some_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o it_o and_o then_o make_v some_o use_n of_o it_o i._o what_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o as_o the_o scripture_n use_v it_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o include_v not_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o his_o faithfulness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v so_o often_o put_v together_o and_o frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o isa_n 25.1_o thy_o counsel_n of_o old_a be_v faithfulness_n and_o truth_n rev._n 21.5_o these_o word_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a and_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n in_o perform_v his_o promise_n be_v frequent_o call_v his_o truth_n and_o because_o the_o scripture_n use_v they_o promiscuous_o we_o need_v not_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o find_v out_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o but_o if_o you_o will_v they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v thus_o the_o truth_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n only_o in_o his_o promise_n for_o the_o first_o the_o veracity_n or_o truth_n of_o god_n this_o have_v place_n in_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o signify_v a_o exact_a correspondence_n and_o conformity_n between_o his_o word_n and_o his_o mind_n and_o consequent_o between_o his_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n the_o correspondence_n of_o his_o word_n with_o his_o mind_n depend_v upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n the_o conformity_n of_o his_o word_n with_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o rectitude_n of_o his_o will_n but_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v god_n be_v true_a or_o speak_v truth_n we_o mean_v thus_o that_o his_o word_n be_v a_o plain_a declaration_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o thing_n in_o opposition_n to_o falsehood_n which_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o hypocrisy_n that_o be_v speak_v otherwise_o than_o we_o think_v for_o instance_n when_o god_n declare_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o or_o not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o or_o not_o to_o have_v be_v thus_o the_o thing_n real_o be_v so_o and_o he_o think_v so_o when_o he_o express_v his_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v real_o desire_v it_o when_o he_o command_v any_o thing_n or_o forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v real_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o we_o shall_v do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v when_o he_o declare_v and_o foretell_v any_o thing_n future_a it_o real_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o real_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v absolute_o it_o shall_v absolute_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o declaration_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v conditional_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o he_o intend_v it_o shall_v if_o the_o condition_n be_v perform_v second_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n this_o only_a have_v place_n in_o his_o promise_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n of_o justice_n superad_v to_o his_o word_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n do_v not_o only_o declare_v what_o he_o intend_v and_o what_o shall_v be_v but_o confer_v a_o right_a upon_o they_o to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v so_o as_o that_o the_o breach_n of_o his_o promise_n will_v not_o only_o cast_v a_o imputation_n upon_o his_o truth_n but_o upon_o his_o justice_n ii_o that_o this_o perfection_n belong_v to_o god_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n second_o from_o scripture_n first_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n natural_a light_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n be_v perfection_n and_o consequent_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_n be_v imperfection_n and_o to_o be_v remove_v from_o god_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o be_v among_o man_n esteem_v a_o great_a contumely_n and_o reproach_n than_o to_o give_v a_o man_n the_o lie_n to_o call_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o so_o much_o baseness_n and_o of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o servile_a spirit_n the_o usual_a temptation_n to_o it_o be_v fear_n of_o lose_v some_o advantage_n or_o incur_v some_o danger_n hence_o be_v that_o say_n that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o slave_n to_o lie_v but_o of_o a_o free_a man_n to_o speak_v truth_n now_o whatever_o argue_v baseness_n or_o imperfection_n our_o reason_n tell_v we_o be_v infinite_o to_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a the_o divine_a nature_n be_v all-sufficient_a can_v have_v no_o temptation_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o good_a and_o just_a and_o true_a and_o faithful_a man_n be_v tempt_v to_o lie_v by_o advantage_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n but_o the_o divine_a nature_n have_v the_o security_n of_o its_o fullness_n and_o all-sufficiency_n that_o it_o can_v hope_v for_o any_o increase_n nor_o fear_v any_o impairment_n of_o its_o estate_n man_n be_v unfaithful_a and_o break_v their_o word_n either_o because_o they_o be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a in_o pass_v of_o they_o or_o forgetful_a in_o mind_v they_o or_o inconstant_a in_o keep_v of_o they_o or_o impotent_a and_o unable_a to_o perform_v they_o but_o none_o of_o these_o be_v incident_a to_o god_n his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o clear_a foresight_n of_o all_o event_n secure_v he_o both_o from_o inconsiderateness_n and_o inconstancy_n and_o forgetfulness_n and_o his_o infinite_a power_n render_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v speak_v and_o to_o make_v good_a his_o word_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o natural_a dictate_v and_o suggestion_n of_o our_o mind_n appear_v clear_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o this_o matter_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n plato_n de_fw-fr repub._n l._n 2._o lay_n down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o lie_v and_o falsehood_n be_v imperfection_n and_o odious_a to_o god_n and_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v free_a from_o all_o temptation_n hereto_o either_o from_o advantage_n or_o fear_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o conclude_v therefore_o god_n be_v true_a and_o deal_v plain_o with_o we_o both_o in_o his_o word_n and_o action_n and_o be_v neither_o change_v himself_o nor_o deceive_v we_o porphyry_n in_o the_o life_n of_o pythagoras_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o precept_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o afterward_o he_o add_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a a_o perfection_n that_o if_o god_n will_v render_v himself_o visible_a to_o man_n he_o will_v choose_v light_n for_o his_o body_n and_o truth_n for_o his_o soul_n second_o from_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n do_v very_o frequent_o attribute_v this_o to_o god_n 2_o sam._n 7.28_o and_o now_o o_o lord_n god_n thou_o be_v that_o god_n and_o thy_o word_n be_v true_a psal_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n psal_n 31.5_o into_o thy_o hand_n i_o commit_v my_o spirit_n thou_o have_v redeem_v i_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o truth_n