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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
kingdom_n great_a heaven_n know_v 2,359 5 3.7515 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A47040 The future state, or, A discourse attempting some display of the souls happiness, in regard to that eternally progressive knowledge, or eternal increase of knowledge, and the consequences of it, which is amongst the blessed in heaven by a country gentleman, a worshipper of God in the way of the Church of England. Whitaker, Edward.; Jones, George, d. 1704. 1683 (1683) Wing J941B; ESTC R13197 63,632 160

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that_o all_o do_v so_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o great_a divine_a philosopher_n or_o statesman_n and_o that_o of_o the_o very_a dolt_n or_o idiot_n be_v to_o i_o a_o improbable_a paradox_n and_o i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o gradual_a difference_n at_o least_o among_o soul_n themselves_o 10._o this_o diversity_n i_o humble_o conceive_v be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v in_o the_o understanding_n will_n and_o active_a or_o executive_a power_n in_o all_o these_o the_o difference_n be_v various_a according_a as_o man_n love_n service_n and_o good_a work_n may_v have_v be_v various_a here_o below_o those_o that_o have_v be_v most_o pious_a holy_a and_o abundant_a in_o the_o work_v of_o righteousness_n will_v have_v the_o largest_n understanding_n the_o most_o vigorous_a affection_n of_o love_n delight_n and_o joy_n and_o the_o most_o prompt_a and_o ready_a 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the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o just_a as_o the_o angel_n obtain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o law_n and_o government_n here_o below_o and_o it_o be_v affirm_v by_o st._n paul_n that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o church_n that_o they_o attain_v it_o that_o be_v as_o i_o conceive_v by_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o by_o the_o experience_n that_o they_o have_v of_o the_o obedience_n that_o they_o pay_v unto_o they_o and_o the_o reward_n that_o be_v consequent_a thereunto_o together_o with_o the_o punishment_n that_o attend_v the_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o they_o in_o which_o many_o time_n they_o be_v the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n 13._o and_o who_o know_v whether_o many_o of_o the_o obscure_a prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new-testament_n and_o some_o other_o difficulty_n in_o the_o inspire_a write_n may_v not_o be_v explain_v open_v and_o unfolded_a after_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v to_o man_n they_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o 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which_o those_o that_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o 21._o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v conjecture_v that_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o future_a event_n by_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n make_v concern_v they_o and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o many_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v know_v by_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o that_o in_o a_o succession_n of_o time_n and_o age_n without_o end_n or_o period_n of_o duration_n 22._o for_o whether_o there_o may_v not_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o world_n to_o a_o indefinite_a period_n of_o time_n &_o whether_o god_n may_v not_o govern_v they_o much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o partly_o by_o natural_a and_o partly_o by_o supernatural_a law_n who_o can_v define_v i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n
perfect_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n both_o of_o inclination_n habit_n and_o act_n the_o plague_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v perfect_o cure_v there_o remain_v not_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o old_a nature_n upon_o their_o soul_n yea_o they_o be_v free_v of_o all_o sinful_a ignorance_n they_o know_v all_o that_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o they_o know_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o shall_v know_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v be_v another_o question_n god_n make_v man_n upright_o eccles_n 7._o ult_n that_o be_v he_o make_v he_o without_o sinful_a imperfection_n but_o that_o they_o know_v as_o much_o the_o first_o day_n of_o their_o creation_n as_o they_o will_v have_v know_v have_v they_o live_v a_o thousand_o year_n in_o their_o innocent_a state_n i_o do_v not_o believe_v our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v perfect_a with_o respect_n to_o sin_n at_o his_o birth_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o then_o attain_v all_o attainable_a excellency_n for_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n luk_n 2.52_o and_o if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v perfect_a before_o they_o have_v attain_v all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o may_v the_o bless_a in_o the_o future_a state_n 6._o 4._o those_o very_a person_n that_o do_v assert_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o bless_a immediate_o upon_o their_o departure_n hence_o and_o admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o glory_n do_v yet_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o resurrection_n will_v add_v something_o to_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o knowledge_n yea_o and_o of_o their_o happiness_n also_o and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o plain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v will_v the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n know_v no_o more_o after_o the_o resurrection_n than_o they_o do_v before_o will_v those_o work_n of_o wonder_n add_v nothing_o to_o the_o enlargement_n of_o their_o understanding_n will_v their_o knowledge_n receive_v no_o advange_fw-mi thereby_o this_o be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n in_o any_o man_n that_o shall_v affirm_v it_o so_o then_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o perfection_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n before_o the_o resurrection_n it_o may_v be_v reconcileable_a with_o it_o afterward_o 7._o 5._o to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o angel_n of_o heaven_n without_o doubt_n be_v make_v perfect_a yet_o sure_o the_o creation_n government_n and_o affair_n ot_fw-mi this_o world_n have_v add_v much_o to_o their_o knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o they_o and_o consequent_o have_v have_v knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o and_o i_o be_o pass_v all_o scruple_n concern_v it_o yea_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v make_v for_o the_o use_v of_o angel_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o in_o it_o they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o most_o illustrious_a perfection_n of_o their_o maker_n a_o have_v learned_a very_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o yea_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o they_o have_v ascribe_v much_o more_o of_o the_o praise_n thereof_o to_o god_n than_o ever_o be_v do_v by_o mortal_n the_o creation_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v a_o very_a clear_a glass_n in_o which_o be_v discover_v the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o since_o the_o fall_n man_n eye_n have_v be_v so_o impair_v that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v they_o nor_o give_v he_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o but_o that_o which_o i_o will_v infer_v from_o this_o paragraph_n be_v this_o if_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n be_v consistent_a with_o perfection_n in_o angel_n it_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o it_o in_o the_o bless_a saint_n if_o the_o one_o be_v perfect_a before_o they_o have_v obtain_v much_o of_o that_o knowledge_n that_o now_o they_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o other_o may_v be_v perfect_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n though_o they_o want_v much_o of_o that_o knowledge_n that_o they_o may_v and_o certain_o will_v obtain_v 8._o 2._o object_n the_o future_a state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o rest_n and_o fruition_n the_o bless_a be_v there_o say_v to_o rest_n from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n to_o follow_v they_o rev._n 14.13_o which_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n forasmuch_o as_o knowledge_n be_v not_o obtain_v without_o labour_n especial_o that_o which_o come_v by_o ratiocination_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n on_o such_o being_n as_o be_v present_v to_o we_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o reply_v as_o follow_v 9_o 1._o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o very_a active_a be_v action_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o it_o and_o can_v no_o more_o in_o my_o apprehension_n be_v separate_v from_o it_o than_o heat_v from_o fire_n or_o extension_n from_o natural_a body_n if_o you_o separate_v action_n from_o humane_a mind_n you_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o they_o be_v nothing_o not_o to_o act_n and_o not_o to_o