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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a king_n lord_n 6,936 5 3.8165 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42721 The great mystery of providence, or, The various methods of God in ordering and over-ruling the actions of wicked men and devils to great and glorious purposes with the vindication of his holiness therein : being the substance of several sermons / preached by George Gifford. Gifford, George, d. 1620. 1695 (1695) Wing G694; ESTC R25460 29,026 38

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be_v constant_o verify_v in_o scripture_n and_o by_o experience_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v suffer_v good_a people_n to_o be_v afflict_v and_o injurious_o deal_v with_o in_o just_a cause_n and_o wicked_a man_n to_o prosper_v and_o bring_v wicked_a and_o unjust_a action_n to_o pass_v so_o when_o god_n raise_v up_o a_o great_a king_n to_o be_v a_o scourge_n to_o his_o neighbour_n he_o will_v give_v he_o wisdom_n policy_n and_o success_n and_o also_o when_o the_o lord_n be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v a_o nation_n he_o can_v take_v away_o their_o wisdom_n and_o success_n thus_o god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o tabernacle_n of_o robber_n to_o prosper_v and_o suffer_v good_a man_n for_o good_a cause_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n christ_n himself_o say_v that_o the_o power_n pilate_n have_v to_o crucify_v he_o he_o have_v it_o from_o god_n but_o you_o will_v say_v be_v this_o no_o prejudice_n to_o his_o holiness_n i_o answer_v no_o 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the_o great_a mystery_n of_o providence_n or_o the_o various_a method_n of_o god_n in_o order_v and_o overrule_v the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n to_o great_a and_o glorious_a purpose_n with_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o holiness_n therein_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o several_a sermon_n preach_v by_o the_o reverend_n judicious_a and_o orthodox_n divine_a mr._n george_n gifford_n late_a minister_n of_o st._n dunstan_n in_o the_o east_n london_n heb._n xi_o 4._o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o speak_v london_n print_v for_o s._n crouch_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o pope's-head_n alley_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1695._o to_o the_o reader_n next_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n there_o be_v not_o any_o truth_n of_o great_a moment_n or_o more_o needful_a to_o be_v right_o know_v of_o all_o person_n than_o this_o before_o we_o namely_o how_o far_o the_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n be_v or_o may_v 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attribute_n and_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o his_o church_n these_o sermon_n have_v be_v calculate_v only_o for_o a_o popular_a auditory_a the_o reader_n must_v expect_v no_o other_o eloquence_n than_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n paul_n great_a plainness_n of_o speech_n which_o best_o become_v divinity_n and_o especial_o the_o weighty_a subject_n before_o we_o therefore_o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o only_o one_o request_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v peruse_v these_o line_n with_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o the_o author_n declare_v he_o have_v in_o the_o delivery_n of_o they_o namely_o with_o a_o holy_a fear_n and_o tremble_v and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v receive_v that_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n by_o they_o as_o shall_v give_v abundant_a cause_n to_o bless_v god_n for_o they_o which_o be_v the_o chief_a end_n of_o the_o publisher_n j._n d._n advertisement_n a_o discourse_n upon_o usury_n or_o lend_v money_n for_o increase_n occasion_v by_o mr._n david_n jones_n late_a farewel-sermon_n prove_v by_o undeniable_a argument_n the_o lawfulness_n thereof_o and_o answer_v his_o plausible_a objection_n from_o scripture-counsel_n and_o father_n against_o it_o publish_a at_o the_o request_n of_o several_a judicious_a and_o sober_a christian_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o such_o as_o have_v or_o may_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o matter_n of_o so_o general_a and_o weighty_a importance_n print_a for_o sam._n crouch_n at_o the_o corner_n of_o popes-head-alley_n next_o cornhill_n gen._n xlv_o 8._o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god._n the_o joyful_a discovery_n of_o joseph_n to_o his_o brethren_n i_o have_v already_o speak_v of_o out_o of_o this_o chapter_n after_o his_o rough_a treat_v of_o they_o after_o so_o many_o fear_n and_o danger_n at_o last_o the_o sun_n break_v out_o from_o these_o cloud_n and_o then_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o be_o joseph_n and_o there_o i_o handle_v that_o this_o be_v a_o emblem_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n he_o lead_v they_o at_o first_o into_o crooked_a path_n but_o then_o after_o all_o these_o tempest_n and_o storm_n there_o will_v be_v joy_n and_o peace_n at_o the_o last_o and_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o how_o that_o after_o some_o great_a affliction_n but_o above_o all_o spiritual_a desertion_n