Selected quad for the lemma: church_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
church_n word_n work_n zion_n 106 3 8.6924 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
B08803 Several discourses concerning the actual Providence of God. Divided into three parts. The first, treating concerning the notion of it, establshing the doctrine of it, opening the principal acts of it, preservation and government of created beings. With the particular acts, by which it so preserveth and governeth them. The second, concerning the specialities of it, the unseachable things of it, and several observable things in its motions. The third, concerning the dysnoēta, or hard chapters of it, in which an attempt is made to solve several appearances of difficulty in the motions of Providence, and to vindicate the justice, wisdom, and holiness of God, with the reasonableness of his dealing in such motions. / By John Collinges ... Collinges, John, 1623-1690. 1678 (1678) Wing C5335; ESTC R233164 689,844 860

There are 14 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

they_o this_o be_v no_o observe_v of_o they_o observe_v they_o argue_v a_o fix_v of_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o body_n upon_o they_o without_o which_o a_o transient_a view_n of_o they_o be_v of_o very_o little_a significancy_n and_o import_n unto_o man_n 2._o in_o a_o diligent_a repose_v they_o in_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v a_o remember_v of_o they_o the_o lord_n do_v his_o great_a work_n to_o be_v have_v in_o remembrance_n this_o be_v a_o consequent_a of_o the_o other_o we_o remember_v little_a of_o those_o thing_n we_o only_o cursory_o view_v as_o they_o come_v before_o we_o but_o when_o we_o six_o our_o eye_n upon_o they_o and_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o than_o we_o remember_v they_o 3._o in_o a_o continue_a and_o repeat_v view_n of_o they_o and_o reflection_n upon_o they_o that_o man_n that_o suffer_v not_o the_o great_a and_o daily_a working_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o pass_v by_o his_o eye_n as_o a_o tale_n pass_v through_o his_o ear_n which_o he_o hee_v not_o nor_o appli_v his_o mind_n unto_o but_o fix_v his_o eye_n and_o mind_n upon_o they_o lodge_v they_o in_o his_o memory_n frequent_o reflect_v upon_o they_o repeat_v and_o re-considereth_a they_o in_o his_o thought_n that_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o he_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o second_o question_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o proposition_n quest_n 2._o how_o be_v he_o wise_a how_o be_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wisdom_n and_o do_v he_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n who_o observe_v these_o working_n of_o providence_n wisdom_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n so_o a_o know_a understanding_n man_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n sometime_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o practical_a habit_n direct_v the_o life_n and_o conversation_n sometime_o as_o comprehend_v both_o and_o so_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o in_o the_o proposition_n he_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n he_o will_v have_v more_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n than_o another_o man_n and_o will_v know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v and_o direct_v himself_o in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o conversation_n 1._o he_o will_v be_v a_o more_o know_v and_o understand_v man_n we_o use_v to_o say_v experience_n be_v the_o mistress_n of_o fool_n experience_n make_v a_o fool_n wise_a and_o indeed_o without_o it_o notion_n give_v little_a wisdom_n we_o speak_v in_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o able_a person_n in_o any_o art_n or_o profession_n such_o a_o one_o be_v a_o experience_a man_n and_o the_o more_o experience_v any_o one_o be_v in_o his_o art_n or_o course_n the_o better_a you_o account_v he_o in_o it_o nothing_o be_v so_o well_o learn_v by_o rule_n and_o precept_n as_o by_o example_n and_o precedent_n hence_o it_o be_v a_o common_a maxim_n of_o these_o time_n that_o the_o study_n of_o book_n accomplish_v none_o so_o much_o as_o the_o study_n of_o man_n do_v knowledge_n be_v much_o increase_v by_o experimental_a observation_n by_o this_o much_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v be_v let_v into_o the_o soul_n we_o can_v see_v god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o light_n we_o must_v behold_v he_o in_o his_o word_n and_o in_o his_o work_n from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o get_v a_o great_a knowledge_n of_o god_n what_o he_o be_v as_o to_o his_o divine_a be_v and_o in_o his_o glorious_a attribute_n but_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n from_o his_o word_n be_v both_o confirm_v in_o we_o and_o increase_v by_o his_o work_n of_o providence_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o great_a work_n of_o creation_n and_o that_o 1._o as_o they_o establish_v the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n and_o confirm_v our_o faith_n in_o it_o psal_n 48.8_o as_o we_o have_v hear_v so_o haeve_fw-la we_o see_v in_o the_o city_n of_o our_o god_n god_n will_v establish_v it_o for_o ever_o demonstration_n confirm_v we_o in_o our_o notion_n the_o church_n have_v before_o learned_a it_o that_o god_n will_v establish_v his_o church_n but_o now_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o it_o when_o they_o have_v see_v it_o in_o the_o work_v of_o providence_n what_o they_o have_v before_o hear_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n prophet_n and_o messenger_n indeed_o a_o notion_n be_v but_o a_o probationer_n in_o our_o soul_n until_o we_o come_v to_o have_v it_o establish_v by_o faith_n and_o demonstration_n 2._o a_o observation_n of_o providence_n do_v also_o increase_v knowledge_n as_o it_o expound_v to_o we_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o expound_v some_o