o large_o to_o in_o my_o discourse_n of_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v here_o where_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o spirit_n we_o may_v go_v from_o he_o and_o hide_v ourselves_o from_o his_o presence_n ii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a that_o which_o be_v infinite_a can_v be_v measure_v and_o comprehend_v by_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o my_o text_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v it_o iii_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omniscient_a if_o god_n be_v every_o where_o than_o he_o know_v all_o thing_n yea_o even_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n the_o secret_n of_o our_o heart_n nothing_o can_v be_v hide_v from_o a_o infinite_a eye_n he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o thought_n intimate_v to_o our_o heart_n and_o reins_o this_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o and_o 12_o verse_n iu_o inf._n that_o god_n be_v omnipotent_a he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n distance_n limit_n the_o power_n of_o creature_n and_o make_v their_o hand_n short_a but_o god_n be_v every_o where_o nothing_o be_v out_o of_o his_o reach_n and_o this_o also_o the_o psalmist_n intimate_v in_o the_o text_n v._o 10._o even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n hold_v i_o five_o the_o use_n and_o improvement_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o shall_v be_v 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o 2._o to_o encourage_v our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o 1._o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n of_o he_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n presence_n shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n of_o reverence_n the_o presence_n of_o a_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v awe_v our_o spirit_n and_o compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n yea_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o just_a god_n strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n wherever_o we_o be_v god_n be_v with_o we_o we_o always_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o live_v continual_o in_o his_o presence_n now_o a_o heathen_a can_v say_v cum_fw-la diis_fw-la verecunaè_fw-la agendum_fw-la we_o must_v behave_v ourselves_o modest_o because_o we_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o it_o shall_v awaken_v in_o we_o a_o fear_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o the_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o have_v offend_v he_o fear_n be_v the_o most_o wakeful_a passion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v wrought_v upon_o in_o we_o from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o flow_v immediate_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n nature_n we_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_a and_o horror_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v hurt_v we_o and_o endanger_v our_o be_v or_o happiness_n now_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n for_o where_o we_o be_v clear_o overmatched_a we_o can_v hope_v to_o make_v opposition_n nor_o resistance_n with_o security_n and_o success_n to_o râ—bel_v with_o safety_n now_o he_o that_o apprehend_v god_n to_o be_v near_o he_o and_o present_a to_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o be_v to_o stand_v by_o he_o as_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o infinite_a and_o irresistible_a power_n and_o will_v vindicate_v all_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n if_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o fear_n will_v continual_o take_v hold_n of_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v say_v of_o every_o place_n as_o jacob_n do_v of_o bethel_n sure_o god_n be_v in_o this_o place_n how_o dreadful_a be_v this_o place_n when_o we_o have_v at_o any_o time_n provoke_v god_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o just_a god_n be_v at_o hand_n to_o revenge_v himself_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n we_o shall_v say_v with_o david_n psa_n 76.7_o thou_o even_o thou_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v and_o who_o may_v stand_v before_o thou_o when_o thou_o be_v angry_a psa_fw-la 119.120_o my_o flesh_n tremble_v because_o of_o thou_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a of_o thy_o judgement_n sinner_n consider_v
sometime_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n and_o domineer_a and_o outrageous_a wickedness_n be_v very_o often_o remarkable_o check_v and_o chastise_v all_o which_o instance_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o they_o be_v great_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o comfort_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v they_o a_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o that_o goodness_n which_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o of_o god_n kind_a care_n of_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o look_v no_o far_o than_o this_o world_n we_o may_v say_v with_o david_n very_o there_o be_v a_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a very_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n i_o know_v this_o argument_n have_v be_v pervert_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n that_o if_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o administer_v the_o affair_n of_o it_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v not_o be_v so_o careless_o and_o promiscous_o dispense_v good_a man_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a sufferer_n nor_o wicked_a man_n so_o prosperous_a as_o many_o time_n they_o be_v but_o this_o also_o if_o right_o consider_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n to_o mankind_n that_o he_o cause_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a that_o upon_o the_o provocation_n of_o man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v over_o his_o care_n of_o they_o and_o throw_v all_o thing_n into_o confusion_n and_o ruin_n this_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o design_v this_o life_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o man_n virtue_n and_o obedience_n in_o order_n to_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o suffer_v man_n to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n without_o any_o great_a check_n and_o control_v and_o reserve_v the_o main_a bulk_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o another_o world_n so_o that_o all_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n immense_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a patience_n that_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o continue_v and_o that_o he_o permit_v man_n to_o take_v their_o course_n for_o the_o full_a trial_n of_o they_o and_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o effectual_a declaration_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n four_o and_o last_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n most_o glorious_o appear_v in_o the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v for_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v be_v have_v he_o continue_v in_o innocency_n be_v not_o particular_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o wilful_a transgression_n we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o lapse_v and_o ruinous_a condition_n of_o mankind_n the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o employ_v his_o wisdom_n for_o our_o recovery_n and_o to_o restore_v we_o not_o only_o to_o a_o new_a but_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o redemption_n of_o man_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n be_v purchase_v for_o we_o by_o his_o blood_n eternal_a life_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o be_v clear_o discover_v to_o we_o god_n be_v please_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a and_o better_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o afford_v we_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o gracious_o to_o accept_v of_o our_o faith_n and_o repentance_n of_o our_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n of_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o perfect_a and_o complete_a righteousness_n for_o his_o sake_n who_o fullfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o amaze_a goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n that_o when_o we_o be_v in_o open_a rebellion_n against_o he_o he_o shall_v entertain_v thought_n of_o peace_n and_o reconciliation_n and_o when_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o fall_a angel_n he_o shall_v set_v his_o affection_n and_o love_n upon_o the_o sinful_a and_o miserable_a son_n of_o men._n and_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n perfect_v that_o as_o he_o have_v make_v all_o creature_n both_o above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o subservient_fw-fr and_o instrumental_a to_o our_o subsistence_n and_o preservation_n so_o for_o the_o ransom_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o eternal_a ruin_n and_o misery_n he_o have_v not_o spare_v his_o own_o son_n but_o have_v give_v he_o up_o to_o death_n for_o we_o he_o who_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o angel_n of_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v make_v subject_a all_o creature_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n