when_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o a_o long_a time_n as_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o his_o people_n at_o last_o he_o shine_v forth_o and_o say_v i_o be_o your_o god_n and_o saviour_n the_o second_o thing_n i_o have_v handle_v be_v joseph_n pardon_v and_o love_v his_o brethren_n that_o have_v so_o barbarous_o sell_v he_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n he_o be_v now_o so_o far_o from_o revenge_v himself_o of_o they_o that_o he_o love_v and_o embrace_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o i_o handle_v that_o high_a and_o excellent_a duty_n of_o love_v and_o forgive_a those_o that_o injure_v we_o that_o the_o true_a and_o noble_a way_n of_o revenge_a injury_n be_v by_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n and_o that_o be_v the_o argument_n joseph_n make_v use_v of_o to_o comfort_v his_o brethren_n that_o be_v so_o overcome_v with_o shame_n and_o fear_n he_o do_v three_o time_n repeat_v it_o the_o first_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o work_v this_o great_a thing_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v do_v not_o look_v any_o more_o upon_o second_o cause_n it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o fault_n in_o you_o who_o sell_v i_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o good_a hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o it_o god_n send_v i_o before_o you_o and_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n this_o so_o frequent_a inculcate_v of_o it_o be_v to_o raise_v up_o they_o and_o also_o we_o to_o a_o serious_a contemplation_n how_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o good_a purpose_n in_o this_o action_n god_n and_o they_o both_o work_v together_o they_o sell_v joseph_n and_o god_n send_v he_o for_o good_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o god_n church_n in_o jacob_n family_n i_o shall_v by_o god_n assistance_n six_o here_o for_o some_o time_n upon_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o overrule_a the_o action_n of_o wicked_a men._n first_o here_o be_v a_o ingeniosa_fw-la charitas_fw-la see_v how_o often_o joseph_n repeat_v his_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o hand_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o matter_n i_o observe_v there_o be_v nothing_o will_v make_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o forgive_v they_o that_o have_v do_v we_o any_o injury_n than_o to_o look_v up_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o refer_v all_o to_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o look_v to_o instrument_n and_o second_a cause_n and_o not_o think_v of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o they_o second_o god_n send_v i_o before_o you_o to_o preserve_v you_o a_o posterity_n and_o to_o save_v your_o life_n by_o a_o great_a deliverance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n i_o observe_v here_o god_n gracious_a providence_n and_o care_n over_o his_o church_n and_o child_n so_o long_o before_o provide_v for_o their_o safety_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o excellent_a observation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o his_o child_n in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n when_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v a_o most_o dreadful_a famine_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o which_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n may_v probable_o have_v perish_v yet_o god_n make_v a_o provision_n for_o he_o and_o they_o 20_o year_n beforehand_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o jacob_n and_o joseph_n never_o think_v of_o he_o send_v joseph_n 20_o year_n before_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o harbinger_n for_o
his_o church_n and_o people_n god_n after_o a_o secret_a and_o ineffable_a manner_n do_v order_v all_o event_n so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n as_o we_o find_v several_a cross_a providence_n in_o this_o history_n of_o joseph_n and_o his_o brethren_n yet_o they_o all_o contribute_v to_o this_o good_a end_n and_o conclusion_n this_o shall_v teach_v we_o in_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n that_o besal_a god_n church_n and_o when_o we_o know_v not_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o to_o resign_v up_o all_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n he_o will_v take_v care_n and_o provide_v for_o we_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o we_o little_a dream_n of_o three_o i_o shall_v treat_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v and_o overrule_a the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n and_o yet_o certain_o beloved_n they_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o the_o action_n i_o observe_v from_o hence_o it_o be_v god_n that_o overrule_v their_o counsel_n all_o the_o action_n of_o sinful_a man_n yea_o of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o be_v order_v by_o a_o strange_a but_o yet_o most_o wise_a council_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a concern_v to_o resolve_v how_o the_o righteousness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n can_v consist_v in_o order_v and_o rule_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n among_o interpreter_n how_o to_o reconcile_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o