The book of nature translated and epitomiz'd. By George Sikes.

SECTION. V.

The name of God, acquired by his wonderful works.

THere is a twofold name of God, natural, or acquired. Amongst men, there is a proper name, whereby one person is distingui∣shed from another, which is not given on the ac∣count of any thing done by them. But if a man, in the course of his life, do some notable things, he acquir's a name amongst men, as David's wor∣thies, according to the excellency of his perfor∣mances. And this name is joyned with his other, which before did only distinguish him from other men, but carried nothing of fame or honour in it. His former name is rend'red honourable and fa∣mous, from this additional name, acquired by his atchievments. Such hononr, glory, or fame, as this additional name brings with it, enters not at all into the being, but name only of the man. Yet though the name, fame, honour and repute of a man, be but a meer outward thing, and no intrin∣secal ingredient into his person; it is, of all out∣ward things, the most neer, dear, and valuable to him. This acquired name of man, may encrease two wayes; intensively, by more and more ho∣nourable exploits; or extensively, and by way of

multiplication, as more and more men do come dayly to hear of his fame.

God, on the account of his inward naturall ex∣cellencies, and infinite perfections, has a manifold natural name, which together with his additional name and honour, acquired by his wonderful works of creation, providence, &c. do make up one most great and glorious name, ever to be fear'd and prais'd by man. He does not, by all his wonderful works, acquire any new thing within him, but an outward name only. The glory of all good things, done by God immediatly; or mediat∣ly, with and by his creatur's, is properly attributa∣ble to him alone. His name alone is excellent in all the earth, and his glory is above the heavens. This name of god is capable of encrease; by new works and wonders. He got him a name, or a fresh addi∣tion to his name, by his wonders on Pharaoh, in Egypt; Ex. 9. 16. 14. 17. And as it is with man, in this point of honour, who by self-love makes himself his God, so is it with God; his honour or honourable name, though but an outward acquest by his famous works, is more neer, dear, and va∣luable to him, then all creatur's put together, as being the principal end for which they were all made.

God was ever omnipotent, infinitely wise, just, and good. But he cannot be known by any other, to be so, till in a way of bountifull communicative∣nes, he manifest himself to be so, by his works, to

the works of his own hands, angels and men. Had God not made some creatur's, capable to take notice of his works, and thereby to know him, who could have known or honour'd him? By the works of his omnipotency, justice, judgment, and wisdom, he declares and so gets the name of an omnipotent, infinitely wise creatour, and just judg. He does also by his works, get the name•• or titles of most faithful, true, merciful, bountiful, gracious, holy, helpful, saviour, protectour, deli∣verer, &c. whereby men are obliged to place all their hopes, expectations, confidence, and trust, in him. One glorious name of God acquired by his works, is made up of all these, to beget the true feare thereof in men.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the fir∣mament sheweth his handy work; Psal. 19. 1. By the works of God, may and ought men to take no∣tice of, and know him. For the invisible things of him, even his eternal power and godhead from or by the creation of the world, are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made. Rom. 1. 20. Accordingly as men do more or less know, regard, and consider the works of the lord, the operations of his hands will they more or lesse know, love, and honour him. If they consider them not at all, they will not know, love, or honour him, at all.

The heart or will of man, is the proper recep∣tacle, and ought to be the habitation of the name of God, As men then are multiplied, the most ho∣nourable

name of the lord is capable to be multi∣plied, as finding new hearts to reside and dwell in. Those men, in whose hearts that name does dwel, will discover it unto others, by some out∣ward signs, actions, or words. Out of the abun∣dance of the heart or inner man, the mouth, or whole outer man will speak, and act. His light will so shine in good works before other men, as to induce and incline them also to take notice of, glorify and honour his father which is in heaven. Mat. 5. 16.

Amongst the works of God, man is the master∣peece; the comprehensive epitome of all the rest. As then a man does more or less know and se himself (the principal mirrour and resemblance of god, the summ of all created beings put together) the more or lesse clearly will he se and know God; and accordingly, more or less esteem, love, and honour him. We may know much of God, by knowing what other creatures are; but more, by knowing what ourselvs are, as the principal work of God: and yet much more, by experien∣cing the peculiar works of his grace and spirit, in our new formation, or true regeneration, as we come to be born of him, of his will, his spirit. As the right knowledg of ourselvs encreases, our know∣ledg of God will encrease: and the more we know him, the more shall we love, praise, honour, and admire his glorious name.

All the works of God are calculated and desig∣ned for his own honour, name, glory and praise:

So ought all the works of man. Every man ought to do his utmost for the spreading abroad, encrea∣sing and multiplying the name, fame, and glory of God, in the world. The more he does, gives, or parts with, on this account, the more profit and advantage redounds unto himself. Godlines is great gain. If he lay down his life for the honour of God (which is the utmost he can do in this world) he can't part with it on better terms, or use it more to his own advantage.

Whatever any man does in this world, where∣by he honour's not God, he dishonours him. There's no middle, neutrall way, thought, word, or action. To honour God, is the greatest good man can do; to dishonour him, the greatest evill. All that man owes unto God, (love, fear, praise, obedience, hope, faith, confidence, &c.) belong's to his honour: and the neglect thereof, or oppo∣sit's thereunto, are a dishonour to him. He that does not love, fear, and obey, him; beleeve, hope, and trust in him; dishonour's, contemn's, and in∣jur's him.