for_o god_n have_v conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n i_o have_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v sense_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o see_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v in_o one_o view_n in_o general_n whoever_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v a_o world_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o epicurean_o for_o this_o reason_n reject_v a_o providence_n because_o they_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o their_o god_n full_a of_o care_n solicitude_n and_o distraction_n to_o observe_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o over-rule_v and_o determine_v all_o event_n as_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n shall_v direct_v and_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o which_o see_v all_o thing_n at_o one_o view_n judge_n infallible_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o a_o powerful_a thought_n but_o my_o chief_a design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o either_o be_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v some_o of_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v the_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n the_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o human_a affair_n the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n both_o to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v not_o only_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o account_n by_o show_v what_o wise_a end_v god_n serve_v by_o they_o and_o what_o a_o wise_a use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o such_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o insist_v on_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o those_o wise_a method_n god_n use_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o government_n consist_v and_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o few_o 1._o that_o god_n reward_n and_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n though_o some_o man_n venture_v to_o dispute_v the_o justice_n at_o least_o of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o the_o jew_n object_v against_o god_n in_o that_o profane_a proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v a_o edge_n 18._o ezek._n and_o by_o the_o answer_n god_n there_o make_v we_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o posterity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o father_n sake_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n where_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n where_o we_o may_v allow_v more_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n without_o impeach_v the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o wicked_a father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n be_v reward_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o righteous_a father_n for_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v if_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n now_o if_o neither_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o father_n virtue_n this_o can_v afford_v no_o pretence_n to_o impeach_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o sake_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v a_o righteous_a son_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n then_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n must_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o such_o child_n as_o inherit_v the_o vice_n and_o imitate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n this_o you_o will_v say_v have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o for_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v all_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o their_o parent_n be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a how_o be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o seem_v as_o obvious_a as_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o be_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o know_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n very_o often_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o their_o wickedness_n deserve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v not_o require_v a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a execution_n bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a many_o year_n and_o be_v severe_o punish_v at_o last_o or_o may_v be_v prosperous_a all_o their_o life_n and_o go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o only_o answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o then_o god_n threaten_v that_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n shall_v overtake_v their_o posterity_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o god_n will_v then_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n and_o not_o exercise_v the_o same_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n while_o other_o man_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o escape_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v more_o than_o his_o own_o sin_n deserve_v but_o yet_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n may_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o other_o wicked_a man_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n alike_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o proper_o act_n of_o discipline_n than_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n and_o if_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v punish_v though_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v fill_v up_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o a_o last_o it_o make_v a_o nation_n or_o family_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n and_o although_o those_o person_n on_o who_o this_o final_a vengeance_n fall_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o their_o own_o personal_a sin_n deserve_v yet_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a generation_n which_o they_o equal_a or_o out_o do_v make_v it_o time_n for_o god_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v all_o say_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o matt._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 34_o 35_o
what_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n who_o live_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n in_o this_o this_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o believe_v so_o well_o of_o god_n that_o we_o be_v very_o persuade_v can_v we_o see_v what_o their_o state_n be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v see_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o account_n and_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n only_o because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o he_o deal_v with_o the_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n if_o we_o know_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o these_o man_n and_o know_v that_o he_o deal_v hardly_o by_o they_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v this_o will_v be_v a_o difficulty_n but_o what_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n for_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o we_o ought_v to_o say_v and_o judge_v nothing_o of_o it_o neither_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o incline_v to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n who_o will_v raise_v objection_n from_o what_o they_o confess_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v guess_v how_o they_o shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o state_n of_o ignorant_a heathen_n in_o the_o next_o world_n since_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n for_o we_o can_v look_v into_o the_o other_o world_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o some_o man_n without_o any_o authority_n of_o scripture_n confident_o affirm_v that_o ignorant_a heathen_n shall_v suffer_v the_o same_o condemnation_n which_o christ_n have_v threaten_v against_o wilful_a infidel_n and_o wicked_a christian_n and_o than_o it_o may_v well_o be_v think_v a_o great_a difficulty_n that_o god_n shall_v as_o severe_o punish_v man_n for_o not_o know_v christ_n when_o he_o be_v never_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o they_o have_v no_o other_o possible_a way_n of_o know_v he_o as_o he_o will_v punish_v