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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n effect_n necessary_a produce_v 6,956 5 9.5140 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49394 An enquiry after happiness. Vol. 1 by the author of The practical Christianity. Lucas, Richard, 1648-1715. 1685 (1685) Wing L3402; ESTC R3025 133,570 376

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now_o mention_v with_o he_o do_v ever_o hold_v nay_o a_o fate_n more_o impious_a than_o that_o of_o democritus_n for_o what_o he_o impute_v to_o senseless_a matter_n these_o do_v to_o god_n and_o as_o much_o more_o rigid_a as_o it_o be_v more_o impious_a than_o he_o for_o he_o never_o think_v of_o another_o life_n wherein_o eternal_a misery_n shall_v punish_v those_o action_n that_o be_v unavoidable_a in_o this_o now_o the_o reason_n why_o this_o doctrine_n of_o fate_n this_o absurd_a and_o baffle_a doctrine_n be_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v and_o eager_o defend_v by_o many_o be_v very_o plain_a it_o feed_v the_o vanity_n and_o curiosity_n of_o some_o and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o it_o be_v a_o luscious_a pleasure_n to_o curious_a and_o vain_a mind_n to_o fancy_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o starry_a cabala_n able_a to_o spell_v out_o and_o interpret_v the_o law_n of_o fate_n and_o pry_v into_o the_o destiny_n of_o future_a age_n which_o be_v cover_v with_o thick_a cloud_n and_o impenetrable_a darkness_n to_o all_o but_o they_o alone_o it_o be_v a_o delicious_a pleasure_n no_o doubt_n of_o it_o to_o the_o proud_a and_o haughty_a and_o ill-natured_a to_o see_v themselves_o caress_v and_o exalt_v by_o god_n as_o his_o particular_a favourite_n while_o the_o miserable_a multitude_n the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v exclude_v from_o the_o capacity_n and_o much_o more_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o heaven_n and_o in_o general_a it_o be_v a_o acceptable_a opinion_n to_o the_o loose_a and_o profligate_v since_o it_o be_v a_o ready_a apology_n for_o idleness_n and_o lust_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n may_v sin_n confident_o and_o without_o remorse_n if_o they_o do_v sin_n fatal_o or_o rather_o nothing_o can_v be_v brand_v with_o the_o infamy_n of_o sin_n and_o shame_n when_o whatever_o man_n do_v be_v the_o effect_n the_o unavoidable_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o necessity_n a_o act_n of_o obedience_n to_o those_o fatal_a law_n which_o they_o can_v not_o transgress_v tertullian_n therefore_o speak_v very_o proper_o when_o he_o say_v apol._n tertul._n apol._n mentis_fw-la malae_fw-la impetus_fw-la vel_fw-la fato_fw-la vel_fw-la astris_fw-la imputant_fw-la nolunt_fw-la suum_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la malum_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la they_o impute_v the_o heat_n and_o sally_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o star_n and_o fate_n be_v unwilling_a to_o charge_n themselves_o with_o the_o guilt_n of_o that_o which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v evil._n this_o be_v the_o use_n cerealis_n make_v of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o fate_n in_o tacitus_n histor_n donec_fw-la cerealis_n mulceret_fw-la animos_fw-la fato_fw-la acta_fw-la dictitans_fw-la quae_fw-la militum_fw-la ducumque_fw-la discordiâ_fw-la vel_fw-la fraud_n hostium_fw-la evenissent_fw-la tacit._n l._n 4._o histor_n the_o roman_a legion_n have_v behave_v themselves_o very_o unworthy_a of_o that_o name_n and_o reputation_n they_o possess_v it_o and_o be_v extreme_o deject_v under_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o therefore_o he_o to_o cheer_n and_o encourage_v they_o and_o to_o wipe_v off_o the_o stain_n and_o dishonour_n of_o their_o misdemeanour_n impute_v to_o fate_n that_o which_o ought_v with_o truth_n to_o have_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o dissension_n of_o their_o leader_n and_o themselves_o and_o to_o the_o fraud_n and_o cunning_a of_o their_o enemy_n from_o this_o little_a that_o have_v be_v say_v as_o it_o appear_v why_o proud_a and_o vicious_a man_n contend_v for_o fate_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o of_o what_o importance_n it_o be_v to_o free_a man_n mind_n from_o a_o persuasion_n so_o pernicious_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o public_a the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n that_o i_o may_v contribute_v all_o i_o can_v i_o