be_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o they_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o be_v be_v equipollent_a to_o the_o cessation_n of_o their_o action_n and_o operation_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a act_n soul_n be_v his_o image_n and_o in_o the_o activity_n of_o their_o nature_n they_o be_v a_o representation_n of_o he_o 10._o 2._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n therefore_o as_o i_o do_v humble_o conceive_v consist_v very_o much_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o such_o action_n and_o the_o use_v of_o such_o employment_n as_o be_v congruous_a and_o suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o to_o the_o end_n and_o intent_n for_o which_o it_o be_v make_v man_n inferior_a faculty_n and_o sense_n have_v their_o proper_a end_n action_n and_o operation_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n and_o use_v of_o they_o on_o their_o own_o peculiar_a object_n they_o find_v and_o experience_n all_o the_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o sure_o the_o rest_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n must_v likewise_o consist_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o active_a power_n upon_o congruous_a and_o suitable_a object_n and_o the_o philosopher_n some_o where_o place_v humane_a felicity_n in_o action_n and_o not_o in_o a_o dull_a inactive_a stupor_n 11._o 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o humane_a soul_n than_o the_o exercise_n of_o its_o intellectual_a faculty_n on_o the_o be_v nature_n and_o property_n of_o thing_n this_o be_v wonderful_o congruous_a and_o therefore_o pleasant_a to_o it_o it_o delight_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o evident_a to_o infer_v those_o that_o be_v less_o and_o also_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o infer_v the_o cause_n and_o from_o the_o intermediate_n cause_n to_o ascend_v by_o several_a step_n and_o progression_n to_o the_o first_o primitive_a and_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o labour_n be_v its_o rest_n this_o work_n be_v its_o reward_n this_o use_n of_o its_o power_n be_v their_o felicity_n and_o their_o glory_n this_o be_v the_o employment_n which_o they_o do_v desire_v in_o which_o they_o be_v please_v and_o in_o which_o they_o will_v find_v repose_n yea_o ravishment_n and_o ecstasy_n for_o ever_o 12._o 4._o though_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o the_o obtain_n of_o knowledge_n here_o below_o and_o though_o it_o cost_v it_o much_o painful_a study_n to_o attain_v any_o considerable_a degree_n or_o measure_n of_o it_o yet_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v or_o suspect_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n it_o will_v receive_v so_o much_o enlargement_n perfection_n and_o advantage_n by_o its_o ascent_n thither_o that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o trouble_v to_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o turn_v our_o eye_n from_o one_o object_n to_o another_o and_o to_o observe_v the_o beauty_n and_o proportion_n of_o they_o 13._o 5._o a_o disease_a eye_n can_v behold_v the_o light_n without_o some_o trouble_n and_o offence_n though_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n thereof_o and_o the_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n become_v visible_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v sore_o it_o become_v very_o offensive_a unto_o it_o and_o if_o you_o can_v but_o cure_v or_o remove_v that_o distemper_n light_n become_v pleasant_a unto_o it_o again_o since_o man_n become_v sinful_a his_o understanding_n faculty_n have_v suffer_v great_a diminution_n it_o be_v indisposed_a and_o uncapable_a in_o great_a degree_n of_o obtain_v knowledge_n though_o that_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v create_v and_o what_o it_o do_v obtain_v be_v not_o without_o
the_o future_a state_n or_o a_o discourse_n attempt_v some_o display_v of_o the_o soul_n happiness_n in_o regard_n to_o that_o eternal_o progressive_a knowledge_n or_o eternal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o which_o be_v among_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n by_o a_o country_n gentleman_n a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n will_n find_v nothing_o so_o difficult_a dark_a and_o intricate_a which_o they_o can_v disentangle_a and_o make_v plain_a and_o the_o facility_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o our_o ratiocination_n which_o will_v be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o attempt_v all_o sort_n of_o object_n without_o any_o pain_n will_v cause_v that_o we_o shall_v use_v this_o contemplation_n as_o with_o a_o success_n eternal_o happy_a so_o with_o content_a whole_o incomprehensible_a amyrald_n god_n himself_o have_v infinite_a goodness_n in_o he_o which_o the_o creature_n can_v take_v in_o at_o once_o they_o be_v take_v of_o it_o in_o eternal_o the_o saint_n see_v in_o god_n still_o thing_n fresh_a which_o they_o see_v not_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o their_o blessedness_n dr._n thomas_n goodwin_n london_n print_v for_o j._n greenwood_n at_o the_o crown_n in_o the_o poultry_n 1683._o the_o future_a state_n &_o chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n and_o state_n of_o the_o problem_n 1._o i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v peremptory_a and_o dogmatical_a in_o what_o i_o shall_v discourse_v on_o this_o subject_a for_o though_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o future_a state_n have_v the_o suffrage_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a light_n yet_o the_o particularity_n thereof_o be_v much_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o we_o know_v but_o little_o concern_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o case_n so_o obscure_a to_o be_v positive_a and_o assertory_n will_v savour_v of_o great_a arrogance_n than_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o harbour_v modesty_n and_o suspicion_n in_o thing_n obscure_a be_v more_o decorous_a and_o more_o acceptable_a than_o bold_a and_o confident_a assertion_n and_o determination_n 3._o if_o any_o thing_n shall_v drop_v from_o my_o pen_n in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n which_o may_v seem_v too_o affirmative_a and_o hardly_o reconcilable_a with_o a_o become_v modesty_n and_o jealousy_n i_o desire_v those_o luxuriancy_n of_o expression_n may_v receive_v some_o abatement_n and_o be_v make_v fair_o agreeable_a thereunto_o 4._o for_o although_o i_o may_v possible_o be_v indifferent_o well_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o shall_v discourse_v yet_o i_o be_o not_o certain_a it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v mistake_v i_o be_o of_o humane_a race_n and_o have_v no_o privilege_n of_o exemption_n from_o humane_a infirmity_n and_o error_n 5._o therefore_o what_o i_o shall_v say_v on_o this_o point_n shall_v be_v problematical_a and_o disquisitive_a for_o indeed_o by_o this_o discourse_n i_o have_v as_o much_o inclination_n to_o inquire_v what_o other_o think_v therein_o as_o to_o deliver_v my_o own_o apprehension_n concern_v it_o for_o although_o i_o shall_v not_o demonstrate_v the_o problem_n to_o which_o i_o do_v not_o indeed_o pretend_v i_o think_v it_o not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o other_o person_n may_v do_v it_o 6._o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v say_v already_o concern_v it_o i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o the_o schoolman_n may_v have_v large_o discourse_v it_o for_o they_o be_v a_o bold_a and_o dare_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o that_o escape_v their_o inquiry_n and_o disquisition_n 7._o yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o those_o few_o that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o opportunity_n to_o converse_v in_o or_o consult_v withal_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o concern_v it_o other_o question_n in_o my_o opinion_n of_o far_o less_o use_v and_o importance_n they_o debate_v at_o large_a but_o of_o this_o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o a_o most_o deep_a and_o profound_a silence_n 8._o some_o very_a brief_a and_o transient_a passage_n i_o do_v nevertheless_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v read_v of_o this_o subject_a in_o some_o other_o author_n which_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o apply_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o have_v not_o those_o passage_n a_o little_a move_v and_o engage_v my_o thought_n in_o the_o contemplation_n thereof_o i_o have_v probable_o remain_v satisfy_v in_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o transcendent_a happiness_n of_o the_o future_a life_n without_o make_v any_o particular_a inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o peradventure_o i_o may_v never_o have_v debate_v whether_o our_o knowledge_n in_o which_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o divine_n it_o do_v much_o lie_n though_o not_o whole_o consist_v be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a immediate_o upon_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o divine_a presence_n or_o at_o least_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v eternal_o progressive_a and_o increase_v for_o evermore_o 9_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v my_o opinion_n that_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o