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
with_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o judge_v and_o to_o choose_v for_o himself_o and_o he_o preserve_v these_o faculty_n and_o give_v they_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v to_o understand_v and_o will_v but_o this_o natural_a co-operation_n of_o god_n can_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v not_o to_o any_o specifical_a act_n it_o do_v not_o improve_v any_o man_n understanding_n nor_o incline_v his_o judgement_n nor_o determine_v his_o choice_n it_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v only_o like_o wind_v up_o a_o clock_n which_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n but_o give_v no_o new_a preternatural_a motion_n to_o it_o but_o leave_v its_o motion_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o its_o own_o spring_n and_o wheel_n whatever_o this_o co-operation_n of_o god_n be_v which_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o actuate_v our_o natural_a faculty_n it_o give_v no_o new_a bias_n to_o we_o but_o leave_v we_o perfect_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o only_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v of_o ourselves_o without_o any_o such_o co-operation_n of_o god_n can_v we_o act_v without_o it_o but_o in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n god_n exercise_v a_o very_a different_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o change_v the_o heart_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n imprint_n new_a thought_n upon_o their_o mind_n clap_v a_o new_a bias_n upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o heart_n of_o prince_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o turn_v they_o as_o river_n of_o water_n he_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v good_a man_n by_o his_o spirit_n enlighten_v their_o understanding_n change_v their_o will_n inspire_v they_o with_o divine_a affection_n he_o give_v up_o bad_a man_n to_o the_o imposture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o their_o own_o affect_a ignorance_n blindness_n inconsideration_n to_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o their_o lusts._n every_o one_o must_v perceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o god_n cooperate_a with_o our_o natural_a faculty_n to_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v for_o that_o make_v no_o change_n in_o our_o natural_a understanding_n and_o will_n but_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v but_o this_o improve_v and_o heighten_v and_o regulate_v our_o faculty_n enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o rectify_v our_o choice_n and_o direct_v and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o yet_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v well_o distinguish_v which_o have_v very_o much_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o providence_n and_o grace_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o for_o have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o preserve_v and_o govern_v providence_n that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v think_v a_o more_o subtle_a than_o useful_a speculation_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o great_a use_n this_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n now_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v ask_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o every_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o it_o become_v god_n to_o preserve_v the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o uphold_v they_o in_o be_v and_o to_o actuate_v their_o natural_a power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v creature_n to_o perform_v those_o natural_a action_n which_o their_o nature_n be_v fit_v and_o make_v for_o if_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v creature_n with_o such_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o act_v it_o become_v he_o also_o to_o preserve_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o action_n to_o make_v be_v to_o give_v a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o preserve_v be_v only_o to_o continue_v its_o be_v and_o to_o enable_v it_o to_o act_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v either_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v of_o both_o alike_o let_v we_o then_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o acknowledge_a principle_n that_o we_o must_v not_o quarrel_v with_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n of_o preservation_n not_o a_o act_n of_o government_n for_o to_o uphold_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v no_o fault_n whatever_o evil_a consequence_n may_v attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n must_v find_v some_o fault_n if_o they_o can_v in_o god_n government_n of_o creature_n not_o in_o the_o act_n of_o preservation_n and_o this_o easy_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n against_o providence_n as_o for_o instance_n since_o no_o creature_n can_v move_v or_o act_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o god_n some_o be_v wonderful_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o god_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o any_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n why_o god_n shall_v actuate_v man_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o their_o other_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n when_o he_o certain_o know_v that_o if_o he_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v they_o will_v act_v wicked_o they_o will_v choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o will_v execute_v their_o wicked_a design_n that_o if_o they_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n they_o will_v defile_v themselves_o with_o adultery_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o theft_n or_o murder_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o how_o can_v a_o holy_a god_n cooperate_v in_o all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v when_o man_n do_v wicked_o by_o the_o power_n and_o co-operation_n of_o god_n without_o which_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o how_o do_v the_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v the_o man_n when_o the_o action_n be_v god_n as_o do_v by_o his_o immediate_a power_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o other_o answer_n which_o be_v common_o give_v to_o this_o difficulty_n for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a solution_n to_o it_o for_o all_o this_o however_o it_o be_v represent_v come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o god_n preserve_v the_o nature_n of_o creature_n and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o this_o be_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o