to_o common_a sense_n wherein_o every_o common_a observation_n may_v claim_v a_o share_n shall_v we_o search_v with_o more_o subtlety_n either_o as_o sound_v divine_n or_o deep_a philosopher_n into_o the_o mysterious_a manner_n of_o god_n work_v we_o shall_v find_v no_o small_a argument_n to_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o disparity_n betwixt_o divine_a providence_n and_o worldly_a policy_n the_o plot_n and_o counterplot_n of_o man_n be_v usual_o ground_v either_o upon_o open_a resistance_n or_o sly_a diversion_n the_o one_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n wherein_o we_o may_v read_v the_o interchangeable_a conquest_n of_o the_o element_n in_o their_o mutual_a conflict_n and_o operation_n the_o other_o be_v ground_v on_o civil_a observation_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n which_o in_o the_o short_a and_o easy_a way_n common_o find_v the_o safe_a victory_n but_o god_n almighty_a hand_n which_o never_o know_v resistance_n or_o needs_o diversion_n easy_o know_v how_o to_o work_v 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too_o far_o on_o god_n prerogative_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v to_o emulate_v god_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o his_o creation_n but_o to_o leave_v this_o commonwealth_n of_o nature_n to_o its_o first_o institution_n and_o enter_v into_o the_o view_n of_o man_n action_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o more_o special_a concurrence_n of_o divine_a providence_n than_o in_o the_o former_a to_o what_o other_o cause_n else_o shall_v we_o owe_v that_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o god_n church_n which_o through_o the_o violence_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v save_v itself_o entire_a with_o so_o small_a a_o number_n and_o great_a a_o opposition_n time_n which_o have_v see_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o so_o many_o famous_a kingdom_n the_o invention_n and_o decay_n of_o so_o many_o learned_a labour_n the_o erection_n and_o deface_v of_o so_o many_o stately_a trophy_n time_n which_o in_o her_o vast_a gulf_n have_v not_o only_o swallow_v up_o antiquity_n but_o for_o the_o
advancement_n he_o think_v it_o ill_o side_v with_o a_o doubtful_a rebel_n or_o inconstant_a friend_n absalon_n howsoever_o profess_o he_o have_v engage_v himself_o to_o treason_n may_v deceive_v his_o opinion_n or_o fail_v his_o expectation_n his_o pretend_a discontent_n towards_o his_o father_n may_v for_o aught_o he_o know_v be_v only_o personate_v to_o make_v trial_n of_o their_o allegiance_n or_o his_o resolution_n inconstant_a to_o forfeit_v they_o to_o danger_n absalon_n though_o a_o traitor_n be_v yet_o a_o son_n david_n though_o provoke_v be_v yet_o a_o father_n no_o gordian_a knot_n be_v ever_o so_o cunning_o knit_v by_o policy_n which_o nature_n can_v cut_v or_o time_n dissolve_v the_o privilege_n of_o youth_n or_o prerogative_n of_o a_o son_n may_v make_v this_o action_n seem_v rather_o a_o escape_n than_o a_o sin_n his_o fault_n how_o great_a soever_o will_v seem_v rather_o achitophel_n than_o his_o own_o and_o that_o which_o justice_n in_o other_o will_v term_v treason_n indulgence_n in_o he_o will_v interpret_v weakness_n david_n may_v remit_v and_o absalon_n reconcile_v what_o the_o one_o suffer_v and_o the_o other_o act_v and_o then_o must_v achitophel_n and_o his_o associate_n either_o stand_n at_o stake_n to_o maintain_v their_o master_n action_n or_o hazard_v their_o life_n on_o the_o brittle_a confidence_n of_o the_o king_n mercy_n the_o breach_n of_o a_o son_n disloyalty_n may_v perchance_o be_v peece_v up_o with_o filial_a submission_n but_o achitophel_n revolt_n seem_v to_o expect_v no_o issue_n but_o death_n or_o victory_n the_o middle_a way_n in_o policy_n be_v always_o reject_v as_o dangerous_a and_o the_o extreme_a require_v the_o most_o desperate_a and_o extreme_a attempt_n achitophel_n be_v not_o here_o want_v to_o himself_o absalon_n must_v yet_o be_v engage_v to_o a_o more_o notorious_a action_n uncapable_a of_o forgiveness_n where_o in_o all_o israel_n may_v read_v his_o absolute_a revolt_n and_o his_o father_n great_a indignation_n 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sin_v close_o argue_v either_o fear_n or_o modesty_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v protect_v a_o rebel_n or_o beseem_v a_o king_n set_v up_o a_o tent_n quoth_v achitophel_n on_o the_o house_n top_n that_o all_o israel_n may_v witness_v thy_o sin_n and_o thy_o father_n shame_n and_o make_v the_o world_n at_o once_o both_o blush_n and_o wonder_n let_v thy_o brother_n ammon_n sin_n in_o a_o corner_n to_o decline_v censure_n sin_n thou_o in_o