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 their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o 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 can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_v
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
exalt_v with_o the_o king_n favour_n and_o that_o queen_n esther_n have_v admit_v none_o to_o the_o banquet_n with_o the_o king_n but_o himself_o but_o still_o mordecai_n who_o refuse_v to_o bow_v before_o he_o be_v a_o great_a grievance_n and_o by_o the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n he_o build_v a_o gallow_n fifty_o cubit_n high_a and_o resolve_v that_o night_n to_o beg_v of_o the_o king_n that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v on_o it_o and_o have_v he_o come_v in_o time_n his_o petition_n have_v be_v certain_o grant_v but_o it_o so_o happen_v that_o that_o very_a night_n the_o king_n can_v not_o sleep_v and_o he_o call_v for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o chronicle_n and_o there_o they_o find_v write_v that_o mordecai_n have_v discover_v the_o treason_n of_o two_o of_o the_o king_n chamberlain_n against_o he_o and_o find_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v reward_v for_o it_o he_o resolve_v to_o do_v he_o honour_n and_o make_v haman_n who_o be_v at_o the_o door_n to_o beg_v that_o mordecai_n may_v be_v hang_v his_o minister_n in_o do_v he_o honour_n this_o prepare_v the_o king_n to_o grant_v queen_n esther_n request_n and_o hang_v haman_n upon_o the_o gallow_n he_o have_v build_v for_o mordecai_n and_o preserve_v the_o jew_n from_o that_o destruction_n he_o have_v design_v against_o they_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v almost_o in_o all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o providence_n there_o be_v so_o much_o appearance_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v the_o great_a stroke_n in_o some_o wonderful_a event_n as_o may_v satisfy_v consider_v man_n that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o that_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n have_v always_o the_o least_o hand_n in_o it_o for_o can_v we_o think_v otherwise_o when_o we_o see_v as_o many_o visible_a mark_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n as_o in_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n nay_o when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v principal_o see_v in_o the_o government_n of_o fortuitous_a event_n when_o we_o see_v a_o world_n wise_o make_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o make_v yet_o we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o make_v by_o chance_n but_o by_o a_o wise_a be_v and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o we_o see_v accidental_a event_n nay_o a_o long_a incoherent_a series_n of_o accident_n concur_v to_o the_o produce_v the_o most_o admirable_a effect_n we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a invisible_a hand_n which_o govern_v chance_n which_o of_o itself_o can_v do_v nothing_o wise_o when_o the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o man_n the_o fate_n of_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n the_o success_n of_o war_n the_o change_n of_o government_n be_v so_o often_o determine_v and_o bring_v about_o by_o the_o most_o visible_a accident_n when_o chance_n defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n and_o the_o great_a power_n when_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v and_o the_o church_n of_o god_n preserve_v by_o appear_a chance_n when_o bad_a man_n be_v punish_v by_o chance_n and_o the_o very_a chance_n whereby_o they_o be_v punish_v carry_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o sin_n upon_o it_o for_o which_o they_o be_v punish_v i_o say_v can_v any_o man_n in_o such_o case_n think_v that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a chance_n when_o how_o accidental_a soever_o the_o mean_n be_v or_o appear_v to_o be_v whereby_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o appearance_n at_o all_o of_o chance_n in_o the_o event_n but_o the_o change_n and_o revolution_n the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o chance_n be_v all_o as_o wise_o do_v as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o of_o chance_n and_o accident_n in_o it_o this_o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o life_n amid_o all_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o fortune_n that_o chance_n itself_o can_v hurt_v we_o without_o a_o divine_a commission_n this_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n how_o calamitous_a and_o desperate_a soever_o our_o external_a condition_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o god_n never_o want_v mean_n to_o help_v that_o he_o have_v a_o thousand_o unseen_a way_n a_o whole_a army_n of_o accident_n and_o unexpected_a event_n at_o command_n to_o disappoint_v such_o design_n which_o no_o visible_a art_n or_o power_n can_v disappoint_v and_o to_o save_v those_o who_o no_o visible_a power_n can_v save_v this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a reason_n for_o a_o perpetual_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o a_o entire_a submission_n to_o he_o and_o a_o devout_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o in_o all_o our_o way_n that_o we_o have_v no_o security_n but_o in_o his_o providence_n and_o protection_n for_o whatever_o provision_n we_o can_v make_v against_o foresee_v and_o foreknow_a evil_n we_o can_v never_o provide_v against_o chance_n that_o be_v whole_o in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o human_a wit_n or_o strength_n can_v withstand_v it_o which_o may_v abate_v the_o pride_n and_o selfconfidence_n of_o man_n and_o teach_v the_o rich_a and_o great_a and_o mighty_a a_o religious_a veneration_n of_o god_n who_o can_v with_o so_o much_o ease_n pull_v down_o the_o mighty_a from_o their_o seat_n and_o advance_v those_o of_o low_a degree_n 3_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v be_v god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v the_o government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n most_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v do_v by_o man_n if_o god_n reward_v or_o if_o he_o punish_v we_o usual_o man_n be_v his_o minister_n in_o both_o to_o execute_v his_o vengeance_n or_o to_o dispense_v his_o blessing_n and_o therefore_o god_n must_v have_v as_o absolute_a a_o government_n over_o mankind_n of_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n and_o action_n as_o he_o have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o else_o he_o can_v reward_v and_o punish_v when_o and_o as_o he_o please_v if_o man_n can_v hurt_v those_o who_o god_n will_v bless_v and_o reward_v or_o can_v do_v good_a to_o those_o who_o god_n will_v punish_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a in_o this_o world_n whether_o god_n will_v or_o not_o our_o fortune_n will_v depend_v upon_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o our_o friend_n or_o enemy_n upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a humour_n and_o inclination_n of_o those_o among_o who_o we_o live_v and_o providence_n can_v not_o help_v we_o now_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n how_o god_n can_v exercise_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n over_o mankind_n who_o be_v free_a agent_n without_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o choice_n which_o will_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o necessity_n of_o allow_v this_o if_o we_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o providence_n and_o the_o plain_a testimony_n and_o example_n of_o this_o absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a government_n which_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n have_v make_v some_o man_n deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o represent_v mankind_n to_o be_v as_o mere_a machine_n as_o