word_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o be_v teach_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o by_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n in_o the_o fulfil_n of_o it_o god_n dispensation_n in_o the_o world_n both_o towards_o his_o church_n and_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n help_v we_o to_o understand_v both_o his_o promise_n and_o his_o threaten_n 2._o he_o who_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n will_v also_o know_v better_o how_o to_o order_v and_o direct_v his_o life_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o wisdom_n strict_o take_v be_v a_o practical_a habit_n direct_v this_o he_o that_o thus_o observe_v will_v best_o know_v how_o to_o order_v his_o conversation_n but_o will_v some_o say_v be_v not_o this_o to_o make_v providence_n our_o rule_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o argument_n to_o justify_v our_o action_n which_o the_o word_n condemn_v another_o thing_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o providence_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n providence_n alone_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n but_o the_o word_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n be_v more_o seal_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o providence_n though_o providence_n give_v no_o rule_n yet_o they_o wonderful_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o rule_n when_o what_o we_o have_v read_v and_o hear_v in_o the_o word_n we_o see_v in_o the_o deal_n of_o god_n it_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o make_v a_o new_a impression_n of_o the_o rule_n upon_o our_o heart_n god_n have_v say_v bloodthirsty_a and_o deceitful_a man_n shall_v not_o live_v out_o half_a their_o day_n and_o honour_v thy_o father_n and_o thy_o mother_n that_o thy_o day_n may_v be_v long_o in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n give_v thou_o now_o when_o we_o see_v god_n cut_v off_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a man_n in_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o year_n or_o cut_v off_o a_o stubborn_a and_o rebellious_a child_n in_o his_o youth_n it_o wonderful_o confirm_v the_o word_n to_o we_o and_o help_v we_o to_o guide_v our_o conversation_n so_o as_o we_o may_v not_o tread_v in_o their_o step_n and_o be_v partaker_n of_o their_o judgement_n 2._o again_o though_o providence_n be_v no_o rule_n as_o to_o particular_a action_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o three_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a action_n which_o be_v faith_n fear_v love_n it_o be_v true_a the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o a_o soul_n give_v assent_v to_o the_o proposition_n of_o the_o word_n because_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o wicked_a man_n though_o they_o have_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o light_n of_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v they_o not_o they_o assent_n not_o to_o the_o proposition_n of_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v in_o they_o but_o either_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o it_o be_v but_o the_o fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n or_o else_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o impunity_n say_v with_o those_o in_o deuteronomy_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v peace_n although_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o imagination_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n but_o now_o when_o a_o man_n observe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n exemplify_a and_o verify_v the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o much_o help_v his_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n especial_o as_o to_o those_o in_o who_o heart_n god_n have_v wrought_v a_o previous_a habit_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o case_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v do_v little_a alone_a we_o have_v the_o word_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v if_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o where_o a_o soul_n be_v first_o teach_v of_o god_n to_o give_v
not_o with_o observation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o original_a phrase_n we_o translate_v with_o observation_n there_o be_v divers_a interpretation_n give_v of_o that_o text_n not_o with_o a_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o day_n month_n and_o year_n so_o some_o make_v the_o sense_n according_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o galatian_n you_o observe_v day_n and_o month_n and_o year_n i_o be_o afraid_a of_o you_o etc._n etc._n and_o rom._n 14_o 17_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o meat_n and_o drink_v but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n some_o understand_v it_o of_o external_a observation_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n such_o as_o god_n have_v command_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o the_o most_o and_o most_o valuable_a interpreter_n agree_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o sense_n which_o indeed_o well_o consider_v both_o make_v but_o one_o 1._o so_o as_o it_o may_v or_o can_v be_v observe_v thus_o brugensis_n piscator_fw-la and_o beza_n who_o indeed_o translate_v it_o ita_fw-la ut_fw-la observari_fw-la possit_fw-la so_o as_o it_o can_v be_v observe_v theophylact_fw-mi understand_v it_o of_o the_o time_n so_o as_o the_o time_n can_v be_v fix_v nor_o the_o place_n neither_o it_o follow_v neither_o shall_v they_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o there_o 2._o not_o with_o a_o worldly_a pomp_n splendour_n or_o ceremony_n thus_o stella_n chemnitius_n erasmus_n piscator_fw-la etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o same_o indeed_o with_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o general_o add_v ut_fw-la observari_fw-la possit_fw-la we_o do_v not_o use_v to_o observe_v the_o come_n of_o a_o kingdom_n but_o by_o observe_v