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
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 of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o what_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o 3._o what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n as_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v govern_v it_o if_o what_o man_n ignorant_o object_n against_o providence_n be_v no_o just_a impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o if_o nothing_o be_v just_o chargeable_a on_o providence_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o suppose_v i_o need_v then_o add_v no_o more_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n can_v require_v no_o more_o of_o he_o
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1_o rom._n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o 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first_o principle_n which_o the_o mind_n have_v a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o vigorous_a perception_n of_o and_o if_o man_n will_v distrust_v their_o own_o mind_n in_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v a_o easy_a natural_a perception_n of_o and_o prefer_v some_o arbitrary_a notion_n which_o seem_v absurd_a contradiction_n and_o impossible_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o beyond_o the_o sound_n of_o word_n they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o please_v at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v they_o may_v be_v atheist_n if_o they_o will_v not_o judge_v and_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o if_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n as_o we_o be_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n we_o have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o chap._n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n have_v prove_v as_o large_o as_o my_o present_a design_n require_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n he_o have_v make_v which_o must_v consist_v in_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o in_o such_o act_n of_o government_n as_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n require_v which_o divide_v providence_n into_o preservation_n and_o government_n which_o must_v be_v careful_o distinguish_v in_o order_n to_o answer_v some_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n i_o
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
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 that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o never_o intend_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v intend_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n how_o absolute_a the_o divine_a providence_n be_v for_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n of_o man_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o state_n this_o matter_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n 1._o as_o for_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o their_o case_n for_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o a_o good_a and_o beneficent_a providence_n they_o do_v good_a out_o of_o temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o 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
prerogative_n act_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v no_o far_o for_o the_o reason_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o the_o sovereign_n will_v of_o god_n as_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n while_o he_o keep_v within_o the_o legal_a exercise_n of_o his_o prerogative_n needs_o give_v no_o other_o account_n of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n but_o there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o will_v not_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n to_o take_v his_o sole_a will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n for_o a_o satisfactory_a reason_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o quarrel_n about_o these_o prerogative_n act_n and_o ask_v a_o great_a many_o foolish_a question_n and_o make_v a_o great_a many_o impertinent_a objection_n even_o against_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a goodness_n now_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o right_n of_o a_o sovereign_n to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o he_o beyond_o his_o own_o will_n for_o the_o act_n of_o pure_a sovereignty_n but_o yet_o i_o will_v grant_v these_o man_n that_o though_o in_o all_o such_o case_n we_o must_v ask_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o mere_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n for_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o some_o man_n do_v but_o have_v always_o wise_a and_o hide_a reason_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o though_o they_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n a_o just_a satisfaction_n to_o other_o objection_n yet_o methinks_v where_o they_o ought_v to_o demand_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o shall_v abundant_o satisfy_v they_o to_o know_v that_o though_o this_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o unaccountable_a it_o be_v always_o guide_v by_o infinite_a and_o infallible_a wisdom_n that_o you_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n goodness_n indeed_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n which_o no_o creature_n can_v challenge_v from_o god_n which_o god_n may_v not_o have_v do_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v very_o good_a and_o why_o god_n exercise_v such_o free_a and_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n must_v be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o own_o will._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o that_o mysterious_a goodness_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v therefore_o every_o where_o in_o scripture_n call_v grace_n and_o free_a grace_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 38._o that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o do_v his_o own_o will_n but_o the_o will_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o redemption_n 11._o be_v call_v the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o thus_o be_v every_o part_n of_o our_o redemption_n 18._o as_o our_o new-birth_n of_o his_o own_o will_v he_o have_v beget_v we_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n 4._o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o good_a pleasure_n 13._o all_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o these_o be_v such_o prerogative_n act_v of_o goodness_n as_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n now_o in_o such_o sovereign_a act_n of_o goodness_n as_o these_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o administration_n be_v all_o perfect_o free_a and_o voluntary_a where_o god_n