rev._n 3.7_o these_o thing_n say_v he_o that_o be_v holy_a he_o that_o be_v true_a rev._n 6.10_o how_o long_o o_o lord_n holy_a and_o true_a 15.3_o just_a and_o true_a be_v thy_o way_n thou_o king_n of_o saint_n 16.7_o true_a and_o righteous_a be_v thy_o judgement_n hither_o we_o may_v refer_v those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o plenty_n and_o abundance_n of_o god_n truth_n ex._n 34.6_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o truth_n psal_n 86.15_o plenteous_n in_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o those_o which_o speak_v of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o psal_n 100.5_o and_o his_o truth_n endure_v to_o all_o generation_n 117.2_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o lord_n endure_v for_o ever_o 146.6_o who_o keep_v truth_n for_o ever_o as_o the_o scripture_n do_v attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n so_o it_o remove_v the_o contrary_a from_o he_o with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n num._n 23.19_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v have_v he_o say_v and_o shall_v not_o he_o do_v it_o have_v he_o speak_v and_o shall_v he_o not_o make_v it_o good_a they_o be_v balaam_n word_n but_o god_n put_v they_o into_o his_o mouth_n 1_o sam._n 15.29_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v rom._n
his_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o 2_o lie_n that_o this_o be_v his_o peculiar_a prerogative_n 1_o sy_n god_n perfect_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n and_o try_v the_o reins_o where_o by_o heart_n and_o reins_o which_o be_v the_o most_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o lie_v least_o open_a to_o discovery_n be_v signify_v the_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o soul_n these_o god_n be_v say_v to_o search_v and_o try_v not_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n to_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o penetrate_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o dive_v into_o their_o thought_n but_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o perfection_n and_o exactness_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n as_o when_o man_n will_v know_v a_o thing_n exact_o they_o search_v into_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o examine_v every_o thing_n narrow_o so_o god_n be_v say_v to_o search_v the_o heart_n to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o thorough_o as_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o strict_a search_n and_o most_o diligent_a examination_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n he_o be_v say_v elsewhere_o in_o scripture_n to_o weigh_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n prov._n 16.2_o all_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v clean_a in_o his_o own_o eye_n but_o the_o lord_n weigh_v the_o spirit_n that_o be_v he_o have_v as_o perfect_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o secret_a motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n heart_n as_o man_n have_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o weigh_v in_o a_o balance_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n now_o that_o god_n have_v this_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o man_n heart_n the_o scripture_n frequent_o declare_v to_o we_o that_o he_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n 1_o king_n 8.39_o for_o thou_o even_o thou_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o child_n of_o men._n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n how_o close_o and_o reserve_v soever_o man_n may_v be_v what_o disguise_n soever_o they_o may_v use_v to_o hide_v their_o purpose_n from_o man_n yet_o god_n see_v they_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o dark_a and_o secret_a be_v open_a to_o his_o view_n psal_n 44.21_o he_o know_v the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n prov._n 15.11_o hell_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o he_o how_o much_o more_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o child_n of_o man_n whatever_o pretence_n man_n may_v make_v god_n see_v through_o they_o and_o discover_v the_o very_a intention_n of_o their_o heart_n psal_n 7.9_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o heb._n 4.13_o it_o be_v say_v there_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o heart_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v naked_a and_o open_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n that_o be_v not_o manifest_a in_o his_o sight_n nay_o he_o know_v our_o thought_n at_o a_o distance_n what_o they_o will_v be_v before_o they_o actual_o be_v psal_n 139.2_o thou_o know_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o every_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o privy_a to_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o when_o they_o be_v pass_v if_o he_o have_v not_o forget_v they_o but_o no_o man_n know_v what_o he_o shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n but_o this_o god_n know_v for_o he_o know_v we_o more_o intimate_o and_o thorough_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o john_n 3.20_o and_o though_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o so_o plain_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n implant_v in_o we_o and_o bear_v with_o we_o as_o be_v part_n of_o that_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n know_v our_o heart_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n of_o our_o mind_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o it_o 1_o st_z the_o reason_n of_o every_o man_n mind_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n be_v endow_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o among_o his_o other_o perfection_n that_o he_o excel_v in_o knowledge_n and_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v require_v that_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o all_o object_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v exempt_v from_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o object_n be_v like_o the_o sun_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o low_a world_n nothing_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o light_n of_o it_o we_o have_v natural_o this_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o immense_a be_v every_o where_o present_a that_o he_o intimate_o penetrate_v all_o place_n and_o thing_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v present_a to_o our_o spirit_n and_o see_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o discern_v the_o very_a secret_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o secrecy_n and_o retirement_n from_o a_o eye_n that_o be_v every_o where_o and_o a_o knowledge_n that_o pierce_v into_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o these_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n without_o the_o help_n and_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v only_o the_o advantage_n of_o natural_a light_n be_v firm_o possess_v with_o this_o apprehension_n that_o god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o men._n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_o collect_v from_o the_o frequent_a say_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v that_o which_o be_v inward_a that_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n to_o this_o sense_n tully_n speak_v cultus_fw-la autem_fw-la deorum_fw-la est_fw-la optimus_fw-la idemque_fw-la castissimus_fw-la atque_fw-la sanctissimus_fw-la plenissimusque_fw-la pietatis_fw-la