public_a to_o strike_v censure_n speechless_a and_o outface_v the_o severe_a frown_n of_o justice._n let_v ammon_n commit_v incest_n with_o his_o sister_n go_v thou_o in_o unto_o thy_o father_n concubine_n what_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o lust_n in_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o thy_o aspire_a greatness_n thy_o great_a safety_n consist_v in_o thy_o great_a villainy_n and_o the_o least_o blush_n seem_v to_o betray_v thy_o cause_n to_o dissidence_n and_o danger_n let_v reuben_n trespass_n with_o one_o of_o his_o father_n wife_n go_v thou_o in_o unto_o ten_o of_o thy_o father_n concubine_n that_o this_o thy_o fact_n at_o once_o may_v surmount_v both_o example_n and_o imitation_n then_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o that_o be_v with_o thou_o shall_v be_v strong_a they_o shall_v speed_v no_o worse_o than_o absalon_n and_o therefore_o ought_v to_o fear_n no_o more_o to_o fall_v with_o our_o captain_n seem_v the_o least_o duty_n to_o rise_v with_o he_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o who_o but_o a_o coward_n will_v fear_v to_o hazard_v the_o life_n of_o a_o subject_n to_o make_v a_o king_n great_a danger_n and_o great_a honour_n begin_v and_o end_v in_o the_o same_o circle_n neither_o be_v the_o path_n strew_v with_o violet_n and_o rose_n but_o death_n and_o slaughter_n which_o lead_v to_o the_o tent_n of_o victory_n this_o be_v achitophel_n first_o counsel_n as_o dangerous_a to_o decline_v as_o desperate_a to_o execute_v but_o desperate_a and_o extreme_a purpose_n be_v engage_v to_o the_o like_a mean_n and_o sincere_a honesty_n in_o the_o course_n of_o policy_n where_o she_o find_v not_o herself_o admit_v as_o the_o chief_a mistress_n will_v seldom_o prove_v a_o trusty_a servant_n 7_o out_o of_o this_o counsel_n of_o achitophel_n not_o only_o plot_v by_o himself_o but_o act_v by_o absalon_n will_v arise_v two_o especial_a observation_n the_o first_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o nathan_n prophecy_n threaten_v before_o to_o david_n for_o his_o sin_v with_o bathsheba_n and_o 〈◊〉_d murder_n behold_v say_v god_n through_o the_o mouth_n of_o nathan_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n and_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o will_v give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o thou_o do_v it_o secret_o but_o i_o will_v do_v this_o thing_n before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n such_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o almighty_a god_n which_o 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her_o credit_n for_o a_o profess_a enemy_n religious_a providence_n and_o worldly_a policy_n may_v i_o confess_v sometime_o run_v together_o but_o seldom_o shake_v hand_n the_o path_n of_o the_o one_o as_o a_o strait_a line_n we_o find_v always_o as_o one_o and_o like_o itself_o of_o the_o other_o crooked_a and_o various_a and_o engage_v to_o many_o difficulty_n if_o ever_o they_o chance_v to_o meet_v it_o be_v but_o as_o in_o a_o point_n and_o so_o soon_o part_v the_o further_a than_o we_o run_v in_o this_o maze_n of_o worldly_a policy_n the_o further_o we_o estrange_v ourselves_o from_o piety_n and_o the_o distance_n which_o at_o first_o seem_v below_o the_o seâ—…se_n will_v at_o length_n be_v find_v above_o the_o understanding_n every_o ponderous_a substance_n as_o naturalist_n observe_v the_o more_o it_o descend_v the_o fast_o the_o motion_n no_o moment_n of_o space_n or_o time_n wherein_o we_o traverse_v the_o way_n of_o wickedness_n which_o add_v not_o some_o weight_n to_o the_o massy_a burden_n of_o our_o original_a impiety_n and_o hasten_v not_o our_o passage_n to_o perdition_n one_o sin_n seek_v to_o secure_v itself_o by_o many_o and_o small_a crime_n find_v no_o safe_a protection_n but_o in_o the_o shelter_n of_o the_o great_a treason_n and_o usurpation_n can_v support_v themselves_o but_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o tyranny_n malice_n iâ—…uokes_v revenge_n to_o help_v she_o assist_v with_o her_o servant_n murder_n and_o detraction_n ingratitude_n will_v soon_o break_v into_o open_a defiance_n and_o neglect_v of_o god_n precept_n be_v common_o second_v with_o contempt_n at_o the_o least_o when_o all_o other_o withdraw_v their_o force_n impudence_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v swear_v to_o back_o their_o quarrel_n whereof_o the_o former_a can_v outface_v the_o severe_a censure_n the_o latter_a blind_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o strict_a inquisition_n who_o can_v here_o observe_v a_o great_a distance_n