those_o who_o have_v have_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n preach_v to_o they_o but_o refuse_v to_o believe_v in_o he_o or_o have_v profess_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n but_o live_v very_o wicked_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n but_o it_o be_v a_o difficulty_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o much_o more_o safe_a for_o ourselves_o and_o much_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n to_o confess_v our_o ignorance_n of_o such_o matter_n as_o we_o have_v no_o possible_a way_n to_o know_v and_o to_o refer_v all_o such_o unknown_a case_n to_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o we_o can_v know_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o raise_v such_o objection_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v whatever_o difficulty_n immediate_o relate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_v shall_v remain_v difficulty_n till_o we_o go_v thither_o for_o we_o know_v so_o little_a in_o particular_a about_o the_o other_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a either_o to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o or_o other_o in_o such_o matter_n but_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o concern_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n as_o of_o the_o next_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o large_a show_v not_o only_o that_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v he_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o narrow_a understanding_n he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o all_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v it_o this_o indeed_o be_v so_o plain_a at_o the_o first_o hear_n to_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n that_o i_o shall_v have_v be_v ashamed_a to_o have_v insist_v so_o long_o on_o it_o do_v not_o all_o man_n know_v who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o dispute_n that_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n be_v owe_v whole_o to_o this_o cause_n that_o man_n will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o do_v what_o they_o can_v understand_v and_o the_o best_a way_n i_o can_v take_v to_o teach_v these_o man_n more_o modesty_n in_o censure_v providence_n be_v to_o show_v they_o particular_o that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n wise_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n which_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o then_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v in_o many_o case_n give_v a_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n five_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o matter_n that_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o this_o enquiry_n that_o no_o man_n may_v presume_v to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o unaccountable_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o demand_v a_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o some_o modern_a controversy_n in_o religion_n i_o need_v instance_n at_o present_a only_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a and_o absolute_a election_n and_o reprobation_n on_o which_o a_o great_a many_o other_o such_o like_a unaccountable_a doctrine_n depend_v that_o god_n create_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o eternal_o miserable_a or_o at_o least_o as_o other_o state_z it_o that_o he_o order_v and_o decree_v or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n effectual_o permit_v the_o sin_n and_o fall_n of_o adam_n that_o he_o may_v glorify_v his_o mercy_n in_o choose_v some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o corrupt_a mass_n of_o mankind_n to_o be_v vessel_n of_o glory_n and_o to_o glorify_v his_o justice_n in_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o all_o other_o even_o of_o reprobated_a infant_n as_o involve_v in_o the_o gild_n of_o adam_n sin_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o these_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a doctrine_n for_o to_o make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o just_a and_o good_n but_o though_o we_o ready_o confess_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a yet_o man_n must_v not_o think_v upon_o this_o pretence_n to_o attribute_v what_o they_o please_v to_o god_n how_o absurd_a unreasonable_a unjust_a soever_o it_o be_v and_o then_o shelter_v themselves_o against_o all_o objection_n by_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n for_o god_n have_v no_o such_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o this_o be_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o manifest_o contradict_v all_o the_o notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n abhor_v all_o such_o imputation_n as_o these_o as_o infinite_o injurious_a to_o he_o and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a to_o justify_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o whole_a 18_o chapter_n of_o ezekiel_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o this_o where_o god_n complain_v of_o that_o proverb_n as_o reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o providence_n 2._o the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n that_o be_v that_o the_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o their_o father_n how_o unreasonable_a a_o imputation_n this_o be_v god_n prove_v from_o that_o equal_a right_n which_o he_o have_v in_o parent_n and_o child_n 4._o which_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o partiality_n behold_v all_o soul_n be_v i_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o father_n so_o also_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o son_n be_v i_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o general_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o do_v what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a shall_v sure_o live_v that_o if_o
36._o wo_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n because_o you_o build_v the_o tomb_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o garnish_v the_o sepulcher_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o say_v if_o we_o have_v be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o father_n we_o will_v not_o have_v be_v partaker_n with_o they_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o prophet_n wherefore_o you_o be_v witness_n unto_o yourselves_o that_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n fill_v you_o up_o then_o the_o measure_n of_o your_o father_n sin_n wherefore_o behold_v i_o send_v unto_o you_o prophet_n and_o wise_a man_n and_o scribe_n and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o kill_v and_o crucify_v and_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v you_o scourge_v in_o your_o synagogue_n and_o persecute_v they_o from_o city_n to_o city_n that_o upon_o you_o may_v come_v all_o the_o righteous_a blood_n shed_v upon_o the_o earth_n from_o the_o blood_n of_o abel_n to_o the_o blood_n of_o zacharias_n son_n of_o barachias_n who_o you_o slay_v between_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o altar_n god_n may_v wait_v with_o patience_n upon_o a_o wicked_a nation_n or_o a_o wicked_a family_n but_o when_o they_o sin_v on_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o it_o all_o aggravate_v the_o account_n and_o when_o god_n see_v it_o time_n to_o punish_v make_v the_o punishment_n very_o severe_a or_o final_a 2_o the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v also_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n for_o he_o show_v mercy_n to_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n a_o wicked_a son_n may_v receive_v a_o great_a many_o temporal_a blessing_n from_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o righteous_a father_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n that_o god_n show_v great_a favour_n and_o exercise_n great_a patience_n to_o bad_a man_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o good_a but_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v only_o to_o the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o good_a man_n for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o show_v favour_n to_o bad_a man_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o righteous_a which_o make_v it_o the_o reward_n and_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v