him_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o who_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n who_o be_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n and_o after_o such_o a_o stupendous_a instance_n as_o this_o what_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o hope_v for_o and_o promise_v ourselves_o from_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o the_o apostle_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o reason_n rom._n 8.32_o he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n sermon_n iii_o vii_o vol._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n psal._n cxlv_o 9_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a to_o all_o and_o his_o tender_a mercy_n be_v over_o all_o his_o work_n in_o handle_v this_o argument_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o method_n first_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o goodness_n second_o to_o show_v that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n three_o i_o consider_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n under_o these_o head_n i._o the_o universal_a extent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o number_n variety_n order_n end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n create_v by_o he_o and_o his_o preservation_n and_o provide_v for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o consider_v more_o particular_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n of_o which_o i_o give_v these_o four_o instance_n 1._o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o such_o noble_a being_n and_o place_v we_o in_o so_o high_a a_o rank_n and_o order_n of_o his_o creature_n 2._o in_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o ordain_v so_o many_o thing_n chief_o for_o we_o 3._o in_o that_o he_o exercise_v so_o peculiar_a a_o providence_n over_o we_o above_o the_o rest_n that_o though_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v good_a to_o all_o he_o be_v only_o say_v to_o love_v the_o son_n of_o men._n 4._o in_o that_o he_o have_v provide_v for_o we_o eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n there_o only_o now_o remain_v the_o four_o and_o last_o particular_a to_o be_v speak_v to_o which_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o contradict_v and_o bring_v in_o question_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o they_o be_v many_o and_o have_v some_o of_o they_o especial_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v require_v great_a consideration_n and_o care_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o which_o undoubted_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a and_o obvious_a and_o do_v almost_o of_o themselves_o spring_n up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n and_o they_o be_v these_o four_o the_o first_o of_o they_o more_o general_a the_o other_o three_o more_o particular_a first_o if_o god_n be_v so_o exceed_v good_a whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n of_o several_a kind_n evil_a of_o imperfection_n evil_a of_o affliction_n or_o suffer_v and_o which_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o and_o indeed_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o evil_a of_o sin_n second_o the_o doctrine_n of_o absolute_a reprobation_n by_o which_o be_v mean_v the_o decree_a of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n and_o torment_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o respect_n to_o their_o sin_n or_o fault_n this_o seem_v notorious_o to_o contradict_v not_o only_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n but_o any_o competent_a measure_n and_o degree_n of_o goodness_n three_o the_o eternal_a misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n for_o temporal_a fault_n seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o excess_n of_o goodness_n which_o we_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n four_o the_o instance_n of_o god_n great_a severity_n to_o mankind_n upon_o occasion_n in_o those_o great_a calamity_n which_o by_o the_o
the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v very_o awful_a but_o goodness_n be_v amiable_a and_o without_o this_o nothing_o else_o be_v so_o power_n and_o wisdom_n may_v command_v dread_a and_o admiration_n but_o nothing_o but_o goodness_n can_v challenge_v our_o love_n and_o affection_n goodness_n be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o though_o no_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n shall_v from_o thence_o redound_v to_o we_o but_o when_o we_o find_v the_o comfortable_a effect_n of_o it_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n be_v lay_v out_o upon_o we_o when_o we_o live_v upon_o that_o goodness_n and_o be_v indebt_v to_o it_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v and_o hope_n for_o this_o be_v a_o much_o great_a endearment_n to_o we_o of_o that_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v amiable_a for_o itself_o we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o be_v good_a and_o do_v we_o good_a who_o goodness_n extend_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n but_o be_v exercise_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n towards_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v call_v love_n and_o if_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o love_v we_o well_o may_v this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n 2._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o fear_v he_o not_o as_o a_o slave_n do_v his_o master_n but_o as_o a_o child_n do_v his_o father_n who_o the_o more_o he_o love_v he_o the_o more_o afraid_a be_v he_o to_o offend_v he_o there_o be_v forgiveness_n with_o thou_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o thou_o may_v be_v fear_v because_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a to_o offend_v man_n shall_v fear_v the_o lord_n and_o his_o goodness_n say_v the_o prophet_n hosea_n 3.5_o and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o to_o be_v dread_v than_o despise_a goodness_n and_o abuse_a patience_n which_o turn_v into_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o long-suffering_a and_o forbearance_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o treasure_v up_o to_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o lord_n unto_o all_o well_o please_a be_v fruitful_a in_o every_o good_a work_n this_o argument_n samuel_n use_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o obedience_n 1_o sam._n 12.24_o only_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v he_o in_o truth_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n for_o consider_v what_o great_a thing_n all_o he_o have_v do_v for_o you_o and_o indeed_o the_o law_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o we_o since_o they_o all_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o be_v proper_a cause_n and_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o that_o in_o challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n as_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o he_o benefit_n he_o lay_v a_o new_a obligation_n and_o confer_v a_o great_a benefit_n upon_o we_o all_o that_o his_o law_n require_v of_o we_o be_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o and_o do_v most_o direct_o conduce_v to_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n he_o may_v have_v challenge_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o severe_a and_o harsh_a law_n he_o can_v have_v impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o as_o the_o servant_n say_v to_o naaman_n have_v the_o prophet_n bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a if_o god_n have_v require_v of_o we_o thing_n very_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a in_o love_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v yield_v a_o ready_a and_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o such_o command_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v do_v this_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o testimony_n of_o your_o love_n to_o i_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o great_a kindness_n and_o benefit_n to_o yourselves_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v that_o we_o offend_v against_o so_o much_o goodness_n and_o make_v so_o bad_a a_o requital_n for_o it_o do_v you_o thus_o requite_v the_o lord_n o_o foolish_a people_n and_o unwise_a the_o proper_a tendency_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o a_o resolution_n of_o a_o better_a course_n when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o blessing_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o his_o continual_a goodness_n to_o we_o can_v we_o choose_v but_o be_v ashamed_a of_o our_o terrible_a ingratitude_n and_o disobedience_n nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a nature_n to_o relent_v than_o the_o sense_n of_o undeserved_a kindness_n that_o god_n shall_v be_v so_o good_a to_o we_o who_o be_v evil_a and_o unthankful_a to_o he_o that_o though_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o hunger_n he_o feed_v we_o when_o we_o thirst_v he_o give_v we_o to_o drink_v heap_v as_o it_o be_v coal_n of_o fire_n on_o our_o head_n on_o purpose_n to_o melt_v we_o into_o repentance_n and_o to_o overcome_v our_o evil_n by_o his_o goodness_n 5._o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v a_o firm_a ground_n of_o trust_n and_o confidence_n what_o