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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n action_n good_a sin_n 1,408 5 4.8951 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42721 The great mystery of providence, or, The various methods of God in ordering and over-ruling the actions of wicked men and devils to great and glorious purposes with the vindication of his holiness therein : being the substance of several sermons / preached by George Gifford. Gifford, George, d. 1620. 1695 (1695) Wing G694; ESTC R25460 29,026 38

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say_v he_o thus_o in_o holy_a job_n you_o shall_v see_v what_o a_o complication_n of_o wickedness_n there_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o his_o affliction_n there_o be_v the_o devil_n malice_n seek_v to_o ruin_n and_o destroy_v he_o there_o be_v also_o the_o malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o chaldean_n and_o sabean_o and_o yet_o job_n 1.21_o he_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n take_v away_o bless_a be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o david_n when_o his_o son_n absalon_n rebel_v against_o he_o still_o he_o cry_v it_o be_v the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n thus_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o lamentation_n when_o israel_n have_v be_v so_o barbarous_o destroy_v by_o their_o enemy_n yet_o they_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n yea_o belove_v in_o that_o act_n of_o the_o betray_n and_o murder_v of_o our_o saviour_n tho'_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n in_o man_n yet_o our_o bless_a saviour_n express_o say_v it_o be_v the_o cup_n that_o his_o heavenly_a father_n give_v he_o to_o drink_v and_o therefore_o in_o all_o unjust_a oppression_n it_o be_v our_o work_n and_o duty_n to_o look_v above_o man_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o must_v hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o he_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o and_o not_o dwell_v too_o much_o upon_o the_o instrument_n or_o second_a cause_n they_o be_v but_o as_o the_o axe_n or_o the_o staff_n or_o the_o rod_n it_o be_v god_n hand_n that_o limit_n order_n and_o appoint_v they_o for_o holy_a and_o gracious_a end_n and_o so_o much_o for_o the_o first_o part_n how_o that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n second_o i_o come_v now_o to_o inquire_v how_o far_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n can_v or_o do_v concur_v in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n that_o he_o do_v so_o be_v most_o certain_a but_o how_o far_o be_v the_o question_n and_o most_o interpreter_n have_v be_v puzzle_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o do_v it_o first_o negative_o for_o i_o will_v tell_v you_o the_o truth_n lie_v between_o two_o extreme_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o high_a blasphemy_n for_o any_o from_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o there_o be_v another_o extreme_a to_o be_v avoid_v to_o think_v this_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v only_o a_o bare_a permission_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o afterward_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o influence_n and_o concurrence_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a wise_a and_o good_a god_n in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o wicked_a men._n first_o almighty_a god_n be_v not_o neither_o can_v be_v the_o author_n or_o proper_a cause_n of_o any_o sin_n that_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o he_o never_o work_v sin_n itself_o or_o move_v we_o to_o sin_v inward_o that_o he_o do_v not_o necessitate_v man_n to_o sin_n because_o from_o these_o conclusion_n some_o adversary_n will_v charge_v sin_n upon_o god_n god_n can_v neither_o do_v sin_n nor_o compel_v we_o to_o sin_n to_o affirm_v this_o will_v be_v very_a blasphemy_n for_o first_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a good_a he_o be_v all_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o light_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evil_a no_o darkness_n in_o he_o for_o to_o ascribe_v evil_a of_o sin_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o make_v light_n the_o cause_n of_o darkness_n heb._n 6.18_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o lie_v again_o he_o that_o hate_v sin_n he_o that_o forbid_v it_o and_o severe_o punish_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o will_v be_v the_o unjust_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o god_n to_o punish_v that_o which_o himself_o cause_v again_o i_o consider_v if_o god_n shall_v do_v so_o sin_n will_v be_v no_o sin_n for_o all_o sin_n be_v that_o which_o be_v a_o contrariety_n to_o god_n will_n and_o law_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n st._n james_n tell_v we_o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v that_o he_o be_v tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a nether_a tempt_v he_o any_o man_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n to_o be_v in_o any_o wise_a the_o author_n of_o sin_n therefore_o st_n basil_n say_v it_o be_v as_o high_a a_o blasphemy_n to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n no_o belove_a all_o sin_n come_v from_o the_o creature_n thy_o destruction_n be_v of_o thyself_o though_o god_n make_v use_v of_o it_o for_o gracious_a purpose_n as_o for_o example_n the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n come_v from_o themselves_o but_o only_o god_n order_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o use_n of_o sin_n man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o actor_n of_o sin_n but_o