some_o pomp_n splendour_n etc._n etc._n preliminary_n to_o it_o now_o say_v christ_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v not_o so_o as_o it_o can_v be_v observe_v it_o steal_v upon_o man_n and_o surprise_v they_o it_o come_v not_o by_o observation_n christ_n indeed_o have_v give_v we_o general_a sign_n of_o his_o second_o come_v and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n but_o he_o have_v also_o add_v of_o that_o day_n and_o hour_n know_v not_o man_n i_o suppose_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v say_v as_o to_o the_o promise_n for_o call_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o expect_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n when_o the_o usual_a year_n shall_v begin_v etc._n etc._n believe_v the_o thing_n pray_v wait_v that_o be_v all_o which_o we_o have_v to_o do_v in_o the_o case_n sermon_n xix_o psalm_n cvii_o 43._o whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o yet_o proceed_v in_o recommend_v to_o you_o some_o further_a observation_n i_o have_v make_v upon_o the_o motion_n of_o actual_a providence_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n and_o fulfil_v his_o word_n whether_o of_o promise_n or_o threaten_v four_o i_o have_v do_v with_o a_o five_o i_o shall_v now_o offer_v and_o discourse_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o 5_o observe_v the_o actual_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o production_n of_o its_o great_a work_n relate_v to_o his_o church_n or_o the_o particular_a member_n of_o it_o do_v ordinary_o suit_n or_o fit_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o circumstrance_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o the_o work_n he_o intend_v to_o produce_v i_o say_v ordinary_o every_o rule_n must_v have_v some_o exception_n especial_o such_o rule_n as_o upon_o observation_n we_o fix_v concern_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n tread_v not_o always_o in_o the_o same_o step_n i_o say_v in_o his_o great_a work_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o be_v member_n of_o it_o these_o two_o i_o before_o tell_v you_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o special_a providence_n as_o canaan_n of_o old_a be_v the_o land_n which_o god_n care_v for_o upon_o which_o his_o eye_n be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o so_o his_o church_n still_o be_v and_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o more_o special_a care_n and_o with_o reference_n to_o which_o providence_n produce_v its_o most_o remarkable_a work_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v throughout_o all_o the_o scripture_n though_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o such_o other_o son_n as_o the_o patriarch_n have_v and_o other_o nation_n and_o prince_n contemporary_a with_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v name_v yet_o very_o little_a of_o their_o story_n be_v record_v and_o that_o only_a subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o story_n that_o be_v to_o keep_v a_o record_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n this_o make_v i_o restrain_v the_o observation_n to_o the_o church_n and_o member_n of_o it_o and_o that_o which_o i_o recommend_v to_o your_o remark_n be_v god_n ordinary_a fit_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o adjacent_a world_n which_o lie_v round_o about_o the_o church_n as_o the_o mountain_n about_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o nation_n of_o old_a about_o canaan_n to_o what_o he_o be_v produce_v in_o his_o church_n and_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o person_n to_o the_o work_n god_n have_v to_o produce_v more_o eminent_a with_o relation_n unto_o they_o 1._o i_o will_v show_v you_o this_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o production_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o his_o people_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n 2._o with_o reference_n to_o particular_a person_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o this_o body_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o outward_a concern_v 3._o with_o reference_n unto_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n in_o matter_n of_o a_o more_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a concern_v 1._o with_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a product_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o the_o body_n of_o his_o people_n call_v the_o church_n 1._o the_o jew_n you_o know_v under_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o this_o great_a name_n to_o who_o god_n be_v nigh_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o who_o he_o dwell_v who_o he_o so_o often_o deliver_v and_o for_o who_o he_o so_o signal_o engage_v great_a work_n of_o providence_n we_o read_v of_o relate_v to_o they_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o conduct_v through_o the_o wilderness_n their_o bring_v out_o of_o babylon_n after_o their_o seventy_o year_n captivity_n and_o re-building_n their_o temple_n and_o city_n the_o send_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n set_v about_o these_o work_n let_v we_o observe_v how_o god_n fit_v circumstance_n to_o these_o great_a product_n make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o time_n as_o solomon_n say_v in_o eccles_n 3.11_o in_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n god_n do_v two_o thing_n 1._o he_o bring_v out_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o a_o nation_n where_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v and_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n his_o providence_n now_o fit_v circumstance_n to_o this_o it_o suffer_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n most_o miserable_o to_o oppress_v they_o so_o as_o they_o be_v weary_a of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v hardly_o else_o conceivable_a that_o they_o will_v willing_o have_v quit_v their_o possession_n and_o their_o native-countrey_n to_o obtain_v a_o land_n