may_v we_o not_o hope_n and_o assure_o expect_v from_o immense_a and_o boundless_a goodness_n if_o we_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v possible_o distrust_v he_o or_o doubt_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o gracious_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o the_o same_o goodness_n which_o incline_v he_o to_o make_v such_o promise_n will_v effectual_o engage_v he_o to_o make_v they_o good_a if_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o help_v we_o in_o our_o need_n and_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o distress_n and_o comfort_v we_o in_o our_o affliction_n and_o sorrow_n if_o we_o may_v with_o confidence_n rely_v upon_o any_o thing_n to_o confer_v good_a upon_o we_o and_o to_o preserve_v and_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a we_o may_v trust_v infinite_a goodness_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v likewise_o a_o argument_n to_o we_o to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n with_o every_o condition_n if_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v severe_a and_o heavy_a upon_o we_o in_o any_o affliction_n we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o without_o great_a cause_n that_o so_o much_o goodness_n be_v so_o high_o offend_v and_o displease_v with_o we_o that_o he_o design_v our_o good_a in_o all_o the_o evil_n he_o send_v upon_o we_o and_o do_v not_o chasten_v we_o for_o his_o pleasure_n but_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n and_o our_o sin_n separate_v between_o god_n and_o we_o and_o withhold_v good_a thing_n from_o we_o that_o in_o the_o final_a issue_n and_o result_v of_o thing_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v discontent_v at_o any_o thing_n which_o will_v certain_o end_v in_o our_o happiness_n 7._o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v our_o pattern_n this_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o propose_v to_o we_o math._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a how_o be_v that_o in_o be_v good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a as_o god_n be_v but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o say_v our_o lord_n love_v your_o enemy_n bless_v they_o that_o curse_v you_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v you_o and_o pray_v for_o they_o which_o despiteful_o use_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o child_n of_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n for_o he_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o rise_v on_o the_o evil_a and_o on_o the_o good_a and_o send_v rain_n on_o the_o just_a and_o on_o the_o unjust_a and_o then_o it_o follow_v be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a even_o as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v heaven_n be_v perfect_a the_o same_o pattern_n st._n paul_n propose_v to_o we_o eph._n 4.32_o and_o ch._n 5.1_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o
stir_v up_o in_o we_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n may_v break_v we_o but_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n mercy_n shall_v rather_o melt_v and_o dissolve_v we_o into_o tear_n luke_n 7.47_o the_o woman_n that_o wash_v christ_n foot_n with_o her_o tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o her_o hair_n the_o account_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o great_a affection_n that_o she_o express_v to_o he_o be_v she_o love_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o and_o she_o grieve_v much_o because_o much_o be_v forgive_v she_o especial_o we_o shall_v sorrow_n for_o those_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v commit_v by_o we_o after_o god_n mercy_n receive_v mercy_n after_o sin_n shall_v touch_v our_o heart_n and_o make_v we_o relent_v it_o shall_v grieve_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v offend_v and_o provoke_v a_o god_n so_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a so_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o so_o ready_a to_o forgive_v but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n and_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v they_o be_v attend_v with_o one_o of_o the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o as_o mercy_n raise_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o sin_n so_o it_o shall_v raise_v our_o sorrow_n for_o they_o no_o consideration_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o human_a nature_n than_o that_o of_o kindness_n and_o the_o great_a mercy_n have_v be_v show_v to_o we_o the_o great_a our_o sin_n and_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n for_o they_o contrary_n do_v illustrate_v and_o set_v off_o one_o another_o in_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o see_v the_o great_a evil_n of_o our_o sin_n against_o he_o every_o sin_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o rebellion_n and_o disobedience_n but_o sin_n against_o mercy_n have_v ingratitude_n in_o they_o when_o ever_o we_o break_v the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o rebel_v against_o our_o sovereign_n but_o as_o we_o sin_n against_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n we_o injure_v our_o benefactor_n this_o make_v our_o sin_n to_o be_v horrid_a and_o astonish_v isa_n 1.2_o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o all_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v aggravation_n of_o our_o sin_n 2_o sam._n 12.7_o 8_o 9_o and_o nathan_n say_v to_o david_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n i_o anoint_v thou_o king_n over_o israel_n and_o deliver_v thou_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o saul_n and_o i_o give_v thou_o thy_o master_n house_n and_o thy_o master_n wife_n into_o thy_o bosom_n and_o give_v thou_o the_o house_n of_o isreal_n and_o of_o judah_n and_o if_o that_o have_v be_v too_o little_a i_o will_v moreover_o have_v give_v thou_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n wherefore_o have_v thou_o despise_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o his_o sight_n god_n reckon_v up_o all_o his_o mercy_n and_o from_o they_o aggravate_v david_n sin_n 1_o king_n 11.9_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o all_o the_o unkind_a return_n that_o we_o make_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o worst_a temper_n in_o the_o world_n not_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o kindness_n not_o to_o be_v melt_v by_o mercy_n no_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o wicked_a heart_n than_o that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n have_v no_o effect_n upon_o it_o esay_n 26.10_o let_v favour_n be_v show_v to_o the_o wicked_a yet_o will_v he_o not_o learn_v righteousness_n use_v 3_o let_v we_o imitate_v the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n this_o branch_n of_o god_n goodness_n be_v very_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n the_o general_a exhortation_n of_o our_o saviour_n matt._n 5.48_o be_v you_o therefore_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a be_v more_o particular_o express_v by_o st._n luke_n luke_n 6.30_o be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v merciful_a man_n affect_v to_o make_v image_n and_o impossible_a representation_n of_o god_n but_o as_o seneca_n say_v crede_fw-la deòs_fw-la cùm_fw-la propitii_fw-la essent_fw-la fictiles_fw-la fuisse_fw-la we_o may_v draw_v this_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o father_n his_o whole_a life_n and_o undertake_n be_v a_o continue_a work_n of_o mercy_n he_o go_v about_o do_v good_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o they_o and_o to_o the_o body_n of_o man_n in_o heal_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o recommend_v more_o to_o we_o in_o his_o gospel_n than_o this_o spirit_n and_o temper_n mat._n 5.7_o bless_a be_v the_o merciful_a for_o they_o shall_v obtain_v mercy_n how_o many_o parable_n do_v he_o use_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o with_o a_o design_n to_o draw_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_n of_o the_o good_a samaritan_n of_o the_o servant_n to_o who_o he_o forgive_v 10000_o talent_n we_o shall_v imitate_v god_n in_o this_o in_o be_v tender_a and_o compassionate_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n this_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o natural_a indispensable_a religion_n to_o which_o positive_a and_o institute_v religion_n must_v give_v way_n amos_n 6.6_o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v which_o be_v twice_o cite_v and_o use_v by_o our_o saviour_n micah_n 6.8_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v always_o one_o part_n of_o the_o description_n of_o a_o good_a man_n that_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o misery_n and_o necessity_n of_o other_o psal_n 37.26_o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v he_o be_v far_o from_o cruelty_n not_o only_o to_o man_n but_o even_o to_o the_o brute_n creature_n prov._n 12.10_o a_o righteous_a man_n regard_v the_o life_n of_o his_o beast_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o a_o cruel_a and_o savage_a disposition_n not_o to_o be_v affect_v with_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n of_o other_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o consolation_n when_o we_o can_v see_v cruelty_n exercise_v and_o our_o bowel_n not_o be_v stir_v within_o we_o