ut_fw-la eos_fw-la semper_fw-la purâ_fw-la integrâ_fw-la atque_fw-la incorruptâ_fw-la ment_fw-la &_o voce_fw-la veneremur_fw-la the_o best_a and_o holy_a worship_n of_o the_o god_n be_v to_o worship_v they_o with_o a_o pure_a and_o upright_a and_o sincere_a mind_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n be_v that_o know_v say_v of_o the_o poet_n compositum_fw-la jus_o fasque_fw-la animi_fw-la sanctosque_fw-la recessus_fw-la mentis_fw-la &_o incoctum_fw-la gentroso_fw-la pectus_fw-la honesto_fw-la haec_fw-la cedo_fw-la ut_fw-la admoveam_fw-la templis_fw-la &_o far_o litabo_fw-la do_v but_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o mind_n inward_o resolve_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a and_o the_o plain_a sacrifice_n will_v please_v he_o now_o from_o hence_o that_o they_o judge_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o a_o honest_a disposition_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o their_o god_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n know_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n for_o man_n to_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o this_o way_n to_o the_o divine_a acceptance_n but_o we_o need_v not_o argue_v this_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v many_o express_a passage_n in_o their_o write_n which_o do_v sufficient_o signify_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o principle_n thales_n one_o of_o their_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v ask_v if_o a_o unjust_a man_n can_v conceal_v himself_o from_o god_n he_o answer_v he_o can_v so_o much_o as_o hide_v from_o he_o the_o very_a thought_n and_o design_n of_o it_o socrates_n as_o xenophon_n tell_v we_o be_v wont_a to_o inculcate_v this_o principle_n upon_o his_o scholar_n that_o the_o god_n know_v all_o thing_n what_o we_o say_v and_o what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o think_v in_o silence_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n arrian_n in_o his_o dissertation_n upon_o epictetus_n lay_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n first_o of_o all_o say_v he_o we_o must_v learn_v this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o hide_v from_o he_o not_o only_o what_o we_o do_v but_o not_o so_o much_o as_o what_o we_o think_v and_o design_n so_o likewise_o tully_n in_o his_o book_n of_o law_n let_v every_o man_n be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o this_o that_o the_o god_n see_v what_o every_o man_n be_v and_o with_o what_o mind_n and_o devotion_n they_o serve_v they_o i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o testimony_n more_o and_o that_o be_v of_o seneca_n in_o his_o epistle_n nihil_fw-la deo_fw-la clausum_fw-la est_fw-la interest_n animus_fw-la nostris_fw-la &_o cogitationibus_fw-la mediis_fw-la intervenit_fw-la we_o can_v
wander_v up_o and_o down_o in_o dry_a and_o desert_a place_n seek_v rest_n but_o find_v none_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n calm_a about_o a_o man_n and_o do_v it_o not_o make_v the_o least_o attempt_n upon_o he_o be_v he_o free_a from_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n yet_o he_o can_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o himself_o there_o be_v something_o within_o he_o that_o will_v not_o let_v he_o be_v at_o rest_n but_o will_v tear_v he_o from_o his_o own_o foundation_n and_o consistency_n so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v once_o break_v off_o from_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o inward_a want_n do_v stimulate_v and_o force_v we_o to_o seek_v our_o contentment_n elsewhere_o so_o that_o nothing_o but_o holiness_n which_o reunites_a we_o to_o god_n and_o restore_v our_o soul_n to_o their_o primitive_a and_o original_a state_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o give_v peace_n and_o rest_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a voice_n and_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o tenor_n 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life_n and_o certain_o the_o best_a way_n to_o take_v joy_n in_o a_o estate_n be_v to_o do_v good_a with_o it_o and_o a_o great_a and_o wise_a than_o solomon_n have_v say_v it_o even_o he_o who_o be_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v say_v it_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o bless_a thing_n to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v consider_v far_o that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o next_o to_o the_o love_n and_o honour_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o almighty_a god_n the_o most_o acceptable_a service_n that_o we_o can_v do_v to_o he_o it_o be_v one_o table_n of_o the_o law_n and_o next_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n of_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o very_o
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upon_o this_o issue_n if_o they_o can_v foretell_v future_a thing_n than_o they_o be_v god_n if_o not_o they_o be_v vanity_n and_o a_o work_n of_o naught_o and_o he_o be_v a_o abomination_n that_o choose_v they_o v_o 24._o by_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o understand_v such_o effect_n as_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o necessary_a cause_n but_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o so_o may_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o he_o to_o know_v future_a event_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o god_n know_v future_a event_n 2._o that_o he_o only_o know_v they_o 1._o god_n know_v future_a event_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n and_o from_o scripture_n 1._o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n and_o that_o which_o among_o man_n be_v account_v the_o best_a part_n 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and_o explicable_a and_o though_o in_o their_o dispute_n they_o seem_v to_o grant_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o event_n and_o contingency_n yet_o they_o be_v agree_v in_o the_o thing_n that_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v event_n though_o they_o will_v not_o call_v they_o so_o be_v fore-known_a to_o god_n and_o for_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o cite_v one_o testimony_n of_o seneca_n speak_v of_o god_n foreknowledge_n of_o the_o most_o contingent_a thing_n the_o disposition_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v he_o add_v nota_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la illis_fw-la operis_fw-la svi_fw-la series_n omniúmque_fw-la illis_fw-la rerum_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la svas_fw-la iturarum_fw-la scientia_fw-la in_o aperto_fw-la semper_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la ex_fw-la abdito_fw-la subit_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la repentina_fw-la putamus_fw-la illis_fw-la provisa_fw-la veniunt_fw-la &_o familiaria_fw-la and_o how_o peremptory_a soever_o this_o sect_n be_v in_o their_o dispute_n about_o fate_n yet_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o general_o in_o their_o moral_a discourse_n they_o seem_v plain_o to_o i_o to_o exempt_v the_o will_n of_o man_n from_o this_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o those_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o deny_v fate_n do_v general_o grant_v god_n foreknowledge_n of_o contingent_a thing_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o they_o do_v rather_o make_v god_n foreknowledge_n a_o arbitrary_a and_o voluntary_a than_o a_o necessary_a perfection_n that_o be_v that_o