action_n of_o sinful_a man_n with_o his_o holiness_n justice_n and_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o mankind_n therefore_o first_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v from_o this_o example_n that_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n even_o their_o sinful_a action_n be_v under_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n they_o sell_v joseph_n and_o god_n send_v he_o second_o i_o shall_v inquire_v what_o essiciency_n or_o concurrence_n the_o holy_a god_n have_v in_o the_o sinful_a action_n of_o ungodly_a men._n three_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o end_n of_o such_o ordering_n how_o god_n work_v and_o ordain_v the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n to_o end_n beyond_o what_o they_o desire_v or_o design_v this_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o most_o seasonable_a to_o be_v well_o weigh_v and_o consider_v under_o our_o present_a disquiet_n and_o fear_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o action_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a yea_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n 1_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o point_n by_o four_o or_o five_o place_n of_o scripture_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o general_a place_n in_o scripture_n that_o ascribe_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o will_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o psal_n 35.6_o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n there_o be_v nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o will_n of_o god_n dan_n 4.35_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n voluntas_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la omnium_fw-la rerum_fw-la necessitas_fw-la there_o be_v many_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o preceptive_a part_n of_o god_n will_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o come_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o against_o what_o he_o will_v have_v do_v yea_o the_o devil_n themselves_o when_o they_o most_o cross_a the_o preceptive_a will_n of_o god_n they_o do_v then_o most_o fulfil_v the_o will_n of_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n but_o the_o council_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v whatever_o design_n man_n or_o devil_n may_v have_v yet_o he_o tell_v we_o they_o all_o act_n but_o according_a to_o the_o providential_a will_n of_o god_n the_o 2._o head_n be_v this_o that_o such_o action_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o wicked_a man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o eternal_a council_n and_o ordination_n of_o god_n they_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o god_n decree_n it_o be_v so_o in_o this_o case_n of_o joseph_n god_n have_v decree_v joseph_n advancement_n in_o egypt_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o pass_v without_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o brethren_n i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o instance_n in_o scripture_n that_o action_n that_o prove_v the_o great_a blessing_n to_o mankind_n of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n yet_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o instrument_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v the_o suffer_v of_o our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n act_v 2.23_o he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v in_o the_o same_o action_n there_o be_v the_o wickedness_n and_o envy_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n there_o be_v the_o villainy_n and_o treachery_n of_o judas_n in_o betray_v of_o he_o yet_o he_o say_v all_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n so_o act_v 4.27_o 28._o for_o of_o a_o truth_n against_o thy_o holy_a child_n jesus_n both_o herod_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v gather_v together_o for_o to_o do_v whatsoever_o thy_o hand_n and_o thy_o counsel_n determine_v before_o to_o be_v do_v this_o be_v a_o singular_a comfort_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v not_o according_a to_o wicked_a man_n counsel_n but_o according_a to_o what_o god_n do_v determine_v 3._o wicked_a man_n when_o they_o do_v the_o unjust_a action_n yet_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o god_n providence_n to_o execute_v his_o counsel_n his_o design_n and_o purpose_n i_o will_v give_v you_o some_o sew_v of_o they_o isa_n 10.5_o god_n church_n be_v to_o be_v invade_v by_o the_o assyrian_n o_o assyrain_n the_o rod_n of_o my_o anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v my_o indignation_n i_o will_v send_v he_o against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n well_o look_v to_o the_o seven_o verse_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v he_o think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n that_o be_v this_o proud_a prince_n think_v of_o nothing_o of_o god_n providence_n and_o purpose_n in_o this_o matter_n his_o design_n be_v to_o gratify_v his_o pride_n and_o revenge_n and_o covetousness_n but_o god_n almighty_n give_v way_n to_o it_o for_o other_o holy_a and_o wise_a end_n and_o again_o v._n 15._o shall_v the_o axe_n beast_n itself_o against_o he_o that_o hew_v therewith_o or_o shall_v the_o see_v magnify_v itself_o against_o he_o that_o