have_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o by_o covenant_n and_o promise_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v but_o must_v not_o critical_o examine_v whether_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o the_o best_a manner_n that_o we_o can_v think_v on_o which_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o a_o great_a many_o foolish_a inquiry_n with_o which_o man_n perplex_v themselves_o and_o disparage_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o salvation_n as_o why_o god_n send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n to_o save_v sinner_n or_o whether_o this_o be_v absolute_o the_o best_a why_o god_n send_v christ_n so_o late_o into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o last_o day_n when_o it_o grow_v near_o its_o end_n and_o so_o many_o generation_n of_o man_n have_v perish_v in_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n before_o his_o appearance_n why_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n have_v never_o hear_v of_o christ_n and_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a question_n as_o these_o to_o all_o which_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o reply_v that_o our_o redemption_n by_o christ_n be_v a_o act_n of_o sovereign_a grace_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v inquire_v no_o far_o than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n have_v god_n never_o send_v christ_n into_o the_o world_n nor_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o any_o one_o nation_n we_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v for_o he_o do_v not_o owe_v such_o a_o saviour_n to_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o his_o gospel_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v by_o mankind_n sovereign_n grace_n be_v free_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o such_o stupendous_a goodness_n be_v administer_v by_o as_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n 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what_o manner_n he_o please_v without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o his_o own_o will._n god_n have_v more_o reason_n of_o punish_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n than_o mere_o to_o take_v vengeance_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o he_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o may_v most_o advance_v his_o own_o name_n and_o glory_n and_o do_v most_o good_a in_o the_o world_n thus_o god_n tell_v pharaoh_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o that_o be_v either_o advance_v thou_o to_o the_o throne_n or_o preserve_v thy_o life_n thus_o long_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o plague_n i_o have_v bring_v upon_o thy_o land_n for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 16._o that_o be_v to_o take_v such_o a_o remarkable_a vengeance_n on_o thou_o as_o may_v make_v all_o the_o earth_n confess_v my_o glory_n will_v man_n but_o allow_n god_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_n who_o can_v spare_v and_o reprieve_v nay_o pardon_v in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o imputation_n of_o injustice_n it_o will_v answer_v all_o the_o cavil_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n god_n may_v then_o be_v allow_v to_o execute_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o some_o sinner_n and_o to_o delay_v the_o punishment_n of_o other_o and_o to_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v prosperous_a for_o a_o great_a while_n without_o give_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o his_o own_o will_n and_o pleasure_n god_n have_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o these_o thing_n though_o we_o do_v not_o always_o know_v they_o but_o if_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v all_o this_o without_o any_o other_o
providence_n for_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o legal_a property_n against_o god_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o creature_n but_o to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o defend_v every_o man_n in_o his_o legal_a right_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n but_o in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o deserve_v or_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o that_o dispute_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o creaturas_fw-la what_o right_o god_n have_v in_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a unlimited_a uncontrollable_a right_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n they_o and_o all_o they_o have_v be_v his_o and_o at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n though_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v without_o any_o injustice_n make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o though_o creature_n have_v no_o natural_a right_n against_o god_n yet_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v they_o a_o moral_a right_n to_o such_o usage_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o those_o who_o deserve_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v ill_o use_v but_o these_o moral_a right_n concern_v distributive_a justice_n and_o result_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o government_n not_o from_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v absolute_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o our_o security_n be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 3_o from_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o distributive_a justice_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o bare_o consider_v what_o man_n have_v or_o what_o they_o lose_v or_o what_o they_o suffer_v nor_o what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o moral_a desert_n or_o whether_o they_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a end_n of_o god_n government_n if_o man_n be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o have_v neither_o deserve_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o or_o which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n allot_v all_o man_n their_o several_a portion_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v man_n condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o they_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a happy_a or_o miserable_a advance_v or_o ruin_v by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o violence_n if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o deserve_v what_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o what_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o providence_n which_o direct_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n with_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n daily_o commit_v in_o it_o unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o