god_n when_o he_o please_v to_o apply_v himself_o to_o it_o can_v foreknow_a all_o future_a event_n but_o their_o general_a opinion_n be_v that_o as_o his_o providence_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o neither_o his_o foreknowledge_n but_o tully_n seem_v to_o attribute_v a_o very_a perfect_a providence_n to_o he_o and_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o least_o thing_n quis_fw-la non_fw-la timeat_fw-la omne_fw-la providentem_fw-la cogitantem_fw-la animadvertentem_fw-la &_o omne_fw-la ad_fw-la se_fw-la pertinere_fw-la putantem_fw-la curiosum_fw-la &_o negotij_fw-la plenum_fw-la deum_fw-la but_o i_o can_v say_v he_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o but_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o grant_v to_o he_o this_o perfection_n of_o know_v all_o future_a thing_n if_o he_o please_v to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o it_o and_o have_v they_o not_o in_o this_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n they_o may_v easy_o have_v apprehend_v that_o it_o be_v no_o trouble_n nor_o weariness_n to_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n that_o be_v always_o in_o act_n to_o know_v the_o least_o thing_n how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v 2._o from_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o testimony_n and_o argument_n of_o it_o 1._o testimony_n isa_n 48.3_o etc._n etc._n act_v 15.18_o know_a unto_o god_n be_v all_o his_o work_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o everlasting_a which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v but_o compare_v with_o the_o forecited_a
admit_v such_o a_o knowledge_n in_o god_n as_o seem_v contradictious_a and_o impossible_a to_o our_o reason_n why_o may_v we_o not_o allow_v and_o frame_v such_o notion_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o justice_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o those_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v imitable_a and_o those_o which_o be_v not_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o perfection_n wherein_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o be_v like_o god_n and_o if_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o disentangle_a it_o from_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v imitable_a he_o that_o imitate_v endeavour_n to_o be_v like_o something_o that_o he_o know_v and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o that_o which_o we_o will_v bring_v ourselves_o to_o the_o likeness_n of_o these_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o therefore_o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o perfection_n be_v chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n jer._n 9.24_o by_o these_o god_n reveal_v himself_o and_o declare_v his_o name_n and_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o we_o even_o by_o those_o attribute_n which_o declare_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n exod._n 34.6_o 7._o psal_n 86.15_o deut._n 32.3_o 4_o 5._o when_o god_n will_v give_v a_o description_n of_o himself_o to_o moses_n he_o promise_v to_o cause_v his_o goodness_n to_o pass_v before_o he_o so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o because_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n of_o it_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o admit_v of_o any_o notion_n of_o god_n justice_n or_o goodness_n that_o seem_v contradictious_a or_o impossible_a the_o three_o objection_n be_v make_v up_o of_o several_a inconvenience_n that_o will_v follow_v from_o god_n knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n 1._o it_o will_v prejudice_n the_o liberty_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o infallible_a knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o will_v do_v than_o we_o can_v but_o do_v what_o he_o infallible_o foresee_v we_o will_v do_v for_o otherwise_o his_o knowledge_n will_v be_v fallible_a answer_v god's-fore-knowledge_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o the_o event_n in_o every_o event_n we_o may_v consider_v the_o effect_n in_o itself_o or_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v consider_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v future_a with_o relation_n to_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v contingent_a god_n see_v it_o as_o both_o and_o so_o as_o that_o which_o till_o it_o be_v may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v he_o see_v the_o man_n do_v it_o free_o and_o so_o before_o it_o be_v do_v it_o have_v no_o necessity_n but_o upon_o supposition_n of_o foresight_n as_o when_o it_o be_v it_o have_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v as_o origen_n excellent_o explain_v it_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v fore-known_a but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v future_a and_o shall_v be_v this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v fore-known_a for_o it_o do_v not_o because_o it_o be_v know_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o because_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v therefore_o it_o be_v fore-known_a and_o bare_a knowledge_n be_v no_o more_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o event_n which_o because_o it_o be_v know_v must_v infallible_o be_v than_o my_o see_v a_o man_n run_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o run_n which_o because_o i_o do_v see_v be_v infallible_o so_o 2_o lie_n if_o god_n infallible_o fore-knows_a what_o man_n will_v do_v how_o can_v he_o be_v serious_a in_o his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n in_o his_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o his_o grieve_v for_o the_o impenitency_n of_o man_n answer_n all_o these_o be_v found_v in_o the_o liberty_n of_o our_o action_n god_n exhort_v to_o repentance_n and_o expect_v it_o because_o by_o his_o grace_n we_o may_v do_v it_o he_o be_v say_v to_o grieve_v for_o our_o impenitency_n because_o we_o may_v do_v otherwise_o and_o will_v not_o exhortation_n be_v not_o vain_a in_o themselves_o but_o very_o proper_a to_o their_o end_n though_o through_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o hardness_n they_o may_v be_v render_v vain_a to_o we_o and_o without_o effect_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v upon_o serious_a and_o you_o ask_v how_o god_n can_v exhort_v man_n serious_o to_o that_o which_o he_o fore-sees_a that_o they_o will_v not_o do_v those_o who_o he_o fore-knows_a will_v be_v final_o impenitent_a i_o answer_v if_o his_o exhortation_n be_v not_o serious_a he_o can_v not_o foresee_v the_o final_a impenitency_n of_o men._n to_o foresee_v man_n final_a impenitency_n be_v to_o foresee_v their_o wilful_a contempt_n of_o god_n warning_n and_o exhortation_n and_o rejection_n of_o his_o grace_n now_o man_n wilful_a contempt_n of_o his_o warning_n and_o exhortation_n can_v be_v foresee_v unless_o god_n foresee_v that_o his_o exhortation_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n have_v answer_v the_o objection_n against_o god_n foreknowing_a future_a event_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v ii_o that_o god_n only_o know_v future_a event_n isa_n 44.6_o 7._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n the_o king_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o redeemer_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n 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 and_o who_o as_o i_o shall_v call_v and_o shall_v declare_v it_o and_o set_v it_o in_o order_n for_o i_o since_o i_o appoint_v the_o ancient_a