shake_v it_o there_o be_v a_o great_a emphasis_n in_o these_o word_n to_o show_v that_o wicked_a man_n and_o their_o action_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o the_o axe_n and_o the_o see_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o workman_n 4._o that_o even_o when_o wicked_a man_n go_v about_o wicked_a action_n god_n be_v say_v to_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o it_o so_o in_o this_o instance_n of_o joseph_n and_o in_o that_o isa_n 10.6_o god_n be_v say_v to_o send_v the_o assyrian_n against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n to_o punish_v and_o chastise_v they_o so_o 2_o sam._n 12.11_o you_o see_v there_o beloved_n god_n threaten_v to_o raise_v up_o evil_a against_o david_n in_o his_o own_o house_n that_o be_v by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n and_o his_o villainy_n and_o insolence_n against_o his_o father_n wife_n and_o concubine_n but_o be_v god_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o wickedness_n in_o absalon_n no_o but_o absalon_n have_v these_o lust_n in_o he_o god_n permit_v he_o to_o exercise_v they_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o david_n sin_n so_o 2_o sam._n 16.11_o shimei_n do_v unjust_o revile_v david_n but_o say_v david_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n but_o this_o be_v to_o punish_v david_n for_o his_o former_a sin_n psal_n 105.23_o it_o be_v say_v he_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n and_o to_o deal_v subtle_o with_o his_o servant_n he_o make_v use_v of_o their_o sin_n for_o righteous_a end_n 5._o i_o do_v observe_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o child_n of_o god_n whenever_o they_o suffer_v most_o unjust_o from_o wicked_a man_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o impute_v it_o so_o much_o to_o the_o instrument_n as_o to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o for_o example_n i_o will_v give_v you_o here_o a_o instance_n in_o joseph_n it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n
wicked_a men._n i_o shall_v handle_v they_o by_o way_n of_o observation_n the_o first_o be_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a even_o in_o his_o govern_v the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n this_o shall_v be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n in_o his_o concurrence_n with_o the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n in_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o clear_v it_o up_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o this_o story_n that_o be_v joseph_n being_n sell_v into_o egypt_n here_o be_v two_o concur_v cause_n his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o and_o yet_o god_n send_v he_o so_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o act_n the_o patriarch_n move_v with_o envy_n sell_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n i_o shall_v here_o clear_v up_o god_n justice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o read_v there_o be_v first_o a_o determination_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o advance_v joseph_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n well_o to_o bring_v this_o to_o pass_v god_n intend_v to_o make_v use_n of_o his_o brethren_n and_o their_o envy_n and_o malice_n to_o sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n god_n do_v not_o infuse_v malice_n into_o they_o nor_o stir_v they_o up_o to_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n before_o but_o first_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v they_o you_o hear_v before_o how_o when_o they_o first_o determine_v to_o murder_n joseph_n god_n will_v not_o let_v it_o go_v that_o way_n but_o when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sell_v he_o he_o do_v suffer_v they_o because_o it_o be_v for_o his_o end_n and_o observe_v how_o god_n order_v it_o that_o the_o merchant_n shall_v happen_v to_o come_v by_o that_o very_a day_n to_o who_o his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a question_n why_o this_o affliction_n be_v rather_o attribute_v to_o god_n than_o to_o they_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v god_n permission_n and_o offer_v they_o a_o occasion_n in_o his_o providence_n which_o he_o know_v will_v take_v effect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v god_n do_v it_o i_o shall_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v open_a and_o answer_v this_o question_n in_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n we_o must_v abhor_v and_o detest_v all_o that_o do_v in_o the_o least_o attribute_n any_o sin_n to_o be_v god_n god_n neither_o infuse_v wickedness_n nor_o tempt_v or_o stir_v up_o people_n to_o sin_n but_o only_o by_o his_o providence_n permit_v order_n and_o govern_v it_o for_o his_o own_o wise_a and_o holy_a ends._n i_o will_v here_o answer_v some_o objection_n brief_o 1_o you_o will_v say_v how_o can_v it_o stand_v with_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v sin_n when_o he_o can_v hinder_v it_o i_o answer_v it_o can_v be_v no_o stain_n to_o god_n holiness_n for_o god_n do_v but_o leave_v the_o creature_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a that_o those_o who_o god_n have_v make_v free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v constrain_v but_o to_o leave_v wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n