form_v to_o ourselves_o as_o positive_a particular_a and_o determinate_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o future_a happiness_n as_o we_o possible_o can_v provide_v they_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o inspire_a write_n or_o disagreeable_a with_o the_o revelation_n that_o god_n have_v make_v concern_v it_o 10._o for_o general_n account_v of_o thing_n be_v not_o anear_o so_o affect_v as_o a_o plain_a and_o particular_a narrative_n and_o description_n of_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o future_a state_n be_v illustrious_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n that_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v deem_v worthy_a of_o it_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o glory_n that_o christ_n jesus_n enjoy_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o father_n be_v to_o speak_v very_o great_a thing_n and_o such_o as_o shall_v exceed_o ravish_v and_o affect_v our_o soul_n 11._o but_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a mind_n that_o great_a thing_n do_v rather_o amaze_v and_o induce_v a_o kind_n of_o stupor_n upon_o they_o than_o affect_v with_o a_o grateful_a pleasure_n and_o joy_n some_o object_n be_v too_o big_a for_o our_o sense_n our_o eye_n can_v bear_v the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o high_a altitude_n and_o splendour_n some_o sound_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o be_v ungrateful_a and_o offensive_a to_o our_o ear_n and_o there_o be_v some_o object_n too_o great_a for_o our_o mind_n and_o when_o they_o be_v propose_v unto_o they_o they_o do_v rather_o excite_v and_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o kind_a of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n than_o a_o delightful_a taste_n savour_n and_o consolation_n 12._o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o few_o proposition_n it_o be_v brief_o contain_v in_o that_o form_n of_o word_n that_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o more_o brief_o in_o the_o word_n use_v at_o our_o baptism_n but_o all_o know_v and_o must_v confess_v that_o till_o those_o thing_n be_v particular_o and_o at_o large_a explain_v they_o make_v little_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o be_v very_o little_o move_v or_o affect_v by_o they_o 13._o it_o may_v be_v therefore_o reasonable_o hope_v that_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o future_a happiness_n may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o pious_a and_o consider_v mind_n those_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o describe_v it_o be_v too_o big_a for_o our_o understanding_n if_o the_o mean_v of_o they_o can_v by_o division_n be_v explain_v it_o may_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o capacity_n and_o more_o affect_v to_o our_o heart_n 14._o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o other_o world_n will_v be_v very_o great_a be_v the_o common_a confession_n of_o all_o christian_n what_o ever_o be_v their_o difference_n in_o other_o thing_n in_o this_o they_o be_v at_o perfect_a agreement_n they_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o future_a state_n call_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n transcendent_o happy_a and_o glorious_a and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o can_v be_v a_o apt_a or_o proper_a resemblance_n of_o it_o they_o be_v all_o beneath_o it_o as_o far_o as_o darkness_n be_v beneath_o light_n or_o the_o faint_a shine_v of_o a_o sorry_a glow-worm_n be_v inferior_a to_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o its_o meridian_n splendour_n 15._o it_o be_v also_o confess_v that_o very_o much_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n consist_v in_o greatness_n of_o knowledge_n and_o largeness_n of_o understanding_n in_o this_o world_n those_o that_o know_v most_o know_v very_o little_a those_o that_o have_v the_o great_a reputation_n for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v ignorant_a and_o
light_a to_o the_o bodily_a eye_n which_o no_o soon_o appear_v above_o the_o horizon_n than_o all_o eye_n be_v enlighten_v thereby_o in_o a_o moment_n 30._o i_o be_o prone_a to_o think_v this_o knowledge_n progressive_a and_o increase_v and_o that_o mary_n age_n spend_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n will_v furnish_v the_o bless_a with_o more_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o than_o they_o be_v endow_v withal_o upon_o their_o first_o admission_n and_o entrance_n there_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o million_o of_o age_n pardon_v the_o expression_n that_o do_v compound_v a_o everlasting_a duration_n will_v make_v no_o increase_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bless_a nor_o add_v no_o perfection_n to_o their_o understanding_n 31._o whether_o the_o proof_n that_o i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o problem_n be_v valid_a or_o invalid_n the_o reader_n must_v determine_v when_o he_o have_v weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o i_o be_o content_a that_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o our_o creed_n that_o i_o be_o defend_v if_o my_o argument_n be_v think_v invalid_a and_o my_o opinion_n reject_v it_o will_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o provocation_n to_o i_o if_o they_o be_v think_v cogent_n and_o my_o opinion_n worthy_a of_o acceptation_n with_o pious_a and_o ingenious_a man_n perchance_o i_o may_v be_v a_o little_a please_v therein_o but_o if_o it_o may_v advance_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o make_v heaven_n any_o whit_n the_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o thought_n and_o meditation_n of_o christian_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v great_o rejoice_v 32._o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v it_o will_v be_v adviseable_a to_o propose_v the_o problem_n knowledge_n eternal_o progressive_a and_o give_v the_o sense_n wherein_o i_o understand_v it_o 33._o the_o word_n knowledge_n i_o take_v in_o the_o large_a mean_v and_o signification_n i_o understand_v it_o not_o in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o aristotle_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o proper_a efficient_a and_o constitutive_a cause_n but_o in_o a_o general_n and_o unlimited_a sense_n for_o all_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n by_o whatsoever_o mean_n or_o after_o whatsoever_o manner_n it_o be_v obtain_v 34._o by_o eternal_o progressive_a i_o mean_v everlasting_o increase_v it_o will_v advance_v for_o ever_o it_o will_v never_o arrive_v at_o that_o perfection_n beyond_o which_o it_o can_v proceed_v no_o further_o the_o visible_a world_n be_v finite_a the_o extension_n thereof_o be_v limit_v and_o determine_v the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n have_v their_o bound_n prefix_v and_o set_v unto_o they_o hitherto_o say_v god_n shall_v they_o come_v and_o no_o far_o and_o here_o shall_v their_o rage_n be_v stop_v but_o humane_a knowledge_n have_v no_o bound_n affix_v unto_o it_o it_o may_v increase_v to_o all_o duration_n 35._o by_o the_o future_a state_n i_o mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a after_o their_o departure_n hence_o there_o be_v another_o world_n and_o state_n consequent_a and_o future_a to_o this._n humane_a soul_n do_v not_o perish_v when_o they_o leave_v their_o body_n they_o subsist_v in_o another_o state_n and_o do_v advance_v in_o knowledge_n there_o as_o well_o as_o here_o here_o it_o be_v obvious_o progressive_a and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v so_o there_o here_o we_o proceed_v gradual_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o faculty_n that_o it_o be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o death_n shall_v make_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n in_o they_o that_o what_o be_v before_o natural_o impossible_a shall_v become_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o necessary_a and_o vnavoidable_a for_o such_o must_v our_o knowledge_n be_v if_o it_o be_v perfect_a immediate_o upon_o our_o dissolution_n and_o departure_n hence_o 36._o by_o the_o bless_a i_o mean_v such_o as_o god_n shall_v deem_v worthy_a and_o meet_a to_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n such_o as_o have_v do_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n have_v right_o to_o the_o tree_n of_o life_n and_o admission_n through_o the_o gate_n into_o the_o city_n chap._n ii_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o question_n argue_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o man._n the_o question_n be_v thus_o brief_o state_v i_o shall_v lay_v down_o such_o proposition_n as_o shall_v render_v it_o fair_o probable_a to_o person_n of_o free_a and_o vnprejudiced_a mind_n and_o will_v give_v themselves_o liberty_n to_o consider_v thing_n without_o byass_n and_o partiality_n 1._o god_n perfection_n be_v infinite_a his_o power_n have_v no_o limit_n of_o extension_n he_o can_v effect_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o power_n there_o be_v nothing_o impossible_a unto_o he_o his_o wisdom_n be_v of_o vast_a extent_n and_o reach_v all_o thing_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v escape_v the_o cognizance_n of_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n his_o goodness_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n it_o