these_o miserable_a people_n ought_v not_o for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n to_o suffer_v such_o misery_n or_o that_o any_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o what_o god_n may_v wise_o and_o just_o inflict_v on_o he_o this_o abundant_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n 4thly_a but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o confound_a of_o which_o have_v occasion_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o justice_n vary_v as_o they_o do_v even_o among_o man_n according_a as_o their_o right_n and_o authority_n differ_v justice_n signify_v to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o to_o take_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v our_o own_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o as_o our_o authority_n will_v justify_v so_o that_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o exercise_v by_o different_a person_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n relation_n authority_n and_o power_n differ_v for_o when_o two_o man_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v do_v very_o just_o by_o one_o and_o very_o unjust_o by_o the_o other_o because_o one_o may_v have_v a_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o other_o have_v none_o as_o a_o prince_n or_o judge_n may_v very_o just_o execute_v a_o criminal_a and_o confiscate_v his_o estate_n which_o a_o private_a man_n can_v just_o do_v now_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o private_a man_n and_o a_o magistrate_n between_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o subject_a make_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o particular_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o they_o respect_v such_o different_a state_n that_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n must_v make_v a_o much_o great_a difference_n that_o though_o the_o general_n notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o same_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v just_o do_v as_o a_o prince_n may_v exercise_v some_o act_n of_o justice_n which_o a_o private_a man_n must_v not_o do_v i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a instance_n in_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o show_v you_o in_o some_o plain_a case_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n now_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n give_v he_o right_o and_o authority_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o absolute_a dominion_n be_v absolute_a authority_n and_o absolute_a authority_n make_v every_o thing_n just_a which_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a a_o limit_a authority_n have_v a_o rule_n and_o must_v not_o do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a against_o its_o rule_n of_o right_n no_o man_n must_v take_v away_o that_o which_o be_v another_o and_o which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o take_v away_o whatever_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n he_o can_v serve_v by_o it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o the_o man_n himself_o to_o take_v away_o great_a part_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o use_v ill_a to_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o beast_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o estate_n he_o have_v nay_o deserve_v to_o lose_v it_o though_o we_o can_v bestow_v it_o upon_o man_n who_o deserve_v and_o will_v use_v it_o better_o or_o can_v employ_v it_o to_o excellent_a use_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n or_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a all_o these_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n will_v justify_v no_o man_n who_o invade_v another_o right_n without_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o have_v any_o prince_n such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o he_o can_v give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o as_o he_o please_v than_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o will_v justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n will_v and_o
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
man_n lust_n for_o do_v not_o all_o mankind_n suffer_v by_o one_o another_o sin_n i_o doubt_v neither_o good_a nor_o bad_a man_n will_v be_v so_o zealous_o concern_v to_o punish_v and_o suppress_v vice_n and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o have_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n than_o to_o make_v all_o mankind_n sensible_a of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n by_o make_v they_o all_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o feel_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v by_o their_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n for_o be_v all_o man_n convince_v and_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o that_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o sin_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v happy_a without_o reform_v themselves_o and_o other_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v what_o more_o powerful_a argument_n can_v providence_n offer_v to_o we_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o calamity_n and_o very_o terrible_a one_o too_o which_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o providence_n can_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o a_o wicked_a world_n such_o as_o plague_n and_o pestilence_n and_o famine_n deluge_n and_o earthquake_n which_o destroy_v city_n and_o country_n and_o more_o ordinary_a accident_n when_o they_o act_v in_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o if_o they_o be_v direct_v and_o guide_v by_o a_o unseen_a hand_n a_o great_a many_o such_o instance_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o express_o ascribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n god_n have_v threaten_v such_o judgement_n in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v they_o execute_v we_o must_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v inflict_v by_o god_n as_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o sin_n nay_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o other_o man_n sin_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n for_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n that_o these_o judgement_n be_v not_o order_v by_o god_n that_o we_o can_v find_v some_o immediate_a cause_n for_o they_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n other_o to_o man_n other_o to_o some_o surprise_v and_o unusual_a or_o it_o may_v be_v usual_a accident_n for_o whoever_o believe_v a_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o therefore_o believe_v that_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n immediate_o by_o his_o