to_o their_o own_o will_n especial_o since_o god_n can_v bring_v so_o much_o good_a out_o of_o evil._n but_o second_o you_o will_v say_v why_o do_v god_n minister_v occasion_n in_o his_o providence_n i_o answer_v that_o do_v not_o reflect_v upon_o god_n neither_o for_o it_o be_v reasonable_a god_n shall_v make_v a_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o he_o but_o he_o can_v not_o know_v that_o or_o that_o can_v not_o be_v know_v if_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o wi_n 2._o i_o do_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o occasion_n that_o man_n abuse_v to_o sin_n be_v such_o as_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v good_a and_o natural_o will_v drive_v they_o to_o goodness_n for_o what_o be_v it_o that_o they_o use_v to_o harden_v themselves_o with_o and_o abuse_v to_o sin_n but_o the_o very_a blessing_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n again_o as_o to_o the_o other_o thing_n god_n order_v sin_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o people_n that_o can_v be_v any_o objection_n against_o god_n holiness_n or_o justice_n what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o god_n shall_v bring_v glory_n to_o himself_o from_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n force_n glory_n out_o of_o they_o above_z and_z contrary_n to_o their_o intent_n it_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evil_a but_o he_o can_v regulate_v and_o order_v for_o good_a end_n but_o than_o you_o may_v object_v do_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n stir_v up_o wicked_a man_n and_o blind_v they_o and_o harden_v they_o and_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v damn_v how_o can_v you_o in_o this_o vindicate_v the_o purity_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v in_o all_o those_o place_n where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n we_o must_v understand_v in_o some_o place_n it_o import_v but_o a_o mere_a permission_n of_o god_n or_o at_o most_o but_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o leave_v man_n up_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o devil_n second_o god_n never_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o wicked_a man_n till_o they_o by_o their_o former_a sin_n have_v deserve_v it_o so_o pharaoh_n first_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o then_o god_n in_o a_o judicial_a way_n harden_v his_o heart_n also_o and_o belove_v what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o they_o that_o resist_v god_n motion_n and_o give_v up_o themselves_o wilful_o to_o be_v seduce_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v they_o up_o to_o the_o seduction_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v but_o punish_v they_o with_o their_o own_o sin_n the_o next_o and_o great_a objection_n and_o most_o popular_a in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v god_n prosper_v wicked_a man_n in_o evil_a way_n and_o afflict_v good_a man_n in_o good_a way_n this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o heathen_n especial_o the_o epicurean_o and_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a stumble_n to_o godly_a man_n i_o remember_v four_o holy_a man_n in_o scripture_n be_v shake_v and_o almost_o overthrow_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o it_o as_o job_n job_n 21.6_o david_n psal_n 73._o jeremiah_n jer._n 12.1_o and_o habakkuk_n hab._n 1.13_o certain_o to_o heathen_n and_o such_o as_o deny_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o great_a objection_n but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o life_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o place_n of_o punishment_n and_o reward_n but_o only_o as_o a_o preparation_n for_o another_o life_n 2._o no_o man_n or_o people_n be_v ever_o so_o righteous_a but_o they_o have_v sin_n enough_o in_o they_o which_o their_o own_o conscience_n tell_v they_o deserve_v the_o great_a punishment_n 3._o i_o do_v consider_v that_o wicked_a man_n when_o god_n advance_v they_o and_o give_v they_o success_n it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o sake_n or_o out_o of_o love_n to_o they_o but_o because_o he_o raise_v they_o up_o in_o his_o providence_n to_o be_v his_o instrument_n to_o punish_v other_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o any_o success_n for_o their_o own_o desert_n now_o belove_v this_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o kingdom_n the_o vile_a of_o man_n be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o executioner_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v none_o fit_a for_o this_o work_n but_o the_o wicked_a do_v a_o shepherd_n set_v his_o sheep_n to_o worry_v one-another_o godly_a man_n be_v not_o fit_a or_o qualify_v to_o kill_v or_o plunder_v other_o man_n unjust_o therefore_o i_o say_v god_n do_v not_o make_v instrument_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o goodness_n but_o because_o they_o only_o be_v fit_a for_o such_o work_n as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v god_n executioner_n i_o remember_v a_o story_n when_o phocas_n have_v murder_v the_o emperor_n his_o master_n and_o make_v himself_o emperor_n and_o a_o holy_a man_n complain_v why_o god_n shall_v set_v so_o wicked_a a_o man_n over_o the_o nation_n the_o answer_n be_v they_o do_v not_o deserve_v a_o better_a it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o god_n send_v turk_n to_o oppress_v christian_n again_o consider_v that_o wicked_a man_n even_o in_o their_o wicked_a action_n have_v secret_a lash_n of_o conscience_n or_o if_o they_o be_v advance_v a_o little_a while_n yet_o as_o the_o psalmist_n