god_n can_v use_v sin_n for_o purpose_n beyond_o what_o man_n design_v by_o it_o you_o know_v the_o viper_n have_v poison_n in_o it_o which_o be_v of_o a_o destructive_a nature_n and_o yet_o a_o skilful_a physician_n can_v make_v use_n of_o this_o poison_n as_o a_o antidote_n against_o poison_n i_o will_v draw_v this_o as_o a_o second_o caution_n that_o in_o god_n order_v and_o make_v use_n of_o sin_n there_o be_v more_o than_o his_o bare_a permission_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o let_v man_n be_v wicked_a and_o take_v no_o far_o care_n in_o it_o no_o i_o say_v in_o all_o those_o place_n i_o have_v quote_v as_o his_o send_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n etc._n etc._n it_o imply_v a_o efficiency_n the_o most_o sin_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v do_v by_o evil_a man_n and_o though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n yet_o he_o be_v the_o orderer_n the_o governor_n and_o disposer_n of_o they_o a_o wise_a king_n can_v make_v use_n of_o a_o traitor_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o end_n so_o god_n make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n sin_n to_o work_v contrary_a to_o their_o end_n so_o joseph_n brethren_n never_o think_v of_o bring_v about_o god_n end_n in_o their_o malice_n against_o he_o so_o a_o physician_n apply_v leaches_n to_o draw_v out_o corrupt_a blood_n but_o they_o only_o desire_v to_o satisfy_v their_o lust_n so_o god_n make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n to_o chastise_v his_o people_n and_o do_v they_o good_a sect_n ii_o i_o shall_v now_o enter_v upon_o this_o great_a point_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o with_o as_o much_o fear_n and_o tremble_a as_o ever_o i_o do_v upon_o any_o subject_a namely_o how_o far_o the_o holy_a and_o wise_a god_n do_v or_o may_v concur_v in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o sinful_a men._n i_o shall_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o scripture_n and_o show_v you_o in_o nine_o particular_n 1._o god_n do_v concur_v by_o permit_v of_o they_o that_o be_v by_o not_o hinder_v the_o commit_v those_o sin_n as_o he_o may_v have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v express_v act_n 14.16_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o walk_v in_o their_o own_o way_n say_v the_o apostle_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v very_o clear_a so_o far_o for_o no_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v if_o god_n do_v not_o permit_v they_o and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o several_a way_n whereby_o god_n hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o sin_n thus_o he_o hinder_v abimelech_n from_o commit_v folly_n with_o abraham_n wife_n gen._n 20.6_o so_o he_o hinder_v balaam_n when_o he_o come_v with_o a_o resolution_n to_o curse_n israel_n he_o hinder_v esau_n from_o hurt_v his_o brother_n jacob._n nay_o the_o devil_n in_o hell_n be_v under_o chain_n god_n can_v hinder_v they_o and_o do_v hinder_v they_o when_o he_o will_n we_o read_v he_o can_v not_o touch_v job_n nor_o his_o cattle_n till_o god_n have_v give_v he_o liberty_n there_o be_v several_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o god_n do_v this_o 1._o by_o take_v away_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o do_v of_o jeroboam_n when_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o when_o he_o stir_v up_o another_o power_n to_o deliver_v his_o people_n from_o oppression_n sometime_o by_o secret_o incline_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o do_v good_a to_o such_o as_o they_o design_v to_o hurt_v as_o he_o do_v by_o laban_n when_o he_o go_v after_o jacob_n so_o god_n send_v abigail_n to_o divert_v david_n from_o exercise_v his_o intend_a revenge_n against_o nabal_n now_o when_o god_n remove_v these_o impediment_n this_o be_v the_o first_o way_n of_o god_n concurrence_n when_o he_o do_v it_o
by_o his_o permission_n and_o for_o this_o we_o be_v much_o oblige_v to_o god_n for_o keep_v wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n in_o bond_n and_o for_o limit_v their_o malice_n and_o enmity_n for_o if_o god_n shall_v give_v leave_n to_o they_o to_o execute_v their_o power_n and_o malice_n all_o the_o world_n will_v quick_o be_v in_o flame_n 2._o god_n concur_v in_o the_o evil_a action_n of_o man_n by_o a_o general_a concurrence_n and_o co-operation_n in_o the_o action_n itself_o for_o you_o must_v know_v god_n almighty_n have_v a_o immediate_a influence_n and_o concourse_n in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a act_v 17.28_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v it_o be_v that_o which_o all_o christian_n and_o most_o philosopher_n do_v agree_v in_o that_o all_o action_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v depend_v upon_o the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n i_o will_v instance_n in_o those_o that_o curse_n and_o swear_v and_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o can_v not_o move_v their_o tongue_n if_o god_n do_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v and_o cooperate_v in_o the_o action_n so_o the_o power_n whereby_o a_o thief_n steal_v be_v from_o god_n but_o here_o they_o do_v not_o make_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o a_o moral_a but_o in_o a_o physical_a sense_n they_o say_v well_o that_o god_n do_v concur_v as_o to_o the_o natural_a action_n itself_o but_o not_o to_o the_o sinfulness_n in_o that_o action_n god_n concur_v to_o the_o natural_a action_n but_o the_o obliquity_n of_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o sinner_n will._n 3._o god_n do_v concur_v by_o his_o providence_n in_o administer_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n