Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n effect_n good_a work_n 5,591 5 6.3844 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59814 A discourse concerning the divine providence by William Sherlock ... Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1694 (1694) Wing S3286; ESTC R8109 271,248 406

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and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o itself_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o have_v life_n and_o understanding_n must_v be_v make_v by_o a_o live_n and_o understand_v cause_n whatever_o have_v art_n and_o skill_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n in_o its_o frame_n as_o every_o worm_n and_o fly_n have_v must_v have_v a_o wise_a design_v cause_n for_o its_o maker_n and_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o whole_a world_n be_v not_o make_v by_o chance_n or_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a mind_n this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n all_o man_n understand_v it_o all_o man_n feel_v it_o atheist_n themselves_o allow_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o proof_n in_o all_o other_o case_n except_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o absurd_a foolish_a way_n of_o reason_v for_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v allow_v of_o in_o any_o case_n and_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v it_o in_o this_o case_n but_o that_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o yet_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v from_o effect_n to_o cause_n must_v be_v good_a in_o all_o case_n or_o in_o none_o for_o the_o principle_n be_v universal_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v make_v make_v without_o a_o cause_n this_o principle_n be_v false_a and_o can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o i_o challenge_v the_o wise_a and_o subtle_a atheist_n of_o they_o all_o to_o prove_v from_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a house_n that_o ever_o he_o see_v which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v build_v for_o that_o be_v a_o proof_n from_o sense_n not_o from_o reason_n be_v build_v by_o man_n and_o be_v a_o work_n of_o art_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o either_o grow_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n nor_o be_v make_v by_o the_o accidental_a meeting_n of_o the_o several_a material_n which_o without_o knowledge_n art_n or_o design_n fall_v into_o a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a building_n have_v these_o man_n never_o see_v a_o house_n build_v i_o will_v desire_v to_o know_v how_o they_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o work_n of_o art_n build_v by_o a_o skilful_a workman_n and_o not_o make_v by_o chance_n and_o by_o what_o medium_n soever_o they_o will_v prove_v this_o i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o the_o present_a enquiry_n be_v only_o this_o whether_o this_o be_v human_a reason_n the_o natural_a reason_n of_o human_a mind_n if_o it_o be_v than_o man_n who_o will_v be_v content_v to_o reason_n like_o man_n must_v acknowledge_v and_o assent_v to_o this_o argument_n from_o effect_n to_o cause_n which_o unavoidable_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v all_o i_o desire_v to_o be_v grant_v that_o those_o who_o will_v follow_v the_o notice_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a 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no_o far_o but_o how_o do_v they_o know_v this_o may_v be_v have_v they_o any_o such_o notion_n in_o their_o mind_n have_v they_o any_o natural_a sensation_n that_o answer_v these_o word_n do_v nature_n teach_v they_o that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n adequate_a to_o the_o effect_n that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o make_v without_o a_o wise_a cause_n that_o one_o contrary_n can_v produce_v the_o other_o that_o senseless_a stupid_a matter_n can_v produce_v life_n sensation_n and_o understanding_n can_v they_o then_o tell_v i_o what_o it_o be_v that_o can_v be_v i_o desire_v to_o know_v by_o what_o rule_n they_o judge_v what_o may_v be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v and_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a and_o contradictious_a than_o their_o may_v be_v i_o will_v renounce_v sense_n and_o reason_n for_o ever_o if_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n according_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n this_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o all_o that_o their_o may_v be_v his_o can_n signify_v be_v this_o that_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n deceive_v we_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a principle_n of_o reason_n tell_v we_o can_v be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o glorious_a triumph_n of_o atheistical_a reason_n it_o can_v get_v no_o far_o than_o a_o may_v be_v and_o such_o a_o may_v be_v as_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v true_a set_a aside_o the_o relation_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n from_o cause_n to_o effect_n and_o from_o effect_n to_o cause_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o set_v aside_o all_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n which_o all_o man_n assent_v to_o at_o the_o first_o proposal_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n without_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o some_o 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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 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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
and_o to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n and_o kingdom_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v man_n by_o nature_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n too_o for_o necessary_a cause_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n without_o the_o direction_n and_o management_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o guide_v exert_n or_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n with_o as_o great_a freedom_n as_o man_n act_n man_n do_v not_o always_o deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o and_o if_o the_o kind_n or_o malign_a influence_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v temper_v to_o man_n desert_n to_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o to_o reward_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o natural_a cause_n which_o of_o themselves_o act_v necessary_o without_o wisdom_n or_o counsel_n must_v be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n thus_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o this_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o nature_n god_n have_v bestow_v different_a virtue_n and_o power_n on_o natural_a cause_n and_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v use_v of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o neither_o act_n without_o they_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v some_o unthinking_a man_n resolve_v all_o into_o nature_n without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n because_o except_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o