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his_o blood_n too_o near_o to_o outface_v the_o frown_n of_o a_o father_n anger_n or_o the_o awe_n of_o filial_a duty_n can_v not_o be_v suppose_v a_o fit_a actor_n in_o david_n tragedy_n the_o hard_a iron_n at_o the_o first_o touch_n of_o the_o load_n stone_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o first_o temper_n and_o conceive_v a_o magnetic_a inclination_n and_o why_o may_v not_o david_n fiery_a assault_n or_o gracious_a countenance_n in_o his_o rebellious_a son_n absalon_n enforce_v nature_n to_o return_v unto_o herself_o and_o kindle_v in_o he_o the_o spark_n of_o filial_a duty_n and_o obedience_n here_o may_v a_o man_n read_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o wicked_a poâ—…icie_n expose_v to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n and_o subject_a to_o a_o thousand_o iâ—…alousies_n well_o may_v such_o man_n as_o damocles_n at_o dionysius_n table_n feed_v their_o hope_n with_o the_o choice_a dainty_n yet_o god_n fearful_a judgement_n as_o a_o sword_n pendulous_a over_o their_o head_n be_v always_o 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quicken_v again_o in_o absalon_n the_o strength_n of_o israel_n be_v shut_v up_o in_o the_o prince_n palace_n and_o the_o same_o power_n which_o conquer_v the_o one_o be_v soon_o master_n of_o the_o other_o this_o counsel_n seem_v to_o partake_v as_o well_o of_o good_a as_o bad_a with_o the_o death_n of_o one_o to_o redeem_v the_o life_n of_o many_o in_o the_o rigorous_a law_n of_o hostility_n seem_v not_o a_o duty_n but_o a_o great_a courtesy_n but_o to_o sell_v a_o king_n to_o buy_v a_o kingdom_n and_o stake_v one_o prince_n for_o many_o subject_n be_v less_o than_o courtesy_n and_o more_o than_o cruelty_n neither_o be_v this_o course_n affect_v by_o achitophel_n to_o spare_v the_o life_n of_o innocent_n or_o avoid_v a_o great_a mischief_n but_o that_o he_o find_v it_o a_o easy_a way_n to_o conquer_v david_n and_o reduce_v the_o people_n under_o the_o yoke_n of_o absalon_n jurisdiction_n the_o good_a which_o politician_n use_v to_o pretend_v common_o swell_v in_o show_n but_o 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reduce_v the_o discontent_a commons_o to_o their_o first_o temper_n david_n may_v have_v give_v satisfaction_n &_o allegiance_n have_v reviue_v in_o his_o subject_n heart_n necessity_n which_o perhaps_o beget_v the_o effect_n of_o ill_a government_n may_v have_v urge_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n which_o at_o the_o first_o seem_v to_o fawn_v on_o their_o discontent_n may_v afterward_o be_v teach_v to_o correct_v her_o error_n and_o suppress_v their_o insolence_n all_o this_o achitophel_n know_v right_a well_o and_o therefore_o choose_v rather_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o people_n sudden_a passion_n than_o their_o mature_a judgement_n as_o one_o who_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o shun_v a_o legal_a â—…ury_n where_o he_o can_v promise_v himself_o no_o other_o than_o loss_n in_o the_o fatal_a verdict_n hitherto_o belove_v have_v we_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o our_o grand_a traitor_n achitophel_n through_o all_o his_o politic_a counsel_n and_o
unnatural_a rebellion_n your_o expectation_n i_o know_v though_o almost_o tire_v have_v long_o ere_o this_o run_v to_o the_o place_n of_o execution_n and_o proclaim_v his_o come_n but_o your_o wrong_a patience_n and_o my_o want_n of_o time_n have_v enforce_v i_o to_o reprieve_v he_o till_o another_o session_n common_a censure_n have_v stamp_v it_o for_o a_o currant_n proverb_n part_n that_o it_o be_v better_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v fortunate_a than_o wise_a for_o worldly_a wisdom_n though_o she_o seem_v always_o to_o fawn_v on_o fortune_n yet_o can_v never_o command_v and_o seldom_o entreat_v her_o serâ—…ice_n it_o have_v be_v think_v the_o pride_n and_o privilege_n of_o that_o power_n which_o we_o call_v fortune_n to_o bestow_v her_o best_a favour_n where_o she_o find_v least_o worth_a to_o crown_v folly_n and_o cross_a wisdom_n to_o make_v fool_n happy_a and_o the_o wise_a unfortunate_a as_o a_o queen_n she_o be_v suppose_v to_o show_v her_o great_a majesty_n in_o man_n weakness_n to_o pity_v sloth_n and_o envy_v industry_n as_o most_o jealous_a lest_o man_n wit_n or_o endeavour_n shall_v challenge_v any_o part_n in_o her_o prerogative_n but_o he_o that_o know_v wise_o to_o arbitrate_v betwixt_o the_o cloud_n of_o pagan_a ignorance_n and_o the_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o christianite_n betwixt_o poetic_a fancy_n and_o prophetical_a vision_n shall_v find_v vulgar_a opinion_n only_o mistake_v in_o the_o name_n ascribe_v that_o transcendent_a power_n of_o dispose_v worldly_a action_n to_o a_o deity_n which_o