promise_v 400_o year_n before_o and_o that_o not_o without_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o howl_n wilderness_n and_o many_o year_n fight_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n also_o destroy_v egypt_n by_o ten_o successive_a plague_n else_o the_o king_n and_o his_o servant_n will_v never_o have_v let_v so_o many_o 100000_o person_n go_v out_o of_o their_o dominion_n circumstance_n be_v fit_v by_o god_n to_o the_o design_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o must_v be_v grievous_o oppress_v that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v willing_a to_o go_v and_o pharaoh_n people_n and_o nation_n must_v be_v destroy_v that_o he_o may_v suffer_v they_o to_o get_v into_o a_o body_n for_o a_o march_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o viaticum_fw-la for_o their_o journey_n pharaoh_n and_o his_o army_n must_v be_v destroy_v alas_o the_o israelite_n be_v in_o no_o circumstance_n fit_a to_o fight_v they_o the_o sea_n shall_v divide_v itself_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o israelite_n go_v through_o safe_o as_o on_o dry_a ground_n this_o shall_v allure_v they_o to_o follow_v they_o than_o the_o water_n shall_v return_v and_o swallow_v they_o up_o 2._o god_n bring_v this_o people_n out_o of_o babylon_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o after_o 70_o year_n they_o shall_v come_v out_o cyrus_n he_o conquer_v babylon_n just_a at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o let_v they_o go_v as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n
in_o gold_n in_o silver_n and_o in_o brass_n and_o in_o cut_v of_o stone_n to_o set_v they_o and_o in_o carve_v of_o wood_n to_o make_v any_o manner_n of_o cunning_a work_n exod._n 35.31_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n fill_v he_o and_o aholiab_n with_o wisdom_n of_o heart_n to_o work_v all_o manner_n of_o work_n of_o the_o engraver_n and_o of_o the_o cunning_a workman_n and_o of_o the_o embroiderer_n in_o blue_a purple_a and_o in_o scarlet_a and_o in_o fine_a linen_n and_o of_o the_o weaver_n even_o of_o they_o that_o do_v any_o work_n and_o devise_v any_o cunning_a work_n v._o 35._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o thing_n be_v eminent_o discern_v in_o dispose_v man_n to_o these_o several_a employment_n so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a body_n there_o be_v several_a member_n and_o every_o member_n be_v incline_v and_o natural_o dispose_v to_o its_o particular_a office_n by_o which_o the_o several_a use_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o body-natural_a be_v supply_v so_o in_o body_n politic_a as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a variety_n of_o member_n so_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o be_v by_o the_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n dispose_v and_o incline_v to_o the_o learning_n and_o practice_n of_o several_a art_n and_o science_n trade_n and_o occupation_n by_o which_o the_o use_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v supply_v as_o well_o as_o the_o several_a individual_n in_o the_o society_n enable_v to_o get_v themselves_o a_o subsistence_n yet_o in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o public_a this_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o divine_a providence_n one_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o husbandry_n unless_o some_o be_v so_o dispose_v however_o slavish_a and_o dirty_a the_o employment_n be_v the_o nation_n can_v not_o be_v feed_v other_o to_o the_o make_n of_o clothes_n and_o stuff_n and_o linen_n if_o none_o be_v so_o dispose_v though_o the_o whole_a may_v be_v feed_v they_o can_v not_o be_v clothe_v one_o work_v in_o iron_n and_o brass_n for_o more_o necessary_a use_n another_o in_o gold_n and_o silver_n for_o ornament_n and_o more_o fine_a and_o delicate_a use_n one_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o study_v physic_n law_n divinity_n and_o can_v endure_v hard_a labour_n another_o be_v of_o a_o more_o slavish_a and_o servile_a disposition_n no_o way_n dispose_v to_o learning_n and_o study_n all_o this_o be_v from_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o work_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o use_n of_o all_o be_v supply_v and_o so_o political_a society_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v preserve_v we_o have_v now_o consider_v man_n 1._o in_o his_o single_a and_o individual_a capacity_n and._n 2._o in_o his_o social_n and_o political_n capacity_n and_o show_v you_o several_a act_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o which_o god_n in_o either_o preserve_v he_o but_o we_o have_v yet_o a_o three_o capacity_n to_o consider_v he_o in_o that_o be_v his_o spiritual_a capacity_n as_o a_o creature_n possess_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n the_o grace_n of_o justification_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o sanctification_n as_o to_o this_o he_o be_v in_o a_o peculiar_a sense_n god_n creature_n often_o by_o saint_n john_n say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n and_o as_o to_o this_o likewise_o he_o be_v preserve_v by_o god_n 1_o pet._n 1.5_o you_o be_v keep_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n through_o faith_n to_o salvation_n indeed_o a_o discourse_n upon_o this_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o specialty_n of_o providence_n of_o which_o i_o may_v possible_o hereafter_o speak_v distinct_o but_o not_o know_v whether_o i_o shall_v reach_v to_o that_o something_o though_o more_o short_o and_o general_o i_o shall_v speak_v to_o it_o here_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o man_n or_o woman_n be_v a_o noble_a creature_n and_o one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n now_o that_o which_o i_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n work_v in_o uphold_v this_o noble_a creature_n in_o those_o individual_a soul_n into_o which_o he_o have_v breathe_v this_o breath_n of_o spiritual_a life_n let_v i_o show_v you_o