the_o universe_n must_v fall_v into_o a_o dreadful_a ruin_n so_o that_o if_o it_o have_v please_v god_n in_o his_o just_a severity_n to_o have_v forsake_v man_n in_o his_o accurse_a state_n the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n have_v unavoidable_o follow_v thereupon_o for_o as_o when_o a_o subject_n have_v commit_v felony_n or_o treason_n against_o his_o sovereign_n we_o be_v not_o content_v only_o to_o punish_v his_o person_n we_o cut_v down_o his_o wood_n pull_v down_o his_o house_n and_o in_o a_o word_n we_o make_v all_o thing_n that_o have_v any_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o he_o bear_v some_o mark_n of_o the_o indignation_n of_o his_o prince_n so_o it_o be_v convenient_a that_o the_o world_n that_o be_v make_v for_o man_n and_o consequent_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o its_o end_n shall_v follow_v his_o condition_n and_o as_o it_o be_v pass_v with_o he_o under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n but_o also_o since_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o show_v mercy_n to_o man_n and_o to_o promise_v redemption_n to_o he_o and_o to_o decree_v to_o gather_v his_o church_n out_o of_o his_o posterity_n it_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o use_v the_o same_o conduct_n towards_o the_o world_n for_o first_o of_o all_o he_o ought_v to_o sustain_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o church_n during_o the_o time_n that_o it_o sojourn_v here_o below_o even_o as_o after_o a_o prince_n be_v reconcile_v to_o his_o subject_n he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o testify_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o person_n into_o his_o favour_n he_o permit_v he_o to_o restore_v his_o house_n to_o their_o former_a state_n yea_o he_o furnish_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n wherewithal_o to_o make_v they_o more_o bountiful_a and_o magnificent_a not_o only_o to_o the_o end_n that_o he_o may_v obliterate_v all_o footstep_n of_o his_o indignation_n but_o also_o that_o all_o thing_n may_v bear_v the_o undoubted_a mark_n of_o his_o clemency_n and_o favour_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o have_v cause_v the_o subsistence_n of_o the_o world_n hitherunto_o and_o will_v yet_o cause_v that_o at_o the_o last_o day_n it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o disorder_n which_o be_v here_o see_v but_o honour_v with_o a_o communication_n of_o the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n after_o which_o st._n paul_n say_v it_o have_v groan_v and_o travail_v for_o so_o many_o age_n therefore_o one_o part_n of_o our_o happiness_n will_v consist_v in_o the_o contentment_n of_o see_v the_o breach_n which_o the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v for_o our_o sake_n magnificent_o repair_v and_o the_o resplendent_a glory_n that_o we_o expect_v for_o ourselves_o spread_v universal_o over_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o i_o very_o well_o understand_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o that_o have_v hold_v a_o opinion_n quite_o contrary_a and_o have_v believe_v that_o as_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v of_o nothing_o it_o shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o nothing_o be_v make_v of_o nothing_o so_o nothing_o can_v be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o may_v remain_v total_o confound_v for_o they_o think_v it_o be_v a_o maxim_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n must_v necessary_o confute_v it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o opinion_n that_o have_v no_o firm_a foundation_n either_o in_o scripture_n or_o reason_n touch_v scripture_n all_o that_o it_o say_v be_v that_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v never_o pass_v away_o that_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o god_n remain_v eternal_o the_o same_o which_o easy_o receive_v two_o answer_n the_o one_o that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o although_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o nevertheless_o the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v remain_v immutable_a and_o of_o such_o manner_n of_o speech_n or_o affirmation_n which_o seem_v strict_a and_o absolute_a which_o must_v be_v interpret_v by_o a_o simple_a supposition_n example_n be_v find_v elsewhere_o as_o psal_n 45._o the_o earth_n be_v remove_v and_o the_o mountain_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n the_o water_n thereof_o roar_v and_o be_v trouble_v the_o mountain_n shake_v with_o the_o swell_a thereof_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o river_n shall_v make_v glad_a the_o city_n of_o god_n for_o so_o the_o word_n be_v read_v in_o the_o original_a and_o yet_o we_o translate_v they_o although_o the_o mountain_n be_v carry_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o water_n thereof_o roar_v and_o be_v trouble_v and_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o design_n of_o the_o author_n of_o this_o divine_a song_n do_v demonstrate_v clear_a as_o the_o day_n that_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o other_o answer_n be_v that_o thing_n pass_v away_o after_o two_o fashion_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o a_o perfect_a abolition_n of_o their_o essence_n or_o by_o so_o great_a and_o considerable_a a_o change_n