a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n imprimatur_fw-la maii_n 9_o 1693._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n mdcxciv_o to_o the_o queen_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n may_v it_o please_v your_o majesty_n to_o accept_v this_o treatise_n which_o do_v the_o composition_n answer_v the_o subject_a will_v recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o royal_a throne_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a government_n without_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_a or_o partiality_n to_o the_o great_a that_o experience_n your_o majesty_n have_v have_v of_o a_o kind_a and_o watchful_a providence_n and_o that_o constant_a dependence_n the_o most_o potent_a monarch_n have_v on_o the_o divine_a protection_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v may_v excuse_v this_o dedication_n as_o neither_o improper_a nor_o unseasonable_a and_o may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o have_v advance_v your_o majesty_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o so_o signal_o preserve_v the_o king_n from_o the_o great_a danger_n still_o preserve_v your_o sacred_a person_n establish_v your_o throne_n and_o deliver_v you_o from_o all_o your_o enemy_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a and_o daily_a prayer_n of_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o servant_n william_n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n 1._o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n 3_o the_o world_n can_v be_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o make_v by_o chance_n ibid._n a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n which_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n must_v govern_v the_o word_n 5_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n 7_o no_o philosopher_n except_o the_o epicurean_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n deny_v a_o providence_n 8_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n 9_o the_o strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n 11_o chap._n 2._o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_a providence_n 16_o the_o nature_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n ibid._n the_o first_o act_n of_o preservation_n in_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 17_o the_o second_o act_n of_o preservation_n god_n co-operation_n and_o concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n 21_o some_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n answer_v as_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n 25_o concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n 28_o some_o practical_a inference_n 31_o chap._n 3._o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n 33_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n 34_o god_n government_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v ib._n god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n 39_o god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n 47_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o as_o instrument_n of_o providence_n 48_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n page_n 51_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n 54_o god_n government_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n more_o particular_o consider_v 57_o god_n government_n of_o event_n 59_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o event_n in_o this_o question_n 60_o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 61_o concern_v god_n permission_n ibid_fw-la the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 66_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n 68_o chap._n 4._o concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n 73_o concern_v god_n absolute_a power_n 75_o that_o true_a absolute_a power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n explain_v at_o large_a ib._n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n 85_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n 88_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n 91_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o word_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n 97_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n 110_o in_o what_o case_n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 123_o chap._n 5._o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n 137_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n 138_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustie_a 139_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n require_v 141_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v page_n 147_o the_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n 150_o chap._n 6._o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 161_o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n require_v ib._n what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o 168_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n 175_o the_o divine_a prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n 178_o god_n decree_v no_o man_n sin_n 181_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 183_o concern_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n ib._n some_o other_o text_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n 200_o chap._n 7._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 214_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n 216_o the_o difference_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n 220_o that_o god_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v admit_v 221_o another_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o what_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 226_o another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 233_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n answer_v 1._o from_o the_o many_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 238_o a_o second_o objection_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n 265_o chap._n 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 269_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consider_v in_o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n 270_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o noah_n flood_n page_n 271_o concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n 285_o god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 289_o concern_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n 299_o the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n 300_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n in_o egypt_n 302_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n 309_o all_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 311_o the_o frequent_a relapse_n of_o israel_n into_o idolatry_n 313_o concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n 319_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n 326_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 328_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n 331_o that_o god_n reward_n or_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n 332_o god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n 339_o god_n disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n 340_o god_n defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n 341_o concern_v sudden_a change_n and_o revolution_n 343_o the_o wise_a mixture_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n 344_o chap._n 9_o the_o duty_n
not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o immortal_a creature_n who_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o some_o few_o inference_n 1._o if_o creature_n must_v be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o make_v by_o god_n than_o the_o present_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n some_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o they_o see_v a_o world_n preserve_v when_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o able_a to_o preserve_v than_o to_o make_v itself_o and_o who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v man_n and_o man_n can_v preserve_v himself_o and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v preserve_v nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o invisible_a cause_n who_o we_o call_v god._n 2._o if_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o god_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v all_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v we_o but_o we_o have_v our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o have_v he_o only_o make_v we_o at_o first_o that_o have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o can_v we_o have_v live_v without_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v less_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o have_v live_v without_o any_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o as_o some_o ungrateful_a person_n deal_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o patron_n when_o they_o have_v set_v they_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o but_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v who_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v every_o moment_n be_v to_o affront_v a_o present_a benefactor_n if_o we_o value_v be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v tempt_v god_n by_o this_o to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o nothing_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o just_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v infinite_o worse_a for_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o for_o if_o he_o not_o only_o make_v but_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v he_o must_v be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o other_o have_v any_o original_a and_o absolute_a interest_n in_o we_o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o