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 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upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n 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virtue_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v every_o extraordinary_a impression_n to_o excite_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o such_o particular_a good_a office_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o honourable_a for_o god_n and_o what_o become_v good_a man_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o good_a man_n will_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n in_o do_v good_a and_o while_o good_a be_v do_v by_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n 2_o but_o as_o bad_a man_n be_v most_o difficulty_n govern_v so_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o vindicate_a providence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n for_o it_o be_v common_o think_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n when_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a design_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n make_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o man_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o while_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o god_n it_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v while_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o short_a be_v this_o god_n never_o suggest_v any_o evil_a design_n to_o man_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n or_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o other_o wicked_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n but_o when_o man_n have_v form_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o sometime_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v change_v their_o purpose_n or_o deter_v they_o from_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o action_n he_o either_o shameful_o disappoint_v they_o or_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o they_o wicked_o do_v and_o if_o providence_n consist_v in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v mankind_n better_o than_o to_o permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v to_o good_a god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n but_o govern_v man_n by_o man_n and_o make_v they_o help_v and_o defend_v reward_n and_o punish_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o punish_v bad_a man_n except_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o reach_v but_o a_o few_o criminal_n but_o to_o punish_v they_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o each_o other_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n god_n serve_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n god_n permit_v they_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o either_o want_n correction_n or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o god_n government_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o man_n that_o as_o in_o the_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n god_n direct_v where_o and_o when_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n nature_n shall_v exert_v its_o influence_n that_o it_o shall_v rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o so_o god_n do_v not_o only_o excite_v man_n to_o do_v good_a but_o direct_v and_o determine_v they_o where_o to_o do_v it_o choose_v out_o such_o person_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v good_a to_o and_o appoint_v what_o good_a they_o shall_v do_v and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o he_o not_o only_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n but_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o permit_v their_o wickedness_n he_o direct_v where_o the_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o shall_v light_v we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o that_o require_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v good_a to_o or_o to_o afflict_v and_o punish_v which_o be_v the_o most_o material_a and_o most_o necessary_a exercise_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n suffer_v man_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n at_o random_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o fit_v and_o proper_a object_n the_o fortune_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v depend_v upon_o as_o great_a a_o chance_n as_o the_o mutable_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n the_o only_a use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o at_o present_a be_v to_o convince_v you_o how_o perfect_o we_o be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o how_o secure_a we_o be_v in_o his_o
good_a may_v come_v this_o st._n paul_n reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o man_n damnation_n be_v just_a 3._o rom._n 8._o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n who_o can_v for_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a lover_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v any_o evil_a do_v not_o hearty_o love_v that_o goodness_n to_o which_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v be_v oppose_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o hearty_o love_v all_o goodness_n be_v a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o none_o there_o be_v no_o reconcile_n good_a and_o evil_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n a_o good_a man_n will_v love_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o evil_a man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a yet_o 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these_o prophecy_n be_v yet_o we_o see_v some_o heat_a enthusiast_n very_o forward_o to_o venture_v on_o any_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o when_o they_o hope_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o with_o he_o but_o god_n conceal_v time_n and_o season_n from_o we_o and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n fulfil_v prophecy_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n and_o therefore_o never_o let_v we_o know_v when_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v prohesy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o please_v he_o by_o do_v evil_a whatever_o the_o event_n be_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o providence_n but_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n chap._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 3._o the_o next_o 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this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v those_o sharp_a reflection_n man_n make_v on_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o affront_a that_o goodness_n which_o will_v have_v make_v they_o happy_a whatever_o other_o objection_n foam_v wanton_a and_o sport_v wit_n make_v against_o providence_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o feel_v what_o he_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o see_v what_o a_o bountiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o creature_n shall_v question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a benefactor_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n for_o we_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o shall_v not_o challenge_v his_o goodness_n