entitle_v god_n to_o all_o the_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v the_o original_a fault_n be_v in_o make_v such_o creature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o make_v they_o it_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n do_v it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v creature_n who_o must_v act_v dependent_o on_o himself_o and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v which_o be_v to_o unmake_v they_o again_o and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o god_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o man_n even_o in_o their_o sinful_a action_n nor_o any_o more_o entitle_v god_n to_o their_o sin_n than_o his_o make_a creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n for_o to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n and_o to_o actuate_v their_o natural_a power_n be_v no_o more_o a_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o to_o make_v such_o nature_n and_o such_o natural_a power_n to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v without_o need_v such_o a_o perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o act_v will_v this_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n because_o they_o act_n even_o when_o they_o sin_n by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o in_o their_o first_o creation_n if_o this_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n than_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o sin_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o its_o natural_a power_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o any_o think_a man_n to_o say_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o how_o do_v god_n perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n with_o creature_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v and_o to_o exert_v their_o natural_a power_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o this_o natural_a power_n be_v give_v once_o for_o all_o as_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o creature_n or_o be_v supply_v every_o minute_n for_o both_o way_n the_o power_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o derive_v from_o god_n and_o if_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v charge_n god_n with_o
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 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and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
beget_v the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n out_o of_o who_o womb_n come_v the_o ice_n and_o the_o hoary_a frost_n of_o heaven_n who_o have_v gendr_v it_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a question_n express_v in_o unimitable_a word_n god_n convince_v job_n how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o familiar_a work_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v it_o great_a presumption_n in_o so_o ignorant_a a_o creature_n to_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n do_v not_o only_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o very_a work_n of_o nature_n convince_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o can_v do_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n which_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o never_o ought_v to_o censure_v any_o thing_n that_o god_n do_v because_o he_o be_v so_o much_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o what_o he_o do_v which_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a 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of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n some_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o free_a providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n which_o fatal_o determine_v the_o will_n to_o choose_v and_o act_n as_o these_o cause_n move_v it_o now_o whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n or_o not_o it_o be_v certain_a no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o who_o do_v not_o as_o perfect_o understand_v this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o its_o motion_n as_o a_o artist_n do_v all_o the_o wheel_n in_o a_o watch_n or_o clock_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n know_v how_o such_o a_o chain_n of_o cause_n shall_v move_v and_o determine_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n without_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o human_a soul_n how_o
confess_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o move_v and_o incline_v by_o god_n but_o only_o charge_v their_o sin_n on_o god_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o it_o be_v that_o tempt_v he_o his_o love_n of_o riches_n of_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o temptation_n and_o impulse_n be_v weak_a or_o strong_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o these_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o he_o feel_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o determine_v himself_o and_o find_v a_o principle_n within_o he_o which_o resist_v and_o oppose_v his_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o for_o which_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o charge_v their_o sin_n upon_o god_n when_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o give_v check_v to_o they_o and_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o i_o think_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o god_n tempt_a and_o incline_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o natural_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o while_o we_o preserve_v this_o sense_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a no_o temptation_n can_v fasten_v on_o we_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o and_o can_v tempt_v incline_v and_o over-rule_v man_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o act_v any_o wickedness_n for_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o mankind_n believe_v god_n to_o be_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v 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restrain_v and_o deter_v they_o from_o it_o now_o when_o we_o have_v such_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o proof_n pretend_v and_o then_o some_o remote_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n or_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o disprove_v a_o direct_a and_o positive_a evidence_n no_o more_o than_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o motion_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o motion_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n move_v and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n as_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o most_o material_a of_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o examine_v 1._o one_o and_o