which_o wicked_a man_n do_v abuse_v to_o sinfulness_n so_o jer._n 5.22_o god_n tell_v we_o of_o lay_v a_o stamble_a block_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n he_o give_v or_o lay_v before_o they_o thing_n that_o perhaps_o be_v not_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o as_o when_o he_o give_v to_o wicked_a man_n health_n strength_n wealth_n prosperity_n beauty_n etc._n etc._n these_o have_v no_o harm_n in_o themselves_o but_o when_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o abuse_v they_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o there_o be_v some_o that_o make_v their_o table_n a_o snare_n to_o they_o nay_o those_o thing_n that_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n will_v tend_v to_o make_v they_o better_o yet_o they_o take_v occasion_n to_o make_v themselves_o worse_a by_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n how_o often_o do_v good_a admonition_n make_v some_o man_n the_o worse_a nay_o i_o tell_v you_o the_o very_a divinity_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n do_v harden_v the_o pharisee_n heart_n nay_o sometime_o when_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n do_v suffer_v man_n to_o fall_v into_o wicked_a company_n as_o he_o do_v joseph_n when_o his_o brethren_n design_v to_o murder_v he_o god_n do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n order_v some_o midianite_n to_o go_v by_o that_o they_o may_v sell_v he_o to_o they_o the_o four_o way_n of_o god_n concurrence_n be_v by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o power_n of_o their_o lust_n wicked_a man_n have_v a_o violent_a inclination_n to_o many_o sin_n which_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n many_o time_n restrain_v but_o when_o he_o leave_v they_o up_o to_o themselves_o they_o quick_o run_v into_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o they_o be_v oftentimes_o as_o a_o dog_n chain_v up_o that_o can_v do_v the_o mischief_n he_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o when_o god_n say_v of_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o do_v to_o ephraim_n when_o he_o be_v join_v to_o idol_n let_v he_o alone_o when_o god_n leave_v they_o so_o to_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o be_v without_o any_o affliction_n or_o terror_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a judgement_n in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o this_o you_o may_v understand_v those_o scripture_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o blind_a and_o harden_v sinner_n heart_n this_o be_v most_o righteous_a and_o just_a that_o they_o who_o despise_v god_n grace_n and_o wilful_o run_v into_o sin_n that_o god_n shall_v punish_v they_o with_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o say_v he_o that_o be_v filthy_a let_v he_o be_v filthy_a still_o o_o this_o be_v the_o most_o dreadful_a judgement_n in_o the_o world_n when_o man_n be_v give_v up_o by_o god_n to_o their_o own_o lust_n the_o five_o way_n be_v when_o god_n leave_v sinner_n to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o of_o wicked_a man_n as_o when_o he_o leave_v they_o up_o to_o wicked_a acquaintance_n to_o tempt_v they_o and_o flatter_v they_o in_o their_o sin_n i_o will_v give_v you_o 2_o or_o 3_o instance_n in_o scripture_n thus_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o go_v forth_o in_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o israelite_n god_n say_v go_v and_o thou_o shall_v prevail_v so_o ezek._n 14._o god_n tell_v they_o that_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n he_o will_v leave_v they_o up_o to_o wicked_a and_o false_a prophet_n and_o 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the_o righteous_a it_o may_v come_v upon_o they_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o rest_v upon_o they_o so_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v good_a man_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a wicked_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o put_v one_o dram_n into_o the_o cup_n of_o bitterness_n more_o than_o what_o god_n have_v appoint_v indeed_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o comfort_n to_o remember_v that_o whatever_o we_o may_v suffer_v wicked_a man_n be_v but_o as_o a_o axe_n in_o god_n hand_n they_o can_v as_o to_o time_n or_o continuance_n or_o degree_n go_v beyond_o what_o god_n have_v purpose_v the_o last_o way_n be_v by_o god_n overrule_a and_o order_v the_o effect_n of_o sin_n beyond_o and_o many_o time_n contrary_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o design_n of_o sinner_n and_o this_o make_v up_o the_o complete_a government_n of_o sin_n so_o it_o be_v in_o joseph_n case_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a but_o god_n mean_v it_o for_o good_a to_o bring_v to_o 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of_o god_n glory_n excuse_v the_o sin_n i_o answer_v no_o the_o sin_n be_v not_o the_o less_o sinful_a upon_o that_o account_n as_o rom._n 3.8_o for_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o glory_n god_n will_v not_o have_v we_o break_v his_o command_n out_o of_o a_o pretence_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v his_o glory_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o great_a glory_n to_o god_n or_o good_a of_o mankind_n to_o commit_v the_o least_o sin_n to_o break_v god_n law_n for_o god_n glory_n be_v not_o lawful_a upon_o any_o pretence_n and_o therefore_o they_o that_o can_v deceive_v and_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o and_o perhaps_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v a_o course_n of_o injustice_n and_o this_o under_o the_o thought_n and_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a