touch_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o congruous_a object_n thereof_o 2._o though_o man_n receive_v great_a advantage_n immediate_o upon_o his_o admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n yet_o he_o still_o remain_v a_o finite_a creature_n his_o removal_n from_o this_o howl_v wilderness_n do_v not_o make_v he_o a_o god_n nor_o endow_v he_o with_o divine_a perfection_n he_o remain_v there_o a_o finite_a essence_n and_o of_o limit_a power_n though_o he_o be_v mighty_o advance_v and_o his_o capacity_n enlarge_v beyond_o our_o present_a conception_n yet_o he_o be_v still_o a_o creature_n and_o his_o nature_n remain_v the_o same_o invariable_o 3._o a_o finite_a creature_n can_v never_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a creator_n the_o globe_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o nutshell_n nor_o the_o water_n of_o the_o ocean_n in_o a_o bottle_n or_o tankard_n the_o hill_n can_v be_v crowd_v into_o a_o cottage_n nor_o the_o mountain_n into_o a_o shepherd_n tent._n there_o be_v no_o congruous_a proportion_n between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o there_o be_v far_o less_o proportion_n between_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n the_o one_o be_v finite_a the_o other_o be_v infinite_a and_o between_o they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o analogy_n whereas_o there_o be_v some_o betwixt_o all_o create_a being_n though_o sometime_o very_o small_a forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v all_o limit_a and_o circumscribe_v 4._o man_n must_v know_v though_o not_o comprehend_v the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n or_o he_o can_v be_v happy_a all_o appetite_n have_v their_o proper_a object_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o fruition_n of_o they_o they_o find_v their_o content_a and_o satisfaction_n and_o in_o the_o absence_n of_o they_o they_o find_v misery_n and_o torment_n this_o we_o find_v true_a in_o the_o experience_n of_o every_o day_n man_n have_v appetite_n and_o inclination_n to_o a_o sociable_a life_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o company_n and_o society_n of_o second_o they_o find_v pleasure_n and_o repose_v and_o solitude_n be_v irksome_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o they_o they_o have_v appetite_n and_o inclination_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o rest_v and_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o object_n of_o those_o appetite_n they_o be_v please_v and_o satisfy_v and_o if_o they_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o in_o their_o proper_a season_n they_o be_v trouble_v and_o uneasy_a 5._o man_n have_v a_o inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o know_v god_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o he_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o near_o cause_n and_o from_o that_o to_o the_o next_o and_o so_o in_o a_o orderly_a and_o regular_a gradation_n till_o it_o ascend_v to_o god_n the_o prime_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o there_o it_o rest_v and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o terminate_a object_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o disquisition_n when_o we_o have_v pursue_v thing_n thither_o be_v we_o sit_v down_o in_o complacency_n and_o solace_v ourselves_o in_o our_o acqusition_n 6._o what_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n can_v receive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n at_o once_o it_o may_v receive_v at_o many_o time_n and_o by_o succession_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o limit_a essence_n it_o can_v receive_v or_o know_v much_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n at_o one_o single_a grasp_v or_o fathom_n but_o at_o several_a time_n and_o successive_o it_o may_v know_v much_o and_o how_o much_o be_v not_o safe_a to_o say_v or_o determine_v ten_o thousand_o man_n can_v pass_v the_o gate_n of_o a_o city_n at_o once_o but_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n many_o million_o may_v do_v it_o all_o the_o water_n in_o the_o ocean_n
their_o soul_n and_o to_o avoid_v the_o insupportable_a burden_n of_o do_v nothing_o 19_o new_a object_n and_o new_a discovery_n do_v most_o affect_v our_o mind_n and_o make_v the_o most_o grateful_a impression_n on_o they_o in_o time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o they_o will_v do_v so_o in_o eternity_n those_o that_o converse_v in_o book_n and_o contemplate_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n do_v find_v themselves_o sensible_o affect_v with_o new_a thing_n thence_o it_o be_v say_v that_o pythagoras_n sacrifice_v a_o hecatomb_n to_o the_o god_n upon_o his_o find_v out_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o forty-seventh_a proposition_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o euclid_n he_o be_v so_o ravish_v with_o that_o new_a discovery_n that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o sufficient_o to_o testify_v his_o gratitude_n unto_o they_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o know_v many_o thing_n in_o geometry_n and_o have_v skill_n in_o demonstration_n before_o he_o find_v the_o artifice_n of_o demonstrate_v that_o proposition_n but_o this_o be_v new_a and_o make_v more_o pleasant_a sensation_n upon_o he_o than_o all_o his_o other_o knowledge_n 20._o as_o in_o number_n there_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v none_o so_o great_a to_o which_o some_o increase_n may_v not_o be_v make_v by_o addition_n and_o yet_o number_n will_v never_o be_v infinite_a so_o in_o being_n i_o conceive_v they_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v so_o many_o to_o which_o no_o addition_n can_v be_v make_v by_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o yet_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v finite_a for_o infinity_o be_v a_o incommunicable_a attribute_n and_o property_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o beside_o he_o 21._o if_o being_n may_n everlasting_o increase_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o knowledge_n may_v increase_v in_o proportion_n with_o they_o if_o the_o one_o may_v receive_v advantage_n and_o be_v multiply_v the_o other_o may_v do_v so_o likewise_o for_o being_n and_o the_o several_a property_n and_o affection_n of_o they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o man_n science_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o variety_n of_o object_n that_o they_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o 22._o but_o of_o the_o variety_n of_o object_n that_o will_v be_v propose_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o probability_n or_o possibility_n of_o a_o eternal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n thence_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v here_o conclude_v this._n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o objective_a evidence_n and_o probability_n of_o the_o question_n 1._o have_v say_v something_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n compare_v with_o the_o nature_n faculty_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o prove_v or_o at_o least_o make_v probable_a the_o doctrine_n that_o i_o have_v assert_v i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o propose_v some_o objective_a reason_n and_o evidence_n for_o the_o far_a establishment_n and_o proof_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o visible_a world_n be_v of_o very_o vast_a extent_n and_o no_o man_n can_v determine_v the_o limit_n of_o it_o who_o can_v with_o any_o certainty_n say_v this_o be_v the_o compass_n and_o these_o be_v the_o extension_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o heaven_n who_o can_v tell_v i_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o glorious_a fabric_n that_o present_v itself_o to_o our_o eye_n where_o be_v the_o mathematician_n that_o will_v describe_v the_o measure_n of_o its_o circumference_n they_o have_v pretend_v to_o give_v we_o the_o diameter_n and_o circumference_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o distance_n of_o the_o planetary_a body_n from_o it_o and_o from_o each_o other_o together_o with_o their_o periphery_n and_o magnitude_n but_o none_o ever_o dare_v to_o determine_v the_o magnitude_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v at_o its_o extension_n 3._o this_o earth_n on_o which_o we_o dwell_v and_o which_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v but_o a_o point_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o great_a mathematician_n furnish_v a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o object_n to_o our_o contemplation_n how_o numerous_a be_v the_o kind_n of_o being_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o sea_n what_o naturalist_n have_v ever_o pretend_v to_o give_v we_o a_o exact_a history_n of_o they_o the_o kind_n of_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o fish_n and_o infect_v be_v to_o we_o incomputable_a and_o so_o be_v the_o kind_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o earth_n and_o mineral_n with_o many_o other_o 4._o what_o kind_n of_o being_n and_o how_o numerous_a they_o may_v be_v in_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o this_o world_n we_o can_v say_v but_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o they_o may_v be_v replenish_v with_o being_n suitable_a to_o their_o quality_n and_o condition_n the_o high_a part_n of_o this_o