will_v consider_v first_o on_o which_o side_n stand_v the_o advantage_n of_o authority_n whether_o for_o or_o against_o fate_n second_o what_o plain_a reason_n and_o as_o plain_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v in_o this_o point_n as_o to_o the_o first_o i_o will_v not_o pretend_v to_o make_v a_o just_a and_o intelligible_a collection_n of_o the_o different_a notion_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o of_o fate_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o that_o which_o grotius_n have_v do_v of_o this_o kind_n not_o only_o how_o tedious_a and_o voluminous_a but_o also_o how_o obscure_a and_o confuse_v the_o discourse_n of_o man_n have_v be_v on_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o therefore_o as_o far_o as_o my_o memory_n will_v serve_v i_o consider_v their_o opinion_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o present_a enquiry_n shall_v oblige_v i_o most_o philosopher_n do_v agree_v in_o one_o general_a notion_n of_o fate_n that_o it_o be_v a_o connexion_n or_o series_n of_o cause_n successive_o depend_v upon_o one_o another_o nomesius_n nomesius_n and_o produce_v a_o necessary_a effect_n or_o event_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o first_o ground_n or_o original_a of_o this_o necessary_a connexion_n or_o dependence_n be_v very_o various_a some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o daemon_n or_o spirit_n some_o to_o the_o influence_n of_o star_n some_o to_o the_o circumaction_n or_o whirl_v about_o of_o the_o heaven_n some_o to_o a_o universal_a soul_n some_o to_o the_o force_n of_o motion_n some_o to_o the_o contexture_n and_o contrivance_n of_o nature_n other_o to_o atom_n and_o other_o to_o god_n and_o indeed_o since_o matter_n or_o mind_n be_v the_o two_o only_a thing_n into_o which_o all_o philosopher_n have_v ultimate_o resolve_v their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o the_o original_a of_o all_o thing_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v look_v for_o no_o other_o original_a of_o fate_n than_o one_o of_o these_o two_o but_o this_o concern_v my_o present_a question_n but_o very_o little_a for_o if_o man_n be_v overrule_v and_o determine_v by_o fatal_a law_n it_o matter_n little_a how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v so_o nor_o do_v i_o mention_v this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n than_o this_o that_o it_o give_v we_o just_a occasion_n to_o suspect_v fate_n itself_o as_o a_o erroneous_a and_o ill-grounded_a position_n for_o obscurity_n and_o intricacy_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o different_a notion_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v the_o general_a mark_n of_o falsehood_n and_o error_n but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n very_o material_a to_o be_v inquire_v first_o how_o far_o the_o empire_n or_o dominion_n of_o fate_n be_v general_o extend_v and_o second_o what_o kind_n of_o necessity_n or_o what_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v to_o constitute_v fate_n as_o to_o the_o extent_n of_o its_o power_n this_o one_o thing_n be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o the_o heathen_n do_v exempt_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o its_o sovereignty_n democritus_n indeed_o believe_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o necessary_o and_o fatal_o move_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o atom_n as_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o irrational_a body_n but_o epicurus_n desert_v he_o in_o this_o and_o follow_v the_o conduct_n of_o common_a sense_n &_o experience_n acknowledge_v the_o liberty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o labour_v as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o with_o all_o his_o might_n to_o assert_v it_o and_o to_o preserve_v the_o distinction_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o fate_n destroy_v to_o serve_v this_o hypothesis_n it_o be_v that_o he_o invent_v that_o new_a motion_n of_o his_o atom_n call_v by_o lucretius_n clinamen_n sufficient_o expose_v by_o tully_n and_o how_o well_o defend_v by_o gassendus_fw-la i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o examine_v for_o i_o have_v produce_v his_o opinion_n only_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o fate_n for_o have_v not_o its_o liberty_n be_v undeniable_a and_o self-evident_a the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n his_o philosophy_n have_v certain_o oblige_v he_o to_o