fit_v to_o make_v any_o general_a promise_n of_o favour_n to_o they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o encouragement_n of_o vice_n the_o righteous_a seed_n then_o of_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v bless_v but_o so_o shall_v the_o righteous_a seed_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v and_o what_o peculiar_a privilege_n be_v this_o to_o the_o good_a i_o answer_v when_o god_n promise_v to_o bless_v the_o righteous_a posterity_n of_o good_a man_n if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n peculiar_a which_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o promise_v to_o other_o good_a man_n it_o must_v signify_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o a_o more_o last_a prosperity_n in_o this_o world_n all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n nor_o have_v god_n any_o where_o promise_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o no_o more_o than_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v visible_o punish_v here_o but_o as_o god_n visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n by_o execute_v a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n so_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o prosperous_a than_o other_o good_a man_n and_o the_o more_o uninterrupted_a succession_n there_o be_v of_o such_o righteous_a parent_n and_o righteous_a child_n the_o deep_a root_n they_o shall_v take_v and_o be_v like_o a_o tree_n plant_v by_o the_o river_n of_o water_n that_o bring_v forth_o his_o fruit_n in_o his_o season_n his_o leaf_n also_o shall_v not_o wither_v and_o what_o soever_o he_o do_v shall_v prosper_v 1._o psal._n 3_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o short_a representation_n of_o this_o case_n and_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o there_o be_v no_o injustice_n in_o it_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o wise_a end_v it_o serve_v both_o with_o respect_n to_o parent_n and_o to_o child_n and_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o to_o parent_n if_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a affection_n to_o their_o child_n this_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o excite_v they_o to_o virtue_n most_o of_o the_o labour_n and_o toil_n which_o man_n undergo_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o child_n to_o provide_v for_o they_o while_o they_o live_v and_o to_o leave_v they_o in_o easy_a and_o happy_a circumstance_n when_o they_o die_v to_o raise_v and_o perpetuate_v a_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a from_o all_o adverse_a event_n but_o how_o successful_a soever_o bad_a man_n may_v be_v in_o raise_v a_o estate_n they_o build_v upon_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n and_o leave_v a_o very_a perish_a inheritance_n to_o their_o child_n especial_o if_o they_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n by_o defraud_v god_n and_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o portion_n which_o many_o time_n make_v it_o moulder_v away_o in_o the_o hand_n even_o of_o a_o righteous_a heir_n the_o more_o prosperous_a a_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o more_o likely_a be_v his_o posterity_n to_o be_v miserable_a if_o he_o propagate_v his_o vice_n to_o they_o for_o god_n will_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o reckon_v with_o wicked_a family_n as_o well_o as_o man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v a_o terrible_a account_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n shall_v be_v remember_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o mother_n shall_v not_o be_v blot_v out_o 109._o psal._n 14._o and_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v this_o to_o good_a man_n though_o they_o themselves_o shall_v be_v unfortunate_a in_o the_o world_n to_o know_v that_o their_o posterity_n shall_v reap_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n that_o if_o their_o child_n shall_v be_v wicked_a there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o gentle_o use_v and_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v many_o temporal_a blessing_n for_o their_o sake_n but_o if_o they_o be_v righteous_a they_o shall_v then_o take_v root_n and_o flourish_v in_o the_o earth_n that_o the_o little_a which_o the_o righteous_a man_n have_v righteous_o get_v shall_v prove_v a_o better_a a_o more_o last_a and_o increase_a inheritance_n than_o the_o riches_n of_o many_o wicked_a and_o that_o a_o liberal_a charity_n which_o some_o man_n think_v be_v to_o defraud_v their_o child_n shall_v prove_v like_o seed_n sow_v in_o the_o earth_n which_o repay_v all_o with_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n it_o be_v certain_a be_v this_o firm_o believe_v and_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v lay_v the_o great_a obligation_n in_o the_o world_n both_o on_o bad_a and_o good_a man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n of_o their_o child_n the_o only_a way_n wicked_a man_n have_v to_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_v of_o misery_n from_o their_o family_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o child_n from_o that_o vengeance_n which_o their_o own_o sin_n have_v deserve_v be_v to_o train_v they_o up_o in_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o only_a way_n good_a man_n have_v to_o entitle_v their_o child_n to_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n wherewith_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reward_v their_o virtue_n upon_o their_o posterity_n which_o be_v the_o best_a inheritance_n they_o can_v leave_v they_o be_v to_o make_v they_o good_n the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n sin_n to_o hasten_v and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o the_o righteous_a child_n of_o righteous_a parent_n have_v their_o own_o and_o their_o father_n virtue_n to_o secure_v and_o to_o augment_v their_o reward_n 2._o as_o for_o child_n what_o great_a obligation_n than_o this_o can_v be_v lay_v on_o they_o to_o avoid_v the_o evil_a example_n and_o to_o imitate_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o parent_n the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o father_n make_v it_o more_o dangerous_a for_o they_o to_o be_v wicked_a for_o when_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v entail_v too_o and_o the_o long_a judgement_n have_v be_v delay_v the_o near_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o severe_a it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o wicked_a father_n can_v promise_v himself_o to_o escape_v so_o well_o as_o his_o father_n do_v because_o his_o father_n sin_n which_o he_o imitate_v call_v for_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n on_o he_o either_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o wickedness_n or_o to_o root_v out_o a_o wicked_a family_n and_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o leprous_a house_n but_o what_o a_o encouragement_n be_v it_o to_o the_o child_n of_o righteous_a
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n as_o it_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n or_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v so_o much_o what_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o how_o many_o natural_a evil_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n if_o such_o severity_n be_v good_a for_o mankind_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n to_o inflict_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o prince_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reform_v his_o child_n or_o his_o subject_n by_o great_a severity_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n require_v severe_a restraint_n be_v no_o more_o a_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n than_o the_o fond_a indulgence_n of_o parent_n be_v to_o disobedient_a child_n so_o that_o this_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n the_o principal_a objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o natural_a evil_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a be_v not_o evil_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a we_o can_v neither_o prove_v nor_o disprove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a man_n for_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o good_a for_o we_o nor_o be_v affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