though_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o atheism_n be_v found_v in_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o 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irregular_a stroke_n of_o chance_n and_o fortune_n intermix_v with_o it_o in_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n himself_o to_o answer_v these_o two_o objection_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n and_o that_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o they_o both_o for_o shall_v god_n vindicate_v his_o justice_n to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o these_o man_n by_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n every_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v according_a to_o its_o desert_n there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a room_n for_o the_o exercise_n of_o goodness_n if_o every_o man_n must_v suffer_v as_o much_o as_o he_o sin_n the_o very_o best_a man_n will_v be_v great_a sufferer_n much_o great_a sufferer_n than_o any_o of_o they_o now_o be_v though_o their_o suffering_n be_v make_v another_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o there_o will_v be_v as_o many_o formidable_a example_n of_o misery_n as_o there_o be_v atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o how_o good_a soever_o god_n may_v be_v if_o he_o must_v punish_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v he_o that_o be_v that_o to_o prove_v himself_o good_a he_o shall_v not_o inflict_v any_o evil_n or_o calamity_n on_o man_n whatever_o their_o sin_n or_o provocation_n be_v that_o whereas_o god_n plant_v paradise_n only_o for_o man_n in_o innocence_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v now_o a_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o innocent_a man_n in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v as_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1_o rom._n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o 17._o act_n 28._o he_o prove_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o he_o make_v it_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o allege_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o we_o may_v be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v his_o constant_a care_n and_o governmet_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o those_o day_n that_o no_o man_n who_o confess_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n question_v his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o god_n because_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a argument_n to_o prove_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o very_a delightful_a entertainment_n to_o view_v all_o the_o curiosity_n and_o suprize_v wonder_n of_o nature_n with_o what_o beauty_n art_n and_o contrivance_n particular_a creature_n be_v make_v and_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n be_v fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a world_n how_o all_o particular_a creature_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o yet_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v as_o mutual_a a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n what_o a_o equal_a and_o steady_a hand_n 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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
they_o in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o strange_a country_n this_o destroy_v all_o their_o right_n and_o property_n at_o once_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o philistine_n or_o moabite_n or_o aramite_n have_v any_o right_a to_o invade_v canaan_n and_o to_o bring_v israel_n under_o their_o yoke_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v no_o better_a right_n than_o they_o when_o he_o destroy_v the_o temple_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o carry_v the_o jew_n captive_a to_o babylon_n but_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o though_o he_o do_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o their_o just_a right_n because_o they_o have_v deserve_v such_o punishment_n and_o thus_o throughout_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n who_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v whatever_o their_o cause_n be_v they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o secure_v human_a right_n but_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a three_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o in_o scripture_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n love_n to_o righteousness_n and_o to_o righteous_a man_n he_o still_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n by_o their_o suffering_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o justice_n which_o have_v very_o different_a end_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o child_n differ_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o malefactor_n for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v he_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n 7._o heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o very_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o severe_a correction_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n repentance_n itself_o though_o it_o will_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n upon_o his_o repentance_n god_n declare_v his_o pardon_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o punishment_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o of_o necessary_a discipline_n and_o these_o be_v general_o the_o many_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a out_o of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o god_n will_v at_o last_o deliver_v they_o whereas_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o god_n after_o a_o long_a patience_n awake_v to_o judgement_n be_v usual_o for_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n thus_o good_a man_n may_v have_v many_o secret_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o which_o may_v deserve_v severe_a correction_n which_o sometime_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n when_o the_o correction_n be_v visible_a but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v correct_v unknown_a other_o good_a man_n suffer_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o of_o gold_n which_o perish_v and_o be_v train_v up_o by_o great_a severity_n to_o heroical_a degree_n of_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o god_n love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n and_o thus_o good_a man_n for_o a_o time_n may_v visible_o suffer_v as_o much_o as_o the_o wicked_a which_o occasion_n such_o complaint_n that_o all_o thing_n fall_v alike_o to_o all_o but_o such_o correction_n as_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o discipline_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o good_a man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o better_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o anger_n but_o of_o love_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n also_o that_o god_n exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o sometime_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o return_n sometime_o use_v they_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v other_o bad_a man_n or_o to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o reserve_v they_o