that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o god_n be_v his_o prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a event_n that_o god_n do_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n and_o prophecy_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v foreknow_v they_o now_o from_o hence_o they_o thus_o argue_v what_o be_v certain_o fore-known_a must_v certain_o be_v and_o what_o be_v thus_o certain_a be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o if_o all_o future_a event_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v certain_o foreknow_v then_o all_o thing_n even_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o then_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o necessity_n and_o fate_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o man_n sin_n too_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o fore-known_a but_o what_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o nothing_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o we_o see_v ten_o thousand_o effect_n of_o free_a or_o contingent_a cause_n which_o certain_o be_v though_o they_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o whatever_o be_v certain_o be_v and_o whatever_o certain_o be_v now_o be_v certain_o though_o not_o necessary_o future_a a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o that_o man_n understand_v very_o little_a who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o event_n no_o event_n be_v necessary_a but_o that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o sit_v of_o the_o sun_n but_o every_o event_n be_v certain_a which_o will_v certain_o be_v though_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o cause_n which_o act_v free_o and_o may_v do_v otherwise_o if_o it_o please_v as_o all_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o which_o though_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_o know_v as_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v free_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a may_v be_v certain_o know_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n only_o prove_v the_o certainty_n but_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o then_o god_n may_v foreknow_v all_o event_n and_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessity_n on_o mankind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n foreknowledge_n lay_v no_o great_a necessity_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v fore-known_a than_o knowledge_n do_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v know_v for_o foreknowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v much_o less_o the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v at_o what_o time_n the_o sun_n will_v rise_v and_o sit_v every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n but_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v or_o sit_v nay_o in_o many_o case_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n foretell_v what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n and_o do_v we_o perfect_o know_v they_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o ever_o mistake_v for_o though_o man_n act_v free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v arbitrary_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o bias_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o incline_v and_o draw_v they_o and_o the_o more_o confirm_a habit_n man_n have_v of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n the_o more_o certain_o and_o steady_o they_o act_v and_o the_o more_o certain_o we_o may_v know_v they_o without_o make_v they_o either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a now_o can_v we_o certain_o know_v what_o all_o man_n will_v do_v before_o they_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a agent_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o to_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o before_o we_o think_v they_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o make_v we_o think_v such_o thought_n nor_o do_v such_o action_n how_o god_n can_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v even_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o most_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o be_v not_o incredible_a that_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v do_v this_o when_o wise_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v so_o very_o
usurp_a power_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v resist_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o submit_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o when_o by_o such_o submission_n new_a kingdom_n be_v erect_v and_o we_o be_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o new_a power_n than_o providence_n have_v change_v our_o relation_n and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o submit_v four_o there_o be_v another_o inquiry_n also_o of_o great_a moment_n how_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n require_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o man_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o such_o misfortune_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o man_n who_o do_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o punish_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o of_o they_o when_o they_o only_o execute_v the_o divine_a counsel_n and_o do_v what_o god_n see_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v do_v not_o joseph_n thus_o excuse_v his_o brethren_n for_o sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v he_o thither_o and_o do_v not_o david_n for_o this_o reason_n forbear_v his_o revenge_n on_o shimei_n let_v he_o curse_v for_o god_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o god_n overrule_a man_n wickedness_n to_o serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n do_v not_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n nor_o excuse_v they_o from_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o their_o wickedness_n the_o sin_n be_v their_o own_o though_o it_o be_v wise_o order_v by_o god_n for_o our_o trial_n or_o correction_n but_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o god_n make_v no_o change_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n action_n nor_o in_o their_o desert_n god_n himself_o will_v punish_v their_o wickedness_n though_o he_o serve_v wise_a end_n by_o it_o and_o have_v command_v man_n to_o do_v so_o for_o no_o man_n sin_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n though_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o god_n will_n but_o yet_o submission_n to_o providence_n will_v great_o mitigate_v our_o resentment_n and_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v be_v appoint_v for_o we_o by_o god_n that_o how_o wicked_a soever_o man_n be_v we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o