people_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v come_v and_o shall_v come_v let_v they_o show_v unto_o they_o isa_n 46.9_o 10._o remember_v the_o former_a thing_n of_o old_a for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o declare_v the_o end_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o from_o ancient_a time_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o do_v say_v my_o counsel_n shall_v stand_v and_o i_o will_v do_v all_o my_o pleasure_n the_o reason_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o finite_a understanding_n especial_o if_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v beyond_o our_o finite_a understanding_n to_o explain_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o knowledge_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o knowledge_n which_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v by_o any_o understanding_n but_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v do_v not_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n foretell_v several_a thing_n which_o christian_n be_v satisfy_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n i_o have_v no_o time_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v the_o business_n of_o heathen_a oracle_n i_o can_v easy_o show_v there_o be_v much_o imposture_n in_o they_o but_o grant_v they_o be_v real_o deliver_v and_o give_v out_o by_o a_o spirit_n yet_o the_o darkness_n and_o ambiguity_n the_o affect_a and_o contrive_v ambiguity_n be_v such_o as_o show_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o knowledge_n in_o those_o matter_n and_o those_o few_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o be_v in_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n say_v to_o be_v accomplish_v be_v in_o such_o matter_n either_o wherein_o prudent_a conjecture_n may_v go_v far_o and_o i_o grant_v the_o devil_n to_o be_v a_o sagacious_a spirit_n or_o else_o in_o dis-junctive_a case_n as_o when_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v it_o must_v either_o be_v so_o or_o so_o in_o which_o a_o bold_a guess_v may_v often_o hit_v right_a but_o guess_v at_o future_a thing_n be_v far_o from_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o only_o can_v clear_o be_v make_v out_o by_o punctual_a and_o particular_a prediction_n of_o thing_n with_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o person_n such_o as_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n in_o many_o instance_n to_o the_o prediction_n of_o which_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o the_o utmost_a guess_v can_v do_v nothing_o such_o as_o those_o prediction_n of_o which_o i_o give_v instance_n out_o of_o scripture_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o first_o general_a head_n i_o propose_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o from_o these_o word_n viz._n to_o prove_v that_o this_o attribute_n of_o knowledge_n belong_v to_o god_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o perfection_n and_o prerogative_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o in_o these_o follow_a particular_n 1._o god_n knowledge_n be_v present_a and_o actual_a
therefore_o the_o best_a way_n for_o a_o man_n to_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o thing_n be_v real_o to_o be_v what_o he_o will_v appear_v but_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o god_n who_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o to_o who_o all_o our_o disguise_n be_v transparent_a and_o all_o our_o little_a art_n of_o concealment_n signify_v nothing_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o hide_v our_o iniquity_n in_o our_o bosom_n with_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n convince_v the_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n luke_n 16.15_o you_o be_v they_o that_o justify_v yourselves_o before_o man_n but_o god_n know_v your_o heart_n 2._o if_o god_n know_v your_o heart_n then_o endeavour_v to_o approve_v your_o heart_n to_o he_o charge_v yourselves_o with_o inward_a purity_n and_o holiness_n because_o of_o the_o pure_a eye_n which_o behold_v the_o most_o intimate_a and_o secret_a motion_n of_o your_o soul_n therefore_o cleanse_v your_o heart_n from_o wickedness_n how_o long_o shall_v vain_a thought_n lodge_v within_o you_o fear_v and_o shame_n from_o man_n lay_v a_o great_a restraint_n upon_o our_o outward_a action_n but_o how_o licentious_a be_v we_o many_o time_n in_o our_o heart_n what_o a_o strange_a freedom_n do_v we_o take_v within_o our_o own_o breast_n this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o secret_a atheism_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n he_o that_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o wicked_a thought_n and_o imagination_n which_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o man_n he_o will_v not_o put_v in_o practice_n this_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o he_o reverence_v man_n more_o than_o god_n that_o he_o either_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n or_o despise_v he_o therefore_o keep_v your_o heart_n with_o all_o diligence_n because_o they_o be_v peculiarly_a under_o god_n inspection_n and_o when_o you_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v the_o liberty_n of_o your_o thought_n because_o no_o eye_n see_v you_o ask_v yourselves_o do_v not_o he_o that_o ponder_v the_o heart_n consider_v it_o and_o he_o that_o keep_v thy_o soul_n do_v he_o not_o know_v it_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v prov._n 24.12_o and_o whatever_o you_o do_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n do_v it_o hearty_o as_o to_o the_o lord_n indeed_o if_o we_o do_v only_a worship_n god_n to_o be_v see_v of_o man_n a_o external_a worship_n will_v be_v sufficient_a but_o religion_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o please_v man_n but_o god_n he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o see_v our_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n 1_o thes_n 2.4_o not_o as_o please_a man_n but_o god_n who_o try_v our_o heart_n david_n use_v this_o argument_n to_o his_o son_n solomon_n 1_o chron._n 28.9_o and_o thou_o solomon_n my_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n and_o with_o a_o willing_a mind_n for_o the_o lord_n search_v all_o heart_n and_o understand_v all_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n whatever_o liberty_n we_o may_v take_v to_o ourselves_o now_o and_o how_o careless_a soever_o we_o be_v of_o our_o thought_n and_o the_o inward_a frame_n of_o our_o heart_n yet_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o who_o now_o see_v our_o heart_n will_v one_o day_n judge_v we_o according_a to_o they_o jer._n 17.10_o i_o the_o lord_n search_v the_o heart_n i_o try_v the_o reins_o even_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o a_o day_n come_v wherein_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n heb._n 4.13_o rev._n 2.23_o 3._o this_o be_v matter_n of_o encouragement_n to_o we_o in_o many_o case_n in_o our_o secret_a trouble_n psal_n 142.3_o when_o my_o spirit_n be_v overwhelm_v within_o i_o than_o thou_o know_v my_o path_n in_o case_n of_o difficulty_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o other_o man_n which_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v yet_o god_n know_v they_o so_o the_o apostle_n act_n 1.24_o when_o they_o do_v not_o know_v who_o to_o choose_v for_o a_o apostle_n they_o refer_v it_o to_o god_n and_o they_o pray_v and_o say_v thou_o lord_n which_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o show_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o