for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o glorious_a execution_n to_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n and_o stand_v example_n to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n of_o antiochus_n and_o some_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o discourse_n that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a success_n much_o less_o make_v the_o oppression_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n any_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o justice_n do_v not_o oblige_v god_n always_o to_o favour_v a_o just_a cause_n when_o those_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v god_n may_v just_o punish_v bad_a man_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v dispose_v of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v chap._n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a be_v as_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o such_o as_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o his_o government_n must_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n 145._o psalm_n 17._o assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n which_o signify_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o but_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o at_o large_a 5._o psal._n 4_o 5_o 6_o for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v the_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o yet_o there_o want_v not_o objection_n and_o such_o as_o some_o man_n think_v inexplicable_a difficulty_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o set_v this_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o the_o holiness_n 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impossible_a that_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n create_v the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o action_n or_o will_v execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o act_n of_o judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o his_o spare_a cain_n when_o he_o have_v kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n may_v encourage_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n whatever_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o new_a world_n with_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o world_n but_o have_v once_o destroy_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v destroy_v it_o again_o with_o all_o its_o wicked_a inhabitant_n whenever_o he_o please_v now_o to_o make_v this_o a_o last_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o god_n which_o they_o can_v ascribe_v to_o any_o visible_a cause_n have_v all_o mankind_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v destroy_v by_o plague_n or_o famine_n or_o wild_a beast_n though_o such_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v have_v convince_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n in_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n which_o our_o modern_a atheist_n have_v make_v they_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o attribute_v plague_n or_o famine_n or_o such_o like_a evil_a accident_n to_o god_n though_o all_o mankind_n be_v destroy_v by_o they_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n drown_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v water_n to_o drown_v it_o without_o a_o miraculous_a dissolution_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v either_o laugh_v at_o the_o story_n which_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n can_v well_o do_v or_o they_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o whatever_o shift_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n may_v make_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o universal_a deluge_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n while_o the_o uncorrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o 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and_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o fire_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o whereas_o have_v this_o order_n be_v invert_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o fire_n nor_o utter_o destroy_v by_o water_n without_o a_o perpetual_a deluge_n a_o deluge_n of_o water_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o earth_n nor_o make_v it_o uninhabitable_a after_o the_o deluge_n cease_v but_o fire_n destroy_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o melt_v all_o into_o one_o confuse_a mass_n there_o be_v some_o defence_n against_o a_o deluge_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n to_o people_n the_o new_a world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o defence_n against_o flame_n the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o must_v burn_v together_o and_o this_o be_v one_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n choose_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n 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he_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o ungodly_a and_o shall_v save_v they_o because_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o whole_a 91_o sy_n psalm_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v call_v dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o under_o the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v such_o a_o man_n put_v himself_o under_o god_n protection_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v he_o shall_v defend_v thou_o under_o his_o wing_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o the_o psalmist_n particular_o reckon_v up_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a life_n and_o promise_n security_n against_o they_o all_o because_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o lord_n 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supposition_n can_v help_v we_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v alter_v destiny_n and_o fate_n but_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o as_o great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n govern_v his_o family_n or_o a_o prince_n govern_v his_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o petition_n to_o our_o parent_n or_o to_o our_o prince_n for_o if_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o from_o god_n what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o ask_v every_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o reason_n themselves_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o make_v it_o needless_a nay_o absurd_a to_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o 11._o heb._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o god_n neither_o take_v any_o care_n of_o we_o or_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o than_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o suppose_n that_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o worship_v be_v a_o reasonable_a foundation_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o allow_v no_o peculiar_a reward_n and_o benefit_n to_o worshipper_n be_v certain_o false_a how_o philosophical_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v and_o impious_a too_o because_o they_o shut_v all_o religious_a worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o some_o man_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v for_o what_o