in_o their_o quality_n that_o there_o appear_v no_o trace_n or_o footstep_n of_o what_o they_o be_v before_o for_o when_o thing_n suffer_v so_o great_a a_o change_n that_o we_o know_v they_o no_o more_o at_o all_o we_o may_v certain_o very_o well_o say_v in_o some_o sort_n that_o they_o be_v pass_v away_o now_o without_o doubt_n these_o text_n may_v be_v understand_v in_o this_o manner_n and_o it_o be_v plain_o say_v psal_n 110._o that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v change_v which_o show_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n understand_v not_o otherwise_o that_o they_o shall_v pass_v away_o but_o by_o suffer_v a_o change_n marvellous_o considerable_a to_o conclude_v st._n peter_n who_o describe_v so_o glorious_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n add_v immediate_o after_o that_o according_a to_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n we_o expect_v a_o new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n in_o which_o righteousness_n shall_v dwell_v which_o foretell_v a_o change_n of_o thing_n into_o a_o better_a state_n not_o a_o utter_a abolition_n of_o their_o essence_n touch_v reason_n there_o be_v no_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o say_v that_o because_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o nothing_o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v return_v to_o nothing_o again_o if_o that_o pass_n in_o such_o manner_n very_o strange_a consequence_n will_v follow_v concern_v the_o church_n and_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o reason_n do_v not_o so_o much_o reject_v as_o piety_n and_o conscience_n do_v abhor_v god_n have_v give_v proof_n sufficient_o certain_a of_o his_o infinite_a power_n in_o create_v the_o world_n as_o he_o have_v do_v without_o any_o need_n of_o give_v testimony_n of_o it_o by_o a_o entire_a and_o universal_a abolition_n of_o its_o essence_n and_o those_o miserable_a philosopher_n if_o they_o have_v believe_v that_o creation_n from_o nothing_o and_o the_o abolition_n of_o thing_n to_o nothing_o do_v surpass_v the_o power_n of_o god_n will_v be_v sufficient_o convince_v and_o punish_v for_o their_o error_n although_o god_n do_v not_o destroy_v and_o abolish_v his_o own_o work_n for_o their_o confutation_n to_o conclude_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n will_v not_o remain_v so_o illustrious_a if_o he_o reduce_v it_o to_o nothing_o as_o that_o of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n will_v remain_v darken_v and_o dishonour_v if_o after_o have_v give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n and_o have_v such_o particular_a consideration_n of_o man_n as_o to_o punish_v it_o only_o for_o his_o sake_n he_o shall_v soon_o after_o total_o ruin_v it_o although_o he_o receive_v man_n to_o favour_v who_o alone_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o draw_v all_o this_o curse_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o we_o see_v what_o will_v be_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o world_n by_o this_o great_a and_o memorable_a change_n that_o will_v happen_v to_o it_o at_o the_o last_o day_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o general_a consideration_n follow_v the_o method_n of_o our_o precede_a discourse_n the_o first_o be_v that_o all_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o have_v come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o not_o be_v of_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o the_o creation_n must_v undoubted_o be_v abolish_v for_o since_o they_o have_v no_o subsistence_n but_o in_o vice_n or_o the_o depravation_n of_o sin_n sin_n be_v in_o all_o regard_v obliterated_a there_o remain_v no_o place_n for_o the_o fruit_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o if_o then_o there_o be_v any_o evil_a influence_n in_o the_o star_n or_o any_o pestilential_a exhalation_n in_o the_o
cause_n in_o nature_n have_v certain_a flux_n and_o reflux_n more_o or_o less_o observable_a on_o such_o and_o such_o shore_n according_a as_o it_o have_v please_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o it_o be_v true_a we_o see_v the_o sea_n all_o entire_a though_o we_o see_v it_o not_o entire_o for_o if_o we_o shall_v encompass_v the_o world_n by_o all_o side_n of_o the_o ocean_n we_o shall_v not_o find_v there_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o sea_n than_o what_o we_o see_v in_o our_o own_o harbour_n and_o havens_n but_o if_o the_o sea_n signify_v all_o that_o extension_n of_o water_n which_o encompass_n the_o world_n in_o such_o manner_n that_o as_o we_o say_v its_o desinition_n include_v universal_o all_o its_o part_n and_o that_o if_o we_o divide_v it_o than_o it_o lose_v the_o name_n and_o nature_n of_o sea_n without_o doubt_n he_o do_v not_o see_v the_o sea_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o a_o arm_n or_o a_o haven_n now_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o his_o infinity_n enter_v its_o definition_n or_o to_o express_v it_o otherwise_o his_o immensity_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o essence_n so_o that_o he_o see_v not_o god_n in_o his_o essence_n which_o see_v he_o not_o infinite_a and_o he_o can_v see_v he_o infinite_a that_o be_v to_o say_v know_v he_o such_o as_o he_o be_v in_o that_o respect_n who_o have_v not_o a_o immense_a capacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o