they_o call_v fortune_n which_o christian_a knowledge_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o more_o proper_o to_o have_v term_v providence_n and_o howsoever_o they_o have_v bound_v her_o large_a empire_n beyond_o their_o own_o reason_n yet_o christianity_n have_v travel_v much_o far_o and_o yet_o can_v prescribe_v no_o limit_n as_o that_o which_o transcend_v into_o a_o infinite_a and_o out-reacheth_a the_o eye_n of_o all_o discovery_n and_o though_o no_o place_n have_v be_v find_v so_o base_a in_o the_o theatre_n of_o nature_n or_o civil_a action_n wherein_o providence_n can_v show_v the_o abundant_a trophy_n of_o her_o magnificence_n yet_o there_o desire_v she_o to_o triumph_v most_o where_o to_o man_n she_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o power_n her_o chief_a glory_n be_v to_o set_v up_o her_o ensign_n on_o the_o gate_n of_o man_n pride_n and_o tread_v on_o the_o neck_n of_o worldly_a policy_n no_o marvel_n then_o that_o in_o the_o great_a politician_n achitophel_n in_o who_o neither_o loyalty_n can_v command_v restraint_n or_o persuade_v duty_n who_o neither_o undoubted_a valour_n can_v check_v or_o danger_n terrify_v only_a providence_n can_v challenge_v a_o jurisdiction_n his_o politic_a observation_n of_o absalon_n disposition_n and_o rare_a endowment_n design_v he_o out_o as_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o his_o treason_n second_v by_o his_o crafty_a and_o irreligious_a counsel_n of_o abuse_v david_n concubine_n through_o which_o in_o my_o former_a sermon_n in_o this_o place_n i_o usher_v forth_o your_o attention_n have_v hitherto_o pass_v currant_n and_o find_v in_o event_n as_o much_o as_o it_o promise_v in_o expectation_n absalon_n have_v hitherto_o express_v himself_o no_o worse_o a_o learner_n than_o he_o a_o teacher_n that_o the_o world_n may_v well_o doubt_v whether_o the_o one_o be_v more_o happy_a to_o project_v or_o the_o other_o to_o put_v in_o practice_n nothing_o now_o seem_v remain_v behind_o but_o to_o strike_v the_o last_o stroke_n and_o give_v the_o fatal_a onset_n david_n overthrow_n and_o absalon_n advancement_n together_o appear_v in_o sight_n and_o his_o long_a and_o tedious_a ambition_n as_o it_o be_v within_o a_o league_n arrive_v at_o the_o port_n of_o victory_n let_v not_o absalon_n play_v the_o truant_n in_o his_o last_o lesson_n and_o within_o a_o few_o hour_n the_o voice_n of_o israel_n shall_v salute_v he_o king_n but_o the_o change_n of_o a_o good_a master_n oftentimes_o make_v a_o non_fw-fr proficient_a scholar_n achitophel_n precept_n must_v be_v correct_v by_o chusay_n his_o second_o tutor_n two_o eye_n be_v presume_v to_o discern_v more_o than_o one_o and_o the_o rugged_a and_o uneven_a knot_n in_o our_o first_o invention_n aught_o to_o be_v file_v by_o the_o second_o though_o achitophel_n in_o counsel_n be_v a_o politician_n yet_o absalon_n in_o ambition_n be_v a_o king_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o arrogate_v to_o himself_o as_o well_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o conquest_n as_o of_o the_o sceptre_n too_o much_o it_o may_v seem_v for_o achitophel_n to_o have_v both_o too_o little_a for_o absalon_n to_o have_v no_o hand_n at_o all_o in_o this_o kingly_a project_n if_o absalon_n dare_v not_o trust_v his_o own_o advice_n yet_o let_v he_o show_v his_o liberty_n of_o consent_n wisdom_n consist_v as_o much_o in_o choice_n as_o in_o invention_n neither_o seem_v it_o the_o least_o of_o absalon_n prerogative_n amid_o diverse_a counsellor_n to_o declare_v himself_o asleep_o king_n achitophel_n shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o speak_v his_o mind_n as_o a_o assistant_n not_o to_o determine_v cause_n as_o a_o judge_n and_o therefore_o must_v pardon_v absalon_n if_o approve_v he_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n he_o in_o this_o one_o dissent_n but_o oftentimes_o he_o that_o can_v best_o act_v can_v worst_o pen_v his_o own_o part_n and_o therefore_o no_o marvel_n if_o absalon_n usurp_v the_o office_n of_o achitophel_n begin_v to_o fail_v in_o his_o last_o act_n but_o to_o leave_v absalon_n to_o his_o headstrong_a will_n we_o must_v here_o search_v more_o near_o into_o the_o neglect_n of_o achitophel_n counsel_n which_o be_v the_o second_o part_n in_o the_o former_a subdivision_n of_o my_o text_n offer_v itself_o as_o a_o subject_n for_o this_o day_n exercise_n and_o when_o achitophel_n see_v that_o his_o counsel_n be_v not_o follow_v etc._n etc._n 2_o achitophel_n counsel_n thus_o defeat_v as_o you_o have_v hear_v offer_v itself_o to_o our_o enquiry_n under_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o concomitant_a circumstance_n the_o cause_n precede_v the_o fact_n we_o