happy_a let_v the_o most_o sceptical_a objector_n against_o providence_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o god_n can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n without_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o choose_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v these_o evil_n on_o he_o have_v be_v to_o change_v his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o yet_o man_n can_v live_v as_o they_o do_v and_o escape_v these_o misery_n unless_o all_o nature_n be_v change_v we_o must_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o body_n than_o we_o have_v or_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n must_v have_v other_o virtue_n and_o quality_n to_o bear_v the_o disorder_n and_o excess_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n without_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o fire_n must_v not_o burn_v nor_o water_n drown_v if_o wine_n must_v not_o inflame_v nor_o a_o flood_n of_o indigested_a liquor_n extinguish_v the_o vital_a heat_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v a_o paradise_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v possess_v in_o common_a or_o the_o idle_a slothful_a prodigal_a sinner_n must_v be_v poor_a our_o body_n must_v be_v invulnerable_a and_o immortal_a or_o there_o must_v be_v no_o instrument_n of_o death_n in_o the_o world_n or_o man_n who_o quarrel_n will_v fight_v and_o kill_v one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v to_z separate_z sin_n and_o misery_n but_o man_n may_v avoid_v misery_n if_o they_o please_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a world_n and_o a_o good_a god_n that_o make_v such_o a_o world_n and_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n wherein_o man_n may_v make_v themselves_o happy_a if_o they_o will_n 2_o beside_o this_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v see_v in_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o more_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o sin_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v they_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o providence_n no_o man_n doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v nor_o that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o hurt_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v it_o then_o after_o all_o that_o make_v the_o world_n so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n if_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v foolish_a sinner_n to_o make_v themselves_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_a as_o they_o will_v that_o as_o many_o furious_a phaeton_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o in_o flame_n but_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n have_v its_o temperate_a as_o well_o as_o torrid_a zone_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o attribute_v this_o to_o if_o we_o do_v not_o attibute_v it_o to_o providence_n to_o what_o else_o can_v we_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o those_o unseen_a snare_n which_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o have_v escape_v nay_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o to_o this_o day_n how_o many_o wicked_a design_n prove_v abortive_a how_o many_o secret_a plot_n be_v discover_v when_o ripe_a for_o execution_n how_o often_o do_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n into_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o proud_a tyrant_n and_o by_o some_o cross_a accident_n or_o by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n break_v their_o power_n and_o humble_v they_o to_o the_o dust_n sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n be_v full_a of_o such_o example_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o good_a we_o enjoy_v to_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o then_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n prevent_v all_o that_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n will_v do_v but_o can_v and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o this_o be_v who_o know_v how_o much_o evil_n bad_a man_n will_v do_v have_v they_o no_o restraint_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o restrain_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o misery_n than_o complain_v that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o afflict_v the_o world_n 3_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n than_o what_o he_o overrule_v to_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n for_o god_n many_o time_n serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o chastise_v the_o good_a to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n or_o to_o give_v terrible_a example_n of_o his_o vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o all_o this_o how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v suppress_v destroy_v and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v make_v better_a and_o become_v great_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v if_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o more_o than_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o than_o what_o will_v do_v himself_o good_a if_o he_o wise_o improve_v it_o or_o will_v do_v other_o good_a if_o they_o will_v either_o take_v warning_n by_o his_o suffering_n or_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n though_o the_o way_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v very_o severe_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n even_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n himself_o immediate_o inflict_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o he_o inflict_v no_o more_o nor_o great_a evil_n than_o what_o be_v for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o for_o be_v it_o not_o wonderful_a goodness_n in_o god_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o ourselves_o to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n to_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v ourselves_o no_o more_o hurt_v than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v into_o great_a good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v so_o to_o restrain_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hurt_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o correct_v or_o to_o exercise_v with_o some_o severity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o hurt_n nor_o hurt_v any_o long_a than_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o review_v this_o objection_n and_o answer_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n let_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o father_n and_o i_o hope_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n of_o earthly_a parent_n will_v be_v think_v a_o good_a justification_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n suppose_v then_o a_o father_n have_v several_a child_n who_o he_o providee_n very_o bountiful_o for_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o hopeful_a circumstance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v frugal_a diligent_a and_o virtuous_a they_o may_v live_v happy_o and_o increase_v their_o fortune_n shall_v such_o child_n turn_v prodigal_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o riot_v and_o luxury_n destroy_v their_o health_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n will_v any_o man_n blame_v their_o good_a father_n for_o this_o and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o much_o injure_v shall_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o unkindness_n and_o severity_n to_o his_o child_n only_o because_o after_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o can_v show_v they_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v