more_o we_o can_v only_o not_o see_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n by_o portion_n but_o although_o we_o can_v see_v some_o portion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o our_o happiness_n do_v consist_v i_o say_v we_o can_v see_v it_o by_o portion_n for_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n be_v conceive_v by_o certain_a degree_n which_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n divide_v their_o efficacy_n and_o virtue_n but_o essence_n be_v absolute_o indivisible_a to_o our_o understanding_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v conceive_v they_o will_v not_o be_v conceive_v but_o as_o a_o point_n so_o that_o either_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v that_o of_o god_n or_o we_o must_v comprehend_v it_o all_o entire_a though_o we_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o as_o infinite_a now_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a to_o our_o understanding_n moreover_o it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o that_o that_o our_o felicity_n will_v consist_v for_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o understanding_n will_v consist_v in_o the_o supreme_a excellence_n of_o their_o operation_n and_o that_o the_o excellence_n of_o their_o operation_n in_o great_a measure_n depend_v on_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v now_o it_o be_v very_o true_a without_o doubt_n that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v something_o supreme_o perfect_a nevertheless_o this_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v not_o acknowledge_v principal_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essence_n but_o in_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essence_n which_o have_v such_o property_n as_o that_o it_o be_v supreme_o powerful_a supreme_o wise_a supreme_o merciful_a that_o it_o be_v eternal_a immutable_a and_o most_o happy_a in_o itself_o and_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o to_o the_o end_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n may_v be_v as_o perfect_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o we_o may_v be_v account_v happy_a in_o that_o we_o do_v produce_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o they_o fix_v themselves_o on_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n in_o such_o sort_n as_o it_o be_v a_o essence_n it_o be_v nccessary_a that_o they_o employ_v themselves_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o i_o have_v name_v and_o of_o all_o other_o that_o may_v be_v mention_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n beside_o to_o the_o end_n that_o these_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o produce_v in_o we_o conformity_n with_o god_n for_o we_o must_v be_v make_v like_o he_o because_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v now_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o respect_n can_v consist_v in_o be_v make_v like_o to_o god_n in_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o essence_n much_o less_o in_o this_o that_o our_o essence_n be_v divine_a but_o in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a as_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o this_o vision_n of_o god_n which_o will_v make_v we_o such_o must_v consist_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o admirable_a property_n and_o perfection_n behold_v then_o well_o nigh_o what_o it_o be_v to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o how_o the_o word_n of_o st._n john_n must_v be_v understand_v it_o be_v that_o now_o we_o know_v the_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o but_o very_o imperfect_o as_o well_o because_o the_o revelation_n do_v not_o discover_v he_o full_o as_o principal_o because_o of_o the_o imperfect_a constitution_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o being_n than_o we_o shall_v understand_v they_o as_o perfecty_a as_o they_o can_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o create_a understanding_n when_o it_o be_v exalt_v to_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o it_o can_v ascend_v unto_o and_o according_a to_o the_o most_o excellent_a degree_n of_o revelation_n in_o which_o they_o can_v be_v present_v to_o a_o creature_n which_o have_v attain_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o the_o constitution_n of_o his_o faculty_n and_o essence_n for_o as_o long_o as_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o discover_v its_o quality_n and_o virtue_n perfect_o whatsoever_o attention_n we_o bring_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o we_o can_v neither_o see_v nor_o know_v it_o as_o it_o be_v and_o when_o it_o be_v perfect_o discover_v we_o know_v it_o not_o as_o it_o be_v if_o we_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v it_o but_o when_o these_o two_o thing_n meet_v together_o than_o a_o perfect_a vision_n or_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v make_v or_o obtain_v the_o declaration_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o property_n to_o his_o creature_n consist_v either_o in_o the_o testimony_n that_o he_o give_v to_o himself_o that_o such_o and_o such_o perfection_n be_v in_o he_o or_o in_o this_o that_o he_o do_v some_o work_n and_o display_v himself_o in_o some_o operation_n in_o which_o he_o put_v the_o