may_v observe_v to_o be_v twofold_a either_o primarie_n or_o secondary_a the_o primary_n we_o find_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o almighty_a god_n from_o who_o all_o other_o inferior_a agent_n derive_v their_o strength_n and_o action_n where_o nature_n begin_v and_o reason_n end_n there_o must_v we_o place_v that_o omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a power_n as_o the_o centre_n from_o which_o all_o operation_n first_o spring_n and_o the_o boundless_a circumference_n into_o which_o all_o discourse_n run_v betwixt_o this_o eternal_a and_o inferior_a agent_n as_o the_o distance_n know_v no_o proportion_n so_o reason_n can_v never_o find_v resistance_n or_o opposition_n and_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o that_o omnipotent_a providence_n to_o who_o achitophel_n counsel_n be_v from_o all_o eternity_n discover_v to_o decree_v as_o well_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o defeat_n 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plot_n they_o will_v questionless_a out_o of_o the_o combination_n of_o second_o cause_n without_o respect_n unto_o the_o first_o rather_o suspect_v a_o fallacy_n than_o promise_v a_o demonstration_n have_v they_o as_o much_o acquaintance_n with_o god_n word_n as_o their_o own_o wicked_a and_o profane_a axiom_n they_o will_v have_v hear_v the_o lord_n often_o threaten_v in_o holy_a scripture_n to_o stagger_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o turn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a into_o folly_n have_v they_o rather_o desire_v to_o be_v instruct_v than_o flatter_v by_o experience_n they_o will_v have_v find_v of_o their_o profession_n in_o steed_n of_o a_o few_o crown_v happy_a by_o event_n ten_o thousand_o miscarry_n in_o the_o mean_n a_o good_a success_n like_o a_o sly_a parasite_n rather_o soothe_v than_o commend_v our_o action_n and_o like_o a_o coy_a mistress_n prostitute_n herself_o to_o man_n neglect_n but_o frown_n on_o their_o ambition_n but_o these_o be_v popular_a argument_n subject_a almost_o
great_a part_n envy_v her_o history_n have_v yet_o cherish_v in_o her_o bosom_n this_o one_o darling_n and_o keep_v a_o sure_a register_n of_o all_o her_o action_n shall_v i_o descend_v to_o particular_a example_n of_o god_n concurrence_n in_o man_n action_n i_o shall_v soon_o lose_v myself_o than_o find_v a_o end_n the_o most_o irreligious_a heathen_a through_o the_o thick_a cloud_n of_o ignorance_n have_v often_o espy_v the_o glimpse_n of_o god_n dreadful_a lightning_n and_o often_o quake_v at_o his_o thunder_n they_o have_v feel_v his_o finger_n in_o their_o wound_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o strength_n in_o their_o weakness_n yea_o such_o have_v be_v the_o power_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o expose_v their_o own_o wicked_a action_n as_o a_o table_n of_o their_o confession_n and_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o victory_n out_o of_o their_o blasphemy_n julian_n that_o wicked_a apostate_n though_o as_o politic_a to_o obscure_v as_o malicious_a to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n jesus_n be_v yet_o in_o the_o end_n constrain_v to_o shut_v up_o his_o tyranny_n with_o a_o viâ—…isti_n galâ—…leae_n in_o like_a sort_n we_o read_v of_o mahomet_n the_o second_o the_o first_o emperor_n of_o the_o turk_n that_o at_o the_o siege_n of_o scodra_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o so_o small_a a_o city_n against_o his_o mighty_a army_n find_v god_n his_o enemy_n he_o blasphemous_o ask_v by_o way_n of_o exprobration_n whether_o god_n have_v not_o enough_o to_o do_v in_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v interpose_v himself_o in_o his_o affair_n on_o earth_n he_o that_o will_v not_o deny_v a_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v a_o providence_n and_o who_o know_v himself_o and_o sift_n into_o his_o own_o will_n and_o action_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o supernal_a power_n which_o determine_v they_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n here_o stand_v it_o with_o my_o time_n or_o your_o patience_n can_v i_o proceed_v to_o tax_v pelagius_n and_o his_o latter_a 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their_o only_a refuge_n but_o be_v there_o no_o smith_n in_o israel_n yet_o may_v these_o philistine_n be_v entreat_v to_o sharpen_v our_o sword_n for_o our_o defence_n against_o their_o battery_n god_n say_v they_o from_o all_o eternity_n foresee_v the_o inclination_n of_o man_n freewill_n upon_o which_o he_o ground_v his_o decree_n of_o withhold_v or_o confer_v far_o grace_n here_o i_o must_v ask_v again_o whether_o god_n foresee_v it_o in_o