parent_n to_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n that_o they_o may_v inherit_v all_o the_o blessing_n of_o their_o father_n we_o think_v it_o a_o great_a advantage_n for_o child_n to_o inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o parent_n industry_n but_o to_o inherit_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o virtue_n be_v much_o great_a and_o this_o none_o but_o virtuous_a child_n can_v do_v a_o prodigal_a son_n may_v inherit_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o industrious_a father_n but_o can_v keep_v it_o but_o a_o wicked_a son_n of_o a_o virtuous_a father_n forfeit_v his_o inheritance_n and_o though_o some_o good_a man_n meet_v with_o very_o little_a or_o with_o no_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n nay_o suffer_v very_o severe_o for_o their_o virtue_n this_o be_v no_o discouragement_n to_o their_o child_n but_o give_v they_o reasonoble_a hope_n to_o expect_v the_o more_o for_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n shall_v have_v its_o reward_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o the_o father_n have_v it_o not_o the_o son_n and_o the_o son_n son_n through_o all_o the_o line_n of_o a_o virtuous_a succession_n shall_v when_o good_a man_n suffer_v or_o miss_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v the_o great_a reward_n in_o heaven_n and_o their_o child_n on_o earth_n 3._o to_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a in_o their_o posterity_n better_a answer_n the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n than_o the_o personal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o every_o particular_a good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a and_o some_o good_a man_n afflict_a in_o this_o world_n and_o since_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v not_o require_v that_o every_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v according_a to_o his_o work_n but_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v require_v that_o virtue_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v lay_v all_o reasonable_a restraint_n on_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o encourage_v their_o virtue_n now_o virtue_n be_v reward_v and_o vice_n punish_v when_o it_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v if_o not_o in_o the_o person_n yet_o in_o the_o posterity_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n which_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n to_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o service_n of_o providence_n and_o yet_o very_o effectual_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o encourage_v virtue_n 2_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o god_n very_o often_o punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n and_o many_o time_n with_o sin_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n our_o daily_a observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o example_n enough_o of_o it_o which_o be_v visible_a and_o public_o know_v and_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v few_o sinner_n but_o know_v some_o which_o concern_v themselves_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o know_v thus_o god_n punish_v the_o murder_n and_o adultery_n of_o david_n with_o the_o incest_n and_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absolom_n and_o thus_o oppression_n be_v often_o punish_v with_o oppression_n adultery_n with_o adultery_n murder_n with_o murder_n and_o wicked_a man_n be_v make_v plague_n and_o scourge_v to_o each_o other_o and_o god_n think_v it_o no_o dishonour_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o attribute_v all_o such_o retribution_n to_o himself_o for_o god_n can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o contribute_v to_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a punishment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o sinner_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n they_o do_v that_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v by_o the_o very_a sin_n which_o they_o commit_v nothing_o more_o sensible_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o just_a providence_n than_o this_o nothing_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o to_o feel_v the_o evil_n and_o mischief_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v more_o awaken_v and_o rouse_v their_o conscience_n than_o to_o suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o have_v do_v and_o one_o will_v reasonable_o think_v nothing_o shall_v make_v they_o more_o afraid_a to_o do_v any_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o suffer_v so_o that_o nothing_o can_v better_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o convince_v man_n of_o a_o divine_a nemesis_n and_o vengeance_n to_o give_v they_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o afraid_a to_o commit_v they_o 3._o another_o instance_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o so_o often_o disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o great_a expectation_n of_o some_o great_a good_a either_o we_o be_v disappoint_v in_o what_o we_o expect_v or_o if_o we_o have_v what_o we_o wish_v for_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o expectation_n we_o find_v ourselves_o deceive_v in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v without_o they_o and_o when_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o fall_v on_o we_o either_o the_o evil_n do_v not_o come_v as_o we_o fear_v or_o it_o prove_v no_o evil_a but_o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o we_o this_o be_v so_o often_o every_o man_n case_n that_o i_o need_v only_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o observation_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v god_n take_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o know_v not_o what_o be_v good_a for_o ourselves_o that_o we_o disturb_v our_o mind_n with_o vain_a hope_n and_o with_o as_o vain_a fear_n that_o it_o become_v we_o to_o leave_v all_o to_o god_n and_o to_o depend_v secure_o on_o his_o providence_n who_o overrule_v all_o thing_n with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o be_v easy_a and_o safe_a to_o choose_v nothing_o for_o ourselves_o not_o to_o prescribe_v to_o providence_n but_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o then_o quiet_o expect_v what_o god_n will_v do_v be_v it_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o happy_a temper_n of_o mind_n than_o this_o more_o honourable_a for_o god_n or_o more_o secure_a for_o ourselves_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o become_v creature_n be_v there_o any_o more_o perfect_a act_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o depend_v entire_o on_o god_n without_o hope_n or_o fear_n in_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o protection_n and_o can_v providence_n more_o effectual_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o than_o to_o let_v we_o see_v by_o every_o day_n experience_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o choose_v ill_o for_o ourselves_o that_o our_o wish_n and_o desire_n be_v they_o answer_v will_v very_o often_o undo_v we_o and_o that_o we_o be_v save_v and_o make_v happy_a by_o what_o we_o fear_v and_o why_o then_o shall_v we_o desire_v why_o shall_v we_o fear_v any_o long_o let_v we_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o mind_n our_o own_o business_n and_o leave_v god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o allot_v our_o portion_n in_o it_o four_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o that_o god_n very_o often_o defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n when_o wicked_a tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n be_v at_o the_o height_n of_o their_o pride_n and_o glory_n and_o good_a man_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o hopeless_a state_n beyond_o the_o visible_a relief_n of_o any_o human_a power_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n when_o god_n send_v moses_n to_o deliver_v they_o with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o a_o outstretched_a arm._n this_o be_v several_a time_n their_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o god_n raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n for_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o hezekiah_n when_o god_n in_o one_o night_n destroy_v the_o mighty_a army_n of_o the_o assyrian_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o queen_n hester_n day_n when_o that_o wicked_a haman_n have_v conspire_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o there_o want_v not_o example_n of_o it_o in_o christian_a story_n never_o be_v there_o a_o fierce_a persecution_n of_o christian_n than_o when_o god_n advance_v constantine_n to_o the_o throne_n