thou_o have_v choose_v but_o especial_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o comfort_n to_o we_o when_o we_o suffer_v by_o the_o calumny_n and_o reproach_n of_o man_n when_o the_o world_n charge_v we_o with_o crime_n of_o hypocrisy_n and_o falseness_n and_o insincerity_n then_o to_o be_v able_a to_o appeal_v to_o the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n as_o to_o our_o innocency_n and_o sincerity_n and_o to_o say_v with_o the_o prophet_n jer._n o_o lord_n of_o host_n that_o trye_v the_o righteous_a and_o see_v the_o reins_o and_o the_o heart_n unto_o thou_o have_v i_o open_v my_o cause_n ch._n 20.12_o and_o with_o st._n peter_n god_n which_o know_v the_o heart_n bear_v they_o witness_v act_v 15.8_o 4._o this_o render_v all_o the_o deep_a and_o profound_a policy_n of_o wicked_a man_n a_o vain_a thing_n the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n psal_n 94.11_o they_o be_v vanity_n because_o he_o know_v they_o and_o can_v defeat_v they_o he_o can_v bring_v their_o counsel_n to_o nought_o and_o make_v their_o device_n of_o none_o effect_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o the_o first_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n he_o see_v those_o cobweb_n which_o they_o be_v spine_v and_o can_v blow_v they_o away_o with_o a_o breath_n he_o can_v snare_v they_o in_o their_o own_o policy_n and_o turn_v their_o counsel_n into_o foolishness_n thou_o that_o put_v a_o mask_n upon_o a_o wicked_a design_n and_o hide_v the_o malice_n and_o revenge_n of_o thy_o heart_n under_o a_o dissemble_a countenance_n god_n see_v thy_o design_n and_o have_v a_o thousand_o way_n to_o prevent_v it_o when_o the_o politician_n of_o the_o world_n think_v they_o have_v lay_v their_o design_n sure_a with_o all_o imaginable_a caution_n and_o that_o their_o counsel_n can_v miscarry_v be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o humane_a discovery_n or_o prevention_n for_o all_o this_o their_o counsel_n may_v come_v to_o nought_o and_o though_o they_o have_v resolve_v it_o yet_o it_o may_v not_o stand_v he_o that_o sit_v in_o the_o heaven_n laugh_v at_o they_o the_o lord_n have_v they_o in_o derision_n as_o wise_a as_o they_o be_v they_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o oversight_n that_o they_o do_v not_o take_v god_n into_o consideration_n by_o who_o they_o be_v surprise_v and_o discover_v he_o that_o see_v their_o design_n can_v blast_v it_o in_o a_o moment_n he_o can_v speak_v the_o word_n and_o thy_o breath_n shall_v go_v forth_o and_o thou_o shall_v return_v to_o thy_o dust_n and_o in_o that_o very_a day_n thy_o thought_n perish_v psal_n 146.4_o 5._o if_o god_n only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n then_o what_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o judge_v another_o heart_n this_o condemn_v the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o judge_v and_o censure_v man_n heart_n which_o be_v to_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o their_o cognizance_n what_o st._n james_n say_v ch_n 4.12_o there_o be_v one_o lawgiver_n that_o be_v able_a to_o save_v and_o to_o destroy_v who_o be_v thou_o that_o judge_v another_o be_v proportionable_o true_a in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v but_o one_o that_o know_v the_o heart_n who_o be_v thou_o then_o that_o judge_v another_o man_n heart_n who_o be_v thou_o o_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o thou_o to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o thy_o brother_n and_o to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o his_o heart_n to_o pronounce_v he_o a_o hypocrite_n a_o wicked_a man_n and_o a_o damn_a wretch_n be_v thou_o a_o man_n and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o will_v thou_o assume_v to_o thyself_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n man_n can_v only_o look_v to_o the_o outward_a appearance_n but_o god_n see_v the_o heart_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v more_o palpable_o discover_v the_o un-christian_n spirit_n of_o that_o new_a sect_n which_o be_v of_o late_o rise_v up_o among_o we_o than_o their_o take_n upon_o they_o to_o judge_v man_n heart_n and_o as_o confident_o to_o censure_v every_o man_n they_o meet_v as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o window_n into_o his_o breast_n but_o they_o be_v not_o alone_o guilty_a of_o this_o those_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o call_v man_n hypocrite_n they_o invade_v this_o prerogative_n of_o god_n we_o may_v pronounce_v a_o action_n wicked_a if_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n or_o a_o man_n wicked_a as_o to_o his_o present_a state_n if_o the_o general_a course_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n be_v wicked_a for_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o by_o their_o fruit_n you_o shall_v know_v they_o this_o we_o
labour_v after_o this_o be_v but_o a_o short-witted_n prudence_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n without_o any_o prospect_n to_o the_o future_a without_o regard_n to_o the_o next_o world_n and_o the_o eternity_n which_o we_o be_v to_o live_v in_o this_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o a_o moment_n and_o fool_n for_o ever_o 4._o if_o god_n be_v only_o wise_a then_o put_v your_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o who_o shall_v we_o trust_v rather_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o manage_v and_o direct_v infinite_a goodness_n and_o power_n in_o all_o case_n of_o difficulty_n trust_v he_o for_o direction_n acknowledge_v he_o in_o all_o thy_o way_n that_o he_o may_v direct_v thy_o step_n commit_v thy_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o lean_v not_o to_o thy_o own_o understanding_n the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o if_o we_o rely_v upon_o our_o own_o wisdom_n that_o will_v prove_v a_o break_a reed_n and_o as_o our_o own_o wisdom_n be_v a_o break_a reed_n so_o the_o wisdom_n of_o other_o man_n isa_n 31.1_o 2._o god_n curse_v they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o egypt_n and_o trust_v to_o their_o strength_n and_o wisdom_n but_o look_v not_o to_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n neither_o seek_v the_o lord_n yet_o he_o also_o be_v wise_a say_v the_o prophet_n 5._o let_v we_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o say_v with_o st._n paul_n 1_o tim._n 1.17_o to_o the_o only_a wise_a god_n be_v honour_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o amen_n and_o with_o daniel_n bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o for_o wisdom_n and_o might_n be_v he_o veneration_n be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n we_o reverence_v any_o extraordinary_a degree_n of_o wisdom_n in_o man_n but_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n which_o be_v perfect_a and_o infinite_a be_v matter_n of_o our_o adoration_n and_o blessing_n and_o praise_n thanksgiving_n respect_v the_o benefit_n we_o receive_v but_o we_o bless_v god_n when_o we_o acknowledge_v any_o excellency_n for_o as_o god_n blessing_n we_o be_v to_o do_v we_o good_a so_o our_o blessing_n he_o be_v to_o speak_v good_a of_o he_o and_o as_o all_o god_n perfection_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o blessing_n so_o more_o especial_o his_o wisdom_n be_v of_o our_o praise_n for_o to_o praise_n god_n be_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o wise_a design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o before_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o other_o