follow_v democritus_n in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o point_n and_o to_o have_v believe_v the_o soul_n itself_o o'erruled_a by_o fate_n the_o poet_n indeed_o make_v the_o monarchy_n of_o fate_n so_o universal_a that_o they_o believe_v the_o god_n themselves_o subject_a to_o it_o thus_o jupiter_n in_o homer_n bemoan_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o sarpedon_n which_o he_o can_v not_o prevent_v and_o thus_o another_o poet_n represent_v apollo_n strive_v in_o vain_a by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o art_n and_o virtue_n of_o herb_n to_o restore_v life_n to_o his_o hyacinthus_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a a_o poetic_a fancy_n it_o be_v usual_a with_o plato_n to_o extend_v the_o dominion_n of_o fate_n over_o the_o god_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o fate_n with_o he_o import_v the_o immutable_a law_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o god_n those_o spirit_n that_o be_v create_v by_o he_o the_o stoic_n indeed_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o assign_v a_o worse_a reason_n
wise_a from_o subjection_n to_o time_n and_o chance_n which_o be_v all_o that_o solomon_n complain_v of_o here_o but_o notwithstanding_o i_o must_v ever_o think_v with_o he_o 2._o eccles_n 2._o that_o wisdom_n excel_v folly_n as_o much_o as_o light_n do_v darkness_n not_o only_o because_o cheerful_a delightful_a to_o itself_o but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v the_o happy_a guide_n of_o humane_a life_n blessed_v general_o with_o success_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a in_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n self-sufficient_a nor_o do_v our_o english_a proverb_n fool_n have_v the_o fortune_n imply_v any_o more_o than_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o their_o fortune_n that_o of_o wise_a man_n to_o their_o merit_n that_o success_n do_v common_o wait_v upon_o virtue_n and_o wisdom_n and_o nothing_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a chance_n can_v turn_v it_o upon_o the_o fool_n or_o sinner_n tho'_o all_o this_o while_n i_o understand_v success_n in_o thing_n necessary_a not_o superfluous_a for_o i_o can_v see_v how_o it_o can_v be_v any_o disparagement_n to_o providence_n to_o turn_v that_o plenty_n another_o way_n which_o will_v not_o like_v soft_a distil_a rain_n and_o dew_n cherish_v refresh_v and_o increase_v the_o tender_a plant_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n but_o like_o a_o flood_n wash_v away_o the_o earth_n from_o their_o root_n and_o either_o utter_o extirpate_v they_o or_o leave_v they_o oppress_v and_o bury_v in_o rubbish_n if_o this_o be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o confirm_v it_o man_n will_v not_o serve_v apprenticeship_n to_o trade_n man_n will_v not_o study_v art_n or_o science_n man_n will_v not_o strive_v with_o toil_n and_o hazard_v to_o make_v their_o point_n but_o lazy_o and_o secure_o stay_v till_o fortune_n rain_v its_o golden_a shower_n into_o their_o lap_n by_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o may_v easy_o appear_v how_o far_o i_o have_v advance_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o assertion_n i_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a namely_o that_o happiness_n may_v be_v attain_v in_o this_o world_n i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n do_v no_o way_n obstruct_v our_o present_a happiness_n that_o duty_n of_o mortification_n which_o it_o enjoin_v not_o forbid_v we_o to_o allow_v the_o world_n a_o proper_a place_n in_o our_o esteem_n but_o to_o overvalue_v it_o but_o to_o dote_v upon_o it_o not_o forbid_v we_o the_o enjoyment_n but_o abuse_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n no_o man_n therefore_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v injurious_a to_o our_o happiness_n till_o he_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n to_o dote_v upon_o these_o temporal_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v as_o irrational_a and_o intemperate_a in_o our_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o as_o our_o passion_n for_o they_o which_o he_o can_v never_o go_v about_o to_o do_v without_o contradict_v not_o only_o reveal_v truth_n but_o also_o the_o universal_a reason_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n i_o have_v in_o the_o next_o place_n show_v that_o some_o be_v happy_a than_o other_o or_o at_o least_o less_o miserable_a that_o this_o distinction_n of_o