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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that_o a_o world_n full_a of_o infinite_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a art_n a_o world_n so_o make_v that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o better_o be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a mind_n but_o by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o without_o any_o design_n after_o infinite_a fruitless_a trial_n happen_v into_o this_o exact_a useful_a beautiful_a order_n that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o chance_n move_v as_o constant_o regular_o artificial_o in_o all_o new_a production_n as_o the_o divine_a and_o most_o uniform_a wisdom_n can_v direct_v i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n by_o leave_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n to_o dispute_v with_o a_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n 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who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o think_v and_o reason_v have_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o must_v be_v something_o that_o have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o that_o have_v there_o ever_o be_v a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n unless_o there_o can_v be_v a_o effect_n without_o a_o cause_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o atheist_n themselves_o to_o say_v in_o express_a word_n who_o do_v not_o boggle_v much_o at_o absurdity_n and_o therefore_o they_o make_v their_o atom_n and_o their_o vacuum_n to_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v agree_v also_o that_o whatever_o have_v a_o beginning_n have_v a_o cause_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o natural_a progress_n of_o human_a understanding_n be_v to_o reason_n from_o one_o cause_n to_o another_o till_o we_o ascend_v to_o and_o centre_n in_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o believe_v one_o first_o eternal_a 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very_a notion_n suppose_v that_o something_o have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v original_o make_v when_o it_o be_v not_o before_o and_o therefore_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a for_o to_o be_v make_v in_o this_o axiom_n primary_o relate_v to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o all_o man_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o the_o make_n and_o give_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n be_v natural_a if_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o nothing_o be_v make_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o see_v and_o visible_a effect_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a cause_n adequate_a to_o the_o produce_v such_o effect_n be_v allow_v by_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o some_o invisible_a cause_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o
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 evil_a be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o good_a no_o more_o than_o darkness_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o a_o good_a design_n can_v never_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n for_o that_o bad_a action_n shall_v do_v good_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o bad_a action_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v intend_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o justify_v himself_o in_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v it_o be_v certain_a a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o though_o he_o very_o often_o bring_v about_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n by_o man_n sin_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o know_v when_o god_n will_v do_v it_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a ever_o do_v the_o good_a he_o intend_v though_o many_o time_n he_o run_v himself_o into_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n than_o ever_o he_o intend_v nay_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o deliberate_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o base_a worldly_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n colour_v over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a either_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n or_o sometime_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n among_o who_o there_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v and_o practice_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o undeniable_a example_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o it_o near_a home_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o one_o reason_n why_o those_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v future_a age_n be_v general_o so_o obscure_a that_o no_o man_n know_v when_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n to_o serve_v providence_n and_o to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n as_o obscure_v as_o 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 inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n though_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o devout_a meditation_n than_o for_o our_o inquiry_n for_o we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o to_o seek_v for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v it_o every_o day_n we_o owe_v our_o be_v our_o preservation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n to_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v nor_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n but_o can_v bear_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o mean_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o it_o 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 god_n humour_v they_o as_o well_o as_o do_v they_o good_a he_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o nay_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v here_o the_o perverse_a as_o well_o as_o the_o ungrateful_a temper_n of_o atheist_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v much_o too_o good_a for_o they_o though_o he_o give_v we_o example_n enough_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o sin_n yet_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o some_o few_o prosperous_a sinner_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o god_n be_v not_o just_a or_o that_o he_o do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n when_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n than_o god_n be_v not_o good_a enough_o for_o they_o though_o they_o see_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o good_a god_n but_o to_o good_a fortune_n because_o they_o think_v they_o see_v some_o of_o the_o careless_a and_o 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
and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o 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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