own_o power_n without_o the_o ministry_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n either_o natural_a or_o free_a agent_n or_o what_o we_o call_v accident_n but_o he_o be_v only_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v such_o effect_n as_o he_o see_v fit_a that_o all_o nature_n move_v at_o god_n command_n that_o fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n wind_n and_o storm_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o v._n that_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v under_o his_o government_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v perfect_a chance_n to_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o than_o whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v we_o must_v ascribe_v they_o all_o to_o god_n especial_o when_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o judgement_n which_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o immediate_a cause_n be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reason_n enough_o for_o we_o whenever_o such_o judgement_n befall_v we_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o need_v not_o dispute_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v sinner_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n for_o till_o they_o can_v prove_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o direct_a and_o positive_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n which_o none_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n pretend_v to_o do_v while_o they_o dispute_v only_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n they_o must_v prove_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o so_o order_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v order_v do_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v their_o objection_n be_v answer_v now_o with_o respect_n to_o my_o present_a argument_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v for_o the_o discouragement_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o order_v on_o purpose_n by_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v so_o order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a providence_n as_o far_o then_o as_o to_o command_v and_o encourage_v all_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o forbid_v and_o discourage_v all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o clear_v this_o point_n and_o i_o must_v desire_v you_o to_o observe_v that_o these_o be_v direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n such_o as_o every_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o can_v avoid_v the_o evidence_n of_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o every_o difficulty_n object_v against_o they_o for_o our_o knowledge_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o almost_o which_o we_o so_o certain_o know_v but_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v easy_o and_o satisfactory_o answer_v but_o one_o plain_a positive_a proof_n be_v a_o better_a reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n than_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v it_o because_o since_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v very_o imperfect_a it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o we_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o as_o we_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o therefore_o unless_o the_o objection_n be_v as_o positive_a and_o evident_a as_o the_o proof_n be_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o such_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o yet_o may_v very_o reasonable_o believe_v on_o as_o we_o do_v 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o government_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n make_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n daily_o commit_v in_o the_o world_n now_o if_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n this_o be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o it_o for_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a but_o what_o consequence_n be_v there_o in_o this_o that_o god_n can_v be_v holy_a nor_o his_o providence_n holy_a because_o man_n be_v wicked_a we_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o there_o be_v a_o devil_n such_o conceit_n as_o these_o tempt_v some_o ancient_a heretic_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n because_o they_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o he_o very_o good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v any_o man_n think_v this_o a_o good_a argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o government_n that_o he_o have_v many_o wicked_a subject_n and_o how_o then_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n come_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n to_o state_n this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n permit_v sin_n we_o either_o mean_v the_o internal_a or_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n 1._o the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n when_o man_n choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o full_o resolve_v and_o purpose_n as_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n this_o make_v we_o guilty_a before_o god_n who_o know_v our_o heart_n though_o human_a law_n can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o it_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o he_o that_o look_v upon_o a_o woman_n to_o lust_n after_o she_o have_v commit_v adultery_n with_o she_o already_o 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 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
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 be_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o man_n to_o own_o a_o god_n if_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v a_o world_n without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o every_o thing_n endow_v with_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a frame_n with_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o make_v the_o world_n by_o natural_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n must_v move_v unnatural_o and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o universal_a disorder_n before_o the_o world_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o while_o natural_a cause_n keep_v their_o natural_a course_n they_o will_v preserve_v not_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o natural_a 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 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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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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 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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