this_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n 1._o god_n preserve_v man_n in_o his_o spiritual_a life_n and_o capacity_n by_o a_o daily_a repeat_n to_o he_o his_o gracious_a act_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o reckon_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n to_o he_o it_o have_v be_v a_o question_n betwixt_o arminian_o papist_n and_o calvinist_n whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o intercision_n of_o the_o state_n of_o justification_n whether_o a_o soul_n once_o justify_v can_v again_o be_v not_o justify_v we_o say_v no._n the_o gift_n and_o calling_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n who_o he_o love_v he_o love_v to_o the_o end_n well_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v for_o who_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o the_o righteous_a fall_v seven_o time_n in_o a_o day_n if_o justification_n be_v not_o repeat_v how_o can_v a_o soul_n be_v justify_v we_o say_v though_o the_o state_n abide_v yet_o god_n gracious_a act_n be_v repeat_v sin_n be_v not_o pardon_v before_o it_o be_v commit_v but_o when_o commit_v it_o be_v pardon_v by_o a_o repetition_n of_o a_o act_n of_o grace_n justification_n speak_v a_o state_n this_o be_v not_o repeat_v but_o remission_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n frequent_o repeat_v and_o the_o impute_v of_o christ_n righteousness_n be_v a_o act_n often_o repeat_v we_o be_v not_o daily_o create_v or_o bear_v as_o to_o our_o natural_a life_n but_o we_o be_v daily_o preserve_v so_o god_n put_v the_o believer_n once_o into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n that_o abide_v and_o fail_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v fall_v from_o it_o every_o day_n do_v not_o god_n continue_v we_o in_o it_o by_o the_o repetition_n of_o these_o gracious_a act_n we_o need_v a_o continual_a pardon_v a_o continual_a imputation_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n to_o preserve_v our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o we_o need_v continual_a act_n of_o providence_n to_o preserve_v and_o to_o uphold_v our_o soul_n in_o their_o natural_a life_n thus_o every_o day_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v 2._o god_n preserve_v his_o church_n and_o particular_a soul_n as_o to_o their_o spiritual_a life_n by_o a_o daily_a infusion_n of_o those_o habit_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v ordain_v unto_o life_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o operation_n by_o which_o they_o must_v attain_v this_o life_n and_o by_o increase_v these_o habit_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n by_o perfect_v 1._o the_o number_n of_o his_o saint_n 2._o by_o perfect_v their_o grace_n the_o first_o respect_v the_o collective_a body_n of_o his_o church_n and_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n a_o add_v to_o the_o church_n such_o as_o shall_v be_v save_v a_o work_n of_o faith_n in_o all_o they_o that_o be_v ordain_v unto_o eternal_a salvation_n without_o this_o the_o church_n of_o god_n must_v perish_v and_o fail_v from_o the_o earth_n in_o a_o short_a time_n god_n people_n be_v mortal_a even_o as_o other_o now_o god_n so_o order_v it_o in_o his_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o succession_n one_o generation_n of_o believer_n pass_v another_o come_v and_o thus_o god_n have_v a_o seed_n keep_v alive_a in_o the_o earth_n 2._o god_n also_o do_v it_o as_o to_o individual_n by_o a_o daily_a infusion_n of_o gracious_a habit_n further_o strengthen_v and_o quicken_a they_o to_o their_o spiritual_a operation_n phil._n 4.13_o i_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n say_v the_o apostle_n through_o christ_n that_o strengthen_v i_o believer_n eph._n 3.16_o be_v strengthen_v with_o might_n by_o his_o spirit_n god_n uphold_v his_o own_o seed_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o blow_v up_o the_o spark_n which_o himself_o have_v kindle_v 3._o god_n providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n be_v see_v in_o the_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v his_o word_n and_o ordinance_n upon_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n live_v as_o the_o body_n live_v by_o bread_n as_o to_o its_o natural_a capacity_n so_o the_o soul_n live_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o to_o its_o spiritual_a capacity_n by_o these_o thing_n man_n live_v say_v hezekiah_n i_o know_v some_o interpret_v that_o passage_n concern_v affliction_n but_o other_o concern_v the_o promise_n now_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v and_o be_v eminent_o see_v in_o maintain_v of_o his_o word_n the_o write_a word_n the_o word_n preach_v in_o take_v care_n that_o his_o people_n have_v have_v a_o succession_n of_o minister_n before_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v write_v god_n provide_v for_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n by_o a_o word_n not_o write_v since_o by_o a_o write_a word_n and_o that_o most_o eminent_o since_o the_o whole_a
scripture_n be_v write_v since_o which_o time_n prophecy_n and_o unwritten_a revelation_n be_v much_o cease_v not_o further_o to_o be_v expect_v god_n may_v yet_o reveal_v himself_o to_o some_o particular_a servant_n of_o he_o but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v such_o revelation_n nor_o be_v they_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n now_o herein_o have_v the_o stupendous_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v eminent_o see_v that_o when_o so_o many_o thousand_o book_n write_v since_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v be_v lose_v and_o there_o be_v no_o memorial_n almost_o of_o they_o and_o the_o scripture_n have_v have_v more_o enemy_n than_o any_o of_o they_o more_o that_o have_v endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v they_o and_o to_o destroy_v they_o yet_o god_n have_v preserve_v this_o store-house_n of_o spiritual_a food_n and_o keep_v it_o from_o corruption_n by_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o