the_o condition_n or_o state_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o and_o the_o vice_n of_o other_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o the_o world_n abound_v with_o good_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o appetite_n nor_o capacity_n of_o man_n that_o may_v not_o find_v object_n proper_a and_o agreeable_a and_o such_o as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n may_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v and_o that_o man_n be_v endow_v with_o such_o a_o variety_n of_o faculty_n and_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o being_n the_o world_n contain_v which_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v from_o whence_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o these_o good_a thing_n unless_o the_o evil_a of_o life_n sour_a and_o embitter_v the_o good_a or_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o good_a be_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o remove_v all_o suspicion_n of_o both_o which_o i_o discourse_v something_o tho'_o brief_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o evil_a and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n evince_v plain_o the_o impotence_n and_o feebleness_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o strength_n and_o preparation_n of_o the_o other_o and_o for_o the_o close_a of_o all_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o result_n of_o time_n or_o chance_n etc._n etc._n as_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o wisdom_n and_o folly_n from_o all_o which_o the_o conclusion_n that_o natural_o arise_v be_v this_o that_o if_o man_n be_v miserable_a it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o a_o man_n may_v be_v happy_a if_o he_o will_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v let_v we_o try_v now_o by_o a_o close_a application_n of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o want_v and_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n what_o the_o evidence_n what_o the_o conviction_n what_o the_o real_a use_n and_o force_v of_o this_o discourse_n be_v i_o be_o unhappy_a i_o be_o miserable_a whoe're_o thou_o be_v that_o say_v so_o thou_o must_v needs_o mean_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n thou_o do_v enjoy_v no_o good_a or_o art_n oppress_v with_o evil_a if_o the_o latter_a i_o demand_v what_o evil_a speak_v out_o speak_v plain_o there_o be_v three_o sort_n of_o evil_n the_o evil_n of_o the_o mind_n the_o evil_n of_o the_o body_n the_o evil_n of_o fortune_n which_o of_o those_o art_n thou_o oppress_v by_o the_o evil_n of_o the_o mind_n these_o be_v either_o sinful_a passion_n or_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o guilty_a fear_n nothing_o can_v compel_v thou_o to_o be_v wicked_a cease_v 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perfection_n to_o delight_v thy_o will_n variety_n of_o object_n to_o treat_v thy_o sense_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o thou_o why_o then_o do_v thou_o defer_v to_o live_v why_o do_v thou_o not_o begin_v to_o enjoy_v here_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o thou_o must_v be_v force_v to_o say_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o thou_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v these_o blessing_n or_o that_o they_o be_v out_o of_o thy_o reach_n out_o of_o thy_o power_n to_o say_v thou_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o they_o be_v to_o re-renounce_a the_o faculty_n of_o thy_o soul_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o thy_o body_n to_o say_v they_o be_v out_o of_o thy_o reach_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n wisdom_n and_o folly_n be_v all_o one_o or_o which_o be_v every_o jot_n as_o absurd_a that_o thou_o be_v wicked_a and_o sottish_a and_o can_v not_o help_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o indeed_o which_o in_o effect_n all_o do_v say_v that_o accuse_v fortune_n or_o fate_n or_o nature_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o themselves_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o yet_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o be_v it_o must_v be_v now_o examine_v because_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v pervert_v and_o discourage_v by_o such_o notion_n i_o will_v proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n propose_v that_o be_v sect_n iii_o to_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o attainment_n of_o happiness_n those_o who_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o who_o argue_v from_o experience_n and_o observation_n without_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o assign_v any_o reason_n or_o cause_n of_o what_o they_o affirm_v no_o man_n ever_o have_v