but_o we_o must_v represent_v god_n to_o our_o mind_n under_o a_o more_o lovely_a and_o charm_a character_n as_o the_o universal_a parent_n who_o have_v a_o tender_a and_o compassionate_a regard_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n who_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n who_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 and_o proportion_v the_o severity_n of_o his_o discipline_n either_o to_o the_o end_n of_o public_a government_n or_o to_o our_o spiritual_a want_n such_o a_o idea_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o will_v reconcile_v we_o even_o to_o suffering_n when_o we_o know_v they_o be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o intend_v for_o our_o good_a when_o we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a hand_n which_o strike_v we_o shall_v kiss_v the_o rod_n and_o submit_v to_o correction_n with_o as_o equal_v a_o mind_n as_o we_o do_v to_o the_o prescription_n of_o a_o physician_n how_o severe_a the_o method_n of_o cure_n be_v be_v our_o mind_n thorough_o possess_v with_o this_o belief_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o make_v we_o under_o some_o of_o the_o most_o severe_a trial_n nothing_o indeed_o can_v make_v pain_n easy_a for_o that_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n but_o a_o good_a persuasion_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v fortify_v our_o mind_n to_o bear_v it_o and_o that_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n whether_o our_o pain_n be_v less_o or_o our_o mind_n strong_a but_o as_o for_o other_o affliction_n which_o depend_v very_o much_o upon_o opinion_n and_o afflict_v we_o more_o or_o less_o as_o we_o apprehend_v they_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o inflict_v they_o on_o we_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n cure_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o they_o we_o have_v it_o may_v be_v lose_v some_o part_n of_o our_o estate_n a_o dear_a friend_n or_o near_a relation_n a_o child_n it_o may_v be_v a_o only_a child_n but_o all_o these_o be_v uncertain_a comfort_n and_o when_o the_o case_n be_v doubtful_a whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o or_o not_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o conclude_v that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o which_o god_n do_v because_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o we_o be_v and_o more_o concern_v for_o our_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o we_o ourselves_o be_v nay_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o implicit_a faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o our_o own_o prospect_n of_o thing_n though_o we_o can_v no_o more_o guess_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o suffering_n than_o job_n can_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a we_o be_v secure_a a_o wise_a god_n can_v never_o mistake_v and_o a_o good_a god_n will_v consult_v our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o in_o the_o most_o difficult_a and_o perplex_a case_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o providence_n second_o there_o be_v a_o submission_n also_o due_a to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v place_v we_o in_o we_o can_v no_o more_o choose_v our_o own_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n than_o we_o can_v choose_v when_o and_o where_o to_o be_v bear_v what_o our_o parent_n shall_v be_v how_o they_o shall_v educate_v we_o and_o dispose_v of_o we_o in_o the_o world_n what_o success_n we_o shall_v have_v what_o friend_n or_o what_o enemy_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o what_o change_n and_o revolution_n we_o shall_v see_v either_o in_o our_o private_a fortune_n or_o in_o public_a affair_n nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v at_o our_o own_o choice_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o our_o circumstance_n be_v any_o far_a than_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n they_o be_v not_o imputable_a to_o we_o now_o since_o we_o can_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n nor_o order_n event_n as_o we_o please_v the_o only_a submission_n we_o can_v owe_v to_o god_n in_o such_o case_n be_v humble_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o god_n do_v and_o faithful_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v place_v we_o in_o this_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n disposal_n be_v to_o act_v in_o that_o sphere_n and_o station_n which_o providence_n assign_v we_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o law_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n yet_o may_v change_v our_o duty_n and_o must_v do_v so_o as_o it_o change_v our_o condition_n for_o every_o condition_n and_o relation_n have_v peculiar_a duty_n belong_v to_o it_o our_o duty_n must_v change_v as_o our_o condition_n do_v the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o subject_n of_o magistrate_n and_o private_a man_n of_o a_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o of_o a_o exalt_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n of_o parent_n and_o child_n of_o master_n and_o servant_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a nature_n and_o as_o these_o relation_n change_v our_o duty_n must_v change_v with_o they_o and_o when_o we_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o our_o condition_n we_o submit_v to_o providence_n which_o give_v we_o no_o new_a rule_n of_o life_n but_o may_v impose_v new_a duty_n on_o we_o by_o put_v we_o into_o a_o new_a state_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v careful_o consider_v because_o there_o be_v dangerous_a extreme_n on_o both_o side_n some_o think_v the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o alter_v our_o duty_n without_o change_v our_o state_n and_o relation_n that_o the_o success_n of_o providence_n will_v justify_v such_o action_n as_o neither_o the_o law_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n will_v justify_v and_o that_o to_o serve_v providence_n when_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n they_o may_v dispense_v with_o the_o most_o know_a and_o unquestionable_a duty_n other_o have_v such_o a_o just_a abhorrence_n of_o this_o which_o overturn_v all_o divine_a and_o human_a law_n that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o contrary_a extreme_a and_o for_o fear_n of_o allow_v that_o providence_n can_v change_v our_o duty_n and_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o providence_n can_v so_o much_o as_o change_v our_o relation_n and_o state_n of_o life_n and_o with_o such_o a_o change_n of_o our_o condition_n change_v our_o duty_n for_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o that_o if_o our_o condition_n and_o relation_n be_v change_v our_o duty_n must_v change_v too_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o this_o when_o saul_n pursue_v david_n and_o god_n deliver_v saul_n into_o david_n hand_n while_o he_o be_v asleep_a in_o the_o cave_n the_o man_n of_o david_n say_v unto_o he_o behold_v the_o day_n of_o which_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o thou_o behold_v i_o will_v deliver_v thy_o enemy_n into_o thy_o hand_n that_o thou_o may_v do_v to_o he_o as_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o thou_o here_o be_v a_o argument_n from_o providence_n to_o justify_v david_n kill_v saul_n who_o god_n have_v so_o wonderful_o deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n but_o david_n do_v not_o think_v that_o providence_n will_v justify_v he_o against_o a_o divine_a law_n providence_n give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n to_o kill_v saul_n but_o the_o divine_a law_n forbid_v he_o to_o take_v it_o for_o saul_n be_v his_o king_n still_o and_o he_o be_v his_o subject_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v unto_o his_o man_n the_o lord_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v do_v this_o thing_n unto_o my_o master_n the_o lord_n anoint_v to_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n against_o he_o see_v he_o be_v the_o lord_n be_v anoint_v 1_o sam._n 24._o 4_o 6._o the_o same_o answer_n david_n give_v to_o abishai_n when_o he_o find_v saul_n the_o second_o time_n sleep_v in_o the_o trench_n and_o abishai_n say_v to_o david_n god_n have_v deliver_v thy_o enemy_n into_o thy_o hand_n this_o day_n now_o therefore_o let_v i_o smite_v he_o i_o pray_v thou_o with_o the_o spear_n even_o to_o the_o earth_n at_o once_o and_o i_o will_v not_o smite_v he_o the_o second_o time_n and_o david_n say_v to_o abishai_n destroy_v he_o not_o for_o who_o can_v stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o lord_n anoint_a and_o be_v guiltless_a 1_o sam._n 26._o 8_o 9_o providence_n have_v not_o unkinged_a saul_n nor_o make_v david_n king_n that_o be_v it_o have_v not_o alter_v the_o relation_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o absolve_v he_o from_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o relation_n from_o those_o duty_n which_o a_o subject_a owe_v to_o his_o