the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o invade_v another_o right_n and_o this_o be_v that_o justice_n which_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v in_o man_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o which_o he_o hate_v so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n make_v god_n love_n righteousness_n and_o justice_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v punish_v injustice_n and_o violence_n and_o protect_v the_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v do_v that_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n that_o he_o be_v a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o strong_a tower_n and_o rock_n of_o defence_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a bad_a man_n who_o do_v unjust_a thing_n shall_v be_v immediate_o punish_v for_o his_o unjustice_n nor_o that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v be_v protect_v from_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n prove_v that_o this_o never_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o mean_v by_o it_o to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o support_n to_o good_a man_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a 1._o for_o first_o it_o signify_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o justice_n or_o injustice_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v god_n will_v favour_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v other_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n may_v suffer_v a_o just_a cause_n to_o be_v oppress_v and_o injustice_n to_o be_v prosperous_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o god_n do_v suffer_v this_o because_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o god_n be_v no_o favourer_n of_o injustice_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n may_v for_o other_o reason_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v he_o by_o unjust_a oppressor_n and_o thus_o injustice_n may_v be_v prosperous_a and_o justice_n oppress_v but_o where_o the_o other_o sin_n and_o demerit_n of_o the_o man_n do_v not_o forfeit_v god_n protection_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o just_a and_o unjust_a two_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o the_o divine_a protection_n but_o only_o when_o his_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o right_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o psalmist_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v so_o often_o plead_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o move_v god_n to_o save_v and_o defend_v he_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o protection_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n and_o whenever_o injustice_n prosper_v it_o be_v not_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o unjust_a man_n or_o his_o unjust_a cause_n but_o in_o punishment_n to_o other_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v by_o such_o injustice_n though_o wickedness_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o while_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n but_o by_o do_v good_a for_o a_o righteous_a god_n can_v have_v no_o favour_n for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v his_o protection_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a hope_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a while_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n three_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o injustice_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o time_n no_o unjust_a man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o but_o sometime_o he_o do_v and_o he_o be_v always_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n 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 he_o have_v also_o prepare_v for_o he_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n he_o have_v ordain_v his_o arrow_n against_o the_o persecutor_n 7._o psalm_n 11_o 12_o 13._o four_o and_o therefore_o though_o every_o particular_a good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o divine_a providence_n furnish_v we_o with_o numerous_a example_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o good_a man_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v so_o notorious_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o scorn_n and_o the_o pity_n of_o mankind_n god_n do_v very_o often_o execute_v very_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o remarkable_a sinner_n which_o bear_v the_o evident_a token_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o do_v appear_v as_o wonderful_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o just_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n and_o our_o own_o observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n two_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v that_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o providence_n be_v never_o promise_v in_o scripture_n mere_o to_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n this_o be_v not_o common_o observe_v and_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v name_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a we_o can_v indeed_o separate_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o a_o righteous_a cause_n for_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o unjust_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n but_o if_o the_o divine_a protection_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a man_n not_o to_o the_o righteous_a cause_n than_o a_o righteous_a cause_n may_v be_v oppress_v when_o the_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o god_n protection_n without_o any_o impeachment_n either_o of_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o show_v the_o difference_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n consider_v man_n right_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consider_v their_o moral_a desert_n human_a justice_n defend_v bad_a man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a have_v no_o regard_n to_o human_a right_n when_o the_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o absolute_a right_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o when_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o threaten_v israel_n by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n that_o since_o they_o have_v serve_v baal_n with_o the_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o he_o give_v they_o therefore_o will_v i_o return_v and_o take_v away_o my_o corn_n in_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o my_o wine_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o will_v recover_v my_o wool_n and_o my_o flax_n give_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n 2._o hos._n 8_o 9_o the_o 26._o levit._n contain_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o israel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o be_v their_o keep_n or_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o commandment_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n he_o will_v bestow_v all_o good_a thing_n on_o they_o if_o they_o transgress_v his_o law_n he_o will_v take_v they_o all_o away_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o right_n or_o property_n among_o other_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v they_o to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o shall_v oppress_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