a_o watch_n or_o clock_n which_o move_v as_o they_o be_v move_v and_o then_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o bring_v religion_n and_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o natural_a justice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n into_o their_o scheme_n for_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o can_v be_v reconcile_v with_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o fate_n other_o to_o avoid_v these_o difficulty_n be_v afraid_a of_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o providence_n or_o have_v such_o confuse_a and_o perplex_v notion_n about_o it_o that_o there_o be_v few_o case_n wherein_o they_o can_v secure_o depend_v on_o god_n but_o i_o think_v this_o difficulty_n will_v be_v easy_o remove_v if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n and_o his_o government_n of_o they_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n the_o first_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o own_o private_a and_o natural_a capacity_n the_o second_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o reason_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n man_n consider_v in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a government_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o give_v he_o law_n that_o he_o may_v know_v the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n what_o he_o ought_v to_o choose_v and_o what_o to_o refuse_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
the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o easy_a and_o happy_a life_n of_o paradise_n condemn_v he_o to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n while_o he_o live_v and_o then_o to_o return_v unto_o dust_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v 1._o he_o shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n for_o fall_v man_n 8._o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v at_o large_a we_o know_v little_o more_o than_o this_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n till_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n 6._o gen._n this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o corruption_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n and_o therefore_o god_n resolve_v to_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n except_v that_o one_o righteous_a family_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n which_o he_o appoint_v noah_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o justice_n of_o this_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v for_o if_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v its_o way_n god_n may_v as_o just_o destroy_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n as_o he_o can_v punish_v or_o cut_v off_o any_o one_o single_a sinner_n but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o now_o though_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n nor_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a seed_n and_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n a_o stand_a warn_v and_o a_o visible_a lesson_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o new_a and_o a_o few_o observation_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n without_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v too_o soon_o to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o late_o make_v without_o reproach_v his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o there_o have_v be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n yet_o see_v but_o one_o act_n and_o that_o conclude_v in_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v god_n leave_v off_o here_o and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a spectacle_n to_o the_o angelical_a world_n to_o see_v a_o whole_a species_n of_o reasonable_a being_n so_n soon_o destroy_v the_o old_a serpent_n who_o deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n will_v have_v glory_v in_o his_o voctory_n that_o he_o have_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n and_o even_o force_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n he_o have_v make_v on_o earth_n but_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o serpent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v his_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o eve_n must_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o a_o righteous_a seed_n must_v be_v preserve_v to_o new-people_n the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o warn_n to_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o live_a witness_n both_o of_o the_o destruction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assure_v their_o posterity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o all_o generation_n of_o which_o more_o present_o 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o delay_v so_o terrible_a a_o execution_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o destroy_v a_o world_n carry_v great_a horror_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o frightful_a representation_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o all_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o soften_a circumstance_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v justify_v providence_n in_o it_o except_v the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n delay_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n till_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v which_o must_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v too_o by_o the_o universal_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o noah_n may_v have_v preserve_v his_o own_o integrity_n and_o have_v teach_v his_o own_o family_n that_o fear_v and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o his_o sermon_n have_v no_o effect_n it_o be_v general_o conclude_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o give_v visible_a warning_n to_o they_o of_o the_o approach_a deluge_n now_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o destroy_v that_o corrupt_a and_o incurable_a generation_n and_o to_o preserve_v righteous_a noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v he_o delay_v a_o little_a long_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v have_v be_v corrupt_a without_o one_o righteous_a man_n in_o it_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v maintain_v or_o preserve_v a_o world_n of_o atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n or_o must_v have_v destroy_v they_o all_o but_o it_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o family_n to_o defer_v vengeance_n no_o long_o while_o he_o have_v one_o righteous_a family_n to_o save_v to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restore_v lose_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n 3_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o one_a for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n in_o nature_n to_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n some_o man_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o disparage_v the_o moysaicall_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o story_n think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o it_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o they_o say_v unbecome_v philosopher_n but_o if_o it_o unbecome_v philosopher_n to_o believe_v miracle_n i_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v it_o very_o much_o below_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v miracle_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o miracle_n in_o any_o case_n methinks_v they_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attribute_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a power_n the_o comfort_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v because_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v drown_v but_o
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