reason_n iacob_n name_n be_v change_v into_o israel_n when_o he_o wrestle_v all_o night_n with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v no_o more_o jacob_n but_o israel_n for_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v thou_o power_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v prevail_v 32._o gen._n 28._o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o man_n of_o the_o duty_n necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n only_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o he_o himself_o make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o for_o we_o must_v ask_v if_o we_o will_v receive_v we_o can_v receive_v of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v receive_v many_o good_a thing_n without_o ask_v as_o god_n do_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v and_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o do_v receive_v without_o ask_v seldom_o prove_v blessing_n to_o we_o and_o as_o seldom_o last_a but_o to_o satisfy_v these_o man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o duty_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o prayer_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v their_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o they_o can_v conceive_v how_o our_o prayer_n shall_v signify_v any_o thing_n with_o god_n or_o obtain_v any_o blessing_n for_o we_o which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v bestow_v on_o we_o without_o our_o ask_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v allow_v be_v necessary_a to_o entitle_v we_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v do_v good_a to_o good_a man_n whether_o they_o ask_v or_o not_o but_o they_o can_v see_v for_o what_o wise_a end_n prayer_n serve_v or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o give_v do_v not_o god_n know_v our_o want_n before_o we_o ask_v or_o do_v he_o need_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o our_o prayer_n what_o we_o will_v have_v he_o do_v for_o we_o be_v not_o our_o want_n and_o his_o own_o essential_a goodness_n a_o sufficient_a motive_n for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o do_v he_o want_v to_o be_v entreat_v and_o importune_v which_o will_v argue_v a_o want_n of_o goodness_n in_o short_a can_v god_n be_v move_v and_o change_v by_o our_o prayer_n to_o alter_v his_o counsel_n to_o do_v that_o good_a for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v or_o to_o divert_v those_o evil_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v bring_v on_o we_o which_o represent_v god_n as_o changeable_a as_o man_n and_o derogate_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o counsel_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o equal_o destroy_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o make_v any_o prayer_n or_o petition_n to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o want_n and_o may_v need_v to_o be_v inform_v but_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o ask_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o our_o want_n do_v any_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o bind_v though_o he_o know_v our_o want_n to_o supply_v they_o without_o our_o ask_n do_v we_o think_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o any_o man_n goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unless_o he_o be_v ask_v good_a man_n indeed_o do_v a_o great_a many_o good_a office_n without_o be_v ask_v and_o so_o do_v a_o good_a god_n but_o in_o most_o case_n they_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o stomach_n not_o to_o ask_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o give_v it_o do_v not_o become_v some_o man_n to_o ask_v when_o it_o may_v become_v other_o to_o give_v for_o it_o require_v some_o interest_n and_o some_o pretence_n to_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o ask_v but_o all_o man_n expect_v that_o those_o who_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v shall_v ask_v for_o what_o they_o want_v parent_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o child_n and_o a_o prince_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o will_v see_v their_o want_n and_o let_v they_o want_v on_o till_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o ask_v and_o if_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o dependent_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v this_o from_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v their_o whole_a dependence_n on_o he_o for_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v ask_v why_o may_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n expect_v this_o as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n thus_o as_o changeable_a as_o man_n be_v in_o their_o will_n and_o counsel_n and_o passion_n do_v we_o use_v to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n only_o because_o he_o give_v when_o he_o be_v ask_v and_o will_v not_o give_v when_o he_o be_v not_o ask_v that_o be_v do_v it_o prove_v any_o man_n to_o be_v mutable_a to_o change_v only_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o immutable_a rule_n require_v he_o to_o change_v such_o uniform_a and_o regular_a change_n as_o these_o prove_v a_o immutability_n of_o counsel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o providence_n it_o argue_v no_o more_o change_n in_o god_n to_o give_v when_o we_o ask_v and_o not_o to_o give_v when_o we_o do_v not_o ask_v than_o it_o be_v to_o punish_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v he_o when_o he_o be_v good_a the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o move_v mechanical_o by_o external_a and_o sensible_a impression_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o without_o it_o they_o betray_v man_n to_o that_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o disparage_v both_o their_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o when_o they_o do_v good_a by_o such_o blind_a impulse_n and_o strong_a and_o heady_a passion_n they_o do_v good_a by_o chance_n and_o another_o torrent_n of_o different_a passion_n may_v do_v as_o much_o hurt_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o immutability_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o be_v move_v by_o passion_n when_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_a sense_n move_v they_o for_o reason_n be_v a_o even_a and_o steady_a mover_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v by_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v without_o that_o reason_n do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v move_v by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n and_o complaint_n to_o pity_v and_o compassion_n and_o to_o do_v good_a contrary_a to_o his_o former_a intention_n and_o inclination_n be_v no_o reproach_n to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n to_o do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v for_o it_o neither_o unbecome_v god_n nor_o man_n to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n we_o live_v in_o a_o critical_a age_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o speak_v intelligible_o of_o god_n because_o we_o want_v word_n sufficient_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o motion_n and_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a mind_n and_o the_o passion_n of_o creature_n our_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o so_o must_v our_o word_n necessary_o be_v and_o therefore_o unless_o you_o will_v venture_v the_o censure_n of_o some_o man_n who_o conceal_v their_o atheism_n under_o a_o religious_a silence_n and_o veneration_n and_o will_v not_o allow_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v say_v or_o think_v of_o god_n for_o fear_v of_o think_v and_o speak_v dishonourable_o of_o he_o you_o must_v not_o say_v that_o god_n hear_v or_o see_v because_o he_o have_v no_o bodily_a ear_n or_o eye_n or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o affection_n in_o god_n as_o love_n or_o hatred_n joy_n