his_o own_o decree_n or_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o second_o cause_n if_o they_o assent_v unto_o the_o former_a then_o must_v this_o foresight_n in_o the_o order_n of_o our_o understanding_n not_o prevent_v but_o rather_o second_v the_o decree_n which_o they_o deny_v if_o they_o stick_v to_o the_o latter_a as_o indeed_o they_o do_v i_o demand_v how_o second_o cause_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o work_v except_o they_o be_v predetermine_v and_o actuate_v by_o the_o first_o that_o second_o cause_n work_v not_o in_o their_o own_o but_o their_o owner_n strength_n be_v their_o own_o principle_n and_o to_o grant_v they_o a_o operation_n not_o depend_v on_o the_o first_o agent_n be_v to_o set_v a_o instrument_n to_o work_v without_o a_o hand_n i_o will_v ask_v moreover_o whether_o god_n foresee_v achitophel_n counsel_n and_o absalon_n inclination_n bid_v the_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o or_o not_o if_o so_o then_o be_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o foresee_v what_o himself_o can_v hinder_v which_o check_n the_o certainty_n of_o god_n knowledge_n and_o involve_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n if_o not_o how_o can_v we_o imagine_v he_o omnipotent_a which_o can_v challenge_v so_o much_o power_n over_o second_o cause_n as_o to_o turn_v and_o divert_v they_o to_o his_o own_o use_n this_o argument_n vorstius_n and_o episcopius_n find_v so_o strong_a against_o they_o that_o to_o back_o their_o absurdity_n they_o must_v add_v apparent_a blasphemy_n allow_v god_n either_o no_o prescience_n at_o all_o or_o such_o as_o be_v only_o uncertain_a and_o 〈◊〉_d which_o impious_a and_o gross_a opinion_n i_o hold_v sufficient_o confute_v in_o the_o mention_n but_o i_o have_v stay_v here_o too_o long_o and_o have_v far_o to_o go_v wherefore_o have_v take_v a_o general_a survey_n of_o the_o primary_n or_o chief_a cause_n of_o achitophel_n defeat_n let_v we_o descend_v to_o the_o second_o cause_n which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n offer_v themselves_o to_o observation_n 4_o god_n power_n have_v express_v itself_o legible_a as_o well_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n as_o of_o grace_n and_o natural_a agent_n as_o you_o have_v hear_v as_o they_o derive_v their_o operation_n from_o his_o strength_n so_o they_o be_v determine_v by_o his_o will_n and_o direct_v to_o his_o glory_n here_o we_o find_v nature_n in_o second_o agent_n not_o set_v against_o herself_o though_o raise_v a_o pitch_n beyond_o her_o private_a inclination_n and_o the_o first_o cause_n without_o either_o need_n or_o violence_n to_o entertain_v the_o service_n of_o the_o second_o whence_o ere_o we_o descend_v to_o each_o particular_a inferior_a agent_n will_v arise_v one_o general_a observation_n that_o almighty_a god_n bring_v to_o pass_v miraculous_a and_o great_a event_n common_o admit_v the_o cooperation_n of_o second_o cause_n as_o easy_a be_v it_o questionless_a for_o that_o great_a architect_n of_o nature_n who_o out_o of_o waste_n and_o emptiness_n beget_v a_o world_n to_o create_v as_o to_o command_v to_o cause_n as_o to_o entertain_v the_o operation_n of_o inferior_a agent_n here_o may_v history_n show_v herself_o prodigal_a of_o example_n but_o never_o bankrupt_a every_o moment_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o humane_a action_n beget_v some_o instance_n or_o other_o to_o demonstrate_v god_n gracious_a love_n and_o favour_n to_o the_o world_n who_o able_a to_o dash_v both_o policy_n and_o nature_n out_o of_o countenance_n be_v notwithstanding_o please_v to_o admit_v they_o as_o his_o obedient_a handmaiden_n but_o to_o express_v the_o secret_a cooperation_n of_o god_n work_v by_o second_o cause_n be_v a_o matter_n which_o have_v heretofore_o stagger_v philosophy_n and_o puzzle_v the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o sharp_a and_o acute_a divine_n nevertheless_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n may_v dispense_v with_o man_n enquiry_n we_o may_v reduce_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o work_n to_o certain_a head_n to_o decline_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v the_o two_o enemy_n of_o understanding_n obscurity_n and_o confusion_n the_o action_n then_o of_o god_n concur_v with_o second_o cause_n concern_v either_o the_o beginning_n progress_n or_o end_n of_o the_o same_o act_n in_o the_o beginning_n we_o may_v call_v it_o either_o positive_a or_o negative_a the_o positive_a consist_v either_o in_o the_o furtherance_n or_o hindrance_n of_o humane_a action_n both_o which_o may_v be_v either_o internal_a or_o external_a the_o internal_a promotion_n or_o hindrance_n be_v again_o divide_v into_o two_o act_n for_o