see_v every_o thing_n else_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n have_v make_v a_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o act_v without_o it_o or_o to_o over-rule_v its_o power_n but_o to_o steer_v and_o guide_v its_o motion_n to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o act_v without_o nature_n nor_o against_o its_o law_n so_o neither_o do_v nature_n act_n by_o steady_a and_o uniform_a motion_n without_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n but_o while_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o material_a world_n act_v necessary_o and_o exert_v its_o natural_a power_n god_n can_v temper_v suspend_v direct_v its_o influence_n without_o reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n fire_n and_o water_n wind_n and_o rain_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n have_v their_o natutral_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o god_n produce_v such_o effect_n as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o produce_v by_o their_o natural_a power_n he_o warm_v we_o with_o fire_n invigorate_v the_o earth_n by_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o star_n and_o planet_n refresh_v and_o moisten_v it_o with_o spring_n and_o fountain_n and_o rain_n from_o heaven_n fan_n the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o purge_v it_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o when_o and_o where_o the_o rain_n shall_v fall_v and_o the_o wind_n shall_v blow_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n time_n and_o season_n natural_a cause_n shall_v give_v or_o withhold_v their_o influence_n this_o god_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o can_v govern_v without_o alter_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v his_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o order_n to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v thus_o god_n reason_n with_o job_n concern_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n 38._o job_n 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n can_v thou_o bind_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n or_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n can_v thou_o bring_v forth_o mazzaroth_n in_o his_o season_n or_o can_v thou_o guide_v arcturus_n with_o his_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n or_o can_v thou_o set_v the_o dominion_n thereof_o in_o the_o earth_n can_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v thou_o can_v thou_o send_v lightning_n that_o they_o may_v go_v and_o say_v unto_o thou_o here_o we_o be_v this_o be_v above_o human_a power_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n and_o stormy_a wind_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o sometime_o god_n restrain_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o rain_v 2_o chr._n 7._o 13._o at_o other_o time_n he_o call_v to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v the_o earth_n he_o give_v the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o appoint_a week_n of_o harvest_n 5._o jer._n 24_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o israel_n 11_o deut_n 14_o 15._o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o rain_n of_o your_o land_n in_o his_o due_a season_n the_o first_o rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n that_o thou_o may_v gather_v in_o thy_o corn_n and_o thy_o wine_n and_o thy_o oil_n and_o i_o will_v send_v grass_n in_o thy_o field_n for_o thy_o cattle_n that_o thou_o may_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a he_o prescribe_v in_o what_o proportion_n it_o shall_v rain_v 2._o joel_n 23_o 24._o be_v glad_a you_o child_n of_o zion_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o former_a rain_n moderate_o and_o he_o will_v cause_v to_o come_v down_o for_o you_o the_o former_a rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o the_o first_o month_n nay_o god_n appoint_v on_o what_o place_n it_o shall_v rain_v 34._o ezek._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o and_o the_o place_n round_o about_o my_o hill_n a_o blessing_n and_o i_o will_v cause_v the_o shower_n to_o come_v down_o in_o his_o season_n there_o shall_v be_v shower_n of_o blessing_n 4._o amos_n 7_o 8._o and_o also_o i_o have_v withhold_v the_o rain_n from_o you_o when_o there_o be_v yet_o three_o month_n to_o the_o harvest_n and_o i_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o cause_v it_o not_o to_o rain_v upon_o another_o city_n one_o piece_n be_v rain_v upon_o and_o the_o piece_n whereupon_o it_o rain_v not_o wither_a so_o two_o or_o three_o city_n wander_v to_o one_o city_n to_o drink_v water_n but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n as_o these_o without_o confess_v that_o god_n keep_v the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o particular_a effect_n and_o all_o the_o change_n of_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n unless_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n determine_v natural_a cause_n to_o the_o produce_v such_o particular_a effect_n great_a part_n of_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o if_o god_n take_v care_n of_o mankind_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n and_o when_o he_o promise_v health_n and_o plenty_n or_o threaten_v pestilence_n and_o famine_n how_o can_v he_o make_v good_a either_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a power_n over_o nature_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o all_o natural_a cause_n be_v under_o the_o immediate_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n keep_v the_o spring_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v for_o mere_a matter_n though_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o necessary_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o its_o own_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n without_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n and_o we_o see_v in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n what_o a_o empire_n human_a art_n have_v over_o nature_n not_o by_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o human_a art_n can_v never_o do_v but_o by_o such_o a_o skilful_a application_n of_o cause_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o effect_n as_o unguided_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v untaught_a nature_n can_v never_o have_v produce_v and_o if_o god_n have_v subject_v material_a nature_n to_o human_a art_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o exempt_v it_o from_o his_o own_o guidance_n and_o power_n this_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a providence_n shall_v govern_v nature_n for_o natural_a cause_n be_v excellent_a instrument_n but_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o skilful_a hand_n and_o those_o various_a change_n which_o be_v in_o nature_n especial_o in_o this_o sublunary_a world_n which_o we_o be_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 argument_n to_o teach_v we_o the_o most_o profound_a reverence_n and_o the_o most_o absolute_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n but_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n reach_v far_a that_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n for_o no_o be_v can_v know_v