reason_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n they_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o public_a censure_n but_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o for_o any_o advantage_n they_o hope_v for_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n as_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o any_o advantage_n who_o despise_v prayer_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v high_o necessary_a plain_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o at_o large_a repeat_v they_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o frequent_o command_v none_o we_o be_v more_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o than_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n for_o it_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o as_o express_v promise_n as_o any_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v hear_v and_o answer_v we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v desire_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 65._o psal._n 2._o to_o thou_o they_o shall_v pray_v because_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n will_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o 86._o psal._n 5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o 145._o psal._n 18_o 19_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o our_o saviour_n promise_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v 7._o matt._n 7_o 8._o and_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o power_n of_o 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than_o it_o will_v always_o have_v be_v suarez_n have_v another_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o creature_n on_o the_o perpetual_a influx_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o possible_o some_o may_v think_v only_o a_o school-subty_o but_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v great_a weight_n in_o it_o and_o it_o proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n which_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o he_o can_v annihilate_v all_o thing_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o again_o if_o he_o so_o please_v now_o he_o say_v that_o annihilation_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o power_n for_o all_o positive_a act_n of_o power_n must_v have_v some_o real_a and_o positive_a effect_n whereas_o to_o annihilate_v be_v to_o make_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v nothing_o now_o if_o to_o annihilate_v be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n than_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o withdraw_a that_o power_n which_o support_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o that_o prove_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v uphold_v in_o be_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n if_o they_o can_v subsist_v but_o fall_v into_o nothing_o again_o when_o that_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v power_n be_v withdraw_v this_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a argument_n if_o we_o distinguish_v between_o what_o we_o call_v destroy_v and_o annihilate_v which_o be_v apt_a to_o confound_v we_o in_o this_o matter_n to_o destroy_v be_v only_o to_o change_v the_o present_a form_n and_o compage_n of_o thing_n while_o the_o matter_n and_o substance_n continue_v the_o same_o thus_o god_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o world_n by_o fire_n again_o which_o be_v like_o pull_v down_o a_o house_n without_o destroy_v the_o material_n and_o this_o be_v a_o act_n of_o power_n and_o have_v a_o positive_a effect_n but_o to_o annihilate_v be_v to_o reduce_v something_o to_o nothing_o which_o be_v to_o do_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n but_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o power_n and_o if_o not_o to_o uphold_v be_v to_o annihilate_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v as_o well_o as_o be_v make_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n independent_a on_o himself_o without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n or_o necessary_a existence_n for_o whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o exist_v by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o its_o nature_n must_v depend_v on_o something_o else_o to_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v now_o beside_o what_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v be_v make_v but_o must_v be_v eternal_a for_o that_o which_o exist_v necessary_o must_v always_o exist_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o without_o a_o beginning_n for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_o self-subsisting_a nature_n i_o now_o add_v that_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v can_v be_v change_v destroy_v annihilate_v for_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v necessary_o be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o prove_v that_o if_o god_n can_v annihilate_v whatever_o he_o have_v make_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v never_o be_v annihilate_v for_o that_o be_v a_o contradiction_n how_o god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v we_o no_o more_o know_v than_o how_o at_o first_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a inquiry_n of_o the_o school_n which_o no_o man_n can_v resolve_v and_o which_o serve_v no_o end_n in_o religion_n whether_o creation_n and_o preservation_n be_v the_o same_o or_o two_o different_a act_n whether_o preservation_n be_v a_o continue_a creation_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v
thus_o it_o be_v whenever_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o interpose_v which_o he_o do_v as_o often_o as_o he_o have_v any_o wise_a end_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v even_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o 16._o prov._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a promise_n god_n make_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o when_o all_o their_o male_n shall_v come_v three_o time_n every_o year_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o country_n be_v leave_v without_o defence_n expose_v to_o the_o rapine_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n when_o they_o go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n 34._o exod._n 24._o we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o those_o many_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v it_o when_o abraham_n sojourn_v in_o gerar_n he_o say_v of_o sarah_n his_o wife_n that_o she_o be_v his_o sister_n and_o abimelech_n the_o king_n of_o gerar_n send_v and_o take_v she_o but_o god_n reprove_v abimelech_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v withhold_v he_o from_o sin_v and_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o touch_v she_o 20._o genes_n 1._o etc._n etc._n thus_o when_o jacob_n flee_v from_o laban_n with_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o laban_n pursue_v he_o god_n appear_v to_o laban_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o command_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v to_o jacob_n either_o good_a or_o hurt_n 31._o genes_n 24._o such_o appearance_n be_v very_o common_a in_o that_o age_n though_o they_o seem_v very_o extraordinary_a to_o we_o but_o