nor_o justice_n seem_v to_o entreat_v any_o other_o hand_n than_o his_o own_o in_o his_o stately_a execution_n behold_v here_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o this_o matchless_a politician_n propose_v afterward_o as_o it_o seem_v as_o a_o pattern_n to_o many_o high_a spirit_n among_o the_o heathen_a who_o judgement_n infatuate_v with_o false_a principle_n misconstrue_v the_o badge_n of_o cowardice_n for_o the_o most_o honourable_a seal_n of_o courage_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o point_n of_o valour_n to_o shake_v hand_n with_o death_n &_o faint_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o his_o mercy_n with_o who_o as_o a_o enemy_n they_o ought_v to_o combat_v true_a honour_n never_o fear_v to_o stare_v death_n in_o the_o face_n but_o seldom_o court_v it_o as_o a_o friend_n often_o as_o a_o corrival_n it_o struggle_v with_o it_o for_o victory_n but_o never_o give_v up_o the_o hilt_n or_o cry_v quarter_n till_o over-mastred_n by_o a_o great_a and_o disproportion_a strength_n he_o find_v they_o wrest_v from_o his_o hand_n so_o great_a a_o impression_n not_o with_o stand_v get_v this_o wicked_a opinion_n of_o selfe-killing_a among_o the_o ancient_a roman_n that_o a_o speedy_a dispatch_n of_o ourselves_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n seem_v to_o challenge_v as_o much_o honour_n as_o with_o a_o christian_a it_o deserve_v shame_n as_o we_o find_v it_o not_o record_v only_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n recómend_v by_o that_o turncoat_n lipfius_n out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o stoical_a philosophy_n who_o break_a rudiment_n he_o have_v as_o it_o seem_v better_a con_v than_o christianity_n but_o how_o far_o out_o of_o our_o voluntary_a disposition_n we_o ought_v to_o entertain_v the_o stroke_n of_o death_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o determine_v without_o distinction_n a_o concurrence_n of_o our_o will_n we_o may_v interpret_v two_o way_n either_o for_o a_o passiâ—…e_a obedience_n indebt_v rather_o to_o constraint_n than_o choice_n wherein_o nature_n submit_v herself_o to_o justice_n or_o necessity_n or_o a_o active_a violence_n derive_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o fear_n or_o rashness_n wherein_o reason_n suffer_v herself_o to_o be_v lead_v captive_a by_o boisterous_a frenzy_n arm_v the_o strength_n of_o unwilling_a nature_n against_o her_o own_o bosom_n &_o life_n her_o sweet_a companion_n the_o former_a concurrence_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o at_o least_o submission_n to_o such_o extremity_n we_o find_v warrant_v not_o only_o by_o permission_n but_o cómand_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o cause_n conspire_v with_o a_o regulate_v conscience_n import_v necessity_n those_o bless_a martyr_n of_o the_o church_n who_o glorious_a wound_n &_o scar_n shine_v as_o so_o many_o orient_a pearl_n in_o their_o white_a robe_n of_o sanctity_n have_v mark_v &_o seal_v they_o out_o to_o posterity_n as_o example_n of_o the_o high_a imitation_n those_o valiant_a champion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o country_n &_o religion_n expose_v to_o the_o merciless_a jaw_n of_o death_n or_o the_o bloody_a fang_n of_o uncertain_a hazard_n in_o a_o christian_a warfare_n what_o age_n so_o envious_a which_o will_v not_o crown_v with_o present_a honour_n &_o register_v to_o future_a admiration_n yea_o wicked_a malefactor_n themselves_o in_o who_o justice_n often_o prevent_v nature_n in_o a_o untimely_a execution_n may_v seem_v to_o cancel_v some_o part_n of_o their_o former_a guilt_n in_o give_v by_o their_o submissive_a patience_n the_o strictness_n of_o the_o law_n a_o just_a satisfaction_n and_o therefore_o without_o question_n the_o sweetness_n of_o life_n ought_v not_o to_o share_v so_o great_a a_o moiety_n in_o our_o affection_n as_o to_o shut_v out_o our_o obedience_n when_o either_o religion_n stand_v at_o stake_n or_o our_o country_n crave_v our_o assistance_n or_o justice_n challenge_v her_o prerogative_n the_o other_o exposure_n of_o man_n life_n to_o certain_a death_n where_o necessity_n on_o either_o hand_n threaten_v apparent_a ruin_n without_o reprivall_n i_o can_v charitable_o interpret_v as_o of_o sampsons_n design_n in_o raze_v the_o house_n to_o his_o own_o &_o the_o philistine_n destruction_n or_o of_o lucan_n and_o seneca_n advice_n in_o make_v choice_n of_o their_o own_o death_n by_o cut_v their_o own_o vein_n but_o that_o god_n almighty_a providence_n in_o our_o great_a design_n show_v itself_o most_o pregnant_a beyond_o man_n expectation_n &_o command_v rather_o our_o patience_n than_o