particular_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o wise_a god_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v style_v our_o saviour_n which_o some_o understand_v of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n and_o bring_v this_o place_n as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v his_o divinity_n and_o if_o that_o be_v so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v that_o glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o dominion_n and_o power_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a be_v but_o although_o i_o will_v not_o willing_o part_v with_o any_o place_n that_o may_v fair_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n yet_o see_v there_o be_v so_o many_o plain_a text_n in_o scripture_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v the_o less_o reason_n to_o stretch_v doubtful_a place_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v that_o the_o title_n of_o saviour_n be_v several_a time_n in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n the_o father_n beside_o that_o in_o a_o very_a ancient_n and_o authentic_a copy_n we_o find_v the_o word_n read_v somewhat_o otherwise_o and_o so_o as_o to_o put_v this_o out_o of_o all_o controversy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n have_v premise_v thus_o much_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v first_o god_n glory_n and_o majesty_n and_o then_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n first_o god_n glory_n and_o majesty_n by_o majesty_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o greatness_n or_o eminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o result_v from_o his_o perfection_n and_o whereby_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v set_v and_o place_v infinite_o above_o all_o other_o being_n i_o say_v the_o eminent_a excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o result_v from_o his_o perfection_n more_o especial_o from_o those_o great_a perfection_n his_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o holiness_n and_o his_o glory_n be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o this_o excellency_n and_o a_o just_a acknowledgement_n and_o due_a opinion_n of_o it_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v glorious_a in_o power_n and_o glorious_a in_o holiness_n and_o his_o goodness_n be_v call_v his_o glory_n and_o here_o in_o the_o text_n glory_n and_o majesty_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o these_o belong_v to_o god_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o natural_a light_n the_o heathen_n do_v constant_o ascribe_v greatness_n to_o god_n and_o that_o as_o result_v chief_o from_o his_o goodness_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o frequent_a conjunction_n of_o these_o two_o attribute_n goodness_n and_o greatness_n opt._n max._n be_v their_o most_o familiar_a title_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v that_o know_a place_n of_o seneca_n primus_fw-la deorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la credere_fw-la dein_fw-ge 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 2._o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o produce_v all_o those_o text_n wherein_o greatness_n and_o glory_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o or_o three_o deut._n 10.17_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o great_a god_n psal_n 24.10_o he_o be_v call_v the_o king_n of_o glory_n 104_o 1._o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v clothe_v with_o majesty_n and_o honour_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o glory_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o doxology_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n wherein_o greatness_n and_o glory_n and_o majesty_n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v learn_v 1._o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o person_n great_a and_o glorious_a and_o what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o majesty_n viz._n real_a worth_n and_o excellency_n and_o particular_o that_o kind_n of_o excellency_n which_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o a_o very_a eminent_a degree_n and_o that_o be_v goodness_n this_o be_v that_o which_o advance_v a_o person_n and_o give_v he_o a_o pre-eminency_n above_o all_o other_o this_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o a_o man_n and_o make_v his_o face_n to_o shine_v aristotle_n tell_v we_o that_o honour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o esteem_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o person_n for_o his_o goodness_n for_o say_v he_o to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o high_a glory_n god_n goodness_n be_v his_o high_a glory_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o glorious_a in_o any_o creature_n as_o herein_o to_o be_v like_o god_n 2._o let_v we_o give_v god_n the_o glory_n which_o be_v due_a to_o his_o name_n ascribe_v you_o greatness_n to_o our_o god_n deut._n 32.3_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 power_n psal_n 29.1_o the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n call_v for_o our_o esteem_n and_o honour_n our_o fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o he_o thus_o we_o shall_v glorify_v god_n in_o our_o spirit_n by_o a_o inward_a esteem_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o majesty_n the_o thought_n of_o earthly_a majesty_n will_v compose_v we_o to_o reverence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n strike_v a_o awe_n upon_o our_o spirit_n in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o he_o his_o excellency_n shall_v make_v we_o afraid_a and_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o saucy_a boldness_n and_o familiarity_n with_o he_o reverence_n be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o distance_n which_o be_v between_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o meanness_n and_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o body_n with_o outward_a worship_n and_o adoration_n that_o be_v by_o all_o external_a signification_n of_o reverence_n and_o respect_n and_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o in_o our_o life_n and_o action_n the_o high_a glory_n a_o creature_n can_v give_v to_o god_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o satis_fw-la illos_fw-la coluit_fw-la quisquis_fw-la imitatus_fw-la est_fw-la sen._n hereby_o we_o manifest_a and_o show_v forth_o his_o excellency_n to_o the_o world_n when_o we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v conform_v to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o in_o case_n of_o