god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o by_o strong_a and_o lively_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o suggest_v and_o fix_v such_o thought_n in_o we_o as_o excite_v or_o calm_v our_o passion_n as_o encourage_v we_o to_o bold_a and_o great_a attempt_n or_o check_v we_o in_o our_o career_n by_o frightful_a imagination_n and_o unaccountable_a fear_n and_o terror_n or_o by_o such_o other_o argument_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o change_v our_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n sometime_o god_n do_v this_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o external_n cause_n which_o at_o other_o time_n will_v not_o have_v be_v effectual_a but_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o effect_n when_o god_n enforce_v the_o impression_n thus_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o esau_n when_o he_o come_v out_o in_o great_a rage_n against_o his_o brother_n jacob_n it_o be_v a_o old_a hatred_n he_o have_v conceive_v against_o he_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o birthright_n and_o of_o his_o blessing_n and_o he_o have_v for_o many_o year_n confirm_v himself_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o the_o first_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o and_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o present_v which_o jacob_n send_v he_o which_o he_o can_v have_v take_v if_o he_o have_v please_v without_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o gift_n and_o that_o the_o submission_n of_o jacob_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a make_v he_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o the_o very_a business_n he_o come_v for_o and_o turn_v his_o bloody_a design_n into_o the_o kind_a embrace_n no_o this_o be_v god_n work_n the_o effect_n of_o that_o blessing_n which_o the_o angel_n give_v to_o jacob_n after_o a_o whole_a night_n wrestle_v with_o he_o in_o peniel_n 32._o and_o 33._o genes_n and_o when_o god_n please_v the_o weak_a mean_n shall_v change_v the_o most_o sullen_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o be_v the_o story_n of_o david_n and_o abigail_n nabal_n have_v high_o provoke_v david_n by_o the_o churlish_a answer_n which_o he_o send_v he_o and_o david_n be_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a severe_a revenge_n on_o nabal_n and_o his_o house_n but_o god_n send_v abigail_n to_o pacify_v he_o who_o by_o her_o presence_n and_o dutiful_a and_o submissive_a behaviour_n and_o wise_a counsel_n divert_v he_o from_o those_o bloody_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v as_o david_n himself_o acknowledge_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n which_o send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o from_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 32_o 33._o saul_n pursue_v david_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o god_n deliver_v he_o twice_o into_o david_n hand_n and_o the_o kindness_n david_n show_v he_o in_o not_o kill_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n do_v at_o last_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o saul_n that_o he_o pursue_v he_o no_o more_o 1_o sam._n 26._o 27._o ch_n thus_o god_n confound_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n which_o absolom_n choose_v to_o follow_v and_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v from_o god_n who_o have_v purpose_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absolom_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o such_o a_o absolute_a empire_n have_v god_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v can_v lead_v they_o into_o new_a thought_n and_o counsel_n with_o as_o great_a ease_n as_o the_o water_n of_o a_o river_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n prepare_v for_o they_o 2_o when_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o change_v and_o alter_v man_n will_n and_o passion_n he_o can_v govern_v their_o action_n and_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o they_o when_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o like_o best_a he_o do_v that_o by_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o little_o expect_v or_o intend_v the_o same_o action_n may_v serve_v very_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o god_n and_o man_n may_v have_v very_o different_a intention_n in_o it_o and_o what_o be_v ill_o do_v by_o man_n and_o for_o a_o very_a ill_a end_n may_v be_v order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n nay_o the_o ill_a end_n which_o man_n design_v may_v be_v disappoint_v and_o the_o good_a which_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v as_o absolute_a a_o government_n over_o man_n action_n as_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n require_v when_o whatever_o man_n do_v if_o they_o intend_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n another_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v and_o what_o they_o intend_v shall_v have_v no_o effect_n any_o far_a than_o as_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o divine_a counsel_n as_o to_o give_v some_o plain_a example_n of_o it_o ioseph_n brethren_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o dream_n and_o at_o the_o peculiar_a kindness_n which_o their_o father_n jacob_n show_v he_o resolve_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o but_o god_n intend_v to_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n and_o to_o transplant_v jacob_n and_o his_o family_n thither_o and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o slay_v he_o as_o they_o at_o first_o intend_v but_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n who_o carry_v he_o into_o egppt_v which_o disappoint_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o never_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v more_o of_o he_o but_o accomplish_v the_o decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n another_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o come_v against_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o powerful_a army_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o but_o god_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o correct_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o do_v but_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o o_o assyrian_n the_o rod_n of_o my_o anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v my_o indignation_n i_o will_v send_v he_o against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o my_o wrath_n will_v i_o give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n thus_o far_o god_n give_v he_o commission_n that_o be_v thus_o far_o god_n intend_v to_o suffer_v his_o rage_n and_o pride_n to_o proceed_v but_o this_o be_v the_o least_o of_o his_o intention_n howbeit_o he_o think_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o but_o in_o this_o god_n disappoint_v he_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n
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
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_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
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o 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work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o 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themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o
