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
his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o security_n it_o give_v we_o 1._o what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v since_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o this_o signify_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n but_o only_o on_o god_n though_o we_o just_o value_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o prince_n and_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o thank_v god_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o such_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o we_o yet_o our_o entire_a trust_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o god_n that_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v help_v we_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v always_o oppose_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o man_n in_o prince_n in_o human_a counsel_n policy_n or_o strength_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n 118._o psalm_n 8_o 9_o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anointed_n he_o will_v hear_v he_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n they_o be_v bring_v down_o and_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v rise_v and_o stand_v upright_o 20._o psalm_n 6_o 7_o 8._o all_o wise_a man_n be_v great_o satisfy_v and_o please_v to_o see_v the_o probable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o safety_n and_o defence_n because_o god_n ordinary_o work_v by_o mean_n but_o good_a man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o will_v not_o make_v we_o whole_o unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a whatever_o happen_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_a or_o alike_o indifferent_a riches_n and_o poverty_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n war_n or_o peace_n plenty_n or_o famine_n can_v be_v alike_o indifferent_a to_o any_o man_n who_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o but_o it_o will_v make_v we_o quiet_a and_o patient_a under_o all_o event_n and_o help_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o adverse_a fortune_n with_o such_o a_o unbroken_a greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n this_o be_v proper_o to_o trust_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v which_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v or_o at_o least_o to_o direct_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v it_o but_o to_o live_v secure_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n without_o disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o
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
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1_o rom._n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o 17._o act_n 28._o he_o prove_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o he_o make_v it_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o allege_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o we_o may_v be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v his_o constant_a care_n and_o governmet_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o those_o day_n that_o no_o man_n who_o confess_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n question_v his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o god_n because_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a argument_n to_o prove_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o very_a delightful_a entertainment_n to_o view_v all_o the_o curiosity_n and_o suprize_v wonder_n of_o nature_n with_o what_o beauty_n art_n and_o contrivance_n particular_a creature_n be_v make_v and_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n be_v fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a world_n how_o all_o particular_a creature_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o yet_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v as_o mutual_a a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n what_o a_o equal_a and_o steady_a hand_n govern_v the_o world_n when_o its_o motion_n seem_v most_o eccentric_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o perplex_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o a_o god_n to_o disentangle_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o this_o cause_n will_v but_o man_n attentive_o study_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v as_o visible_a in_o his_o work_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v by_o its_o light_n when_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o nature_n be_v unfold_v and_o expose_v particular_o to_o our_o view_n it_o so_o over-power_n the_o mind_n with_o such_o infinite_a variety_n of_o that_o most_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n that_o modest_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a chance_n which_o have_v no_o design_n or_o counsel_n indeed_o to_o say_v that_o a_o world_n full_a of_o infinite_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a art_n a_o world_n so_o make_v that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o better_o be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a mind_n but_o by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o without_o any_o design_n after_o infinite_a fruitless_a trial_n happen_v into_o this_o exact_a useful_a beautiful_a order_n that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o chance_n move_v as_o constant_o regular_o artificial_o in_o all_o new_a production_n as_o the_o divine_a and_o most_o uniform_a wisdom_n can_v direct_v i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n by_o leave_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n to_o dispute_v with_o a_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v no_o principle_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o reason_v but_o only_o confident_o deny_v or_o affirm_v they_o can_v assign_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n allow_v to_o be_v principle_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o providence_n but_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o principle_n which_o all_o other_o man_n agree_v in_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n brief_o to_o explain_v this_o which_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o reject_v atheism_n and_o atheist_n without_o trouble_v yourselves_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o for_o they_o have_v no_o common_a principle_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o reason_n upon_o nor_o indeed_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o purpose_n mankind_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o think_v and_o reason_v have_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o have_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o atheist_n themselves_o to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n who_o do_v not_o boggle_v much_o at_o absurdity_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v their_o atom_n and_o their_o vacuum_n to_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o whatever_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v a_o cause_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a progress_n of_o human_a understanding_n be_v to_o reason_n from_o one_o cause_n to_o another_o till_o we_o ascend_v to_o and_o centre_n in_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o believe_v one_o first_o eternal_a cause_n as_o to_o believe_v a_o eternal_a be_v but_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o believe_v something_o eternal_a it_o be_v as_o unnatural_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a though_o we_o have_v of_o a_o eternal_a cause_n for_o the_o very_a reason_n why_o we_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v something_o eternal_a be_v because_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v because_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a but_o if_o any_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v and_o unmake_v change_v and_o alter_v as_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n than_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o natural_a notion_n it_o can_v be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o first_o cause_n for_o that_o very_a notion_n suppose_v that_o something_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v original_o make_v when_o it_o be_v not_o before_o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a for_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o axiom_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o all_o man_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o the_o make_n and_o give_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n be_v natural_a if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o nothing_o be_v make_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o see_v and_o visible_a effect_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a cause_n adequate_a to_o the_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o some_o invisible_a cause_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o