illustrious_a fabric_n be_v much_o more_o pure_a clean_a and_o splendid_a than_o this_o howl_v wilderness_n and_o the_o caliginous_a air_n that_o do_v encompass_v and_o surround_v it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o being_n that_n inhabit_v they_o may_v as_o much_o transcend_v those_o here_o as_o the_o place_n of_o the_o one_o do_v transcend_v that_o of_o the_o other_o this_o earth_n seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o perhaps_o the_o being_n in_o it_o may_v be_v the_o mean_a in_o their_o kind_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n hand_n 5._o there_o may_v be_v other_o world_n now_o exist_v beside_o that_o which_o fall_v under_o our_o knowledge_n and_o observation_n some_o philosopher_n have_v discourse_v of_o a_o infinity_o of_o world_n and_o think_v such_o a_o opinion_n worthy_a of_o god_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a and_o goodness_n inexhaustible_a i_o like_v not_o the_o notion_n of_o infinite_a world_n but_o i_o think_v it_o not_o impossible_a but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o beside_o this_o of_o which_o we_o be_v a_o part_n and_o which_o be_v offer_v to_o our_o view_n and_o contemplation_n 6._o there_o may_v have_v be_v other_o world_n pre-existent_a to_o this._n the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o that_o this_o world_n be_v make_v five_o thousand_o and_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n since_o but_o it_o no_o where_o say_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o world_n before_o it_o it_o no_o where_o affirm_v that_o god_n never_o produce_v any_o create_v be_v or_o systeme_n of_o being_n till_o he_o give_v existence_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o host_n of_o they_o of_o which_o moses_n discourse_v in_o the_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n 7._o and_o true_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o activity_n goodness_n and_o fecundity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o think_v that_o god_n never_o give_v be_v to_o any_o creature_n will_v a_o few_o year_n since_o a_o thousand_o year_n with_o he_o be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n and_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o he_o shall_v purpose_v to_o have_v such_o essence_n as_o shall_v partake_v with_o he_o in_o his_o happiness_n and_o glory_n to_o all_o eternity_n a_o parte_fw-la post_fw-la and_o yet_o a_o parte_fw-la ante_fw-la shall_v never_o produce_v any_o till_o about_o five_o or_o six_o day_n ago_o this_o will_v seem_v very_o improbable_a to_o a_o consider_v or_o inquire_v man._n 8._o there_o may_v be_v a_o succession_n of_o world_n after_o the_o conflagration_n of_o this_o and_o to_o how_o long_a continuance_n this_o succession_n may_v be_v extend_v i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o judge_v it_o be_v great_a temerity_n and_o presumption_n for_o any_o mortal_a to_o say_v hitherunto_o will_v it_o proceed_v and_o no_o far_o and_o here_o will_v god_n rest_v and_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o creative_a power_n and_o virtue_n 9_o in_o those_o other_o world_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v there_o may_v have_v be_v and_o there_o may_v be_v various_a kind_n of_o being_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o cognizance_n in_o this._n the_o kind_n of_o being_n here_o below_o be_v exceed_o numerous_a as_o i_o have_v observe_v already_o and_o differ_v country_n do_v produce_v differ_v species_n and_o kind_n of_o creature_n america_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o herb_n and_o tree_n fruit_n and_o mineral_n with_o fish_n and_o fowl_n of_o other_o nature_n and_o quality_n than_o any_o that_o be_v find_v in_o europe_n africa_n and_o the_o southern_a island_n do_v abound_v with_o many_o thing_n that_o asia_n and_o the_o northern_a country_n be_v utter_a stranger_n unto_o 10._o and_o if_o several_a country_n on_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o same_o earth_n do_v furnish_v to_o we_o various_a
and_o differ_v being_n we_o may_v reasonable_o judge_v that_o several_a world_n in_o the_o same_o universe_n or_o creation_n will_v supply_v we_o with_o very_o great_a variety_n and_o difference_n of_o creature_n 11._o there_o may_v be_v sundry_a gradual_a difference_n among_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o being_n thus_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o part_n of_o god_n creation_n among_o man_n that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o specific_a nature_n gradual_a variety_n be_v almost_o infinite_a some_o have_v the_o perfection_n of_o angel_n almost_o and_o other_o be_v raise_v but_o little_a above_o the_o crafty_a sort_n of_o brute_n and_o the_o intermediate_n difference_n between_o these_o extreme_n be_v innumerable_a and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o other_o kind_n of_o being_n and_o this_o variety_n together_o with_o the_o several_a cause_n reason_n and_o end_v thereof_o will_v afford_v great_a subject_a and_o matter_n for_o speculation_n 12._o the_o supreme_a heaven_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n will_v afford_v and_o minister_v great_a variety_n of_o wonder_n to_o our_o meditation_n it_o be_v the_o palace_n of_o the_o great_a king_n it_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n the_o place_n wherein_o he_o give_v the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n and_o especial_o of_o his_o kindness_n and_o remunerate_a bounty_n and_o grate_n and_o certain_o such_o a_o place_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o illustrious_a it_o must_v be_v adorn_v with_o thing_n great_a and_o wonderful_a it_o must_v be_v embellish_v with_o what_o will_v create_v ecstasy_n and_o admiration_n nothing_o mean_a be_v see_v in_o the_o court_n of_o great_a king_n all_o thing_n there_o be_v full_a of_o splendour_n stately_a magnificenct_a and_o become_v their_o grandeur_n and_o greatness_n and_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n will_v be_v as_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o as_o suitable_a to_o his_o greatness_n as_o be_v the_o court_n of_o mortal_a king_n 13._o the_o distance_n betwixt_o god_n and_o the_o great_a monarch_n upon_o earth_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v no_o analogy_n or_o proportion_n between_o their_o greatness_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o the_o water_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o hollow_a of_o a_o man_n hand_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o measure_n some_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o they_o because_o they_o be_v all_o finite_a but_o between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n even_o the_o great_a and_o most_o sublime_a among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n god_n be_v of_o boundless_a and_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o they_o be_v all_o of_o limit_a nature_n and_o quality_n 14._o if_o we_o may_v guess_v at_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o court_n of_o god_n by_o the_o transcendent_a greatness_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o perfection_n and_o i_o know_v not_o by_o what_o else_o we_o may_v make_v our_o conjecture_n concern_v it_o we_o must_v say_v that_o the_o splendour_n of_o it_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o court_n of_o mortal_a king_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o god_n surpass_v them_o the_o fabric_n of_o heaven_n that_o house_n not_o make_v with_o hand_n transcend_v the_o most_o pompous_a palace_n of_o prince_n almost_o as_o much_o as_o god_n transcend_v they_o in_o power_n state_n and_o glory_n 15._o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n at_o least_o after_o the_o resurrection_n man_n will_v be_v compound_v of_o a_o body_n and_o a_o soul_n and_o this_o glorious_a fabric_n will_v contribute_v much_o towards_o the_o happiness_n of_o both_o it_o will_v be_v a_o object_n and_o a_o state_n suitable_a to_o the_o sense_n and_o appetite_n of_o the_o glorious_a and_o spiritual_a body_n where-withal_a they_o will_v be_v endow_v what_o those_o sense_n and_o appetite_n will_v be_v i_o can_v define_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o change_n and_o advantage_n will_v be_v that_o they_o will_v receive_v with_o the_o 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the_o supreme_a felicity_n and_o happiness_n 17._o yet_o either_o voluntary_o or_o by_o command_n the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o heaven_n may_v leave_v those_o happy_a mansion_n and_o traverse_v and_o view_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o god_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v man_n travel_v from_o one_o kingdom_n to_o another_o to_o observe_v the_o manner_n and_o custom_n the_o law_n government_n and_o institution_n by_o which_o they_o be_v govern_v and_o under_o which_o they_o live_v as_o also_o to_o take_v knowledge_n of_o whatsoever_o be_v rare_a and_o peculiar_a stupendous_a and_o worthy_a of_o observation_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o the_o bless_a may_v pass_v from_o one_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o another_o and_o behold_v whatever_o be_v curious_a and_o admirable_a in_o they_o and_o what_o wonder_v of_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n may_v be_v find_v in_o every_o of_o they_o who_o can_v imagine_v and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n 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work_n do_v manifest_a and_o show_v forth_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n in_o their_o essence_n regular_a motion_n influence_n and_o effect_n do_v declare_v his_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n there_o be_v not_o a_o creature_n in_o the_o heaven_n or_o in_o the_o earth_n which_o do_v not_o teach_v and_o reveal_v something_o of_o the_o admirable_a excellency_n of_o their_o maker_n and_o if_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o being_n in_o it_o do_v speak_v forth_o the_o glory_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o great_a god_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o whatever_o other_o world_n there_o be_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v will_v speak_v the_o same_o language_n god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o himself_o that_o be_v for_o the_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o illustration_n of_o