mark_n and_o impression_n of_o they_o for_o every_o effect_n bear_v some_o character_n of_o its_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o elaborate_a the_o effect_n be_v the_o more_o evident_a and_o knowable_a be_v the_o character_n thereof_o now_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v testimony_n that_o consist_v in_o the_o word_n either_o which_o god_n himself_o pronounce_v or_o which_o he_o cause_v to_o be_v pronounce_v by_o his_o servant_n therefore_o because_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n which_o he_o employ_v forasmuch_o as_o man_n have_v not_o understand_v sufficient_o clear_a nor_o strong_a to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n the_o virtue_n and_o perfection_n whereunto_o his_o word_n give_v testimony_n then_o when_o man_n shall_v be_v put_v in_o such_o estate_n that_o his_o understanding_n shall_v be_v endow_v with_o all_o necessary_a light_n to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n his_o marvellous_a virtue_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v that_o this_o mean_a will_n then_o cease_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o since_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v when_o therefore_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v re-establisht_a in_o such_o a_o estate_n that_o it_o by_o wisdom_n can_v know_v god_n and_o that_o the_o object_n that_o will_v be_v in_o his_o marvellous_a work_n can_v lead_v it_o to_o all_o the_o raise_v and_o sublime_a knowledge_n to_o which_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o advance_v it_o there_o will_v be_v without_o doubt_n no_o more_o need_n of_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n chief_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o work_n when_o god_n create_v man_n he_o give_v he_o the_o work_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o for_o the_o object_n of_o his_o contemplation_n and_o because_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o understanding_n be_v then_o in_o condition_n so_o perfect_o good_a as_o the_o condition_n of_o nature_n will_v bear_v he_o be_v able_a to_o see_v god_n in_o they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o know_v the_o virtue_n who_o character_n he_o have_v impress_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o chief_a of_o those_o virtue_n be_v his_o goodness_n which_o alone_o induce_v he_o
most_o part_n of_o those_o faculty_n that_o we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o beast_n be_v more_o excellent_a in_o we_o our_o memory_n without_o doubt_n be_v more_o strong_a and_o of_o large_a capacity_n than_o they_o and_o our_o imagination_n more_o clear_a and_o full_a of_o light_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o dog_n and_o horse_n and_o elephant_n and_o fox_n know_v infinite_a thing_n by_o their_o figure_n and_o colour_n and_o other_o sensible_a mark_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o it_o be_v also_o see_v that_o sometime_o they_o act_v by_o simple_a memory_n although_o they_o have_v no_o object_n before_o their_o sense_n therefore_o see_v it_o be_v a_o corporeal_a faculty_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o death_n have_v great_a power_n upon_o it_o when_o it_o dissolve_v and_o universal_o ruin_v all_o the_o organ_n of_o the_o body_n so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o our_o soul_n do_v forget_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o the_o little_a singularity_n and_o particularity_n of_o sensible_a thing_n at_o their_o departure_n hence_o which_o we_o easy_o remember_v whilst_o we_o be_v live_v here_o but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o because_o it_o be_v a_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n itself_o as_o endow_v with_o reason_n it_o must_v most_o necessary_o remain_v so_o that_o we_o may_v by_o no_o mean_n doubt_v whether_o they_o do_v remember_v that_o they_o have_v here_o see_v a_o world_n and_o learn_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o sun_n of_o god_n come_v thither_o to_o save_v sinner_n they_o will_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o that_o they_o be_v member_n of_o it_o have_v believe_v in_o this_o redeemer_n and_o general_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o they_o have_v be_v instruct_v for_o their_o consolation_n and_o salvation_n will_v remain_v most_o firm_o impress_v upon_o their_o memory_n and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o appear_v by_o the_o book_n of_o the_o revelation_n where_o the_o holy_a spirit_n attribute_n unto_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o martyr_n and_o charity_n for_o the_o church_n and_o gratitude_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o lamb_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o redemption_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o like_a kind_n concern_v which_o i_o conceive_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o make_v two_o consideration_n the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o in_o the_o ordinary_a preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n or_o in_o the_o study_n of_o thing_n that_o do_v concern_v religion_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v receive_v any_o impression_n less_o true_a than_o may_v be_v desire_v as_o there_o be_v none_o