nor_o our_o heart_n be_v prick_v how_o unlike_a be_v this_o to_o god_n who_o be_v very_o pitiful_a and_o of_o tender_a mercy_n but_o to_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o this_o be_v inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a hear_v how_o god_n threaten_v edom_n for_o rejoice_v at_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o brother_n jacob_n obadiah_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o but_o to_o delight_v to_o make_v other_o miserable_a and_o to_o aggravate_v their_o suffering_n this_o be_v devilish_a this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o hell_n and_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o the_o destroyer_n it_o become_v man_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v merciful_a who_o have_v have_v such_o ample_a and_o happy_a experience_n of_o god_n mercy_n to_o he_o and_o do_v still_o continual_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o mercy_n from_o god_n god_n have_v be_v very_o merciful_a to_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o tender_a mercy_n of_o god_n to_o we_o we_o have_v all_o of_o we_o long_o since_o be_v miserable_a now_o as_o we_o have_v receive_v mercy_n from_o god_n we_o shall_v show_v it_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o want_n because_o we_o have_v have_v such_o experience_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 1_o john_n 3.16_o 17._o hereby_o perceive_v we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n because_o he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o but_o whoso_o have_v this_o world_n good_n and_o see_v his_o brother_n have_v need_n etc._n etc._n how_o dwell_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o he_o that_o man_n have_v no_o sense_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n abide_v upon_o his_o heart_n that_o be_v not_o merciful_a to_o his_o brother_n and_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v forgive_v one_o another_o eph._n 4.32_o be_v you_o kind_a one_o to_o another_o tender_a heart_a forgive_a one_o another_o even_o as_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v forgive_v you_o chap._n 5.1_o be_v you_o therefore_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n col._n 3.12_o 13._o put_v on_o therefore_o as_o the_o elect_a of_o god_n holy_a and_o belove_a bowel_n of_o mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n meekness_n long-suffering_a forbear_v one_o another_o and_o forgive_a one_o another_o if_o any_o man_n have_v a_o quarrel_n against_o
of_o it_o psal_n 29.1_o give_v unto_o the_o lord_n o_o you_o mighty_a give_v unto_o the_o lord_n glory_n and_o strength_n so_o likewise_o it_o shall_v take_v man_n off_o from_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o strength_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v but_o a_o arm_n of_o flesh_n as_o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o for_o the_o weakness_n of_o it_o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o many_o time_n the_o battle_n be_v not_o to_o the_o strong_a that_o thing_n be_v not_o do_v by_o might_n and_o by_o power_n but_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o appear_v against_o the_o most_o potent_a their_o heart_n melt_v within_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o spirit_n leave_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o mighty_a inhabitant_n of_o canaan_n josh_n 5.1_o three_o we_o shall_v make_v this_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a use_n we_o can_v make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o david_n do_v in_o this_o psalm_n and_o this_o be_v use_v for_o a_o form_n of_o blessing_n the_o people_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n psal_n 136.3_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n bless_v thou_o and_o david_n when_o he_o magnify_v god_n deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n from_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o enemy_n resolve_v it_o into_o this_o our_o help_n stand_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n thus_o do_v the_o great_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o faith_n encourage_v and_o support_v his_o confidence_n in_o god_n in_o a_o very_a difficult_a trial_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o it_o because_o he_o believe_v god_n who_o quicken_v the_o dead_a and_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v therefore_o against_o hope_n he_o believe_v in_o hope_n etc._n etc._n rom._n 4.17_o etc._n etc._n this_o give_v life_n to_o all_o our_o devotion_n to_o be_v persuade_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o do_v for_o we_o exceed_o above_o what_o we_o can_v ask_v or_o think_v and_o that_o his_o be_v the_o kingdom_n the_o power_n and_o the_o glory_n i_o shall_v only_o caution_n two_o thing_n as_o to_o our_o reliance_n on_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i._o labour_n to_o be_v such_o person_n to_o who_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v engage_v and_o employ_v his_o omnipotence_n for_o their_o good_a if_o we_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a from_o the_o almighty_a we_o must_v walk_v before_o he_o and_o be_v perfect_a as_o he_o say_v to_o abraham_n good_a man_n have_v a_o peculiar_a interest_n in_o god_n power_n hence_o he_o be_v call_v the_o strength_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o mighty_a one_o of_o israel_n if_o we_o do_v what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o we_o may_v expect_v that_o he_o will_v put_v forth_o his_o power_n and_o exert_v his_o arm_n for_o we_o but_o if_o we_o disobey_v we_o must_v expect_v he_o will_v manifest_v his_o power_n against_o we_o ez._n 8.22_o when_o we_o do_v well_o we_o may_v commit_v the_o keep_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o he_o 1_o pet._n 4.19_o ii_o our_o expectation_n from_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o god_n must_v be_v with_o submission_n to_o his_o pleasure_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v that_o god_n will_v manifest_v his_o power_n when_o we_o think_v there_o be_v occasion_n for_o it_o but_o when_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o he_o he_o will_v so_o employ_v his_o omnipotence_n as_o to_o manifest_v his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o with_o these_o two_o caution_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o he_o in_o all_o our_o want_n both_o spiritual_a and_o temporal_a for_o his_o divine_a power_n can_v give_v we_o all_o thing_n that_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n 2_o pet._n 1.3_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o at_o all_o time_n for_o the_o omnipotent_a god_n neither_o slumber_v nor_o sleep_v the_o almighty_a faint_v not_o neither_o be_v he_o weary_a trust_v you_o in_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o for_o in_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n be_v everlasting_a strength_n sermon_n xi_o vii·_n vol._n vii·_n the_o spirituality_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n john_n iv_o 24_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n who_o be_v speak_v to_o he_o of_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o samaritan_n and_o the_o jew_n concern_v religion_n v._n 20._o our_o father_n worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n but_o you_o say_v that_o in_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o place_n where_o man_n ought_v to_o worship_v christ_n tell_v she_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o the_o worshipper_n of_o god_n shall_v neither_o be_v confine_v to_o that_o mountain_n nor_o to_o jerusalem_n but_o man_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n when_o this_o carnal_a and_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a worship_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v exalt_v into_o a_o more_o spiritual_a a_o more_o real_a and_o true_a and_o substantial_a religion_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o one_o temple_n but_o shall_v be_v universal_o diffuse_v through_o the_o world_n now_o such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n in_o the_o word_n we_o have_v first_o a_o proposition_n lay_v down_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n second_o a_o corollary_n or_o inference_n deduce_v from_o it_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o that_o which_o concern_v my_o present_a design_n and_o afterward_o speak_v something_o to_o the_o corollary_n or_o inference_n deduce_v from_o it_o together_o with_o some_o other_o inference_n draw_v from_o this_o truth_n by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n this_o expression_n be_v singular_a and_o not_o to_o be_v parallel_v again_o in_o the_o scripture_n indeed_o we_o have_v often_o mention_v make_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o signify_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o energy_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n signify_v the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n god_n be_v call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n numb_a 16.22.27.16_o much_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o he_o be_v call_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n heb._n 12.9_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o we_o no_o where_n meet_v with_o this_o expression_n or_o any_o other_o equivalent_a to_o it_o