they_o nor_o touch_v we_o but_o by_o his_o order_n to_o give_v be_v and_o to_o preserve_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n no_o other_o be_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v no_o other_o power_n can_v govern_v he_o alone_o can_v give_v law_n can_v reward_v or_o punish_v can_v govern_v nature_n can_v direct_v over-rule_v control_v all_o other_o power_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o all_o 4._o and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o irresistible_a the_o divine_a power_n be_v for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o light_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n against_o he_o and_o what_o distraction_n then_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o we_o can_v resist_v humble_a thyself_o sinner_n before_o thy_o maker_n thy_o preserver_n and_o thy_o judge_n obey_v his_o will_n to_o who_o power_n thou_o must_v submit_v let_v he_o be_v thy_o fear_n and_o thy_o dread_a thy_o only_a fear_n for_o thou_o need_v fear_v none_o else_o all_o power_n be_v he_o none_o can_v resist_v he_o none_o can_v act_v without_o he_o he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v safe_a in_o his_o hand_n safe_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n but_o thou_o can_v never_o escape_v he_o never_o fly_v from_o he_o never_o defend_v thyself_o against_o he_o for_o thou_o live_v in_o he_o 5._o this_o also_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n for_o we_o live_v and_o move_v in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o privy_a to_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n observe_v all_o our_o wander_n see_v we_o in_o all_o our_o retirement_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v hide_v themselves_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n teach_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v nor_o move_v nor_o subsist_v without_o god_n he_o must_v be_v always_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o which_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o constant_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all_o see_a eye_n chap._n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n next_o to_o preservation_n as_o that_o signify_v god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o preserve_v and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o else_o something_o may_v be_v do_v which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o all_o man_n grant_v in_o general_a word_n who_o own_o a_o providence_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n there_o be_v so_o many_o except_a case_n which_o they_o will_v hardly_o allow_v god_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v little_o more_o by_o god_n government_n than_o a_o general_a inspection_n of_o human_a affair_n his_o look_v on_o to_o see_v the_o world_n govern_v itself_o for_o three_o part_n of_o four_o of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v into_o bare_a permission_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o order_v and_o dispose_v providence_n and_o than_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o such_o case_n no_o more_o than_o man_n do_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o god_n can_v hinder_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o man_n do_v hinder_v because_o they_o can_v but_o still_o mere_o not_o to_o hinder_v do_v not_o signify_v to_o govern_v but_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o act_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v into_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o sort_n of_o cause_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o each_o 1._o natural_a cause_n 2_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n and_o fortune_n 3_o moral_a cause_n and_o free_a agent_n or_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n 1._o natural_a cause_n or_o god_n government_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o move_v and_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o choice_n now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o belong_v to_o creation_n and_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n but_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o their_o natural_a influence_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n shall_v be_v do_v god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n govern_v the_o moral_a by_o the_o natural_a world_n he_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a air_n by_o fruitful_a or_o barren_a season_n he_o hinder_v or_o promote_v their_o design_n by_o wind_n and_o weather_n by_o a_o forward_a or_o a_o backward_a spring_n and_o make_v nature_n give_v law_n to_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o intrigue_n to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o powerful_a fleet_n and_o army_n to_o defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o 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feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o 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and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o 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protection_n what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o furious_a soever_o their_o passion_n be_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o man_n and_o to_o depend_v on_o their_o favour_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o hurt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trust_v if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o if_o we_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v save_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n so_o that_o we_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o we_o be_v safe_a let_v we_o make_v god_n our_o friend_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o friend_n and_o patron_n and_o protector_n will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o make_v our_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o second_o have_v thus_o explain_v god_n government_n of_o cause_n let_v we_o now_o 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and_o true_o so_o it_o will_v do_v god_n order_n and_o appoint_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v do_v but_o though_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v what_o evil_n every_o man_n shall_v suffer_v he_o order_n and_o appoint_v no_o man_n to_o do_v the_o evil_a he_o only_o permit_v some_o man_n to_o do_v mischief_n and_o appoint_v who_o shall_v suffer_v by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o short_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n to_o attribute_v the_o evil_n which_o some_o man_n suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n mere_o to_o god_n permission_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n for_o bare_a permission_n be_v not_o government_n and_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n permit_v but_o do_v not_o order_n can_v be_v call_v his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n suffer_v befall_v they_o without_o god_n will_n and_o appointment_n and_o yet_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o evil_n man_n do_v and_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v the_o first_o god_n permit_v and_o direct_v the_o second_o he_o order_n and_o appoint_v how_o god_n govern_v man_n heart_n and_o action_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n to_o consider_v god_n permission_n of_o evil_a for_o permission_n relate_v to_o action_n man_n own_o wicked_a heart_n conceive_v and_o form_v wicked_a design_n and_o they_o execute_v they_o by_o god_n permission_n but_o no_o man_n suffer_v by_o they_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o god_n order_n for_o he_o and_o if_o such_o suffering_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a how_o wicked_a soever_o the_o cause_n be_v it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o providence_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v they_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n to_o providence_n or_o though_o he_o have_v make_v no_o criminal_a forfeiture_n of_o it_o yet_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o other_o wise_a reason_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o providence_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o murderer_n oppressor_n slanderer_n who_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o execute_v such_o decree_n when_o providence_n take_v off_o the_o restraint_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o deserve_v