god_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o misery_n if_o matter_n we_o ridiculous_o suppose_v that_o what_o be_v itself_o senseless_a and_o inanimate_a shall_v produce_v and_o govern_v a_o be_v endow_v with_o life_n understanding_n and_o liberty_n if_o the_o star_n we_o run_v again_o into_o the_o same_o absurdity_n for_o if_o they_o have_v their_o fatal_a influence_n from_o god_n then_o proper_o speak_v god_n be_v the_o author_n they_o but_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o fate_n if_o from_o themselves_o than_o our_o dependence_n on_o and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v vain_a and_o beside_o we_o absurd_o subject_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o senseless_a tyranny_n of_o atom_n if_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o fate_n we_o descend_v to_o examine_v what_o our_o experience_n teach_v we_o what_o common_a sense_n inform_v we_o each_o of_o they_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o liberty_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n if_o we_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o examine_v what_o will_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n overrule_a man_n and_o humane_a affair_n they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o gross_o contradiction_n in_o themselves_o but_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a both_o to_o the_o public_a and_o private_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v true_a be_v the_o liberty_n of_o do_v evil_a take_v from_o man_n we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o make_v the_o state_n of_o man_n happy_a as_o that_o of_o angel_n but_o immortality_n but_o to_o bereave_v man_n of_o all_o power_n to_o do_v good_a to_o necessitate_v and_o compel_v he_o to_o be_v wicked_a how_o dreadful_a be_v the_o effect_n which_o must_v follow_v this_o he_o that_o stain_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o sovereign_n or_o his_o parent_n will_v accuse_v his_o star_n not_o himself_o he_o that_o pollute_v himself_o in_o the_o incestuous_a embrace_n of_o a_o mother_n or_o a_o daughter_n may_v defend_v his_o action_n as_o his_o fate_n not_o choice_n and_o how_o ready_o shall_v we_o do_v all_o that_o rage_n or_o lust_n invite_v we_o to_o when_o there_o be_v a_o excuse_v prepare_v for_o all_o we_o do_v for_o he_o be_v no_o more_o unblamable_a who_o commit_v the_o evil_a which_o he_o can_v not_o help_v than_o he_o be_v worthy_a of_o praise_n who_o do_v the_o good_a which_o he_o can_v not_o forbear_v be_v it_o true_a that_o whatever_o mischief_n man_n do_v he_o be_v necessitate_v to_o do_v we_o may_v with_o more_o justice_n arraign_v the_o star_n and_o atom_n than_o malefactor_n and_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o mischief_n will_v be_v every_o jot_n as_o guilty_a and_o criminal_a as_o the_o man_n that_o use_v they_o be_v this_o true_a we_o may_v as_o proper_o betake_v ourselves_o to_o magic_n and_o enchantment_n as_o to_o advice_n and_o exhortation_n when_o we_o will_v reclaim_v the_o vicious_a nor_o yet_o can_v the_o one_o be_v more_o effectual_a than_o the_o other_o for_o what_o can_v alter_v what_o be_v unalterable_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o may_v forbear_v our_o sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n since_o what_o will_v be_v must_v be_v and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o desine_fw-la fata_fw-la deûm_fw-la flecti_fw-la sperare_fw-la precando_fw-la you_o strive_v in_o vain_a with_o prayer_n to_o move_v the_o inexorable_a fate_n above_o repentance_n and_o tear_n may_v be_v what_o seneca_n call_v expiation_n on_o this_o supposition_n aegrae_n mentis_fw-la solatia_fw-la the_o delude_a dream_n of_o a_o superstitious_a mind_n but_o can_v never_o procure_v we_o any_o real_a advantage_n so_o that_o on_o this_o supposition_n what_o be_v now_o think_v the_o only_a wisdom_n will_v be_v then_o the_o only_a folly_n of_o a_o sinner_n repentance_n i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v here_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o by_o this_o time_n evident_a whether_o reason_n be_v for_o or_o against_o fate_n we_o may_v just_o despair_v of_o discover_v what_o reason_n dictate_v in_o this_o or_o