that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n but_o only_o in_o this_o place_n nor_o have_v it_o be_v use_v here_o but_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o best_a worship_n of_o god_n that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o he_o be_v spiritual_a so_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o our_o saviour_n here_o intend_v be_v not_o to_o prove_v the_o spiritual_a nature_n of_o god_n but_o that_o his_o worship_n ought_v to_o be_v spiritual_a nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o necessity_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o where_o say_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n it_o be_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v good_a or_o that_o he_o be_v infinite_a and_o eternal_a and_o the_o like_a or_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v prove_v to_o we_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n all_o these_o be_v manifest_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n mention_v they_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o it_o be_v usual_o in_o order_n to_o some_o further_a purpose_n for_o we_o be_v to_o know_v that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o teach_v we_o philosophy_n nor_o solicitous_o instruct_v we_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o but_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o and_o make_v use_v of_o these_o common_a principle_n and_o notion_n which_o be_v in_o we_o concern_v god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o life_n to_o come_v to_o excite_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n for_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v any_o where_o express_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n but_o take_v for_o grant_v in_o like_a manner_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o solicitous_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v they_o know_v to_o we_o and_o if_o it_o mention_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o
motion_n shall_v be_v as_o swift_a as_o that_o of_o the_o light_n which_o when_o the_o sun_n rise_v dart_n itself_o in_o a_o instant_n from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o over_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o sea_n the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o yet_o will_v god_n be_v present_a to_o i_o in_o the_o motion_n and_o all_o along_o as_o i_o go_v must_v i_o be_v lead_v and_o uphold_v by_o he_o so_o that_o all_o these_o expression_n do_v but_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n essence_n that_o his_o be_v be_v infinite_o diffuse_v and_o present_a in_o all_o place_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o attribute_n of_o god_n immensity_n i_o shall_v first_o explain_v it_o to_o you_o a_o little_a second_o prove_v that_o it_o do_v belong_v to_o he_o three_o answer_v a_o objection_n or_o two_o that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o four_o draw_v some_o doctrinal_a inference_n from_o it_o five_o make_v some_o use_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o by_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v that_o his_o be_v have_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n but_o do_v every_o way_n spread_v and_o diffuse_v itself_o beyond_o what_o we_o can_v imagine_v so_o that_o you_o can_v define_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n by_o any_o certain_a place_n so_o as_o to_o say_v here_o he_o be_v but_o not_o there_o nor_o by_o any_o limit_n so_o as_o to_o say_v thus_o far_o his_o be_v reach_v and_o no_o further_o but_o he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a after_o a_o most_o infinite_a manner_n in_o the_o dark_a corner_n and_o most_o private_a recess_n the_o most_o secret_a closet_n that_o be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o heart_n of_o man_n darkness_n and_o privacy_n can_v keep_v he_o out_o the_o presence_n of_o another_o be_v even_o of_o a_o body_n which_o be_v the_o gross_a substance_n do_v not_o exclude_v he_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v not_o confine_v he_o but_o he_o fill_v all_o the_o space_n which_o we_o can_v imagine_v beyond_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o infinite_o more_o than_o we_o can_v imagine_v second_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v attempt_v it_o i._o from_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n ii_o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n iii_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n i._o from_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n we_o find_v that_o the_o heathen_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n tully_n tell_v we_o de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a that_o pythagoras_n think_v deum_fw-la esse_fw-la animam_fw-la per_fw-la naturam_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnem_fw-la intentum_fw-la &_o commeantem_fw-la that_o god_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o soul_n pass_v through_o and_o inspire_v all_o nature_n and_o in_o l._n 2._o the_o leg_n that_o this_o be_v thales_n his_o opinion_n which_o he_o commend_v homines_fw-la existimare_fw-la oportere_fw-la deos_fw-la omne_fw-la cernere_fw-la deorum_fw-la omne_fw-la esse_fw-la plena_fw-la that_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n see_v all_o thing_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v full_a of_o they_o so_o sen._n epist_n 95._o ubique_fw-la &_o omnibus_fw-la praesto_fw-la est_fw-la he_o be_v every_o where_o present_a and_o at_o hand_n &_o de_fw-fr benef._n l._n 4._o quocunque_fw-la te_fw-la flexeris_fw-la ibi_fw-la illum_fw-la videbis_fw-la occurrentem_fw-la tibi_fw-la nihil_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la vacat_fw-la opus_fw-la suum_fw-la ipse_fw-la implet_fw-la which_o way_n soever_o thou_o turn_v thyself_o thou_o shall_v find_v he_o meet_v thou_o nothing_o be_v without_o he_o he_o fill_v his_o own_o work_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o the_o expression_n of_o the_o psalmist_n here_o ii_o from_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o some_o remarkable_a place_n 1_o king_n 8.27_o behold_v the_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v thou_o job_n 11.7_o 8_o 9_o can_v thou_o by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n can_v thou_o find_v out_o the_o almighty_a unto_o perfection_n isa_n 66.1_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n behold_v heaven_n be_v my_o throne_n and_o the_o earth_n be_v my_o footstool_n where_o be_v the_o house_n that_o you_o build_v unto_o i_o and_o where_o be_v the_o place_n of_o my_o rest_n jer._n 23.23_o 24._o be_o i_o a_o god_n at_o hand_n say_v the_o lord_n and_o not_o a_o god_n afar_o off_o can_v any_o hide_v himself_o in_o secret_a place_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o see_v he_o say_v the_o lord_n do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n amos_n 9.2_o 3._o though_o they_o dig_v into_o hell_n thence_o shall_v my_o hand_n take_v they_o though_o they_o climb_v up_o to_o heaven_n thence_o will_v i_o bring_v they_o down_o and_o though_o they_o hide_v themselves_o in_o the_o top_n of_o carmel_n i_o will_v search_v and_o take_v they_o out_o thence_o and_o though_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o my_o sight_n in_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n thence_o will_v i_o command_v he_o serpent_n and_o he_o shall_v bite_v they_o act_n 17.27_o 28._o though_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o every_o one_o of_o we_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_z also_o of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n iii_o from_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o prove_v any_o of_o god_n perfection_n for_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o former_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o god_n nor_o any_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v his_o perfection_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o way_n of_o demonstration_n but_o of_o conviction_n by_o show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o first_o and_o most_o easy_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v which_o have_v all_o perfection_n and_o be_v free_a from_o all_o imperfection_n now_o if_o i_o prove_v that_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n essence_n be_v a_o perfection_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o the_o contrary_n be_v a_o imperfection_n i_o do_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o thing_n intend_v now_o to_o suppose_v the_o divine_a essence_n to_o be_v limit_v or_o confine_v and_o his_o presence_n to_o be_v any_o where_o exclude_v do_v contradict_v both_o this_o necessary_a perfection_n of_o god_n his_o universal_a providence_n and_o this_o necessary_a duty_n of_o creature_n to_o worship_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o the_o voluntary_a manifestation_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 1._o it_o contradict_v the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n the_o universal_a providence_n of_o god_n suppose_v many_o perfection_n viz._n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o infinite_a power_n his_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v without_o omnipresence_n we_o find_v that_o all_o finite_a being_n have_v a_o finite_a knowledge_n and_o a_o finite_a