multiply_a of_o translation_n guide_v and_o govern_v of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o they_o nor_o have_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v less_o see_v in_o maintain_v minister_n and_o teacher_n of_o his_o word_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o the_o ordinary_a officer_n fail_v and_o be_v corrupt_v god_n from_o time_n to_o time_n raise_v they_o up_o prophet_n who_o be_v his_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n to_o teach_v his_o people_n in_o christ_n time_n he_o call_v fisherman_n to_o the_o apostleship_n and_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n though_o there_o have_v be_v sometime_o more_o sometime_o few_o able_a and_o faithful_a minister_n yet_o god_n have_v so_o order_v that_o there_o never_o have_v want_v some_o and_o a_o competent_a number_n to_o break_v the_o bread_n of_o life_n and_o to_o feed_v his_o people_n with_o wisdom_n and_o with_o spiritual_a understanding_n no_o sort_n of_o man_n have_v be_v more_o malign_v hate_v persecute_a yet_o god_n have_v uphold_v the_o order_n and_o take_v care_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n that_o they_o have_v continual_o have_v faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n 4._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v admirable_a in_o preserve_v man_n in_o his_o spiritual_a capacity_n in_o the_o daily_a influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n attend_v his_o word_n and_o sanctify_v his_o institution_n the_o word_n be_v in_o itself_o but_o a_o dead_a letter_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n be_v far_o from_o a_o mean_a adequate_a to_o so_o great_a a_o effect_n as_o be_v the_o conversion_n and_o edification_n of_o soul_n god_n be_v therefore_o please_v to_o join_v his_o quicken_a spirit_n to_o the_o word_n where_o he_o please_v blessing_n and_o sanctify_v it_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o judgement_n who_o think_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o constant_a concurrence_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o if_o man_n will_v do_v what_o in_o they_o lie_v they_o may_v repent_v believe_v etc._n etc._n i_o know_v no_o scripture_n which_o will_v justify_v that_o notion_n but_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n do_v ordinary_o join_v itself_o with_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o word_n like_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o please_v and_o none_o know_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o convince_a man_n of_o sin_n of_o righteousness_n and_o of_o judgement_n 5._o last_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n preserve_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n by_o supply_v they_o with_o strength_n and_o succour_n against_o their_o spiritual_a enemy_n their_o own_o flesh_n the_o world_n the_o devil_n all_o which_o with_o a_o variety_n of_o temptation_n strike_v at_o our_o spiritual_a welfare_n but_o this_o be_v much_o of_o kin_n to_o what_o i_o say_v before_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o this_o discourse_n concern_v god_n act_n of_o providence_n as_o in_o the_o preservation_n of_o beast_n so_o of_o man_n and_o that_o in_o their_o single_a natural_a capacity_n in_o their_o social_n and_o political_n capacity_n and_o final_o in_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v some_o few_o word_n of_o application_n this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n may_v inform_v we_o use_v 1_o how_o great_a that_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v who_o we_o serve_v he_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o heaven_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v he_o who_o preserve_v both_o man_n and_o beast_n he_o preserve_v all_o man_n in_o their_o single_a and_o natural_a capacity_n this_o i_o open_v before_o he_o preserve_v all_o man_n in_o their_o political_a capacity_n all_o his_o people_n in_o their_o spiritual_a capacity_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a observation_n in_o the_o kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n that_o when_o they_o have_v grow_v to_o a_o great_a bigness_n they_o have_v perish_v with_o their_o own_o bulk_n and_o weight_n no_o monarch_n have_v be_v find_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v they_o by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n and_o i_o remember_v the_o historian_n speak_v of_o it_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o as_o a_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o one_o of_o the_o first_o roman_a king_n that_o he_o put_v the_o roman_a kingdom_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o into_o such_o a_o order_n that_o it_o be_v govern_v as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o one_o family_n but_o how_o much_o do_v it_o speak_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n the_o immensity_n and_o omnipresence_n the_o efficiency_n and_o activity_n of_o god_n who_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v work_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n in_o all_o the_o empire_n and_o kingdom_n in_o all_o the_o city_n and_o town_n in_o it_o defeat_v ahitophels_n discover_v plot_n and_o conspiracy_n rule_v the_o spirit_n of_o unruly_a man_n so_o as_o the_o whole_a universe_n be_v keep_v in_o order_n and_o the_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o man_n in_o it_o that_o know_v not_o the_o yoke_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v yet_o bridle_v by_o his_o providence_n and_o keep_v in_o some_o just_a order_n and_o decorum_n and_o make_v in_o stead_n of_o run_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o destroy_v one_o another_o mutual_o to_o be_v subservient_fw-fr one_o to_o another_o i_o say_v how_o great_a how_o wise_a how_o infinite_a how_o glorious_a in_o power_n must_v this_o god_n be_v second_o observe_v how_o much_o mercy_n pass_v over_o our_o head_n use_v 2_o which_o we_o do_v take_v little_a or_o