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 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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
than_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n will_v be_v but_o have_v god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n and_o create_v a_o new_a man_n to_o inhabit_v the_o new_a world_n this_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o destroy_a man_n to_o make_v he_o again_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v he_o better_o to_o correct_v that_o in_o a_o second_o trial_n which_o experience_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o first_o but_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n will_v admit_v of_o various_a trial_n and_o experiment_n the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n wont_a the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n not_o only_o to_o what_o god_n make_v they_o but_o to_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o method_n of_o government_n must_v change_v as_o man_n change_v themselves_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v only_o by_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o it_o be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o to_o make_v man_n and_o destroy_v he_o and_o make_v he_o again_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a fault_n somewhere_o 2_o i_o observe_v also_o before_o that_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n of_o any_o use_n to_o propagate_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v survive_v the_o deluge_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o that_o terrible_a destruction_n have_v no_o man_n survive_v though_o god_n shall_v have_v create_v man_n anew_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n can_v have_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o deluge_n but_o by_o revelation_n whereas_o god_n intend_v a_o sensible_a proof_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n which_o mankind_n want_v beside_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n make_v to_o adam_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o sense_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o just_a then_o make_v and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o no_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v neither_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n can_v persuade_v some_o man_n that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a then_o to_o think_v that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remain_a sign_n of_o a_o deluge_n leave_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deluge_n shall_v for_o any_o long_a time_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o live_a witness_n who_o see_v the_o deluge_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o new-created_a man_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n because_o the_o world_n must_v be_v make_v before_o man_n be_v make_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o though_o no_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v there_o be_v some_o who_o see_v the_o destruction_n which_o the_o deluge_n make_v which_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o a_o much_o great_a proof_n of_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a providence_n no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n can_v doubt_v whether_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o govern_v it_o and_o for_o this_o the_o new_a world_n have_v the_o testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n which_o be_v as_o sensible_a a_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v 3_o the_o preservation_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o deluge_n be_v send_v by_o god_n god_n forewarn_v noah_n of_o it_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o it_o come_v and_o command_v he_o to_o prepare_v a_o ark_n and_o give_v he_o direction_n how_o to_o make_v it_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o noah_n do_v know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o prepare_v a_o ark_n which_o remain_v as_o a_o visible_a testimony_n of_o the_o flood_n to_o future_a generation_n now_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o flood_n there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a prognostic_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n himself_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o symptom_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n till_o noah_n enter_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o therefore_o noah_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v this_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v so_o incredible_a a_o thing_n in_o itself_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o he_o warn_v they_o of_o it_o and_o they_o see_v that_o he_o believe_v it_o himself_o by_o his_o prepare_v a_o ark_n for_o his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o account_n that_o moses_n give_v of_o it_o that_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n of_o live_a creature_n both_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n be_v preserve_v with_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n as_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o universal_a deluge_n unless_o we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n new-made_a all_o live_a creature_n after_o the_o flood_n what_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o that_o some_o of_o all_o sort_n in_o such_o number_n as_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o have_v prepare_v reception_n for_o shall_v come_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n to_o noah_n when_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o enter_v into_o the_o ark_n have_v they_o not_o be_v lead_v thither_o by_o a_o divine_a hand_n 4thly_a the_o preservation_n of_o noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v that_o the_o deluge_n be_v send_v by_o god_n but_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n for_o what_o reason_n god_n send_v such_o a_o terrible_a judgement_n viz._n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o new-people_n the_o world_n with_o a_o righteous_a seed_n this_o reason_n god_n give_v to_o noah_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o when_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n be_v destroy_v and_o not_o one_o escape_v the_o deluge_n but_o only_o that_o one_o righteous_a family_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n