power_n and_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v how_o infinite_a understanding_n and_o power_n can_v be_v found_v any_o where_o else_o than_o in_o a_o infinite_a essence_n to_o have_v a_o infinite_a knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o secret_a and_o hide_a to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o steer_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o all_o creature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o perfect_a care_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o require_v immediate_a presence_n 2._o it_o contradict_v the_o necessary_a duty_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o for_o every_o thing_n and_o in_o every_o thing_n to_o acknowledge_v he_o now_o all_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v render_v vain_a or_o at_o least_o uncertain_a if_o god_n be_v not_o present_a to_o we_o to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o want_n and_o receive_v our_o acknowledgement_n it_o will_v much_o abate_v our_o confidence_n in_o god_n and_o our_o fear_n to_o offend_v he_o if_o we_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o he_o be_v present_a to_o we_o or_o not_o whether_o he_o see_v our_o action_n or_o not_o 3._o it_o contradict_v a_o voluntary_a manifestation_n and_o appearance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n he_o that_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o be_v every_o where_o present_a by_o his_o essence_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n confine_v his_o presence_n to_o heaven_n and_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v present_a elsewhere_o only_o by_o his_o virtue_n and_o power_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o can_v the_o divinity_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n how_o be_v god_n with_o we_o how_o do_v he_o pitch_v his_o tabernacle_n among_o man_n if_o his_o essential_a presence_n be_v confine_v to_o heaven_n three_o i_o
unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o these_o be_v the_o instance_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o object_n 2._o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o person_n capable_a of_o know_v god_n in_o any_o measure_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v above_o a_o finite_a creature_n be_v understanding_n wicked_a man_n they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o god_n and_o full_a of_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v this_o description_n of_o they_o they_o be_v those_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess_n 1._o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o know_v god_n to_o perfection_n that_o they_o have_v hardly_o any_o true_a knowledge_n of_o he_o for_o as_o the_o man_n himself_o be_v so_o will_v god_n seem_v to_o be_v to_o he_o the_o idea_n and_o notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v but_o the_o picture_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n to_o a_o true_a knowledge_n there_o be_v require_v likeness_n a_o man_n mind_n must_v be_v like_o the_o thing_n he_o will_v understand_v therefore_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o the_o natural_a or_o animal_n man_n do_v not_o receive_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o because_o his_o mind_n be_v unsuitable_a to_o they_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o body_n and_o he_o can_v relish_v spiritual_a thing_n even_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v of_o god_n they_o be_v strange_o tincture_v and_o obscure_v by_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o man_n they_o be_v lux_fw-la sepulta_fw-la in_o opacâ_fw-la materiâ_fw-la light_n bury_v and_o hide_v in_o matter_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o blackness_n of_o a_o soul_n and_o impure_a heart_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o question_n of_o they_o whither_o they_o comprehend_v god_n or_o not_o but_o good_a man_n they_o can_v find_v out_o god_n they_o have_v some_o false_a apprehension_n of_o he_o all_o their_o apprehension_n be_v dark_a have_v much_o of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o they_o know_v god_n to_o salvation_n but_o not_o to_o perfection_n in_o this_o life_n we_o do_v but_o know_v god_n in_o part_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n which_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o i_o will_v instance_n yet_o high_o the_o angel_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a though_o they_o have_v true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o arrive_v to_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o he_o they_o can_v pervestigare_fw-la ultima_fw-la know_v the_o utmost_a of_o god_n the_o cherubim_v themselves_o be_v continual_o look_v at_o the_o mercy_n seat_n to_o which_o the_o apostle_n allude_v 1_o pet._n 1.12_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o pry_v into_o in_o heaven_n that_o which_o be_v in_o part_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o that_o be_v our_o knowledge_n shall_v be_v perfect_a as_o our_o nature_n be_v capable_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v finite_a when_o we_o shall_v see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v have_v a_o immediate_a vision_n of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v not_o have_v our_o understanding_n tincture_v by_o any_o lust_n or_o passion_n that_o may_v darken_v our_o mind_n or_o misrepresent_v the_o object_n for_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o because_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o than_o we_o shall_v have_v short_a and_o unadequate_a apprehension_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v still_o retain_v our_o limit_a nature_n and_o finite_a understanding_n ii_o by_o way_n of_o conviction_n do_v thou_o know_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o finite_a spirit_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o angel_n how_o be_v immaterial_a they_o can_v act_v upon_o matter_n and_o move_v that_o which_o can_v make_v no_o resistance_n to_o a_o spirit_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o they_o can_v move_v themselves_o to_o a_o great_a distance_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o dart_v themselves_o from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o do_v thou_o know_v how_o man_n be_v form_v in_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o and_o the_o curious_a frame_n of_o our_o body_n be_v wrought_v from_o such_o rude_a principle_n in_o so_o dark_a a_o shop_n can_v thou_o give_v a_o account_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o what_o band_n or_o hold_v a_o spirit_n be_v so_o close_o and_o intimate_o conjoin_v to_o matter_n do_v thou_o know_v how_o thyself_o understand_v any_o thing_n and_o can_v retain_v the_o distinct_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o so_o many_o object_n without_o confusion_n do_v thou_o know_v the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n how_o they_o be_v knit_v together_o and_o by_o what_o cement_n they_o cleave_v so_o fast_o to_o one_o another_o that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v separate_v now_o if_o the_o creature_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o thou_o be_v not_o the_o creator_n of_o they_o much_o more_o incomprehensible_a who_o possess_v all_o these_o perfection_n which_o he_o communicate_v and_o many_o which_o can_v be_v communicate_v to_o a_o creature_n if_o in_o natural_a and_o sensible_a thing_n maxima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la scimus_fw-la est_fw-la minima_fw-la pars_fw-la eorum_fw-la quae_fw-la nescimus_fw-la how_o much_o more_o be_v it_o true_a of_o god_n that_o our_o ignorance_n be_v more_o than_o our_o knowledge_n when_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o he_o isa_n 40.15_o 17._o behold_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o as_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n all_o nation_n before_o he_o be_v nothing_o and_o be_v account_v to_o he_o less_o than_o nothing_o iii_o by_o show_v you_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v this_o the_o disproportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n the_o finiteness_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o therefore_o as_o he_o know_v more_o than_o we_o do_v as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o so_o he_o be_v more_o than_o can_v be_v know_v by_o we_o he_o be_v too_o vast_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n to_o entertain_v for_o our_o mind_n to_o receive_v thou_o may_v as_o well_o meet_v out_o the_o heaven_n with_o a_o span_n and_o measure_v the_o water_n in_o the_o hollow_a of_o thy_o hand_n and_o comprehend_v the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o little_a urn_n and_o weigh_v the_o mountain_n in_o some_o scale_n and_o the_o hill_n in_o a_o little_a balance_n as_o think_v to_o circumscribe_v god_n in_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o thy_o thought_n or_o to_o bring_v that_o which_o be_v infinite_a within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o which_o be_v finite_a and_o there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o vastness_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n but_o the_o glory_n and_o resplendency_n of_o it_o do_v so_o dazzle_v our_o sight_n that_o we_o can_v perfect_o see_v it_o 1_o tim._n 6.16_o he_o dwell_v