so_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o divine_a truth_n who_o be_v not_o deceive_v on_o divers_a occasion_n at_o death_n they_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o those_o error_n for_o that_o which_o occasion_n our_o mistake_n in_o these_o matter_n be_v that_o although_o we_o very_o well_o believe_v the_o principal_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o know_v well_o how_o to_o draw_v our_o conclusion_n from_o these_o principle_n we_o shall_v certain_o preserve_v ourselves_o from_o these_o false_a impression_n so_o it_o be_v that_o we_o commit_v many_o fault_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o join_v together_o persuasion_n that_o do_v not_o well_o agree_v whereof_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o discord_n and_o contradiction_n for_o beside_o that_o natural_o since_o the_o fall_n there_o be_v some_o weakness_n in_o our_o discursive_a faculty_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v any_o question_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o little_a distant_a from_o their_o principle_n we_o there_o mingle_v our_o passion_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o permit_v ourselves_o easy_o to_o be_v carry_v to_o that_o natural_a obstinacy_n which_o cause_v we_o to_o hold_v fast_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v once_o preconceive_a even_o without_o any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v therefore_o deliver_v not_o only_o from_o the_o trouble_n of_o the_o body_n but_o also_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n and_o passion_n and_o endue_v by_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n with_o a_o light_n total_o new_a they_o then_o find_v no_o difficulty_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o all_o false_a opinion_n wherewith_o they_o may_v have_v be_v prepossess_v the_o second_o consideration_n be_v that_o although_o we_o have_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n nevertheless_o we_o do_v not_o as_o yet_o comprehend_v they_o perfect_o enough_o there_o remain_v always_o some_o darkness_n in_o our_o conception_n some_o remnant_n of_o incredulity_n which_o shake_v sometime_o this_o way_n and_o sometime_o that_o way_n the_o thing_n that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o our_o belief_n whereas_o separate_a soul_n see_v all_o these_o truth_n so_o clear_o that_o there_o remain_v no_o darkness_n in_o their_o knowledge_n of_o they_o so_o that_o they_o lose_v their_o error_n if_o they_o have_v any_o before_o they_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n certain_a and_o veritable_a which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o those_o very_a object_n which_o they_o have_v know_v before_o they_o shall_v perceive_v by_o a_o view_n incomparable_o more_o distinct_a more_o perfect_a and_o more_o clear_o enlighten_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o work_n of_o god_n which_o be_v present_v to_o their_o contemplation_n if_o they_o be_v to_o remain_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o this_o elementary_a world_n it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o active_a and_o awake_a as_o we_o suppose_v they_o they_o will_v employ_v themselves_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o the_o end_n they_o may_v observe_v the_o marvellous_a perfection_n of_o their_o author_n even_o as_o i_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o angel_n that_o god_n employ_v here_o and_o there_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v derive_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o good_a and_o excellent_a knowledge_n thence_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o may_v dare_v to_o say_v that_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o angel_n be_v present_a in_o our_o assembly_n for_o which_o reason_n he_o command_v that_o woman_n behave_v themselves_o there_o with_o humilty_a that_o they_o may_v not_o offend_v their_o eye_n by_o any_o indecency_n soul_n may_v be_v find_v there_o voluntary_o present_a to_o entertain_v with_o we_o a_o holy_a communion_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v but_o we_o have_v already_o say_v and_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v assemble_v in_o heaven_n and_o even_o in_o that_o heaven_n where_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v in_o magnificent_a glory_n now_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intention_n careful_o to_o inquire_v how_o this_o heaven_n be_v make_v and_o those_o that_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v transport_v by_o the_o elevation_n of_o their_o thought_n do_v much_o more_o deserve_v the_o blame_n of_o rashness_n and_o presumption_n than_o the_o praise_n of_o subtlety_n or_o sublimity_n in_o their_o speculation_n i_o will_v only_o say_v two_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v accuse_v of_o too_o much_o curiosity_n the_o one_o be_v that_o as_o if_o ascend_v from_o earth_n to_o the_o more_o raise_v part_n of_o the_o world_n we_o find_v that_o progress_n be_v make_v for_o the_o better_a the_o water_n be_v more_o transparent_a than_o the_o earth_n the_o air_n more_o transparent_a than_o the_o water_n the_o fire_n more_o pure_a than_o the_o air_n and_o yet_o the_o heaven_n more_o pure_a and_o luminous_a than_o the_o fire_n we_o shall_v imagine_v