superstition_n and_o to_o recover_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o simplicity_n pf_n the_o gospel_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n total_o improbable_a there_o be_v no_o appearance_n or_o likelihood_n of_o success_n therein_o 16._o of_o these_o thing_n we_o have_v some_o account_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o ancient_n and_o modern_a history_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o some_o brief_a report_n of_o the_o raise_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n it_o be_v do_v the_o history_n of_o the_o antique_a father_n and_o writer_n report_v the_o increase_n and_o enlargement_n of_o it_o and_o by_o what_o instrument_n it_o be_v accomplish_v and_o with_o what_o opposition_n and_o so_o do_v our_o latter_a historian_n make_v report_n of_o the_o late_a reformation_n and_o by_o what_o agent_n and_o second_a cause_n it_o become_v successful_a but_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o 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understanding_n of_o his_o accomplishment_n he_o be_v best_a able_a to_o speak_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n that_o have_v the_o full_a and_o most_o extensive_a knowledge_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o his_o work_n 18._o how_o can_v any_o man_n praise_n and_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o raise_v preserve_v and_o defend_v his_o church_n in_o despite_n to_o all_o the_o craft_n subtilty_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o enemy_n thereof_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a conduct_n in_o all_o its_o affair_n and_o concernment_n how_o can_v the_o bless_a praise_n the_o power_n the_o wisdom_n the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n without_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o it_o and_o how_o can_v they_o have_v any_o cognizance_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o tradition_n and_o discourse_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v true_a god_n may_v give_v they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o revelation_n and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n may_v be_v so_o make_v know_v unto_o they_o but_o it_o be_v not_o god_n usual_a method_n in_o this_o world_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n by_o supernatural_a way_n and_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v do_v by_o those_o that_o be_v natural_a nor_o do_v i_o believe_v that_o it_o will_v be_v his_o ordinary_a way_n in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v some_o peculiarity_n of_o dispensation_n perhaps_o he_o may_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n but_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o impart_v to_o the_o bless_a the_o series_n of_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o the_o church_n will_v be_v by_o historical_a narration_n and_o tradition_n 19_o there_o have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a war_n between_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o serpent_n or_o which_o be_v all_o alone_a between_o the_o subject_n and_o people_n or_o church_n of_o god_n and_o the_o subject_n and_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o as_o the_o visible_a contest_v and_o battle_n that_o have_v be_v manage_v by_o these_o two_o kingdom_n under_o their_o head_n and_o chieftain_n will_v be_v discourse_v and_o relate_v among_o the_o bless_a so_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o invisible_a war_n that_o have_v be_v manage_v by_o michael_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o church_n against_o the_o dragon_n and_o his_o angel_n in_o prejudice_n unto_o it_o will_v be_v very_o large_o lay_v open_a there_o and_o how_o large_a and_o extensive_a the_o knowledge_n thereof_o may_v be_v who_o can_v say_v and_o if_o the_o sevenal_a smaller_n instance_n and_o particular_n thereof_o be_v make_v know_v as_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o will_v how_o numerous_n and_o almost_o infinite_a will_v they_o be_v and_o how_o many_o age_n may_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o 20._o multitude_n of_o very_a strange_a event_n do_v happen_v and_o occur_v to_o kingdom_n nation_n and_o church_n and_o particular_a family_n and_o person_n of_o which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o account_n because_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o very_o little_a of_o they_o or_o their_o affair_n we_o know_v not_o what_o their_o mercy_n have_v be_v nor_o what_o be_v their_o sin_n and_o provocation_n we_o know_v not_o what_o be_v their_o quality_n and_o disposition_n nor_o what_o be_v their_o temptation_n and_o therefore_o can_v reckon_v for_o the_o various_a and_o strange_a providence_n that_o do_v betide_v they_o but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o historical_a narrative_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o strange_a event_n that_o do_v betide_v they_o if_o a_o person_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o a_o cave_n or_o some_o place_n of_o secrecy_n and_o silence_n after_o many_o year_n retirement_n and_o abide_v there_o and_o bring_v to_o a_o place_n where_o public_a execution_n be_v do_v and_o there_o see_v man_n hang_v by_o the_o neck_n cut_v down_o ere_o they_o be_v dead_a their_o bowel_n take_v out_o their_o member_n cut_v off_o and_o burn_v before_o their_o face_n and_o their_o body_n cut_v into_o quarter_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o beast_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v strange_o amaze_v at_o such_o a_o procedure_n but_o when_o he_o shall_v afterward_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n their_o action_n and_o their_o design_n and_o receive_v a_o full_a history_n and_o narrative_a of_o they_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v himself_o a_o reason_n of_o all_o these_o severity_n and_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o 21._o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n be_v so_o much_o mingle_v and_o confound_v that_o the_o one_o can_v be_v know_v without_o the_o other_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v mention_v or_o propose_v to_o consideration_n without_o remember_v the_o attempt_n and_o assault_n that_o be_v make_v upon_o they_o by_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n the_o triumph_n of_o the_o church_n over_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n can_v be_v report_v without_o mention_n of_o the_o great_a and_o furious_a opposition_n that_o be_v make_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o pagan_n the_o success_n and_o conquest_n of_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o apostate_n romish_a synagogue_n can_v be_v call_v to_o mind_n without_o a_o rehearsal_n of_o its_o great_a and_o enrage_a opposition_n unto_o it_o 22._o and_o true_o this_o world_n be_v a_o stage_n or_o theatre_n and_o the_o several_a revolution_n and_o change_n in_o it_o be_v only_o so_o many_o scene_n and_o part_n of_o the_o comedy_n or_o rather_o of_o the_o tragedy_n and_o the_o glorious_a saint_n and_o angel_n be_v the_o spectator_n and_o they_o all_o be_v to_o give_v to_o god_n the_o praise_n after_o the_o great_a catastrophe_n and_o conclusion_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o probable_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v a_o very_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v judge_v of_o the_o skill_n and_o contrivance_n the_o wit_n and_o ingeny_n of_o a_o comedian_n that_o have_v not_o a_o full_a and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o comedy_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v a_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o curious_a skill_n of_o god_n in_o the_o various_a change_n and_o mutation_n that_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n unless_o he_o have_v a_o large_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o no_o man_n can_v give_v that_o applause_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o be_v suitable_a