in_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v nor_o can_v see_v as_o god_n be_v too_o big_a so_o he_o be_v too_o bright_a a_o object_n for_o our_o understanding_n the_o presence_n of_o his_o glory_n overpower_n our_o mind_n and_o bear_v down_o our_o faculty_n and_o conquer_v our_o understanding_n i_o come_v now_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o way_n and_o work_v of_o god_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o past_o find_v out_o i._o it_o call_v for_o our_o admiration_n and_o veneration_n and_o reverence_n these_o be_v the_o best_a apprehension_n of_o he_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a a_o silent_a veneration_n of_o his_o excellency_n be_v the_o best_a acknowledgement_n of_o they_o we_o must_v admire_v what_o we_o can_v apprehend_v or_o express_v zach._n 9.17_o how_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n and_o how_o great_a be_v his_o beauty_n the_o best_a way_n to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o nehemiah_n use_v nehem._n 9.5_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o glorious_a name_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o blessing_n and_o praise_n when_o ever_o we_o speak_v or_o think_v of_o god_n we_o necessary_o detract_v from_o his_o perfection_n but_o even_o this_o necessity_n be_v glorious_a to_o he_o and_o this_o speak_v his_o perfection_n that_o the_o high_a finite_a understanding_n must_v have_v imperfect_a thought_n of_o he_o we_o shall_v make_v up_o in_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n what_o we_o fall_v short_a of_o in_o knowledge_n reverence_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o
thing_n and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v the_o proposition_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o be_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o last_o end_n first_o i_o shall_v a_o little_a explain_v the_o term_n second_o confirm_v the_o proposition_n three_o apply_v it_o first_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n i._o that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n signify_v 1._o negative_o that_o he_o have_v no_o cause_n do_v not_o derive_v his_o be_v from_o any_o other_o or_o do_v depend_v upon_o any_o other_o be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v always_o and_o eternal_o of_o himself_o 2._o positive_o that_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n beside_o himself_o the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o create_a being_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n proceed_v and_o upon_o who_o all_o thing_n depend_v or_o that_o i_o may_v use_v the_o expression_n of_o saint_n john_n joh._n 1.3_o which_o i_o know_v be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v so_o that_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o we_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v by_o he_o ii_o the_o last_o end_n that_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n refer_v to_o he_o that_o be_v the_o design_n and_o aim_v of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v be_v the_o illustration_n of_o god_n glory_n some_o way_n or_o other_o and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o his_o perfection_n second_o for_o the_o confirmation_n i_o shall_v brief_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a method_n attempt_v it_o these_o two_o way_n i._o by_o natural_a light_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n we_o can_v imagine_v be_v for_o a_o be_v to_o be_v always_o of_o itself_o before_o all_o other_o being_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o being_n that_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o what_o derive_v its_o be_v from_o he_o and_o continual_o depend_v upon_o he_o from_o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n must_v refer_v to_o he_o as_o their_o last_n end_n for_o every_o wise_a agent_n act_n with_o design_n and_o in_o order_n to_o a_o end_n now_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v best_a which_o be_v most_o worthy_a the_o attain_n and_o that_o be_v god_n himself_o now_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v already_o and_o the_o best_a next_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v call_v god_n glory_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a end_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o which_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n do_v refer_v and_o that_o these_o title_n be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o only_o reasonable_a when_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o discover_v but_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o the_o heathen_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o aristotle_n give_v to_o god_n those_o title_n of_o the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o the_o first_o mover_n and_o his_o master_n plato_n call_v god_n the_o author_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o maker_n and_o architect_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o fountain_n and_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n porphyry_n call_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o from_o whence_o he_o reason_n to_o this_o sense_n that_o he_o be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n move_v towards_o god_n that_o all_o motion_n centre_n in_o he_o because_o say_v he_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o natural_a for_o thing_n to_o refer_v to_o their_o original_a and_o to_o refer_v all_o to_o he_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v all_o antoninus_n the_o emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v of_o nature_n which_o with_o the_o stoic_n signify_v god_n have_v these_o word_n which_o be_v so_o very_a like_o these_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v take_v from_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n in_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n to_o thou_o be_v all_o thing_n ii_o from_o scripture_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o place_n where_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o isa_n 41.4_o who_o have_v wrought_v and_o do_v it_o call_v the_o generation_n from_o the_o beginning_n i_o the_o lord_n the_o first_o and_o with_o the_o last_o i_o be_o he_o isa_n 43.10_o before_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n form_v or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n there_o be_v nothing_o form_v of_o god_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v after_o i_o isa_n 44.6_o i_o be_o the_o first_o and_o i_o be_o the_o last_o and_o beside_o i_o there_o be_v no_o god_n isa_n 48.12_o 13._o i_o be_o the_o first_o i_o also_o be_o the_o last_o my_o hand_n have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n my_o right_a hand_n have_v spread_v the_o heaven_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n rev._n 1.8_o i_o be_o alpha_n and_o omega_n the_o beginning_n and_o the_o end_n say_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v but_o more_o express_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o but_o to_o we_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n the_o father_n of_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o we_o to_o he_o and_o for_o he_o act_n 17.24_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n therein_o v._o 25._o he_o give_v to_o all_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n v._o 28._o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v v._o 29._o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n whereby_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v joh._n 1.3_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o be_v nothing_o make_v that_o be_v make_v v._o 10._o and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o 1_o cor._n 8.6_o and_o one_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n by_o who_o be_v all_o thing_n and_o we_o by_o he_o eph._n 3.9_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n by_o jesus_n christ_n col._n 1.16_o by_o he_o be_v all_o thing_n create_v that_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o that_o be_v in_o earth_n visible_a and_o invisible_a whether_o they_o be_v throne_n or_o dominion_n or_o principality_n or_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v create_v by_o he_o and_o for_o he_o and_o he_o be_v before_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n consist_v heb._n 1.2_o by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n and_o v._o 3._o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o power_n three_o and_o last_o to_o apply_v this_o doctrine_n use_v first_o if_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v at_o first_o produce_v all_o creature_n and_o do_v since_o preserve_v they_o and_o govern_v they_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o their_o concernment_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n that_o befall_v they_o from_o hence_o let_v we_o learn_v 1._o with_o humility_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v and_o admire_v and_o bless_v god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o original_a of_o our_o be_v as_o the_o spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o the_o blessing_n and_o good_a thing_n that_o we_o enjoy_v if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n we_o shall_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o own_o and_o acknowledge_v to_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a humility_n because_o we_o have_v not_o give_v he_o any_o thing_n but_o have_v receive_v all_o from_o he_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n who_o do_v free_o and_o of_o his_o own_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n communicate_v being_n to_o we_o without_o any_o constraint_n or_o necessity_n but_o what_o his_o own_o goodness_n lay_v upon_o he_o rev._n 4.11_o thou_o be_v worthy_a o_o lord_n to_o receive_v glory_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n for_o thou_o have_v create_v all_o thing_n and_o for_o thy_o pleasure_n they_o be_v and_o be_v create_v we_o can_v not_o before_o we_o be_v deserve_v any_o thing_n from_o he_o or_o move_v he_o by_o any_o argument_n or_o importune_v he_o by_o entreaty_n to_o make_v we_o but_o he_o free_o give_v we_o be_v and_o ever_o since_o we_o depend_v upon_o he_o