with_o what_o they_o get_v and_o bring_v glory_n to_o god_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o delusion_n and_o deceit_n but_o thou_o hypocrite_n what_o need_n have_v god_n of_o thy_o robbery_n to_o do_v he_o 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prophet_n tell_v they_o god_n have_v send_v the_o assyrian_a to_o punish_v they_o they_o deny_v it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n beloved_n we_o be_v loath_a in_o any_o affliction_n we_o suffer_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n hand_n in_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o secret_a acknowledgement_n of_o our_o own_o gild_n thus_o if_o there_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o defeat_n in_o war_n we_o reckon_v it_o come_v only_o by_o negligence_n or_o cowardice_n or_o if_o a_o fire_n happen_v we_o say_v this_o be_v the_o malice_n of_o man_n but_o we_o never_o look_v up_o to_o god_n in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o impenitence_n for_o how_o can_v we_o repent_v of_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o believe_v we_o be_v only_o injure_v by_o man_n and_o not_o punish_v by_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o a_o city_n but_o what_o the_o lord_n have_v do_v all_o evil_n that_o come_v either_o immediate_o from_o god_n hand_n or_o 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only_o a_o reprieve_n for_o a_o time_n if_o god_n do_v withdraw_v one_o rod_n or_o judgement_n that_o we_o may_v fear_v he_o will_v find_v new_a one_o to_o chastise_v a_o wicked_a people_n as_o the_o angel_n cry_v one_o woe_n be_v past_a and_o another_o woe_n come_v so_o long_o as_o we_o provoke_v god_n though_o sometime_o we_o may_v prevail_v against_o man_n that_o be_v instrument_n of_o his_o wrath_n we_o shall_v not_o always_o he_o will_v have_v new_a instrument_n to_o do_v his_o work_n it_o follow_v therefore_o in_o the_o last_o place_n our_o only_a safe_a way_n be_v to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o god_n for_o if_o
his_o church_n and_o people_n god_n after_o a_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a manner_n do_v order_v all_o event_n so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o we_o find_v several_a cross_a providence_n in_o this_o history_n of_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n yet_o they_o all_o contribute_v to_o this_o good_a end_n and_o conclusion_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n that_o besal_a god_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o to_o resign_v up_o all_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n he_o will_v take_v care_n and_o provide_v for_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o little_a dream_n of_o three_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v and_o overrule_a the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n and_o yet_o certain_o beloved_n they_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o action_n i_o observe_v from_o hence_o 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action_n of_o ungodly_a men._n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o end_n of_o such_o ordering_n how_o god_n work_v and_o ordain_v the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o end_n beyond_o what_o they_o desire_v or_o design_v this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o most_o seasonable_a to_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v under_o our_o present_a disquiet_n and_o fear_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a yea_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 1_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o point_n by_o four_o or_o five_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o general_a place_n in_o scripture_n that_o ascribe_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o psal_n 35.6_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 there_o be_v nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o will_n of_o god_n dan_n 4.35_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n voluntas_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la necessitas_fw-la there_o be_v many_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o god_n will_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o against_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o when_o they_o most_o cross_a the_o preceptive_a will_n of_o god_n they_o do_v then_o most_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o council_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v whatever_o design_n man_n or_o devil_n may_v have_v yet_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o all_o act_n but_o according_a to_o the_o providential_a will_n of_o god_n the_o 2._o head_n be_v this_o that_o such_o action_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o eternal_a council_n and_o ordination_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o god_n decree_n it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o joseph_n god_n have_v decree_v joseph_n advancement_n in_o egypt_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o brethren_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o action_n that_o prove_v the_o great_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o instrument_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v the_o suffer_v of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n act_v 2.23_o he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v in_o the_o same_o action_n there_o be_v the_o wickedness_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n there_o be_v the_o villainy_n and_o treachery_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v of_o he_o yet_o he_o