he_o rule_v and_o govern_v all_o then_o without_o he_o all_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v do_v we_o no_o harm_n if_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v for_o we_o all_o devil_n and_o wicked_a be_v of_o his_o host_n they_o can_v act_v but_o by_o his_o permission_n when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o when_o therefore_o we_o fear_v to_o suffer_v from_o wicked_a man_n or_o when_o we_o be_v under_o their_o hand_n than_o we_o be_v to_o look_v up_o and_o see_v god_n hand_n in_o all_o and_o to_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o that_o we_o be_v to_o neglect_v all_o prudent_a and_o careful_a mean_n to_o prevent_v mischief_n from_o wicked_a man_n as_o for_o example_n sake_n suppose_v they_o do_v injurious_o take_v away_o our_o estate_n or_o assault_v our_o life_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o use_v all_o care_n and_o to_o seek_v the_o help_n of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v ourselves_o nay_o magistrate_n be_v bind_v to_o use_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o oppose_v those_o wicked_a man_n that_o will_v hurt_v we_o god_n have_v never_o promise_v to_o help_v the_o idle_a slothful_a and_o lazy_a but_o the_o diligent_a and_o those_o that_o use_v all_o probable_a mean_n in_o subserviency_n to_o god_n providence_n nay_o when_o god_n do_v discover_v the_o design_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o put_v into_o a_o nation_n hand_n the_o mean_n to_o prevent_v they_o and_o they_o will_v not_o lay_v hold_n on_o they_o it_o be_v a_o fearful_a sign_n of_o destruction_n belove_a i_o have_v often_o think_v what_o in_o such_o case_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v the_o first_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o begin_v with_o be_v to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n above_o all_o second_o cause_n and_o to_o say_v when_o any_o trouble_n come_v be_v not_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v indeed_o much_o treachery_n malice_n and_o cruelty_n in_o man_n but_o be_v it_o not_o all_o order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n the_o second_o thing_n be_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o lord_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o to_o search_v what_o sin_n have_v go_v before_o this_o judgement_n when_o god_n cut_v we_o short_a of_o our_o estate_n to_o remember_v how_o unthankful_a we_o have_v be_v for_o they_o and_o how_o ill_o we_o have_v use_v they_o three_o before_o we_o begin_v to_o deal_v with_o our_o enemy_n we_o ought_v first_o to_o begin_v with_o our_o sin_n to_o subdue_v they_o and_o implore_v god_n help_n against_o they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o better_a sign_n of_o england_n happiness_n to_o see_v we_o reform_v our_o sin_n than_o to_o see_v all_o our_o enemy_n under_o our_o foot_n psal_n 81.13_o 14._o if_o god_n order_n and_o limit_n the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n than_o our_o duty_n be_v hearty_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o if_o he_o send_v they_o he_o have_v power_n to_o take_v they_o away_o thus_o penitent_a ephraim_n cry_v come_v let_v we_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o have_v wound_v we_o and_o he_o will_v heal_v we_o thus_o jacob_n before_o he_o contend_v with_o his_o brother_n esau_n he_o first_o wrestle_v and_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o prayer_n thus_o moses_n when_o israel_n be_v fight_v with_o amalek_n his_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o to_o god_n in_o prayer_n so_o the_o good_a emperor_n theodosius_n when_o he_o have_v lay_v all_o night_n prostrate_a on_o the_o ground_n in_o prayer_n and_o have_v thereby_o overcome_v god_n than_o he_o get_v a_o easy_a victory_n over_o his_o enemy_n and_o dear_o belove_v i_o wish_v we_o have_v do_v so_o or_o will_v do_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o prevail_v with_o god_n under_o the_o circumstance_n we_o be_v in_o there_o be_v none_o of_o you_o but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n we_o be_v now_o in_o and_o as_o to_o the_o instrument_n there_o have_v be_v as_o much_o wickedness_n use_v as_o be_v ever_o know_v in_o any_o nation_n to_o contrive_v the_o death_n of_o a_o king_n and_o the_o subversion_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o to_o they_o it_o be_v without_o any_o cause_n at_o all_o yet_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n it_o be_v most_o righteous_a and_o if_o he_o shall_v give_v we_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n be_v righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n and_o holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n that_o long_a peace_n we_o have_v abuse_v to_o luxury_n and_o other_o sin_n god_n may_v just_o take_v it_o away_o from_o we_o but_o above_o all_o for_o our_o live_n so_o negligent_o and_o be_v so_o lukewarm_a under_o that_o religion_n god_n have_v give_v we_o our_o wickedness_n will_v justify_v the_o worst_a