or_o sorrow_n anger_n or_o repentance_n pity_n and_o compassion_n because_o those_o sensible_a commotion_n which_o accompany_v these_o passion_n in_o man_n be_v not_o incident_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o good_a rule_n both_o of_o believe_v and_o speak_v we_o may_v very_o honourable_o say_v that_o of_o god_n which_o god_n say_v of_o himself_o and_o believe_v that_o all_o these_o affection_n be_v in_o god_n in_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a manner_n as_o become_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n some_o man_n think_v that_o the_o scripture_n attribute_v love_n and_o joy_n and_o delight_n hatred_n sorrow_n and_o compassion_n to_o god_n be_v no_o better_a reason_n to_o ascribe_v such_o affection_n to_o he_o than_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v bodily_a eye_n and_o ear_n and_o foot_n and_o hand_n because_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n they_o also_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v a_o wide_a difference_n between_o these_o two_o for_o the_o scripture_n have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o inform_v we_o that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n without_o shape_n or_o figure_n and_o that_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v only_o allusive_a and_o metaphorical_a expression_n which_o represent_v the_o power_n by_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o action_n see_v by_o eye_n and_o hear_v by_o ear_n but_o these_o affection_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n be_v not_o instrument_n but_o power_n and_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o a_o mind_n as_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n a_o pure_a mind_n must_v have_v pure_a and_o intellectual_a affection_n which_o move_v with_o great_a strength_n and_o certainty_n though_o without_o the_o disturbance_n of_o humane_a passion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o mind_n without_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o to_o conceive_v wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n without_o a_o intellectual_a approbation_n and_o abhorrence_n for_o perfect_a wisdom_n must_v approve_v and_o disapprove_v and_o the_o several_a way_n of_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v constitute_v the_o several_a passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o these_o must_v be_v as_o perfect_a in_o god_n as_o wisdom_n be_v though_o as_o void_a of_o sensible_a passion_n as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n be_v now_o if_o god_n have_v such_o affection_n as_o these_o which_o may_v be_v move_v in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a perfection_n than_o prayer_n may_v move_v he_o and_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o show_v mercy_n and_o kindness_n thus_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o without_o such_o a_o representation_n as_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n nor_o foundation_n for_o prayer_n not_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o particular_a how_o god_n have_v be_v move_v by_o the_o intercession_n of_o good_a man_n to_o change_v his_o counsel_n and_o to_o spare_v those_o who_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o destroy_v of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n in_o the_o intercession_n of_o moses_n for_o israel_n when_o they_o have_v make_v the_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_v it_o 32_o exod._n 9_o 10_o etc._n etc._n of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o he_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v they_o have_v not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o in_o the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n lest_o he_o shall_v destroy_v they_o 106._o psal._n 23._o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v on_o such_o example_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n argument_n and_o parable_n whereby_o he_o encourage_v our_o faith_n in_o prayer_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n in_o some_o analogy_n and_o proportion_n as_o man_n be_v that_o whatever_o effect_n of_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o kind_a and_o good_a man_n that_o we_o may_v more_o certain_o expect_v from_o god_n our_o saviour_n promise_n 7._o matth._n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v this_o be_v as_o full_a a_o promise_n as_o can_v be_v make_v and_o yet_o for_o their_o great_a security_n he_o prove_v to_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o it_o needs_o must_v be_v so_o we_o know_v and_o feel_v what_o the_o natural_a kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n be_v for_o their_o child_n how_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o answer_v all_o their_o reasonable_a request_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o their_o necessary_a want_n and_o thus_o he_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o god_n and_o much_o more_o because_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o the_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o earthly_a parent_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o you_o who_o if_o his_o son_n ask_v bread_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n or_o if_o he_o ask_v fish_n will_v he_o give_v he_o a_o serpent_n if_o you_o then_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n unto_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o thus_o our_o saviour_n represent_v the_o power_n of_o importunity_n by_o the_o parable_n of_o a_o man_n who_o come_v to_o his_o friend_n to_o borrow_v some_o bread_n of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v a_o bed_n which_o be_v so_o unseasonable_a a_o time_n as_o make_v it_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a but_o though_o mere_a friendship_n can_v not_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v it_o importunity_n do_v 11._o luke_n 5._o etc._n etc._n and_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o importunate_a widow_n and_o the_o unjust_a judge_n who_o though_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o justice_n yet_o be_v conquer_v by_o her_o importunity_n to_o avenge_v she_o of_o her_o enemy_n and_o shall_v not_o god_n avenge_v his_o own_o elect_a which_o cry_v day_n and_o night_n unto_o he_o though_o he_o bear_v long_o with_o they_o 18._o luke_n 2._o etc._n etc._n if_o importunity_n will_v prevail_v where_o neither_o friendship_n nor_o the_o love_n of_o justice_n will_v prevail_v how_o much_o more_o will_v it_o prevail_v with_o a_o good_a and_o merciful_a and_o righteous_a god_n indeed_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n parable_n proceed_v upon_o that_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n which_o be_v between_o human_a passion_n and_o the_o affection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v certain_o expect_v that_o from_o god_n which_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o the_o like_a case_n what_o either_o friendship_n or_o a_o love_n of_o virtue_n or_o natural_a affection_n or_o interest_n and_o relation_n and_o private_a concernment_n will_v do_v that_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o lose_a sheep_n and_o lose_a groat_n and_o prodigal_a son_n which_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n be_v not_o god_n in_o some_o analogy_n move_v as_o man_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a our_o saviour_n intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v it_o so_o when_o he_o make_v it_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n in_o prayer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o know_v how_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o as_o to_o prevail_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o we_o will_v in_o the_o like_a case_n ask_v of_o man_n with_o the_o same_o importunity_n ardour_n vehemence_n sorrow_n and_o contrition_n trust_v and_o dependence_n for_o what_o will_v prevail_v with_o man_n will_v much_o more_o prevail_v with_o god_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v very_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_v as_o that_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n may_v be_v universal_o 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