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
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
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 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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 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first_o principle_n which_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a perception_n of_o and_o if_o man_n will_v distrust_v their_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v a_o easy_a natural_a perception_n of_o and_o prefer_v some_o arbitrary_a notion_n which_o seem_v absurd_a contradiction_n and_o impossible_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o beyond_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o please_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v and_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o if_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n as_o we_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n we_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o chap._n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n have_v prove_v as_o large_o as_o my_o present_a design_n require_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o have_v make_v which_o must_v consist_v in_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o act_n of_o government_n as_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n require_v which_o divide_v providence_n into_o preservation_n and_o government_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v in_o order_n to_o answer_v some_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n i_o
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
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 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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 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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