judgement_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o but_o belove_v god_n be_v merciful_a and_o have_v put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n and_o oh_o that_o we_o may_v now_o return_v to_o the_o lord_n by_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a repentance_n it_o be_v our_o sin_n that_o give_v strength_n to_o the_o papist_n and_o jesuit_n if_o we_o do_v but_o live_v up_o to_o the_o religion_n we_o profess_v all_o the_o jesuit_n in_o rome_n and_o devil_n in_o hell_n can_v never_o do_v we_o any_o hurt_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o politic_a reformation_n by_o punish_v offender_n that_o will_v do_v our_o business_n or_o by_o make_v severe_a law_n no_o these_o be_v good_a in_o their_o kind_n but_o the_o only_a way_n for_o we_o be_v to_o be_v good_a and_o walk_v answerable_a to_o the_o gospel_n we_o profess_v i_o have_v indeed_o think_v if_o god_n almighty_n please_v to_o make_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o this_o plot_n it_o will_v be_v a_o deadly_a blow_n to_o jesuitism_n and_o to_o popery_n itself_o but_o we_o can_v expect_v it_o without_o a_o reformation_n of_o ourselves_o again_o if_o god_n order_v all_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n then_o it_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o true_a patience_n and_o comfort_n in_o all_o our_o suffering_n to_o consider_v they_o all_o come_v from_o a_o holy_a wise_a and_o righteous_a god_n dear_o belove_v i_o will_v give_v you_o one_o remedy_n against_o all_o discontent_n fear_n and_o trouble_n and_o that_o be_v to_o see_v god_n hand_n in_o every_o affliction_n and_o i_o will_v show_v you_o how_o to_o improve_v they_o it_o be_v a_o true_a argument_n the_o saint_n use_v to_o content_v themselves_o with_o so_o old_a eli_n when_o he_o hear_v the_o sad_a news_n of_o judgement_n denounce_v against_o his_o family_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n say_v he_o let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a so_o david_n when_o he_o be_v under_o great_a distress_n i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n for_o it_o be_v thy_o do_v thus_o when_o he_o be_v reproach_v by_o shimei_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n thus_o we_o find_v holy_a hezekiah_n when_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o house_n and_o kingdom_n good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o our_o saviour_n under_o his_o bitter_a agony_n say_v the_o cup_n which_o my_o heavenly_a father_n have_v give_v i_o shall_v i_o not_o drink_v it_o so_o st._n chrysostom_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o rage_n of_o man_n when_o it_o come_v into_o god_n hand_n lose_v its_o sting_n plutarch_n write_v against_o they_o that_o deny_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o use_v this_o argument_n that_o by_o so_o do_v they_o do_v take_v away_o all_o comfort_n from_o people_n under_o their_o affliction_n do_v i_o believe_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n be_v order_v by_o wicked_a man_n and_o god_n be_v only_o a_o bare_a spectator_n i_o do_v assure_v you_o i_o can_v not_o live_v with_o comfort_n one_o moment_n but_o when_o i_o know_v that_o in_o all_o the_o confusion_n and_o trouble_n which_o they_o cause_v here_o below_o they_o can_v do_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o god_n have_v order_v and_o appoint_v i_o lay_v myself_o down_o and_o rest_n in_o god_n bosom_n and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o because_o they_o be_v order_v by_o a_o god_n that_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o can_v do_v with_o we_o what_o he_o please_v 2._o though_o we_o deserve_v it_o not_o from_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v sin_n that_o do_v call_v for_o it_o 3._o when_o i_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o confusion_n yet_o god_n can_v limit_v and_o over-rule_v all_o as_o he_o please_v and_o last_o when_o i_o also_o consider_v that_o god_n can_v make_v all_o these_o thing_n end_v in_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o make_v wicked_a man_n do_v his_o work_n and_o his_o church-service_n against_o their_o own_o will_n where_o then_o can_v there_o be_v
any_o room_n for_o discontent_n when_o any_o trouble_v come_v that_o which_o make_v they_o bitter_a be_v to_o consider_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o instrument_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v oh_o that_o false_a servant_n that_o treacherous_a child_n if_o god_n have_v do_v this_o or_o that_o it_o will_v not_o have_v trouble_v we_o why_o belove_v look_v into_o the_o text_n it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o god_n that_o do_v it_o for_o holy_a and_o wife_n end_v sudden_a and_o unexpected_a accident_n be_v great_a cause_n of_o affliction_n to_o have_v a_o child_n or_o friend_n cut_v off_o by_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n yet_o we_o must_v consider_v though_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o chance_n or_o fortune_n to_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o fall_v out_o but_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o deut._n 19.5_o compare_v with_o exod._n 21.13_o god_n suffer_v not_o a_o sparrow_n to_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o providence_n much_o less_o will_v he_o do_v so_o by_o man_n all_o thing_n that_o