no_o notice_n of_o we_o be_v fearful_o and_o wonderful_o preserve_v and_o that_o in_o every_o capacity_n i_o show_v you_o it_o before_o as_o to_o our_o natural_a capacity_n few_o think_v of_o that_o what_o a_o strange_a work_n of_o providence_n there_o must_v be_v to_o keep_v our_o soul_n in_o life_n but_o one_o day_n it_o be_v as_o much_o remarkable_a in_o our_o political_a capacity_n i_o remember_v when_o christ_n send_v out_o his_o disciple_n to_o preach_v he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o send_v they_o out_o as_o lamb_n among_o wolf_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o not_o only_o of_o gospel-preacher_n but_o of_o all_o sober_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n they_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o lamb_n among_o wolf_n let_v but_o any_o one_o consider_v how_o many_o lewd_a unrighteous_a debauch_a man_n be_v in_o all_o place_n such_o who_o only_a rule_n be_v their_o lust_n how_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o murder_n rape_n theft_n oppression_n and_o other_o enormity_n and_o then_o stand_v and_o wonder_n at_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o order_n and_o decorum_n observe_v that_o man_n have_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v call_v their_o own_o that_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n or_o sober_a people_n be_v secure_v what_o can_v it_o be_v attribute_v to_o but_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o divine_a providence_n that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o murder_n rape_n theft_n etc._n etc._n we_o see_v law_n punishment_n will_v not_o restrain_v all_o nor_o the_o same_o man_n at_o all_o time_n how_o or_o whence_o be_v it_o that_o they_o restrain_v any_o or_o at_o any_o time_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o what_o the_o psalmist_n so_o often_o make_v the_o foot_n in_o that_o his_o admirable_a song_n of_o providence_n psal_n 107_o oh_o that_o man_n will_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n to_o the_o child_n of_o man_n oh_o that_o prince_n will_v praise_v the_o lord_n for_o his_o goodness_n it_o be_v by_o he_o that_o they_o reign_v that_o they_o have_v a_o day_n liberty_n to_o decree_v justice_n by_o he_o that_o the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n be_v defeat_v the_o conspiracy_n of_o ungodly_a man_n be_v discover_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o unruly_a and_o unreasonable_a
reason_n that_o god_n have_v this_o day_n a_o church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o also_o confirm_v they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o hostility_n against_o it_o yet_o god_n will_v have_v a_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n whoso_o consider_v the_o church_n of_o god_n this_o day_n especial_o the_o reform_a church_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o even_o from_o the_o commencement_n of_o its_o reformation_n can_v but_o fancy_v it_o as_o noah_n ark_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o rage_a water_n every_o moment_n threaten_v to_o swallow_v it_o up_o like_o moses_n his_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n ready_a to_o be_v wash_v away_o at_o the_o return_n of_o every_o tide_n like_o the_o burn_a bush_n which_o moses_n see_v all_o on_o fire_n yet_o not_o consume_v you_o shall_v find_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o 46_o psalm_n a_o psalm_n which_o luther_n be_v wont_v often_o to_o call_v for_o in_o his_o troublesome_a time_n god_n be_v our_o refuge_n and_o strength_n a_o present_a help_n in_o trouble_n ver._n 5_o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o she_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v with_o she_o the_o god_n of_o jacob_n be_v our_o refuge_n he_o break_v the_o bow_n he_o cut_v the_o spear_n in_o sunder_o he_o burn_v the_o chariot_n in_o the_o fire_n papist_n call_v for_o miracle_n as_o a_o note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n see_v here_o a_o miracle_n be_v it_o not_o a_o miracle_n that_o luther_n a_o poor_a friar_n renounce_v his_o former_a superstition_n and_o bid_v a_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o whole_a power_n of_o rome_n in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o all_o the_o world_n be_v admire_v or_o fear_v the_o beast_n and_o so_o bold_o and_o free_o oppose_v himself_o to_o they_o as_o he_o do_v and_o fall_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o point_n of_o profit_n shall_v not_o only_o go_v through_o all_o his_o bold_a attempt_n and_o die_v in_o peace_n but_o also_o draw_v unto_o he_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n and_o prevail_v so_o far_o among_o the_o people_n as_o that_o in_o very_a many_o if_o not_o in_o most_o part_n of_o germany_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v prevail_v the_o mass_n and_o popish_a worship_n shall_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o truth_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o rome_n shall_v be_v receive_v be_v there_o not_o a_o special_a providence_n think_v you_o watch_v over_o they_o next_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o succeed_a of_o they_o to_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o more_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a work_n of_o special_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n than_o in_o god_n preserve_v and_o succeed_v the_o work_n of_o reformation_n by_o which_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o worship_n institute_v by_o he_o be_v restore_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o that_o primitive_a integrity_n and_o purity_n which_o the_o great_a lord_n of_o the_o gospel_n first_o institute_v and_o a_o due_a meditation_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o special_a providence_n may_v also_o secure_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n against_o their_o fear_n for_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o church_n enemy_n against_o