prevention_n but_o for_o such_o untimely_a and_o unnatural_a design_n where_o in_o the_o hand_n be_v make_v instrumental_a executioner_n to_o the_o heart_n as_o prick_v on_o with_o the_o horror_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o distrust_n of_o god_n favour_n neither_o christianity_n give_v ever_o precedent_n nor_o stoical_a philosophy_n among_o all_o her_o strict_a axiom_n a_o warrant_a precept_n as_o a_o action_n odious_a both_o to_o god_n &_o man_n which_o begins_z with_o sin_n &_o end_n with_o shame_n which_o lead_v our_o discourse_n from_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o his_o death_n to_o wit_n his_o despair_n to_o the_o manner_n &_o quality_n of_o it_o his_o shameful_a end_n 8_o shame_n be_v the_o swear_a servant_n unto_o sin_n a_o odious_a but_o officious_a hag_n who_o life_n can_v never_o entertain_v without_o sorrow_n or_o death_n easy_o shake_v off_o till_o memory_n forfeit_v her_o record_n to_o time_n and_o time_n to_o oblivion_n it_o be_v the_o misery_n of_o guilt_n with_o constraint_n to_o cherish_v in_o her_o bosom_n the_o child_n she_o hate_v and_o bequeath_v such_o a_o fatal_a issue_n to_o posterity_n who_o brow_n shall_v carry_v the_o true_a stamp_n and_o character_n of_o her_o own_o deformity_n and_o how_o great_a a_o sovereignty_n soever_o sin_n may_v seem_v to_o challenge_v in_o the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o our_o first_o parent_n by_o their_o disobedience_n forfeit_v to_o her_o jurisdiction_n yet_o shall_v in_o the_o end_n find_v himself_o conquer_v in_o that_o sin_n live_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o darkness_n shut_v up_o all_o her_o malice_n with_o death_n while_o her_o untoward_a babe_n shall_v survive_v to_o upbraid_v her_o action_n in_o the_o light_n and_o arraign_v she_o after_o death_n at_o the_o bar_n of_o justice._n have_v achitophel_n be_v as_o provident_a to_o prevent_v a_o ill_a report_n after_o death_n as_o ambition_n to_o preserve_v reputation_n during_o life_n he_o have_v measure_v his_o action_n by_o a_o betterend_a or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o event_n direct_v his_o worst_a end_n to_o a_o better_a purpose_n than_o lose_v at_o the_o last_o cast_v which_o he_o be_v so_o long_a a_o win_n or_o have_v stain_v the_o fame_n of_o his_o former_a action_n with_o so_o base_a a_o execution_n his_o eminent_a gift_n of_o wisdom_n howsoever_o sordid_a and_o wicked_a in_o themselves_o as_o direct_v rather_o to_o his_o own_o private_a end_n than_o god_n glory_n or_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n may_v not_o with_o stand_v out_o of_o a_o foreconceived_a opinion_n of_o his_o worth_n have_v find_v in_o the_o common_a voice_n a_o favourable_a construction_n old_a vice_n common_o find_v welcome_a under_o new_a name_n and_o nothing_o so_o witty_a as_o sin_n to_o invent_v new_a epithet_n to_o shut_v out_o shame_n and_o entertain_v plausibilitie_n luxuris_n and_o lechery_n the_o bane_n of_o nature_n may_v pass_v currant_n under_o the_o title_n of_o good-fellowship_n ignorant_a pride_n and_o supercilious_a contempt_n may_v call_v themselves_o retire_v gravity_n or_o stout_a 〈◊〉_d grâ—…ping_v covetousness_n and_o base_a usury_n may_v find_v entertainment_n under_o the_o show_n of_o thrifty_a husbandry_n 〈◊〉_d and_o oppression_n shall_v be_v style_v severe_a justice_n and_o strict_a government_n at_o least_o from_o each_o of_o these_o common_a connivance_n will_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o extract_v somewhat_o which_o may_v savour_n of_o ingenuity_n to_o cover_v guilt_n from_o the_o strict_a inquisition_n of_o truth_n and_o stop_v the_o harsh_a mouth_n of_o censure_n wherein_o at_o least_o it_o shall_v show_v itself_o no_o less_o ingenious_a than_o aristotle_n in_o his_o ethic_n who_o in_o paint_v out_o to_o the_o life_n his_o i_o doll_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v observe_v to_o have_v steal_v the_o chief_a mark_n of_o many_o notorious_a vice_n to_o character_n one_o imaginary_a virtue_n no_o worse_o but_o rather_o better_a favour_n may_v achitophel_n life_n seem_v to_o have_v deserve_v especial_o among_o the_o common_a rout_n of_o his_o inferior_n who_o value_v the_o worth_n of_o their_o superior_n imagine_v they_o as_o eminent_a in_o wisdom_n as_o they_o transcend_v in_o greatness_n as_o if_o they_o conceive_v they_o fashion_v in_o another_o mould_n and_o wrought_v to_o another_o nature_n that_o the_o least_o slip_n or_o escape_v which_o in_o ordinary_a man_n we_o can_v interpret_v no_o other_o than_o the_o effect_n of_o infirmity_n shall_v in_o they_o be_v think_v to_o proceed_v from_o premeditate_a counsel_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n