promiscuous_o upon_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a it_o will_v not_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o such_o sin_n when_o man_n do_v see_v that_o they_o fall_v likewise_o upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o those_o sin_n and_o consequent_o the_o example_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n upon_o all_o these_o account_v you_o see_v that_o abraham_n reason_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_v as_o to_o those_o judgement_n which_o be_v miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_o inflict_v by_o god_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o great_a and_o heinous_a sin_n which_o be_v the_o case_n he_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o according_o we_o find_v that_o in_o these_o judgement_n which_o have_v be_v immediate_o and_o miraculous_o inflict_v by_o god_n he_o have_v always_o make_v this_o difference_n between_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a in_o the_o deluge_n which_o he_o bring_v upon_o the_o old_a world_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o the_o judgement_n be_v so_o universal_a because_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o save_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v because_o in_o this_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n he_o alone_o be_v righteous_a thou_o have_v i_o see_v righteous_a before_o i_o in_o this_o generation_n so_o likewise_o in_o that_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n when_o god_n make_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o the_o earth_n open_v her_o mouth_n to_o swallow_v they_o up_o none_o perish_v but_o he_o and_o his_o complice_n the_o rest_n have_v warning_n give_v they_o by_o god_n to_o remove_v from_o the_o tent_n of_o those_o wicked_a men._n thus_o you_o see_v that_o as_o to_o the_o particular_a case_n in_o the_o text_n abraham_n reason_n concern_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v very_o firm_a and_o conclude_v i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o discourse_n upon_o viz._n to_o consider_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o best_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v yet_o want_v we_o have_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o this_o vast_a and_o admirable_a frame_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v but_o we_o must_v stay_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o a_o clear_a and_o full_a manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o day_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n we_o may_v receive_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o both_o from_o natural_a reason_n and_o from_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o from_o natural_a reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v the_o one_o and_o to_o discountenance_v the_o other_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o public_a testimony_n of_o his_o like_n and_o affection_n to_o the_o one_o and_o of_o his_o hatred_n and_o dislike_n of_o the_o other_o which_o can_v otherwise_o be_v do_v but_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o however_o the_o heathen_a reason_v about_o this_o matter_n whatever_o premise_n they_o lay_v they_o firm_o believe_v the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n be_v just_o plato_n lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v in_o no_o wise_a unjust_a but_o as_o righteous_a as_o be_v possible_a and_o that_o we_o can_v resemble_v god_n more_o than_o in_o this_o quality_n and_o disposition_n so_o likewise_o seneca_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o god_n be_v neither_o capable_a of_o receive_v a_o injury_n nor_o of_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v unjust_a antoninus_n the_o great_a emperor_n and_o philosopher_n speak_v doubtful_o whether_o good_a man_n be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n or_o remain_v afterward_o if_o it_o be_v just_a say_v he_o you_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v not_o just_a you_o may_v certain_o conclude_v the_o contrary_a for_o god_n be_v just_a and_o be_v so_o he_o will_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v unjust_a or_o unreasonable_a and_o indeed_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n look_v upon_o this_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o all_o moral_a precept_n that_o god_n be_v the_o witness_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o they_o qui_fw-la secus_fw-la faxit_fw-la deus_fw-la ipse_fw-la vindex_fw-la erit_fw-la if_o any_o man_n do_v contrary_a to_o they_o god_n himself_o will_v punish_v it_o which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a awe_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o will_v overtake_v offender_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o but_o this_o will_v more_o clear_o appear_v in_o the_o 2._o place_n from_o scripture_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o those_o text_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n either_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o general_a or_o such_o as_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o begin_v first_o with_o those_o which_o declare_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o general_n and_o that_o either_o by_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o he_o or_o by_o remove_v the_o contrary_a injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o 1._o those_o which_o attribute_v this_o perfection_n to_o god_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o a_o few_o of_o many_o psal_n 129.4_o the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a dan._n 9.7_o o_o lord_n righteousness_n belong_v unto_o thou_o this_o good_a man_n have_v acknowledge_v when_o they_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n ezra_n 9.15_o o_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n thou_o be_v righteous_a and_o this_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v be_v force_v to_o own_o when_o they_o have_v be_v in_o extremity_n ex._n 9.27_o then_o pharaoh_n say_v the_o lord_n be_v righteous_a this_o have_v be_v likewise_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o have_v lie_v under_o the_o great_a temptation_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o jer._n 12.1_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v the_o prophet_n notwithstanding_o he_o see_v the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o afflict_a state_n of_o the_o godly_a which_o seem_v hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n yet_o before_o he_o will_v so_o much_o as_o reason_n about_o it_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a conclusion_n righteous_a art_n thou_o o_o lord_n to_o this_o head_n likewise_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o righteousness_n as_o god_n dwell_v place_n and_o his_o throne_n of_o his_o delight_n in_o justice_n and_o of_o the_o duration_n and_o eternity_n of_o it_o which_o i_o need_v not_o particular_o recite_v 2._o there_o be_v likewise_o other_o text_n which_o remove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n injustice_n and_o unrighteousness_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o god_n as_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n deut._n 32.4_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n and_o without_o iniquity_n 2_o chron._n 19.7_o there_o be_v to_o iniquity_n with_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n nor_o accept_v of_o person_n nor_o take_v of_o gift_n job_n 8.3_o do_v god_n pervert_v judgement_n or_o do_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n justice_n which_o be_v a_o vehement_a negation_n of_o the_o thing_n job_n 34.10_o 11_o 12._o far_o be_v it_o from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v do_v wickedness_n and_o from_o the_o almighty_a that_o he_o shall_v commit_v iniquity_n for_o the_o work_n of_o a_o man_n shall_v he_o render_v unto_o he_o and_o cause_v every_o man_n to_o find_v according_a to_o his_o way_n yea_o sure_o god_n will_v not_o do_v wicked_o neither_o will_v the_o almighty_a pervert_n judgement_n rom._n 9.14_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o unrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v second_o there_o be_v other_o text_n which_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n do_v not_o constant_o appear_v in_o this_o world_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n because_o this_o be_v a_o time_n