imperfect_a can_v with_o such_o great_a probability_n almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n foresee_v many_o event_n which_o depend_v also_o upon_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n prescience_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v any_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o event_n if_o we_o say_v indeed_o as_o some_o man_n do_v that_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v absolute_o decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o i_o grant_v do_v infer_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o god_n foreknowledge_n but_o his_o decree_n which_o create_v the_o necessity_n all_o thing_n upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v necessary_a not_o because_o god_n foreknow_v they_o but_o because_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v they_o necessary_a he_o foreknow_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a but_o do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a by_o foreknow_v they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n god_n prescience_n consider_v only_o as_o foreknowing_a will_v be_v no_o great_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n than_o man_n have_v who_o can_v certain_o foreknow_v what_o they_o certain_o intend_v to_o do_v and_o it_o seem_v god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o these_o man_n confession_n that_o foreknowledge_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o human_a action_n that_o if_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o he_o have_v not_o absolute_o and_o peremptory_o decree_v how_o certain_a soever_o such_o event_n may_v be_v his_o foreknowledge_n do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o event_n from_o god_n foreknowledge_n till_o we_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foreknow_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o perfection_n as_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o foreknow_v thing_n in_o a_o decree_n or_o only_o in_o necessary_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o that_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o call_v prescience_n than_o it_o be_v prescience_n in_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n but_o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n do_v also_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n charge_v man_n sin_n and_o final_a ruin_n on_o themselves_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o now_o how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reconcile_v prescience_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o if_o man_n act_n free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v necessary_o and_o if_o god_n do_v foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n act_v free_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v free_o do_v that_o be_v that_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o necessity_n but_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n who_o can_v reason_v nice_o about_o these_o matter_n that_o this_o argument_n from_o prescience_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o human_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o charge_v man_n sin_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v fallacious_a and_o deceitful_a because_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o man_n sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v both_o these_o and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v liberty_n two_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o foreknow_v but_o decree_v such_o event_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o such_o case_n he_o must_v decree_v man_n sin_n too_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o be_v there_o a_o more_o wicked_a action_n commit_v and_o yet_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v 2._o act_n 23._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n careful_o this_o very_a text_n will_v answer_v the_o objection_n for_o what_o do_v st._n peter_n say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o take_v he_o and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o say_v but_o he_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o power_n by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n slay_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o this_o event_n the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v foreordain_v and_o praedetermine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o christ_n shall_v die_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n that_o nothing_o can_v more_o become_v god_n than_o such_o counsel_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o by_o his_o infinite_a prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o will_v be_v do_v if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o viz._n by_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o this_o he_o determine_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o certain_a effect_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o they_o will_v take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o so_o that_o though_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o christ_n shall_v die_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o decree_n that_o judas_n shall_v betray_v he_o or_o that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n shall_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v he_o but_o this_o he_o foresee_v and_o this_o he_o decree_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o wicked_a instrument_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o event_n which_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n he_o never_o decree_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n accomplish_v his_o wise_a decree_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o never_o decree_v their_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o foresight_n and_o wonderful_a wisdom_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_n thing_n as_o to_o make_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o free_o and_o resolve_o commit_v and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o irresistible_a power_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o commit_v serve_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n this_o be_v wisdom_n too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o but_o thus_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v 3_o another_o pretence_n for_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n which_o when_o expound_v to_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n as_o some_o man_n expound_v they_o seem_v to_o attribute_v to_o god_n some_o kind_n of_o causality_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n contradict_v itself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o few_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n be_v misunderstand_v because_o not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a text_n but_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n prove_v the_o contrary_n and_o suppose_v then_o that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a