any_o other_o question_n i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v what_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n speak_v in_o this_o point_n and_o here_o in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o other_o fate_n than_o what_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o the_o scripture_n make_v all_o thing_n derive_v their_o original_a from_o he_o and_o all_o thing_n depend_v upon_o he_o there_o be_v but_o one_o creator_n and_o one_o lord_n and_o therefore_o the_o creature_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o law_n but_o such_o as_o he_o enact_v so_o that_o whatever_o fate_n we_o now_o lie_v under_o must_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o voluntary_a decree_n of_o god_n be_v then_o the_o eternal_a ruin_n of_o man_n fatal_a and_o unavoidable_a if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o original_a of_o this_o unhappy_a necessity_n it_o must_v be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a will_n when_o god_n then_o decree_v the_o inevitable_a ruin_n of_o man_n under_o what_o notion_n do_v he_o consider_v his_o ruin_n under_o that_o of_o misery_n or_o that_o of_o punishment_n if_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o punishment_n this_o imply_v plain_o that_o we_o be_v to_o thank_v ourselves_o for_o our_o ruin_n for_o punishment_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o infliction_n of_o that_o misery_n which_o our_o sin_n and_o folly_n have_v deserve_v but_o if_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o misery_n how_o can_v this_o consist_v with_o the_o infinite_a goodness_n or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n alas_o how_o contradictory_n be_v this_o to_o scripture_n there_o god_n swear_v that_o he_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n this_o decree_n will_v suppose_v he_o to_o delight_v in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o innocent_a there_o he_o be_v represent_v full_a of_o compassion_n and_o slow_a to_o wrath_n even_o upon_o repeat_v provocation_n this_o decree_n represent_v he_o so_o addict_v to_o wrath_n and_o cruelty_n that_o he_o make_v a_o world_n on_o purpose_n to_o have_v whereon_o to_o exercise_v it_o and_o do_v exercise_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o delight_n he_o take_v in_o it_o the_o scripture_n final_o represent_v he_o full_a of_o divine_a love_n for_o mankind_n and_o not_o only_o not_o desirous_a that_o they_o shall_v perish_v but_o extreme_o desirous_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o everlasting_a life_n this_o decree_n suppose_v he_o so_o utter_v a_o enemy_n to_o and_o hater_n of_o mankind_n that_o he_o make_v the_o far_o great_a part_n to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o only_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a let_v any_o unprejudiced_a man_n judge_v now_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o as_o contradictory_n to_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o unprejudiced_a man_n shall_v look_v into_o holy_a writ_n and_o not_o discern_v evident_o that_o man_n ruin_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o wilful_o and_o presumptuous_o commit_v but_o also_o obstinate_o and_o impenitent_o persist_v in_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v fond_a of_o our_o suffering_n and_o calamity_n that_o he_o be_v ever_o and_o anon_o bewail_v the_o disappointment_n of_o his_o love_n the_o defeat_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o our_o obstinacy_n and_o impenitence_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o son_n it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n o_o jerusalem_n 23._o matth._n 23._o jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o if_o therefore_o we_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o man_n this_o be_v a_o full_a and_o plain_a declaration_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o much_o less_o any_o contradictory_n to_o this_o if_o i_o may_v not_o confident_o rely_v upon_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n there_o be_v no_o reveal_v truth_n that_o i_o can_v depend_v upon_o nor_o can_v revelation_n stand_v we_o in_o any_o stead_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v assert_v with_o great_a perspicuity_n or_o strong_a asseveration_n but_o i_o have_v no_o scruple_n in_o i_o about_o this_o matter_n i_o have_v no_o fear_n nor_o jealousy_n of_o any_o secret_a decree_n or_o latent_fw-la will_n repugnant_a to_o his_o declare_a one_o i_o be_o as_o sure_a that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o true_a as_o that_o he_o be_v eternal_a or_o almighty_a and_o be_v he_o not_o we_o can_v reap_v but_o very_o little_a comfort_n from_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n how_o great_a or_o glorious_a soever_o in_o themselves_o but_o bless_v be_v god_n if_o we_o proceed_v from_o examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n which_o god_n have_v make_v