to_o those_o attribute_n that_o have_v not_o a_o very_o great_a and_o perspicuous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o several_a event_n and_o contingency_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n 23._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o mean_a saint_n that_o former_o live_v on_o earth_n have_v a_o part_n to_o act_v upon_o the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o do_v perform_v it_o perhaps_o even_o each_o of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o holy_a angel_n may_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o mutual_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o the_o bless_a the_o lest_o of_o all_o saint_n will_v be_v able_a to_o say_v something_o of_o the_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n some_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n they_o have_v observe_v and_o will_v be_v able_a to_o mention_v to_o his_o praise_n 24._o how_o many_o of_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n may_v be_v spend_v in_o learning_n the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n in_o it_o i_o must_v not_o pretend_v to_o discourse_n much_o less_o define_v but_o sure_o it_o be_v so_o exceed_o large_a and_o the_o part_n and_o instance_n of_o it_o be_v so_o numerous_a it_o may_v just_o be_v think_v that_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n thereof_o will_v be_v therein_o employ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o future_a state_n the_o bless_a will_v retain_v their_o own_o proper_a essence_n which_o be_v finite_a i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o conceive_v how_o they_o can_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n any_o other_o way_n but_o successive_o and_o what_o be_v receive_v successive_o do_v exhaust_v more_o or_o less_o of_o time_n according_a as_o that_o knowledge_n or_o those_o notice_n of_o thing_n be_v more_o or_o less_o numerous_a and_o increase_v 25._o let_v no_o man_n hence_o infer_v that_o the_o day_n of_o eternity_n will_v be_v spend_v in_o ineffective_a discourse_n history_n and_o narration_n to_o entertain_v such_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v to_o defame_v and_o blaspheme_n it_o the_o discourse_n of_o the_o bless_a will_v not_o be_v ineffective_a idle_a and_o unprofitable_a they_o will_v affect_v the_o heart_n both_o of_o those_o that_o speak_v and_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o will_v produce_v affection_n suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n some_o of_o the_o history_n that_o will_v be_v report_v there_o will_v produce_v amazement_n and_o wonder_n other_o will_v awaken_v and_o actuate_v love_n to_o god_n other_o joy_n delight_n and_o pleasure_n in_o he_o and_o all_o of_o they_o praise_n and_o confession_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o transcendent_a excellency_n and_o glorious_a attribute_n and_o virtue_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o bless_a will_v be_v so_o set_v and_o tune_v that_o every_o mention_n of_o the_o work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v make_v impression_n on_o they_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o own_o felicity_n 26._o and_o certain_o such_o discourse_n be_v a_o employment_n worthy_a of_o the_o bless_a and_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o estate_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o they_o be_v advance_v they_o be_v advance_v to_o a_o high_a and_o happy_a state_n and_o what_o be_v more_o comely_a and_o decorous_a than_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o have_v raise_v they_o to_o it_o and_o thereby_o excite_v and_o actuate_v their_o own_o love_n thanks_o and_o praise_v nothing_o can_v be_v more_o congruous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o rational_a nature_n in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o under_o their_o obligation_n than_o such_o kind_n of_o exercise_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o god_n nor_o nothing_o more_o agreeable_a to_o understanding_n being_n 27._o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o holy_a psalmist_n very_o frequent_o call_v to_o mind_n and_o report_v the_o mighty_a work_n and_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o jewish_a nation_n he_o remember_v god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n their_o captivity_n in_o egypt_n and_o miraculous_a deliverance_n thence_o he_o report_v their_o many_o provocation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n the_o judgement_n that_o he_o execute_v upon_o they_o their_o feign_a repentance_n and_o flatter_v he_o with_o their_o lip_n when_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o upright_o with_o he_o and_o why_o do_v he_o remember_v these_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o exalt_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n kindness_n grace_n and_o mercy_n towards_o the_o jew_n and_o his_o steadfastness_n in_o his_o covenant_n he_o have_v swear_v unto_o abraham_n to_o give_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o seed_n and_o he_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o verify_v his_o oath_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o provocation_n 28._o and_o true_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n may_v not_o report_v the_o work_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o to_o his_o praise_n if_o praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o righteous_a in_o this_o world_n it_o will_v be_v altogether_o as_o comely_a for_o they_o in_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o mighty_a act_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o proper_a mean_n of_o exciting_a and_o awaken_n it_o in_o this_o it_o may_v be_v so_o also_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v a_o great_a and_o pleasant_a duty_n on_o earth_n it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o heaven_n though_o pious_a man_n on_o earth_n have_v receive_v many_o and_o great_a blessing_n from_o god_n and_o such_o as_o do_v very_o much_o oblige_v they_o to_o laud_n and_o praise_v he_o yet_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o those_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n have_v receive_v many_o more_o and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o more_o raise_v and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o therefore_o be_v under_o great_a obligation_n thereunto_o and_o if_o we_o may_v conjecture_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a mind_n there_o by_o what_o we_o have_v experience_n of_o here_o nothing_o will_v more_o enlarge_v and_o excite_v their_o gratitude_n and_o their_o praise_n than_o the_o report_n of_o his_o kind_a providence_n and_o mighty_a work_n do_v in_o the_o world_n 29._o some_o more_o thing_n i_o may_v suggest_v to_o make_v the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n by_o tradition_n probable_a and_o that_o eternal_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n the_o order_n and_o government_n the_o law_n and_o constitution_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o be_v observe_v and_o find_v among_o they_o for_o without_o some_o order_n and_o government_n they_o can_v manage_v their_o opposition_n to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o christ_n and_o without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n law_n be_v insignificant_a and_o toothless_a thing_n these_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o holy_a angel_n and_o by_o they_o communicate_v to_o the_o bless_a as_o also_o what_o be_v the_o punishment_n that_o god_n inflict_v upon_o they_o and_o condemn_v soul_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o the_o several_a measure_n and_o gradual_a difference_n of_o they_o with_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o perhaps_o the_o reader_n may_v think_v i_o have_v be_v too_o prolix_a already_o therefore_o this_o chapter_n shall_v here_o receive_v its_o conclusion_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n by_o ratiocination_n 1._o ratiocination_n be_v a_o infer_v of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o or_o a_o proceed_v from_o thing_n know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v unknown_a and_o a_o conclude_v of_o one_o from_o the_o other_o thus_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n be_v near_o the_o summer-solstice_n because_o the_o day_n be_v at_o their_o great_a length_n and_o that_o it_o be_v near_o the_o winter-solstice_n because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a shortness_n thus_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o sun_n approach_v the_o equator_fw-la when_o we_o see_v the_o grass_n grow_v green_n and_o flourish_a and_o the_o tree_n put_v forth_o their_o bud_n and_o leave_n 2._o the_o reason_a power_n and_o discursive_a faculty_n will_v be_v of_o use_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o what_o god_n be_v from_o the_o memory_n of_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o do_v do_v the_o bless_a will_v certain_o conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o when_o they_o consider_v that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n and_o give_v be_v to_o all_o creature_n and_o to_o man_n life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n when_o they_o remember_v that_o he_o make_v they_o after_o his_o own_o image_n and_o when_o they_o have_v lose_v it_o by_o sin_v against_o he_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o take_v away_o their_o gild_n to_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v their_o nature_n and_o to_o restore_v his_o image_n to_o they_o