how_o to_o govern_v a_o world_n who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o make_v it_o and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n himself_o be_v a_o very_a unfit_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v when_o the_o world_n be_v well_o and_o wise_o govern_v because_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n the_o wise_a government_n of_o all_o creature_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o without_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n the_o spring_n of_o motion_n the_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n what_o end_n thing_n be_v make_v for_o and_o what_o use_v they_o serve_v we_o can_v never_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v nor_o what_o can_v be_v do_v or_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o then_o can_v never_o tell_v when_o any_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o rule_n nor_o what_o the_o end_v of_o god_n government_n be_v which_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n without_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n make_v as_o wild_a conjecture_n about_o providence_n as_o a_o blind_a man_n do_v of_o light_n and_o colour_n as_o for_o instance_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o talk_v a_o wise_a word_n about_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n in_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o turn_v their_o heart_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v thought_n to_o they_o and_o foresee_v their_o thought_n and_o how_o they_o will_v determine_v themselves_o when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o make_n and_o frame_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n where_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n be_v and_o how_o we_o connect_v proposition_n and_o draw_v consequence_n what_o the_o power_n of_o the_o will_n be_v how_o we_o determine_v ourselves_o in_o indifferent_a matter_n where_o the_o balance_n be_v equal_a for_o though_o we_o feel_v all_o these_o power_n in_o ourselves_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o whence_o they_o be_v nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o how_o many_o intricate_a question_n be_v there_o relate_v to_o the_o dispute_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o such_o nice_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o which_o some_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o with_o and_o undertake_v very_o grave_o to_o determine_v such_o be_v the_o dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n prescience_n and_o predetermination_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n which_o as_o they_o be_v different_o determine_v make_v very_o different_a and_o contrary_a hypothesis_n of_o providence_n and_o either_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o acquit_v he_o from_o any_o partnership_n in_o wickedness_n for_o all_o these_o question_n at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o this_o how_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n act_n and_o determine_v itself_o whether_o it_o be_v determine_v from_o abroad_o from_o a_o necessary_a train_n and_o series_n of_o fatal_a event_n or_o from_o the_o decree_n and_o predetermination_n or_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o selfmoving_a be_v and_o determine_v itself_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o its_o own_o free_a choice_n now_o unless_o we_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n or_o the_o natural_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n in_o this_o cause_n any_o far_a than_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n go_v and_o that_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o liberty_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v strange_o impose_v on_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o free_a but_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o as_o to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o way_n resolve_v but_o by_o a_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o they_o as_o we_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o our_o confess_a ignorance_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o make_v we_o very_o modest_a in_o censure_v providence_n we_o know_v enough_o both_o of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v all_o the_o wise_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o live_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o all_o that_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v know_v but_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o thing_n belong_v only_o to_o that_o wisdom_n which_o can_v make_v and_o govern_v a_o world_n we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o providence_n as_o we_o do_v of_o nature_n and_o will_v man_n set_v bound_n to_o their_o inquiry_n here_o which_o be_v as_o far_o as_o human_a understanding_n can_v reach_v we_o shall_v hear_v very_o few_o objection_n against_o providence_n our_o ignorance_n of_o nature_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o the_o natural_a spring_n of_o motion_n how_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o act_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o be_v make_v which_o in_o many_o case_n we_o do_v but_o very_o imperfect_o guess_v at_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o we_o never_o ought_v to_o admit_v any_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o be_v or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o bar_n to_o all_o the_o moral_a evidence_n and_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o both_o we_o have_v all_o the_o moral_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o holy_a and_o free_a providence_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o our_o will_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v concern_v be_v under_o no_o foreign_a force_n and_o constraint_n but_o choose_v and_o refuse_v and_o determine_v themselves_o with_o a_o natural_a liberty_n i_o say_v we_o have_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o from_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n these_o thing_n be_v plain_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v with_o any_o fair_a appearance_n of_o reason_n but_o now_o all_o the_o argument_n against_o providence_n and_o for_o necessity_n and_o fate_n be_v mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o man_n vain_o pretend_v to_o when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a they_o can_v know_v nothing_o 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 essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n do_v man_n sin_n by_o divine_a impulse_n or_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o in_o express_a word_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n 1._o james_n 13._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o passionate_a expostulation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n sincere_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o man_n sin_v free_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o incline_v and_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a be_v to_o 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