their_o wickedness_n but_o what_o god_n for_o wise_a reason_n see_v fit_a we_o shall_v suffer_v this_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o we_o be_v more_o concern_v with_o god_n than_o with_o man_n that_o though_o man_n be_v the_o rod_n wherewith_o we_o be_v scourge_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v and_o a_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a judgement_n will_v make_v we_o take_v less_o notice_n of_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o suffering_n in_o short_a submission_n to_o providence_n leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o but_o their_o own_o wickedness_n that_o we_o suffer_v though_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o do_n as_o god_n who_o order_v these_o suffering_n for_o we_o and_o without_o who_o order_n and_o appointment_n no_o man_n can_v hurt_v we_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o our_o suffering_n but_o reverence_n god_n whatever_o their_o personal_a hatred_n or_o malice_n or_o revenge_n be_v how_o much_o soever_o they_o intend_v or_o desire_v to_o do_v we_o hurt_v we_o may_v secure_o despise_v they_o as_o out_o of_o their_o reach_n for_o we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o if_o our_o suffering_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o man_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o man_n for_o what_o we_o suffer_v why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v our_o suffering_n on_o they_o when_o we_o suffer_v by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v angry_a at_o their_o wickedness_n and_o at_o their_o ill_a will_n to_o we_o but_o humble_o submit_v to_o our_o suffering_n as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o i_o need_v not_o say_v how_o this_o will_v calm_v and_o temper_v our_o passion_n because_o it_o leave_v so_o little_a of_o self_n in_o our_o anger_n and_o resentment_n let_v man_n be_v as_o angry_a with_o wickedness_n as_o they_o please_v and_o punish_v it_o as_o it_o deserve_v this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a anger_n and_o never_o transport_v man_n to_o excess_n it_o be_v self-love_n which_o inflame_v our_o anger_n and_o sharpen_v our_o revenge_n not_o that_o such_o wickedness_n be_v commit_v but_o that_o we_o be_v the_o sufferer_n by_o it_o for_o man_n be_v never_o so_o angry_a in_o another_o man_n cause_n as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o though_o the_o wickedness_n the_o affront_n the_o injury_n be_v the_o same_o but_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_v be_v most_o provoke_v that_o be_v we_o love_v ourselves_o more_o than_o we_o hate_v wickedness_n when_o our_o anger_n be_v excessive_a but_o now_o if_o man_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o they_o as_o to_o the_o case_n of_o suffer_v if_o all_o this_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n here_o be_v little_a room_n for_o personal_a resentment_n for_o that_o we_o suffer_v by_o their_o wickedness_n be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o but_o that_o they_o be_v wicked_a and_o than_o though_o our_o own_o suffering_n will_v give_v we_o a_o great_a sense_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o make_v we_o more_o personal_o concern_v to_o punish_v it_o yet_o our_o passion_n will_v be_v more_o gentle_a and_o easy_a the_o more_o we_o attribute_v our_o suffering_n to_o god_n and_o the_o less_o to_o men._n second_o another_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n be_v a_o entire_a trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n the_o state_n of_o a_o creature_n be_v all_o dependence_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o dependent_a state_n and_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v no_o other_o object_n but_o that_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v all_o other_o dependency_n be_v vain_a because_o none_o else_o can_v help_v we_o but_o god_n have_v all_o event_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v help_v we_o if_o he_o please_v and_o he_o will_v help_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o exhortation_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n with_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o with_o example_n of_o god_n care_n and_o protection_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o make_v he_o their_o only_a hope_n and_o trust_v but_o yet_o the_o duty_n itself_o need_v some_o explication_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o what_o 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thing_n can_v know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v argument_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o must_v confess_v ourselves_o so_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absure_v for_o we_o to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o leave_v god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a wisdom_n which_o at_o first_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n three_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o this_o state_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v or_o desire_v a_o particular_a account_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n 25._o prov._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n forbid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o sophronius_n give_v a_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o mortal_a parent_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o infinite_a immortal_a be_v must_v be_v above_o we_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o zophar_n give_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n 11._o job_n 12._o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n too_o great_a for_o our_o birth_n if_o our_o natural_a capacity_n bear_v proportion_n to_o it_o for_o god_n must_v be_v 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providence_n as_o constant_a and_o regular_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o return_v of_o day_n and_o night_n of_o winter_n and_o summer_n and_o when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v thus_o even_o and_o regular_o will_v they_o then_o promise_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n i_o mighty_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o believe_v a_o providence_n then_o than_o they_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n which_o so_o seldom_o vary_v that_o it_o be_v think_v portentous_a and_o ominous_a if_o they_o do_v can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o all_o their_o virtue_n and_o power_n move_v and_o act_v uniform_o by_o constant_a and_o unerring_a law_n and_o if_o the_o regular_a uniformity_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o think_v by_o these_o man_n a_o 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