if_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o particular_n it_o must_v be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o the_o care_n of_o particular_n for_o if_o all_o particular_n perish_v as_o they_o may_v do_v if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o the_o whole_a must_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o part_n and_o mankind_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v without_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o particular_a providence_n be_v very_o foolish_a some_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o or_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v more_o creature_n than_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o as_o if_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v as_o much_o disturb_v and_o tire_v with_o various_a and_o perpetual_a care_n as_o we_o be_v other_o think_v it_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o every_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n or_o of_o every_o private_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o below_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o as_o if_o number_n make_v creature_n considerable_a to_o god_n that_o though_o one_o man_n be_v below_o god_n care_n yet_o a_o kingdom_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o care_n and_o notice_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o god_n be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a providence_n without_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o any_o man_n without_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o be_v not_o providence_n whatever_o other_o name_n you_o will_v give_v it_o so_o that_o if_o god_n do_v take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o without_o it_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v this_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n for_o if_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n god_n government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o his_o care_n of_o all_o individual_n include_v each_o other_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n as_o our_o saviour_n represent_v it_o 10._o matth._n 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n where_o god_n particular_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v express_v by_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o event_n which_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o sparrow_n and_o to_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o pretence_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o most_o of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n consider_v god_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o universal_a cause_n can_v we_o form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o general_a providence_n without_o any_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n or_o particular_a event_n but_o as_o our_o particular_a patron_n protector_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v god_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o in_o all_o condition_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o his_o will_n under_o all_o affliction_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o suffering_n for_o protection_n and_o defence_n to_o love_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v for_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o health_n for_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n and_o all_o prosperous_a success_n i_o say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o reasonable_a man_n unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v befall_v we_o without_o god_n particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n who_o do_v not_o always_o take_v care_n of_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n patient_o at_o god_n hand_n and_o in_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n for_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o our_o suffering_n be_v god_n will_n or_o not_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o love_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o every_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n we_o receive_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a blessing_n if_o he_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o particular_a event_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o all_o and_o that_o no_o good_a or_o evil_a happen_v to_o we_o but_o as_o he_o please_v all_o these_o act_n or_o religious_a worship_n be_v both_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o just._n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n consist_v in_o overrule_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o essential_a character_n and_o property_n of_o god_n govern_v providence_n and_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o 1._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n must_v govern_v with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n for_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a governor_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o scripture_n so_o often_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n 35._o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 6._o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o his_o wisdom_n unsearchable_a for_o absolute_a power_n make_v a_o absolute_a will._n he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o will_v can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v and_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o severeign_n and_o absolute_a will._n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n into_o power_n 4._o that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_o be_v
man_n lust_n for_o do_v not_o all_o mankind_n suffer_v by_o one_o another_o sin_n i_o doubt_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v so_o zealous_o concern_v to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n than_o to_o make_v all_o mankind_n sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o feel_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o be_v all_o man_n convince_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o that_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v happy_a without_o reform_v themselves_o and_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v what_o more_o powerful_a argument_n can_v providence_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o calamity_n and_o very_o terrible_a one_o too_o which_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o providence_n can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n such_o as_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n deluge_n and_o earthquake_n which_o destroy_v city_n and_o country_n and_o more_o ordinary_a accident_n when_o they_o act_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o unseen_a hand_n a_o great_a many_o such_o instance_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n have_v threaten_v such_o judgement_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n nay_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o these_o judgement_n be_v not_o order_v by_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v some_o immediate_a cause_n for_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n other_o to_o man_n other_o to_o some_o surprise_v and_o unusual_a or_o it_o may_v be_v usual_a accident_n for_o whoever_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o therefore_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n either_o natural_a or_o free_a agent_n or_o what_o we_o call_v accident_n but_o he_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o all_o nature_n move_v at_o god_n command_n that_o fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n wind_n and_o storm_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o v._n that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v perfect_a chance_n to_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o than_o whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v we_o must_v ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o judgement_n which_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o immediate_a cause_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o whenever_o such_o judgement_n befall_v we_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v sinner_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n which_o none_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n pretend_v to_o do_v while_o they_o dispute_v only_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n they_o must_v prove_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v order_v do_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v their_o objection_n be_v answer_v now_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o present_a argument_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v for_o the_o discouragement_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o order_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a providence_n as_o far_o then_o as_o to_o command_v and_o encourage_v all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o forbid_v and_o discourage_v all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o be_v direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o can_v avoid_v the_o evidence_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o difficulty_n object_v against_o they_o for_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o which_o we_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v easy_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v but_o one_o plain_a positive_a proof_n be_v a_o better_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n than_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o positive_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o proof_n be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o yet_o may_v very_o reasonable_o believe_v on_o as_o we_o do_v 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a but_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o god_n can_v be_v holy_a nor_o his_o providence_n holy_a because_o man_n be_v wicked_a we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n such_o conceit_n as_o these_o tempt_v some_o ancient_a heretic_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o very_o good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o government_n that_o he_o have_v many_o wicked_a subject_n and_o how_o then_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n to_o state_n this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n permit_v sin_n we_o either_o mean_v the_o internal_a or_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n 1._o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n when_o man_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o full_o resolve_v and_o purpose_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n this_o make_v we_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n though_o human_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o in_o his_o