be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v unseasonable_a wether_n earthquake_n excessive_a heat_n or_o cold_a great_a drought_n or_o immoderate_a rain_n thunder_n lightning_n storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o occasion_n famine_n and_o plague_n great_a sickness_n or_o a_o great_a mortality_n these_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v nature_n but_o beside_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o visible_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n justify_v such_o severity_n how_o rare_o do_v these_o happen_v and_o how_o few_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o many_o and_o constant_a evil_n which_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o most_o of_o the_o other_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n be_v visible_o owe_v to_o man_n sin_n bodily_a 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preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v 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than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n shall_v be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v visible_o punish_v for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o fame_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o their_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n be_v know_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o nice_a argument_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a design_n if_o most_o of_o the_o remarkable_a providence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v do_v manifest_o serve_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n we_o have_v a_o visible_a reason_n of_o they_o not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v providence_n but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o be_v well_o know_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v for_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o his_o posterity_n for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n there_o to_o continue_v many_o year_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v to_o give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v increase_v insensible_o in_o canaan_n and_o by_o degree_n dispossess_v the_o old_a inhabitant_n for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a in_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n before_o god_n so_o public_o and_o visible_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o visible_o bestow_v a_o inheritance_n on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v have_v some_o place_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v in_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n for_o this_o purpose_n god_n choose_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o send_v joseph_n beforehand_o thither_o and_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n to_o prepare_v a_o reception_n for_o they_o and_o a_o very_a quiet_a and_o easy_a retreat_n they_o find_v there_o for_o many_o year_n till_o joseph_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o the_o good_a office_n he_o have_v do_v both_o for_o king_n and_o people_n forget_v and_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o israel_n make_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n jealous_a of_o their_o number_n and_o power_n and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o oppress_v that_o people_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o their_o deliverance_n be_v come_v this_o oppression_n of_o israel_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a severe_a providence_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a wise_a end_n it_o serve_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o people_n willing_a to_o leave_v egypt_n where_o they_o suffer_v such_o hard_a bondage_n for_o whoever_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v of_o return_v into_o egypt_n how_o they_o long_v after_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n and_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n they_o suffer_v there_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o have_v they_o enjoy_v ease_n and_o prosperity_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v will_v no_o more_o have_v persuade_v israel_n to_o have_v leave_v egypt_n than_o they_o can_v persuade_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v they_o go_v 2_o the_o advantage_n pharaoh_n make_v of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n make_v he_o obstinate_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o his_o cruel_a oppression_n make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v he_o and_o all_o egypt_n with_o he_o and_o this_o occasion_v all_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n whereby_o he_o visible_o own_a israel_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v his_o own_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v 3_o the_o great_a proneness_n of_o israel_n to_o idolatry_n even_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n while_o they_o live_v there_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n not_o without_o reason_n conclude_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a apis_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v their_o egyptian_a idolatry_n with_o a_o egyptian_a bondage_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o give_v check_n to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hate_v the_o egyptian_a god_n like_o their_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n and_o to_o remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o they_o 4thly_a the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o incorporate_n with_o any_o other_o people_n and_o this_o god_n take_v early_a care_n of_o by_o place_v they_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o egypt_n which_o make_v pharaoh_n so_o jealous_a of_o they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v 10._o and_o that_o make_v he_o oppress_v they_o and_o that_o oppression_n preserve_v the_o distinction_n which_o a_o kind_n and_o friendly_a usage_n may_v in_o time_n have_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o two_o people_n can_v live_v amicable_o together_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o under_o the_o same_o prince_n without_o mingle_v and_o incorporate_n with_o each_o other_o till_o they_o forget_v all_o distinction_n between_o nation_n and_o family_n these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v the_o hard_a bondage_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o those_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 6._o exod._n 6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o as_o for_o the_o egyptian_n god_n tell_v moses_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o my_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o they_o be_v the_o first_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o surprise_n and_o wonder_n of_o they_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n miracle_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v no_o commendation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o cause_n not_o as_o sign_n it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n wrought_v all_o those_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v punish_v the_o egyptian_n nor_o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o 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