say_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n so_o act_v 4.27_o 28._o for_o of_o a_o truth_n against_o thy_o holy_a child_n jesus_n both_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o for_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o according_a to_o wicked_a man_n counsel_n but_o according_a to_o what_o god_n do_v determine_v 3._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o do_v the_o unjust_a action_n yet_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o execute_v his_o counsel_n his_o design_n and_o purpose_n i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o sew_v of_o they_o isa_n 10.5_o god_n church_n be_v to_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o assyrian_n o_o assyrain_n the_o rod_n of_o my_o anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v my_o indignation_n i_o will_v send_v he_o against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n well_o look_v to_o the_o seven_o verse_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v he_o think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n that_o be_v this_o proud_a prince_n think_v of_o nothing_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o purpose_n in_o this_o matter_n his_o design_n be_v to_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o revenge_n and_o covetousness_n but_o god_n almighty_n give_v way_n to_o it_o for_o other_o holy_a and_o wise_a end_n and_o again_o v._n 15._o shall_v the_o axe_n beast_n itself_o against_o he_o that_o hew_v therewith_o or_o shall_v the_o see_v magnify_v itself_o against_o he_o that_o shake_v it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o these_o word_n to_o show_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o their_o action_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o the_o axe_n and_o the_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n 4._o that_o even_o when_o wicked_a man_n go_v about_o wicked_a action_n god_n be_v say_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o it_o so_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o joseph_n and_o in_o that_o isa_n 10.6_o god_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o assyrian_n against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n to_o punish_v and_o chastise_v they_o so_o 2_o sam._n 12.11_o you_o see_v there_o beloved_n god_n threaten_v to_o raise_v up_o evil_a against_o david_n in_o his_o own_o house_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n and_o his_o villainy_n and_o insolence_n against_o his_o father_n wife_n and_o concubine_n but_o be_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o wickedness_n in_o absalon_n no_o but_o absalon_n have_v these_o lust_n in_o he_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o exercise_v they_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o david_n sin_n so_o 2_o sam._n 16.11_o shimei_n do_v unjust_o revile_v david_n but_o say_v david_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n but_o this_o be_v to_o punish_v david_n for_o his_o former_a sin_n psal_n 105.23_o it_o be_v say_v he_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n and_o to_o deal_v subtle_o with_o his_o servant_n he_o make_v use_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o righteous_a end_n 5._o i_o do_v observe_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whenever_o they_o suffer_v most_o unjust_o from_o wicked_a man_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o impute_v it_o so_o much_o to_o the_o instrument_n as_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n i_o will_v give_v you_o here_o a_o instance_n in_o joseph_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n
wicked_a men._n i_o shall_v handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a even_o in_o his_o govern_v the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n this_o shall_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v it_o up_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o this_o story_n that_o be_v joseph_n being_n sell_v into_o egypt_n here_o be_v two_o concur_v cause_n his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o and_o yet_o god_n send_v he_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o act_n the_o patriarch_n move_v with_o envy_n sell_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n i_o shall_v here_o clear_v up_o god_n justice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o read_v there_o be_v first_o a_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v joseph_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n well_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o their_o envy_n and_o malice_n to_o sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n god_n do_v not_o infuse_v malice_n into_o they_o nor_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o but_o first_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o you_o hear_v before_o how_o when_o they_o first_o determine_v to_o murder_n joseph_n god_n will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v that_o way_n but_o when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sell_v he_o he_o do_v suffer_v they_o because_o it_o be_v for_o his_o end_n and_o observe_v how_o god_n order_v it_o that_o the_o merchant_n shall_v happen_v to_o come_v by_o that_o very_a day_n to_o who_o his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a question_n why_o this_o affliction_n be_v rather_o attribute_v to_o god_n than_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v god_n permission_n and_o offer_v they_o a_o occasion_n in_o his_o providence_n which_o he_o know_v will_v take_v effect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v god_n do_v it_o i_o shall_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v open_a and_o