we_o to_o examine_v the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o his_o government_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o mankind_n which_o be_v another_o and_o the_o only_a way_n leave_v we_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o will_n and_o decree_n we_o shall_v find_v no_o instance_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o divine_a dispensation_n which_o can_v create_v in_o we_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o lie_v under_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o tyrannical_a fate_n nay_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o act_n of_o divine_a providence_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o quite_o contrary_a that_o god_n so_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o fatal_a and_o unavoidable_a but_o dependent_a upon_o ourselves_o that_o god_n be_v free_a man_z free_a and_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n free_a from_o any_o inevitable_a necessity_n god_n indeed_o be_v ever_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v best_a what_o be_v wise_a and_o can_v do_v no_o otherwise_o this_o be_v the_o only_a fate_n that_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o but_o a_o 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king_n 20._o and_o condescend_v to_o give_v hezekiah_n a_o miraculous_a assurance_n of_o his_o mercy_n the_o fire_n shall_v not_o exert_v its_o natural_a heat_n but_o shall_v cease_v to_o burn_v and_o consume_v 3._o dan._n 3._o and_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o three_o child_n become_v as_o harmless_a as_o the_o morning_n light_n the_o water_n shall_v cease_v to_o flow_v as_o do_v the_o red_a sea_n when_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n march_v through_o it_o and_o see_v with_o horror_n and_o delight_n the_o roll_a wave_n stand_v fix_v and_o unmoved_a as_o the_o rock_n and_o shore_n that_o bound_v they_o and_o yet_o what_o necessity_n what_o fate_n can_v we_o conceive_v more_o immutable_a what_o ever_o connexion_n of_o natural_a cause_n it_o be_v produce_v by_o than_o that_o which_o make_v the_o sun_n move_v the_o fire_n burn_v the_o water_n flow_v if_o we_o consider_v his_o government_n of_o kingdom_n where_o if_o any_o where_o the_o period_n and_o revolution_n of_o misery_n and_o prosperity_n shall_v seem_v fatal_a and_o immutable_a here_o again_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o footstep_n of_o unquestionable_a liberty_n let_v we_o for_o instance_n consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o jew_n what_o be_v the_o law_n which_o god_n oblige_v himself_o to_o observe_v towards_o they_o if_o you_o walk_v in_o my_o statute_n etc._n levit._fw-la 26.3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n and_o keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o do_v they_o then_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rain_n in_o due_a season_n and_o the_o land_n shall_v yield_v her_o increase_n and_o the_o tree_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v their_o fruit._n and_o your_o thresh_a shall_v reach_v unto_o the_o vintage_n and_o the_o vintage_n shall_v reach_v unto_o the_o sow_a time_n and_o you_o shall_v eat_v your_o bread_n to_o the_o full_a and_o dwell_v in_o your_o land_n safe_o etc._n etc._n but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o these_o commandment_n and_o if_o you_o shall_v despise_v my_o statute_n or_o if_o your_o soul_n abhor_v my_o judgement_n so_o that_o you_o will_v not_o do_v all_o my_o commandment_n but_o that_o you_o break_v my_o covenant_n i_o also_o will_v do_v this_o unto_o you_o etc._n and_o 14_o 15_o 16_o etc._n etc._n i_o will_v even_o appoint_v over_o you_o terror_n consumption_n and_o the_o burn_a ague_n that_o shall_v consume_v the_o eye_n and_o cause_n sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v sow_v your_o seed_n in_o vain_a for_o your_o enemy_n shall_v eat_v it_o etc._n etc._n do_v not_o god_n here_o lie_v life_n and_o death_n good_a and_o evil_a before_o '_o they_o be_v