too_o and_o that_o preserve_v by_o the_o peculiar_a order_n and_o direction_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o visible_a judgement_n upon_o all_o the_o wicked_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n when_o such_o evil_n and_o calamity_n befall_v the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a or_o moral_a cause_n as_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o war_n fire_n and_o earthquake_n and_o it_o may_v be_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n share_v pretty_a equal_o in_o the_o public_a misfortune_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n will_v not_o allow_v these_o evil_n to_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n much_o less_o to_o be_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n when_o they_o make_v no_o visible_a distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a but_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v both_o a_o supernatural_a and_o a_o distinguish_a judgement_n none_o but_o god_n can_v thus_o destroy_v the_o earth_n and_o none_o but_o the_o wicked_a be_v destroy_v and_o therefore_o this_o be_v a_o undiable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o hate_v wickedness_n and_o will_v punish_v wicked_a man_n there_o be_v some_o other_o mark_v of_o excellent_a wisdom_n in_o the_o universal_a deluge_n which_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v because_o though_o they_o be_v worth_a observe_v yet_o they_o be_v of_o less_o moment_n as_o to_o my_o present_a design_n as_o the_o deluge_n be_v to_o be_v a_o last_a proof_n of_o a_o just_a providence_n to_o the_o new_a world_n and_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v upon_o all_o account_n admirable_o fit_v to_o that_o purpose_n so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o when_o it_o come_v it_o convince_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o it_o give_v they_o some_o time_n for_o and_o though_o it_o can_v not_o save_v they_o in_o this_o world_n who_o know_v but_o that_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n upon_o such_o a_o sudden_a conviction_n may_v obtain_v mercy_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n he_o have_v often_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o deluge_n but_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o they_o see_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n but_o when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v they_o know_v then_o the_o
the_o sweat_n of_o thy_o face_n shall_v thou_o eat_v bread_n till_o thou_o return_v unto_o the_o ground_n for_o out_o of_o it_o waste_v thou_o take_v for_o dust_n thou_o be_v and_o unto_o dust_n thou_o shall_v return_v 3._o gen._n 17_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v a_o very_a severe_a sentence_n which_o deprive_v man_n of_o immortality_n and_o of_o the_o easy_a and_o happy_a life_n of_o paradise_n condemn_v he_o to_o labour_n and_o sorrow_n while_o he_o live_v and_o then_o to_o return_v unto_o dust_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v 1._o he_o shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n be_v the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n for_o fall_v man_n 8._o as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o show_v at_o large_a we_o know_v little_o more_o than_o this_o of_o the_o antediluvian_n world_n till_o we_o hear_v of_o the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o violence_n for_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n upon_o the_o earth_n insomuch_o that_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n 6._o gen._n this_o be_v so_o universal_a a_o corruption_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n and_o therefore_o god_n resolve_v to_o sweep_v they_o all_o away_o with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n except_v that_o one_o righteous_a family_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n which_o he_o appoint_v noah_n to_o prepare_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o justice_n of_o this_o no_o man_n can_v dispute_v for_o if_o all_o flesh_n corrupt_v its_o way_n god_n may_v as_o just_o destroy_v a_o whole_a world_n of_o sinner_n as_o he_o can_v punish_v or_o cut_v off_o any_o one_o single_a sinner_n but_o that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v for_o be_v to_o show_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o now_o though_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v yet_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n nor_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o raise_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a seed_n and_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n a_o stand_a warn_v and_o a_o visible_a lesson_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o new_a and_o a_o few_o observation_n will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v for_o this_o purpose_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n without_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v too_o soon_o to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o late_o make_v without_o reproach_v his_o own_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o there_o have_v be_v very_o little_a of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n yet_o see_v but_o one_o act_n and_o that_o conclude_v in_o all_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o have_v god_n leave_v off_o here_o and_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o very_a ill_a spectacle_n to_o the_o angelical_a world_n to_o see_v a_o whole_a species_n of_o reasonable_a being_n so_n soon_o destroy_v the_o old_a serpent_n who_o deceive_v our_o first_o parent_n will_v have_v glory_v in_o his_o voctory_n that_o he_o have_v utter_o spoil_v and_o ruin_v the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o visible_a creation_n and_o even_o force_v god_n to_o destroy_v the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n he_o have_v make_v on_o earth_n but_o god_n have_v threaten_v the_o serpent_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v his_o head_n and_o therefore_o the_o whole_a posterity_n of_o eve_n must_v not_o be_v destroy_v but_o a_o righteous_a seed_n must_v be_v preserve_v to_o new-people_n the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n be_v intend_v as_o a_o warn_n to_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o live_a witness_n both_o of_o the_o destruction_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assure_v their_o posterity_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o all_o generation_n of_o which_o more_o present_o 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o delay_v so_o terrible_a a_o execution_n till_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n to_o destroy_v a_o world_n carry_v great_a horror_n with_o it_o and_o make_v a_o frightful_a representation_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o qualify_v with_o all_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o soften_a circumstance_n