answer_v this_o question_n in_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n we_o must_v abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o attribute_n any_o sin_n to_o be_v god_n god_n neither_o infuse_v wickedness_n nor_o tempt_v or_o stir_v up_o people_n to_o sin_n but_o only_o by_o his_o providence_n permit_v order_n and_o govern_v it_o for_o his_o own_o wise_a and_o holy_a ends._n i_o will_v here_o answer_v some_o objection_n brief_o 1_o you_o will_v say_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v sin_n when_o he_o can_v hinder_v it_o i_o answer_v it_o can_v be_v no_o stain_n to_o god_n holiness_n for_o god_n do_v but_o leave_v the_o creature_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a that_o those_o who_o god_n have_v make_v free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v but_o to_o leave_v wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n to_o their_o own_o will_n especial_o since_o god_n can_v bring_v so_o much_o good_a out_o of_o evil._n but_o second_o you_o will_v say_v why_o do_v god_n minister_v occasion_n in_o his_o providence_n i_o answer_v that_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o god_n neither_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a god_n shall_v make_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o know_v that_o or_o that_o can_v not_o be_v know_v if_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o wi_n 2._o i_o do_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o occasion_n that_o man_n abuse_v to_o sin_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v good_a and_o natural_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o goodness_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o use_v to_o harden_v themselves_o with_o and_o abuse_v to_o sin_n but_o the_o very_a blessing_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n again_o as_o to_o the_o other_o thing_n god_n order_v sin_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n that_o can_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o god_n holiness_n or_o justice_n what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v bring_v glory_n to_o himself_o from_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n force_n glory_n out_o of_o they_o above_z and_z contrary_n to_o their_o intent_n it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evil_a but_o he_o can_v regulate_v and_o order_v for_o good_a end_n but_o than_o you_o may_v object_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n stir_v up_o wicked_a man_n and_o blind_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o and_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v damn_v how_o can_v you_o in_o this_o 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great_a objection_n and_o most_o popular_a in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v god_n prosper_v wicked_a man_n in_o evil_a way_n and_o afflict_v good_a man_n in_o good_a way_n this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_n especial_o the_o epicurean_o and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a stumble_n to_o godly_a man_n i_o remember_v four_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v shake_v and_o almost_o overthrow_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o as_o job_n job_n 21.6_o david_n psal_n 73._o jeremiah_n jer._n 12.1_o and_o habakkuk_n hab._n 1.13_o certain_o to_o heathen_n and_o such_o as_o deny_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o great_a objection_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o life_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o place_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n but_o only_o as_o a_o preparation_n for_o another_o life_n 2._o no_o man_n or_o people_n be_v ever_o so_o righteous_a but_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o in_o they_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o deserve_v the_o great_a punishment_n 3._o i_o do_v consider_v that_o wicked_a man_n when_o god_n advance_v they_o and_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o raise_v they_o up_o in_o his_o providence_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n to_o punish_v other_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o any_o success_n for_o their_o own_o desert_n now_o belove_v this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o kingdom_n the_o vile_a of_o man_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o executioner_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v none_o fit_a for_o this_o work_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v a_o shepherd_n set_v his_o sheep_n to_o worry_v one-another_o godly_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a or_o qualify_v to_o kill_v or_o plunder_v other_o man_n unjust_o therefore_o i_o say_v god_n do_v not_o make_v instrument_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o goodness_n but_o because_o they_o only_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o work_n as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v god_n executioner_n i_o remember_v a_o story_n when_o phocas_n have_v murder_v the_o emperor_n his_o master_n and_o make_v himself_o emperor_n and_o a_o holy_a man_n complain_v why_o god_n shall_v set_v so_o wicked_a a_o man_n over_o the_o nation_n the_o answer_n be_v they_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o better_a it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n send_v turk_n to_o oppress_v christian_n again_o consider_v that_o wicked_a man_n even_o in_o their_o wicked_a action_n have_v secret_a lash_n of_o conscience_n or_o if_o they_o be_v advance_v a_o little_a while_n yet_o as_o the_o psalmist_n