not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o immortal_a creature_n who_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o some_o few_o inference_n 1._o if_o creature_n must_v be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o make_v by_o god_n than_o the_o present_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n some_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o they_o see_v a_o world_n preserve_v when_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o able_a to_o preserve_v than_o to_o make_v itself_o and_o who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v man_n and_o man_n can_v preserve_v himself_o and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v preserve_v nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o invisible_a cause_n who_o we_o call_v god._n 2._o if_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o god_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v all_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v we_o but_o we_o have_v our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o have_v he_o only_o make_v we_o at_o first_o that_o have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o can_v we_o have_v live_v without_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v less_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o have_v live_v without_o any_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o as_o some_o ungrateful_a person_n deal_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o patron_n when_o they_o have_v set_v they_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o but_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v who_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v every_o moment_n be_v to_o affront_v a_o present_a benefactor_n if_o we_o value_v be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v tempt_v god_n by_o this_o to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o nothing_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o just_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v infinite_o worse_a for_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o for_o if_o he_o not_o only_o make_v but_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v he_o must_v be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o other_o have_v any_o original_a and_o absolute_a interest_n in_o we_o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o they_o nor_o touch_v we_o but_o by_o his_o order_n to_o give_v be_v and_o to_o preserve_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n no_o other_o be_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v no_o other_o power_n can_v govern_v he_o alone_o can_v give_v law_n can_v reward_v or_o punish_v can_v govern_v nature_n can_v direct_v over-rule_v control_v all_o other_o power_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o all_o 4._o and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o irresistible_a the_o divine_a power_n be_v for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o light_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n against_o he_o and_o what_o distraction_n then_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o we_o can_v resist_v humble_a thyself_o sinner_n before_o thy_o maker_n thy_o preserver_n and_o thy_o judge_n obey_v his_o will_n to_o who_o power_n thou_o must_v submit_v let_v he_o be_v thy_o fear_n and_o thy_o dread_a thy_o only_a fear_n for_o thou_o need_v fear_v none_o else_o all_o power_n be_v he_o none_o can_v resist_v he_o none_o can_v act_v without_o he_o he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v safe_a in_o his_o hand_n safe_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n but_o thou_o can_v never_o escape_v he_o never_o fly_v from_o he_o never_o defend_v thyself_o against_o he_o for_o thou_o live_v in_o he_o 5._o this_o also_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n for_o we_o live_v and_o move_v in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o privy_a to_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n observe_v all_o our_o wander_n see_v we_o in_o all_o our_o retirement_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v hide_v themselves_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n teach_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v nor_o move_v nor_o subsist_v without_o god_n he_o must_v be_v always_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o which_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o constant_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all_o see_a eye_n chap._n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n next_o to_o preservation_n as_o that_o signify_v god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o preserve_v and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o else_o something_o may_v be_v do_v which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o all_o man_n grant_v in_o general_a word_n who_o own_o a_o providence_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n there_o be_v so_o many_o except_a case_n which_o they_o will_v hardly_o allow_v god_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v little_o more_o by_o god_n government_n than_o a_o general_a inspection_n of_o human_a affair_n his_o look_v on_o to_o see_v the_o world_n govern_v itself_o for_o three_o part_n of_o four_o of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v into_o bare_a permission_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o order_v and_o dispose_v providence_n and_o than_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o such_o case_n no_o more_o than_o man_n do_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o god_n can_v hinder_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o man_n do_v hinder_v because_o they_o can_v but_o still_o mere_o not_o to_o hinder_v do_v not_o signify_v to_o govern_v but_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o act_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v into_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o sort_n of_o cause_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o each_o 1._o natural_a cause_n 2_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n and_o fortune_n 3_o moral_a cause_n and_o free_a agent_n or_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n 1._o natural_a cause_n or_o god_n government_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o move_v and_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o choice_n now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o belong_v to_o creation_n and_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n but_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o their_o natural_a influence_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n shall_v be_v do_v god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n govern_v the_o moral_a by_o the_o natural_a world_n he_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a air_n by_o fruitful_a or_o barren_a season_n he_o hinder_v or_o promote_v their_o design_n by_o wind_n and_o weather_n by_o a_o forward_a or_o a_o backward_a spring_n and_o make_v nature_n give_v law_n to_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o intrigue_n to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o powerful_a fleet_n and_o army_n to_o defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o 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
of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o least_o blemish_n to_o his_o holiness_n or_o justice_n for_o such_o frightful_a execution_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o when_o god_n have_v public_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v try_v gentle_a method_n and_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o thus_o god_n punish_v that_o he_o may_v spare_v be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o strike_v often_o that_o sinner_n may_v have_v sufficient_a warning_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o sinner_n without_o encourage_v they_o in_o sin_n thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n when_o they_o be_v past_o be_v reform_v be_v a_o warn_n to_o all_o sinner_n as_o long_o as_o this_o world_n last_v and_o be_v a_o public_a and_o stand_a confutation_n of_o atheism_n of_o such_o scoffer_n as_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o remain_v but_o for_o god_n to_o make_v some_o more_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n than_o by_o miracle_n especial_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v for_o the_o deliverance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o learn_v from_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o but_o by_o something_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o when_o the_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a order_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o least_o not_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v this_o world_n miracle_n will_n those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v man_n into_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n or_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o prophet_n to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o miracle_n as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a that_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v shall_v some_o time_n work_v miracle_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o to_o make_v such_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o fall_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o credible_a and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v there_o be_v for_o reject_v miracle_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o all_o those_o who_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n either_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o power_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n to_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o therefore_o worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o disposer_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o either_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o worship_v their_o country-god_n together_o with_o he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o frequent_a most_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a worship_n now_o such_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n as_o these_o which_o none_o of_o their_o country-god_n can_v do_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o