and_o by_o derivation_n from_o god_n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 18.19_o when_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n but_o though_o the_o degree_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n and_o the_o creature_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a and_o that_o goodness_n which_o be_v in_o we_o be_v so_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o compare_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o do_v not_o deserve_v that_o name_n yet_o the_o essential_a notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o both_o must_v be_v the_o same_o else_o when_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o can_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v for_o god_n to_o be_v good_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o we_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v good_a or_o not_o for_o he_o may_v be_v so_o and_o we_o never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o goodness_n in_o god_n be_v and_o consequent_o when_o he_o be_v so_o and_o when_o not_o beside_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n propound_v to_o our_o imitation_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v that_o which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o goodness_n which_o we_o be_v to_o endeavour_v after_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v in_o god_n because_o in_o this_o we_o be_v command_v to_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o merciful_a as_o he_o be_v according_a to_o the_o rate_n and_o condition_n of_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o who_o nature_n be_v imperfect_a be_v capable_a of_o resemble_v the_o divine_a goodness_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o notion_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n it_o be_v a_o propension_n and_o disposition_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o communicate_v be_v and_o happiness_n to_o his_o creature_n second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o that_o from_o these_o three_o head_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o iii_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_a agree_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o perfection_n of_o god_n more_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o they_o i_o always_o except_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o attribute_v nothing_o but_o eternity_n and_o happiness_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v have_v consider_v it_o happiness_n without_o goodness_n be_v impossible_a i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v express_o deny_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n or_o that_o they_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a but_o they_o clear_o take_v away_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v a_o immortal_a and_o happy_a be_v that_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o himself_o that_o neither_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n nor_o concern_v himself_o in_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v in_o truth_n the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o idle_a be_v that_o be_v call_v god_n and_o neither_o do_v good_a nor_o evil_a but_o set_v aside_o this_o atheistical_a sect_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o heathen_a do_v unanimous_o affirm_v and_o believe_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o praise_n of_o he_o do_v necessary_o suppose_v a_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n whosoever_o pray_v to_o god_n must_v have_v a_o persuasion_n or_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o readiness_n to_o do_v he_o good_a and_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v good_a from_o he_o seneca_n have_v a_o excellent_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n he_o say_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n do_v not_o sure_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o prayer_n that_o with_o hand_n lift_v up_o to_o heaven_n be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n both_o in_o private_a and_o public_a which_o certain_o will_v not_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v conspire_v in_o this_o madness_n of_o put_v up_o their_o supplication_n to_o deaf_a and_o impotent_a deity_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o god_n be_v so_o good_a as_o to_o confer_v benefit_n upon_o those_o who_o pray_v to_o they_o but_o we_o need_v not_o to_o infer_v their_o belief_n of_o god_n goodness_n from_o the_o act_n of_o their_o devotion_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o express_o to_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n to_o he_o and_o among_o the_o divine_a title_n this_o always_o have_v the_o preeminence_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d deus_fw-la optimus_fw-la maximus_fw-la be_v their_o constant_a stile_n and_o in_o our_o language_n the_o name_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v give_v he_o from_o his_o goodness_n i_o may_v produce_v innumerable_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o heathen_a authers_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o remarkable_a one_o out_o of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la deinde_fw-la reddere_fw-la illis_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la reddere_fw-la bonitatem_fw-la sine_fw-la quâ_fw-la nulla_fw-la majestas_fw-la the_o first_o act_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o next_o to_o ascribe_v majesty_n or_o greatness_n to_o he_o and_o to_o ascribe_v goodness_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o greatness_n ii_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o divine_a revelation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o those_o many_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n exod._n 34.6_o where_o god_n make_v his_o name_n know_v to_o moses_n the_o lord_n the_o lord_n god_n gracious_a and_o merciful_a long_o suffer_v abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.5_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v psal_n 119.68_o thou_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a and_o that_o which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n o_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a and_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o our_o bless_a saviour_n attribute_n this_o perfection_n to_o god_n in_o so_o peculiar_a and_o transcendent_a a_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v incommunicable_a luke_n 18.19_o there_o be_v none_o good_a save_o one_o that_o be_v god_n the_o meaning_n be_v that_o no_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o in_o that_o excellent_a and_o transcendent_a degree_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v possess_v of_o it_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v those_o innumerable_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n which_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a and_o long_o suffer_v for_o these_o be_v but_o several_a branch_n of_o his_o goodness_n his_o grace_n be_v the_o freeness_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o his_o mercy_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o misery_n his_o patience_n be_v his_o goodness_n to_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a in_o defer_v the_o punishment_n due_a to_o they_o iii_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v likewise_o be_v argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o belong_v to_o god_n 2._o there_o be_v some_o footstep_n of_o it_o in_o the_o creature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o more_o eminent_o in_o god_n 1._o goodness_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v needs_o belong_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o being_n knowledge_n and_o power_n be_v great_a perfection_n but_o separate_v from_o goodness_n they_o will_v be_v great_a imperfection_n nothing_o but_o craft_n and_o violence_n a_o angel_n may_v have_v knowledge_n and_o power_n in_o a_o great_a degree_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o necessary_a a_o perfection_n that_o without_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o it_o give_v perfection_n to_o all_o other_o excellency_n take_v away_o this_o and_o the_o great_a excellency_n in_o any_o other_o kind_n will_v be_v but_o the_o great_a imperfection_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o the_o