as_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o thing_n always_o advance_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o proportion_n certain_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n must_v be_v incomparable_o beautiful_a and_o of_o a_o structure_n most_o excellent_a the_o other_o be_v that_o god_n have_v build_v this_o low_a world_n to_o be_v the_o habitation_n of_o man_n nevertheless_o make_v it_o so_o beautiful_a that_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o eye_n if_o we_o be_v attentive_a we_o find_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o also_o of_o admiration_n sure_o see_v he_o have_v choose_v this_o heaven_n for_o his_o habitation_n it_o must_v be_v that_o the_o whole_a constitution_n thereof_o must_v be_v infinite_o more_o glorious_a whereupon_o i_o make_v this_o consideration_n a_o pagan_a philosopher_n sometime_o entertain_v this_o meditation_n that_o if_o some_o one_o have_v be_v nourish_v till_o the_o age_n of_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n in_o some_o cavern_n where_o he_o have_v never_o see_v the_o light_n and_o where_o he_o can_v learn_v nothing_o of_o the_o form_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o
saint_n john_n collect_v the_o brief_a sum_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o these_o few_o word_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o in_o as_o much_o as_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v certain_o to_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v be_v to_o acquire_v the_o supreme_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o matter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o to_o be_v make_v like_o unto_o he_o be_v to_o attain_v the_o supreme_a pitch_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n forasmuch_o therefore_o as_o the_o first_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o second_o and_o that_o on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v depend_v necessary_o our_o transformation_n into_o his_o likeness_n it_o behoove_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o knowledge_n because_o god_n be_v a_o spiritual_a essence_n and_o total_o separate_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v see_v as_o he_o be_v with_o our_o bodily_a eye_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o refer_v the_o word_n see_v by_o a_o metaphor_n to_o that_o faculty_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o consist_v in_o understanding_n now_o although_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v marvellous_o one_o and_o simple_a so_o it_o be_v that_o according_a to_o our_o manner_n of_o conception_n we_o distinguish_v his_o virtue_n and_o property_n from_o his_o essence_n concern_v his_o property_n we_o conceive_v they_o under_o very_o different_a respect_n and_o pretend_v not_o when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v merciful_a to_o beget_v a_o apprehension_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v we_o that_o he_o be_v just_a or_o when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v wise_a to_o give_v occasion_n to_o think_v of_o his_o power_n and_o might_n as_o his_o attribute_n have_v very_o different_a object_n so_o we_o comprehend_v they_o in_o our_o understanding_n under_o very_o different_a idea_n but_o then_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o his_o essence_n we_o make_v a_o kind_n of_o abstraction_n of_o it_o from_o his_o property_n and_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o single_a and_o simple_a thing_n in_o which_o all_o his_o attribute_n exist_v as_o in_o a_o common_a subject_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o attribute_n we_o see_v they_o in_o some_o sort_n in_o this_o life_n in_o that_o we_o understand_v at_o least_o in_o some_o degree_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o operation_n by_o which_o they_o display_v themselves_o upon_o their_o object_n for_o we_o be_v not_o perfect_o ignorant_a what_o may_v be_v that_o inclination_n in_o god_n of_o pardon_v sin_n to_o the_o penitent_a and_o punish_v the_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a and_o thing_n of_o like_a nature_n but_o as_o to_o his_o essence_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o at_o all_o in_o this_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o form_v any_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o have_v any_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o essence_n only_o some_o think_v that_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v receive_v into_o the_o heaven_n our_o supreme_a happiness_n will_v consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o this_o essence_n which_o certain_o seem_v extreme_a difficult_a to_o be_v imagine_v for_o since_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v the_o corporeal_a vision_n see_v god_n be_v absolute_o invisible_a after_o that_o manner_n but_o concern_v the_o vision_n of_o the_o mind_n our_o understanding_n here_o below_o know_v not_o in_o any_o wise_a the_o essence_n of_o thing_n but_o fix_v themselves_o alone_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o their_o property_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o possible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o comprehend_v how_o this_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n shall_v be_v so_o change_v in_o