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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which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o 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usurp_a power_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v resist_v but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n make_v it_o lawful_a to_o submit_v when_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o when_o by_o such_o submission_n new_a kingdom_n be_v erect_v and_o we_o be_v become_v the_o subject_n of_o new_a power_n than_o providence_n have_v change_v our_o relation_n and_o make_v it_o our_o duty_n to_o submit_v four_o there_o be_v another_o inquiry_n also_o of_o great_a moment_n how_o our_o submission_n to_o providence_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n require_v we_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o man_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o such_o misfortune_n for_o if_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v suffer_v such_o thing_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o man_n who_o do_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o punish_v they_o why_o shall_v we_o revenge_v ourselves_o of_o they_o when_o they_o only_o execute_v the_o divine_a 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creature_n be_v all_o dependence_n and_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v be_v the_o virtue_n of_o a_o dependent_a state_n and_o can_v in_o reason_n have_v no_o other_o object_n but_o that_o be_v on_o who_o we_o depend_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v all_o other_o dependency_n be_v vain_a because_o none_o else_o can_v help_v we_o but_o god_n have_v all_o event_n in_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v help_v we_o if_o he_o please_v and_o he_o will_v help_v we_o if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o the_o scripture_n abound_v with_o exhortation_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n with_o promise_n to_o those_o who_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o with_o example_n of_o god_n care_n and_o protection_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o make_v he_o their_o only_a hope_n and_o trust_v but_o yet_o the_o duty_n itself_o need_v some_o explication_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o what_o be_v the_o various_a act_n of_o it_o or_o wherein_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o consist_v 1._o the_o nature_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n what_o it_o be_v to_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o god_n or_o man_n we_o all_o know_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o it_o be_v we_o must_v trust_v god_n for_o and_o how_o far_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o he_o for_o must_v we_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v if_o suppose_v we_o have_v a_o child_n or_o a_o friend_n dangerous_o sick_a must_v we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v spare_v their_o life_n and_o restore_v their_o health_n if_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o do_v it_o must_v a_o merchant_n confident_o expect_v a_o safe_a and_o advantageous_a voyage_n if_o he_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o it_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v to_o give_v we_o whatever_o we_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o or_o do_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n infer_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o yet_o what_o do_v trust_n in_o god_n signify_v if_o we_o must_v not_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o we_o want_v and_o desire_v and_o trust_v he_o for_o what_o do_v all_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n signify_v if_o they_o give_v we_o no_o security_n that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v our_o desire_n of_o god_n nay_o indeed_o how_o can_v any_o man_n hope_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o he_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v obtain_v what_o he_o hope_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v most_o man_n so_o distrustful_a of_o providence_n that_o though_o they_o talk_v
his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o security_n it_o give_v we_o 1._o what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v since_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o this_o signify_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n but_o only_o on_o god_n though_o we_o just_o value_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o prince_n and_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o thank_v god_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o such_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o we_o yet_o our_o entire_a trust_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o god_n that_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v help_v we_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v always_o oppose_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o man_n in_o prince_n in_o human_a counsel_n policy_n or_o strength_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n 118._o psalm_n 8_o 9_o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anointed_n he_o will_v hear_v he_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n they_o be_v bring_v down_o and_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v rise_v and_o stand_v upright_o 20._o psalm_n 6_o 7_o 8._o all_o wise_a man_n be_v great_o satisfy_v and_o please_v to_o see_v the_o probable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o safety_n and_o defence_n because_o god_n ordinary_o work_v by_o mean_n but_o good_a man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o will_v not_o make_v we_o whole_o unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a whatever_o happen_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_a or_o alike_o indifferent_a riches_n and_o poverty_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n war_n or_o peace_n plenty_n or_o famine_n can_v be_v alike_o indifferent_a to_o any_o man_n who_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o but_o it_o will_v make_v we_o quiet_a and_o patient_a under_o all_o event_n and_o help_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o adverse_a fortune_n with_o such_o a_o unbroken_a greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n this_o be_v proper_o to_o trust_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v which_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v or_o at_o least_o to_o direct_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v it_o but_o to_o live_v secure_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n without_o disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o