he_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o then_o without_o he_o all_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v do_v we_o no_o harm_n if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v for_o we_o all_o devil_n and_o wicked_a be_v of_o his_o host_n they_o can_v act_v but_o by_o his_o permission_n when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o when_o therefore_o we_o fear_v to_o suffer_v from_o wicked_a man_n or_o when_o we_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n than_o we_o be_v to_o look_v up_o and_o see_v god_n hand_n in_o all_o and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o neglect_v all_o prudent_a and_o careful_a mean_n to_o prevent_v mischief_n from_o wicked_a man_n as_o for_o example_n sake_n suppose_v they_o do_v injurious_o take_v away_o our_o estate_n or_o assault_v our_o life_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v all_o care_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o 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cry_v come_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v wound_v we_o and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o thus_o jacob_n before_o he_o contend_v with_o his_o brother_n esau_n he_o first_o wrestle_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n thus_o moses_n when_o israel_n be_v fight_v with_o amalek_n his_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o the_o good_a emperor_n theodosius_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v all_o night_n prostrate_a on_o the_o ground_n in_o prayer_n and_o have_v thereby_o overcome_v god_n than_o he_o get_v a_o easy_a victory_n over_o his_o enemy_n and_o dear_o belove_v i_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v so_o or_o will_v do_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prevail_v with_o god_n under_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v now_o in_o and_o as_o to_o the_o instrument_n there_o have_v be_v as_o much_o wickedness_n use_v as_o be_v ever_o know_v in_o any_o nation_n to_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o a_o king_n and_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o to_o they_o it_o be_v without_o any_o cause_n at_o all_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o righteous_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o long_a peace_n we_o have_v abuse_v to_o luxury_n and_o other_o sin_n god_n may_v just_o take_v it_o away_o from_o we_o but_o above_o all_o for_o our_o live_n so_o negligent_o and_o be_v so_o lukewarm_a under_o that_o religion_n god_n have_v give_v we_o our_o wickedness_n will_v justify_v the_o worst_a judgement_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o but_o belove_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o have_v put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v now_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o papist_n and_o jesuit_n if_o we_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v all_o the_o jesuit_n in_o rome_n and_o devil_n in_o hell_n can_v never_o do_v we_o any_o hurt_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o politic_a reformation_n by_o punish_v offender_n that_o will_v do_v our_o business_n or_o by_o make_v severe_a law_n no_o these_o be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o the_o only_a way_n for_o we_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o walk_v answerable_a to_o the_o gospel_n we_o profess_v i_o have_v indeed_o think_v if_o god_n almighty_n please_v to_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o plot_n it_o will_v be_v a_o deadly_a blow_n to_o jesuitism_n and_o to_o popery_n itself_o but_o we_o can_v expect_v it_o without_o a_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o again_o if_o god_n order_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n then_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o true_a patience_n and_o comfort_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n to_o consider_v they_o 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the_o cup_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v give_v i_o shall_v i_o not_o drink_v it_o so_o st._n chrysostom_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n when_o it_o come_v into_o god_n hand_n lose_v its_o sting_n plutarch_n write_v against_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o use_v this_o argument_n that_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v take_v away_o all_o comfort_n from_o people_n under_o their_o affliction_n do_v i_o believe_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n be_v order_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o god_n be_v only_o a_o bare_a spectator_n i_o do_v assure_v you_o i_o can_v not_o live_v with_o comfort_n one_o moment_n but_o when_o i_o know_v that_o in_o all_o the_o confusion_n and_o trouble_n which_o they_o cause_v here_o below_o they_o can_v do_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o god_n have_v order_v and_o appoint_v i_o lay_v myself_o down_o and_o rest_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v order_v by_o a_o god_n that_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o can_v do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v 2._o though_o we_o deserve_v it_o not_o from_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v sin_n that_o do_v call_v for_o it_o 3._o when_o i_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o confusion_n yet_o god_n can_v limit_v and_o over-rule_v all_o as_o he_o please_v and_o last_o when_o i_o also_o consider_v that_o god_n can_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n end_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o make_v wicked_a man_n do_v his_o work_n and_o his_o church-service_n against_o their_o own_o will_n where_o then_o can_v there_o be_v