the_o heaven_n that_o not_o fix_v itself_o on_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n it_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o the_o very_a essence_n itself_o add_v to_o this_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o essence_n be_v incomprehensible_a it_o be_v that_o of_o god_n for_o all_o other_o have_v at_o least_o this_o conformity_n with_o we_o that_o they_o be_v create_v and_o by_o consequence_n there_o be_v some_o proportion_n between_o their_o essence_n and_o we_o it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o strange_a if_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o proportion_n between_o they_o and_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o faculty_n whereas_o god_n be_v a_o increated_a be_v which_o exist_v by_o itself_o it_o be_v more_o than_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o create_v faculty_n can_v attain_v to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o his_o essence_n as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v encompass_v with_o this_o body_n although_o we_o be_v spiritual_a as_o to_o the_o most_o excellent_a part_n of_o our_o essence_n so_o it_o be_v that_o we_o know_v not_o at_o all_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o however_o subtle_o we_o do_v contemplate_v however_o precise_a and_o delicate_a be_v the_o abstraction_n by_o which_o we_o endeavour_v to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o commerce_n with_o matter_n in_o our_o contemplation_n so_o it_o be_v that_o if_o we_o try_v to_o form_v any_o conception_n in_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o speak_v which_o we_o will_v accommodate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o hinder_v some_o corporeal_a idea_n from_o glide_v insensible_o on_o our_o thought_n and_o imagination_n now_o i_o be_o of_o this_o opinion_n that_o though_o our_o soul_n be_v true_o spiritual_a if_o you_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o body_n nevertheless_o they_o be_v in_o some_o sort_n corporeal_a if_o you_o do_v compare_v they_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v as_o much_o disproportion_n betwixt_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o mind_n as_o there_o be_v between_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o that_o part_n in_o we_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o like_a impossibility_n for_o our_o spirit_n to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o there_o be_v for_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v clothe_v with_o this_o body_n to_o conceive_v the_o nature_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o of_o angel_n last_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v divine_a that_o be_v to_o say_v endue_v with_o the_o perfection_n that_o become_v the_o excellency_n of_o its_o be_v if_o its_o essence_n be_v not_o altogether_o infinite_a either_o then_o this_o conception_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o which_o we_o comprehend_v the_o essence_n of_o the_o deity_n equal_v itself_o to_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o this_o essence_n so_o as_o entire_o to_o comprehend_v it_o or_o else_o it_o comprehend_v only_o as_o much_o as_o be_v proportionable_a to_o its_o capacity_n and_o to_o its_o extent_n to_o that_o same_o essence_n if_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o will_v become_v infinite_a and_o we_o shall_v become_v so_o many_o god_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a and_o erroneous_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o any_o understanding_n of_o regular_a apprehension_n if_o it_o comprehend_v only_o what_o will_v be_v proportionable_a to_o its_o capacity_n see_v this_o capacity_n be_v finite_a and_o that_o between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a there_o be_v no_o proportion_n there_o will_v always_o be_v a_o immense_a disproportion_n between_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o what_o we_o comprehend_v concern_v it_o i_o know_v well_o that_o here_o be_v allege_v certain_a subtle_a distinction_n which_o put_v we_o to_o as_o much_o trouble_n to_o confute_v they_o as_o they_o give_v we_o trouble_v to_o understand_v they_o for_o some_o say_v that_o we_o see_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n all_o entire_a but_o that_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o entire_o well_o near_a as_o if_o we_o say_v that_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n we_o see_v the_o sea_n in_o whole_a but_o not_o in_o all_o its_o latitude_n and_o extension_n for_o we_o see_v it_o in_o whole_a or_o in_o its_o integrity_n in_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sea_n and_o because_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o have_v no_o other_o nature_n than_o that_o which_o it_o have_v upon_o our_o sh_n but_o we_o do_v not_o not_o see_v it_o in_o all_o its_o latitude_n because_o our_o sight_n can_v extend_v itself_o so_o far_o as_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o horizon_n so_o far_o be_v it_o short_a of_o be_v able_a to_o see_v what_o be_v at_o the_o antipode_n but_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o weaken_v my_o argument_n for_o if_o the_o word_n sea_n signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o water_n salt_n in_o its_o original_n and_o which_o by_o hide_a