be_v chance_n to_o we_o be_v eternal_o determine_v by_o god_n i_o have_v hear_v many_o tender-spirited_n person_n say_v oh_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o have_v not_o do_v all_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o or_o that_o matter_n as_o martha_n say_v lord_n if_o thou_o have_v be_v here_o our_o brother_n have_v not_o dye_v but_o i_o say_v when_o god_n have_v signify_v his_o will_n by_o the_o event_n than_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v god_n know_v how_o to_o order_v our_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n to_o his_o own_o holy_a and_o wise_a end_n again_o when_o we_o think_v upon_o the_o injury_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o best_a comfort_n be_v to_o quiet_v ourselves_o as_o david_n the_o lord_n have_v send_v this_o shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n again_o when_o we_o see_v a_o deluge_n of_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n overflow_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o sorrow_n to_o a_o good_a man_n as_o it_o be_v to_o david_n rivers_n of_o water_n run_v down_o my_o eye_n because_o man_n keep_v not_o thy_o law_n it_o be_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o of_o sorrow_n that_o you_o be_v all_o call_v to_o at_o this_o time_n but_o yet_o belove_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o much_o grieve_v god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o holy_a name_n to_o be_v always_o profane_v god_n can_v make_v this_o overspread_a of_o wickedness_n turn_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o nation_n prov._n 19.31_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v they_o can_v go_v one_o step_n further_o than_o god_n order_n and_o he_o can_v and_o will_v over-rule_v they_o again_o this_o will_v be_v of_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o in_o all_o the_o riddle_n of_o god_n providence_n when_o we_o see_v holy_a man_n oppress_v and_o wicked_a man_n for_o a_o time_n to_o prosper_v in_o all_o these_o intricate_a providence_n god_n almighty_a will_v bring_v to_o pass_v his_o own_o wise_a and_o holy_a end_n adore_v the_o lord_n when_o you_o can_v comprehend_v he_o the_o wicked_a have_v one_o work_v to_o do_v and_o god_n have_v another_o judge_v not_o of_o providence_n by_o their_o present_a face_n and_o appearance_n he_o that_o have_v see_v joseph_n afflict_v and_o in_o the_o dungeon_n how_o can_v he_o have_v think_v that_o have_v be_v the_o way_n to_o a_o throne_n therefore_o do_v not_o judge_v of_o god_n work_n before_o you_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o god_n have_v a_o work_n and_o purpose_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v let_v man_n oppose_v and_o cross_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v therefore_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o wisdom_n to_o resign_v up_o our_o soul_n to_o god_n in_o the_o dark_a providence_n when_o we_o can_v see_v neither_o sun_n moon_n nor_o star_n lord_n i_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o thou_o though_o i_o can_v comprehend_v thy_o design_n at_o present_a last_o if_o god_n work_v together_o with_o wicked_a man_n and_o turn_v all_o their_o action_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o meaning_n why_o then_o we_o ought_v to_o work_v together_o with_o god_n i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o we_o may_v draw_v good_a from_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n when_o the_o sin_n of_o wicked_a man_n bring_v i_o to_o see_v my_o own_o and_o to_o watch_v and_o walk_v more_o holy_o with_o god_n and_o more_o diligent_o seek_v after_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a thing_n when_o the_o malice_n of_o my_o enemy_n be_v a_o mean_n to_o increase_v my_o grace_n why_o then_o belove_v i_o draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil._n again_o as_o to_o the_o public_a when_o we_o see_v wickedness_n abound_v we_o may_v draw_v good_a out_o of_o it_o we_o may_v now_o look_v upon_o ourselves_o to_o be_v witness_n for_o god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o wicked_a nation_n when_o we_o see_v a_o deluge_n of_o drunkenness_n to_o abhor_v that_o sin_n so_o much_o the_o more_o so_o as_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o whoredom_n among_o we_o this_o shall_v make_v we_o strive_v to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o chaste_a and_o careful_a against_o all_o company_n that_o may_v tempt_v we_o when_o we_o see_v a_o spirit_n of_o formality_n and_o negligence_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fervent_a and_o to_o love_v holiness_n the_o better_a and_o when_o you_o see_v people_n come_v to_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o profaneness_n as_o for_o many_o year_n together_o to_o omit_v the_o lord_n supper_n this_o shall_v make_v we_o more_o diligent_a in_o our_o preparation_n to_o it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o overthrow_v popery_n be_v to_o live_v well_o like_o good_a protestant_n and_o especial_o i_o will_v not_o have_v a_o protestant_a tell_v a_o wilful_a lie_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v turn_v our_o present_a danger_n to_o a_o good_a issue_n if_o we_o thus_o repent_v thus_o live_v and_o thus_o pray_v unto_o god_n etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la