connexion_n among_o being_n and_o one_o follow_v upon_o and_o oftentimes_o derive_v from_o another_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o such_o will_v be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o understand_v they_o will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v their_o manner_n of_o be_v i._n e._n one_o thing_n will_v be_v infer_v and_o deduce_v from_o another_o which_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n beside_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v know_v by_o its_o effect_n of_o which_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o future_a world_n there_o must_v be_v the_o use_n of_o ratiocination_n for_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o effect_n to_o determine_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o cause_n be_v to_o reason_n and_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v obvious_a and_o easy_a to_o that_o which_o be_v dark_a and_o difficult_a 29._o again_o be_v it_o worthy_a or_o do_v it_o become_v a_o rational_a creature_n to_o act_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n be_v it_o congruous_a and_o decorous_a for_o intellectual_a essence_n to_o act_v like_o natural_a agent_n or_o like_a brute_n such_o be_v their_o manner_n of_o act_v if_o they_o act_v without_o ratiocination_n and_o discourse_n be_v that_o obedience_n and_o worship_n worthy_a of_o god_n that_o be_v irrational_a and_o perform_v without_o any_o previous_a exercise_n of_o the_o reasonable_a faculty_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o worship_n love_n and_o obedience_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o be_v that_o worship_n or_o love_n be_v that_o service_n or_o obedience_n that_o have_v no_o consideration_n of_o the_o excellency_n goodness_n or_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o i_o know_v not_o what_o it_o may_v seem_v or_o appear_v to_o other_o but_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o be_o of_o contrary_a apprehension_n and_o do_v think_v that_o all_o obedience_n and_o love_n to_o god_n proceed_v from_o ratiocination_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o produce_v of_o love_n and_o obedience_n in_o the_o other_o world_n 30._o i_o have_v hitherunto_o suppose_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o world_n for_o the_o make_v a_o eternal_a increase_n of_o knowledge_n among_o the_o bless_a a_o thing_n probable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v some_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o it_o and_o i_o do_v confess_v i_o can_v possible_o reconcile_v my_o mind_n to_o a_o opinion_n that_o from_o all_o eternity_n nothing_o be_v make_v or_o produce_v by_o god_n till_o the_o present_a world_n the_o annal_n of_o who_o birth_n and_o duration_n be_v leave_v we_o by_o moses_n and_o other_o inspire_a author_n and_o since_o they_o by_o other_o and_o the_o whole_a period_n of_o its_o continuation_n amount_v not_o to_o six_o thousand_o year_n 31._o nevertheless_o i_o will_v here_o add_v that_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o it_o peradventure_o the_o history_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n together_o with_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o being_n that_n be_v in_o it_o and_o that_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o illustrious_a creature_n that_o be_v there_o may_v minister_v matter_n for_o eternal_a contemplation_n and_o a_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n thereby_o for_o how_o many_o and_o numerous_n they_o be_v and_o what_o vast_a system_n of_o science_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v we_o if_o the_o conclusion_n that_o we_o make_v from_o some_o few_o principle_n in_o this_o state_n of_o darkness_n and_o imperfection_n be_v so_o numerous_a and_o almost_o infinite_a what_o may_v they_o be_v in_o that_o state_n of_o light_n and_o very_o great_a perfection_n 32._o for_o as_o i_o think_v it_o probable_a that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a be_v progressive_a so_o i_o do_v easy_o and_o willing_o grant_v that_o it_o receive_v very_o great_a advantage_n and_o increase_n immediate_o upon_o their_o admission_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o i_o do_v far_o grant_v that_o their_o power_n and_o capacity_n will_v be_v very_o much_o enlarge_v and_o perfect_v yea_o and_o make_v more_o able_a and_o fit_a for_o ratiocination_n they_o will_v much_o more_o easy_o make_v inference_n from_o principle_n and_o premise_n than_o they_o will_v do_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v in_o this_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a state_n and_o consequent_o enlarge_v the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o science_n exceed_o and_o how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o extend_v they_o i_o can_v conjecture_v but_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v do_v indefinite_o if_o not_o eternal_o 33._o these_o thing_n i_o have_v suggest_v to_o make_v it_o fair_o probable_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o the_o future_a state_n may_v increase_v by_o ratiocination_n what_o force_n or_o weight_n there_o may_v be_v in_o they_o i_o must_v leave_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o here_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n chap._n viii_o objection_n against_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o the_o precedent_n discourse_n brief_o answer_v 1._o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o opinion_n that_o i_o have_v assert_v in_o the_o precede_a discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o sundry_a objection_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o there_o be_v almost_o nothing_o in_o any_o part_n of_o science_n either_o natural_a or_o theological_a which_o have_v not_o be_v assault_v by_o they_o some_o man_n have_v make_v objection_n against_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n other_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o sense_n and_o if_o objection_n have_v be_v make_v against_o thing_n so_o plain_a to_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o world_n it_o may_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o a_o thing_n so_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o what_o i_o have_v discourse_v shall_v be_v utter_o free_a from_o they_o this_o chapter_n therefore_o shall_v be_v employ_v in_o make_v some_o answer_n to_o they_o 2._o 1._o object_n the_o holy_a scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o future_a state_n as_o a_o state_n of_o great_a and_o present_a perfection_n and_o all_o divine_n when_o they_o make_v mention_n of_o it_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o glorious_a and_o perfect_a state_n to_o which_o no_o addition_n can_v be_v make_v but_o be_v at_o its_o utmost_a exaltation_n as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o be_v admit_v into_o it_o to_o this_o objection_n i_o have_v sundry_a thing_n to_o answer_n 3._o 1._o i_o do_v easy_o grant_v that_o some_o yea_o many_a divine_n may_v have_v speak_v very_o much_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o objection_n but_o among_o protestant_n especial_o those_o that_o be_v of_o free_a judgement_n it_o be_v not_o the_o dogmatical_a assertion_n of_o divine_n but_o the_o evidence_n and_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o do_v affirm_v that_o do_v convince_v and_o make_v their_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o belief_n so_o that_o unless_o they_o have_v prove_v as_o well_o as_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o objection_n i_o be_o not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v or_o give_v assent_n unto_o it_o 4._o 2._o but_o i_o will_v distinguish_v of_o perfection_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o there_o be_v a_o relative_n perfection_n the_o saint_n of_o god_n under_o the_o gospel-dispensation_n be_v perfect_a in_o a_o relative_n sense_n and_o compare_v with_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o law_n and_o so_o be_v grow_v christian_n compare_v with_o those_o that_o be_v weak_a and_o as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o babe_n in_o christ_n and_o in_o one_o of_o these_o comparative_a sense_n must_v the_o word_n perfect_a be_v mean_v 1_o cor._n 2.6_o howbeit_o we_o speak_v wisdom_n among_o they_o that_o be_v perfect_a in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n neither_o christian_n compare_v with_o jew_n nor_o strong_a christian_n compare_v with_o weak_a one_o be_v perfect_a but_o in_o a_o relative_n sense_n they_o be_v so_o and_o so_o the_o bless_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v admit_v the_o gate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a in_o a_o relative_n sense_n and_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o what_o they_o themselves_o be_v when_o they_o dwell_v here_o below_o and_o in_o this_o relative_n sense_n must_v we_o understand_v the_o word_n perfect_a heb._n 12.23_o and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a and_o other_o of_o like_a importance_n 5._o 3._o perfection_n may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o sin_n and_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o attainable_a excellency_n that_o humane_a nature_n or_o mankind_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n the_o bless_a be_v perfect_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o get_v to_o heaven_n they_o be_v