not_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n their_o own_o behaviour_n be_v we_o not_o reasonable_o to_o suppose_v the_o israelite_n at_o the_o time_n of_o enter_v into_o that_o covenant_n whereof_o these_o be_v the_o sanction_n as_o capable_a of_o happiness_n as_o they_o be_v of_o misery_n what_o be_v final_o the_o issue_n of_o thing_n the_o jew_n rebel_v and_o revolt_v from_o god_n and_o as_o he_o threaten_v they_o be_v harrass_v and_o exhaust_v by_o continual_a plague_n and_o punishment_n well_o do_v this_o happen_v so_o because_o it_o can_v not_o happen_v otherwise_o be_v this_o the_o event_n the_o fatal_a event_n of_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v real_o will_n and_o immutable_o and_o peremptory_o resolve_v from_o the_o beginning_n notwithstanding_o whatever_o profession_n he_o may_v make_v of_o his_o sincere_a desire_n of_o the_o welfare_n and_o prosperity_n of_o that_o people_n let_v god_n himself_o be_v the_o judge_n who_o best_o understand_v his_o own_o mind_n 81._o psal_n 81._o o_o that_o my_o people_n have_v hearken_v to_o i_o and_o israel_n have_v walk_v in_o my_o way_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v subdue_v their_o enemy_n and_o turn_v my_o hand_n against_o their_o adversary_n the_o hater_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v submit_v themselves_o unto_o he_o but_o their_o time_n shall_v have_v endure_v for_o ever_o by_o this_o sure_a if_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n by_o any_o of_o his_o expression_n we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v not_o only_o that_o the_o obedience_n and_o prosperity_n of_o israel_n be_v thing_n possible_a and_o consequent_o their_o disobedience_n and_o ruin_n be_v not_o fatal_a but_o also_o that_o their_o obedience_n and_o prosperity_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v most_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o desire_v if_o we_o come_v to_o god_n government_n of_o particular_a man_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v of_o a_o piece_n with_o his_o government_n of_o mankind_n or_o kingdom_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o more_o particular_a application_n of_o those_o universal_a law_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n and_o justice_n by_o which_o he_o rule_v a_o instance_n of_o liberty_n in_o temporal_a event_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o that_o voyage_n which_o st._n luke_n describe_v act_n 27._o 27._o act_n 27._o verse_n the_o ten_o we_o have_v st._n paul_n foretell_v the_o fate_n that_o be_v like_a to_o attend_v themselves_o and_o their_o ship_n if_o they_o pursue_v the_o voyage_n they_o have_v resolve_v on_o verse_n 19_o we_o meet_v with_o the_o accomplishment_n in_o part_n of_o his_o prediction_n darkness_n and_o horror_n invade_v they_o sea_n break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o at_o the_o same_o breach_n have_v death_n enter_v have_v not_o divine_a providence_n interpose_v in_o favour_n and_o at_o the_o request_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v this_o their_o suffer_v fatal_a be_v it_o unavoidable_a have_v they_o not_o escape_v the_o tempest_n if_o they_o have_v believe_v st._n paul_n and_o not_o depart_v from_o crete_n or_o be_v their_o obstinacy_n or_o unbelief_n as_o fatal_a as_o the_o danger_n and_o damage_n which_o attend_v it_o the_o expostulation_n of_o st._n paul_n ver._n 21._o will_v easy_o clear_v this_o doubt_n you_o shall_v have_v hearken_v unto_o i_o and_o not_o have_v lose_v from_o crete_n and_o to_o have_v gain_v this_o harm_n and_o loss_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v the_o issue_n of_o eternity_n fatal_a when_o those_o of_o time_n wherein_o we_o be_v comparative_o so_o little_o concern_v be_v free_a shall_v god_n not_o only_o leave_v we_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n but_o also_o assist_v we_o by_o the_o aid_n of_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o avoid_v temporal_a evil_n and_o will_v he_o allow_v we_o neither_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o eternal_a one_o must_v temporal_a ruin_n be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o our_o sinful_a choice_n and_o obstinacy_n eternal_a ruin_n the_o effect_v not_o of_o our_o folly_n or_o sin_n but_o fate_n no_o sure_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v god_n in_o the_o revelation_n respit_v his_o final_a sentence_n and_o give_v man_n space_n and_o time_n to_o repent_v but_o they_o repent_v not_o it_o