and_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v justify_v providence_n in_o it_o except_v the_o last_o judgement_n when_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o this_o world_n but_o the_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o some_o new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n delay_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n till_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v which_o must_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v corrupt_v too_o by_o the_o universal_a wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o though_o noah_n may_v have_v preserve_v his_o own_o integrity_n and_o have_v teach_v his_o own_o family_n that_o fear_v and_o worship_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o can_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n but_o his_o sermon_n have_v no_o effect_n it_o be_v general_o conclude_v by_o the_o ancient_n that_o he_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n in_o build_v the_o ark_n and_o all_o this_o while_n he_o give_v visible_a warning_n to_o they_o of_o the_o approach_a deluge_n now_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n what_o remain_v but_o to_o destroy_v that_o corrupt_a and_o incurable_a generation_n and_o to_o preserve_v righteous_a noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n have_v he_o delay_v a_o little_a long_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v have_v be_v corrupt_a without_o one_o righteous_a man_n in_o it_o and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o have_v maintain_v or_o preserve_v a_o world_n of_o atheist_n and_o profligate_v sinner_n or_o must_v have_v destroy_v they_o all_o but_o it_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n when_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o one_o family_n to_o defer_v vengeance_n no_o long_o while_o he_o have_v one_o righteous_a family_n to_o save_v to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restore_v lose_v piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n 3_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o one_a for_o first_o it_o be_v a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a destruction_n and_o therefore_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n in_o nature_n to_o do_v this_o and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o nature_n some_o man_n think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o disparage_v the_o moysaicall_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n if_o they_o can_v prove_v the_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o it_o and_o other_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o story_n think_v themselves_o much_o concern_v to_o give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o it_o without_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n and_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o they_o say_v unbecome_v philosopher_n but_o if_o it_o unbecome_v philosopher_n to_o believe_v miracle_n i_o doubt_v they_o will_v think_v it_o very_o much_o below_o they_o to_o be_v christian_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v who_o do_v not_o believe_v miracle_n and_o if_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o miracle_n in_o any_o case_n methinks_v they_o shall_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o attribute_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o a_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a power_n the_o comfort_n be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o any_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v drown_v because_o we_o can_v tell_v by_o what_o natural_a cause_n it_o may_v be_v drown_v but_o
because_o moses_n have_v record_v it_o in_o his_o write_n who_o we_o know_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n give_v yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n how_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v drown_v at_o lest_o none_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n either_o of_o the_o creation_n or_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o account_n than_o such_o a_o account_n as_o confute_v moses_n can_v any_o such_o be_v give_v for_o this_o confute_v or_o at_o least_o discredit_v the_o story_n itself_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o authentic_a authority_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v lose_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n to_o seek_v after_o natural_a cause_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o resolve_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n into_o natural_a cause_n for_o it_o 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cause_n but_o to_o preternatural_a disorder_n and_o what_o philosophy_n can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o what_o can_v put_v nature_n into_o such_o a_o universal_a disorder_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o put_v it_o into_o order_n and_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n to_o give_v a_o visible_a and_o last_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n to_o the_o new_a by_o such_o a_o miraculous_a deluge_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v lose_v among_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o world_n by_o computation_n be_v not_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o lamech_v noah_n father_n live_v fifty_o year_n with_o adam_n himself_o that_o it_o seem_v 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 deluge_n be_v preserve_v 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v see_v in_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n without_o destroy_v the_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v again_o inhabit_v by_o a_o new_a generation_n and_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v best_o fit_v to_o this_o purpose_n which_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o again_o but_o rather_o moisten_v and_o impregnate_v it_o with_o new_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n we_o know_v of_o to_o destroy_v this_o earth_n either_o by_o water_n or_o fire_n it_o have_v already_o be_v destroy_v by_o water_n and_o will_v be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accident_n but_o a_o wise_a design_n to_o consider_v that_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o purge_v 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 not_o to_o burn_v it_o because_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n from_o perish_v by_o water_n for_o first_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n which_o much_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o have_v create_v man_n anew_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n it_o become_v god_n to_o try_v new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o this_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n of_o providence_n and_o display_v such_o a_o multifarious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a