it_o their_o fear_n can_v arise_v but_o from_o the_o prospect_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o church_n enemy_n and_o their_o judgement_n be_v but_o a_o judgement_n of_o probability_n make_v from_o the_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a working_n of_o providence_n but_o this_o judgement_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a hypothesis_n viz._n that_o god_n way_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o his_o church_n be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a road_n and_o such_o as_o he_o keep_v towards_o other_o man_n now_o this_o be_v false_a god_n in_o his_o working_n for_o his_o church_n keep_v not_o the_o beat_a road_n of_o his_o providence_n zion_n have_v a_o special_a providence_n watch_v over_o it_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o it_o from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o the_o other_o canaan_n be_v the_o land_n that_o god_n care_v for_o god_n be_v know_v in_o the_o place_n of_o his_o church_n for_o a_o refuge_n for_o lo_o the_o king_n be_v assemble_v they_o pass_v by_o together_o they_o see_v it_o and_o so_o they_o marvel_v they_o be_v trouble_v and_o haste_v away_o fear_n take_v hold_v upon_o they_o there_o and_o pain_n as_o on_o a_o woman_n in_o travel_n psalm_n 48.3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o god_n will_v establish_v it_o for_o ever_o ver._n 8_o watch_z about_o zion_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o go_v round_o about_o she_o tell_v the_o tower_n thereof_o mark_v you_o well_o her_o bulwark_n consider_v her_o palace_n that_o you_o may_v tell_v it_o to_o the_o generation_n follow_v for_o this_o god_n be_v our_o god_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o he_o will_v be_v our_o guide_n until_o death_n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v as_o bold_a and_o impudent_a attaque_n make_v upon_o the_o church_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o have_v be_v studious_a of_o the_o strict_a and_o severe_a practice_n of_o holiness_n as_o possible_o late_a age_n have_v know_v if_o christian_n can_v have_v be_v swagger_v and_o hector_v out_o of_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n or_o jeer_v and_o droll_v out_o of_o it_o or_o threaten_v and_o fright_v or_o cudgel_v out_o of_o it_o there_o have_v be_v argument_n enough_o of_o this_o nature_n use_v but_o how_o little_a have_v they_o do_v how_o few_o be_v less_o in_o love_n with_o the_o good_a and_o holy_a way_n of_o god_n than_o before_o have_v therefore_o so_o many_o great_a and_o precious_a promise_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o god_n exercise_v a_o special_a care_n for_o it_o and_o keep_v it_o under_o a_o special_a tutelage_n let_v we_o not_o fear_n but_o believe_v that_o god_n as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v will_v establish_v it_o for_o ever_o let_v we_o therefore_o look_v off_o creature-appearance_n and_o humane-probability_n the_o church_n be_v a_o burning-bush_n and_o have_v be_v so_o from_o the_o very_a first_o plantation_n of_o it_o but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v not_o consume_v because_o god_n be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o remember_v this_o that_o the_o church_n live_v not_o upon_o a_o ordinary_a common_a general_a providence_n but_o upon_o a_o special_a peculiar_a providence_n watch_v over_o it_o and_o care_v for_o it_o in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v you_o your_o duty_n use_v 2_o every_o one_o to_o observe_v the_o special_a providence_n that_o attend_v your_o life_n there_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o the_o more_o general_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o uphold_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n and_o a_o very_a sweet_a and_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o duty_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o further_o press_v upon_o you_o that_o which_o i_o will_v speak_v a_o few_o word_n to_o here_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o you_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o the_o observation_n of_o providence_n more_o general_o psalm_n 107_o the_o last_o verse_n whoso_o observe_v these_o thing_n be_v wise_a and_o he_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v eminent_o true_a here_o it_o speak_v 1._o a_o spiritual_a wisdom_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n observe_v the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o church_n his_o church_n in_o former_a age_n his_o church_n in_o our_o present_a age_n you_o will_v by_o those_o observation_n be_v able_a to_o make_v up_o a_o judgement_n what_o man_n be_v like_a to_o do_v against_o it_o and_o what_o god_n be_v like_o yet_o to_o do_v for_o that_o body_n of_o people_n that_o come_v under_o that_o notion_n nay_o you_o will_v be_v able_a to_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o make_v up_o a_o judgement_n who_o they_o be_v that_o make_v up_o the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n even_o those_o upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o god_n be_v most_o and_o for_o who_o his_o arm_n be_v most_o stretch_a out_o not_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a act_n but_o in_o a_o continue_a series_n and_o course_n of_o strange_a preservation_n there_o be_v and_o indeed_o always_o have_v be_v a_o great_a dispute_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n of_o god_n the_o jew_n arrogate_a the_o honour_n to_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o none_o can_v claim_v with_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n ample_o declare_v their_o rejection_n and_o the_o gentile_n engraff_n but_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a now_o that_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v make_v up_o of_o those_o that_o be_v gentile_n yet_o as_o several_a sect_n and_o party_n have_v rise_v
up_o among_o they_o so_o they_o have_v have_v a_o ambition_n still_o to_o arrogate_v this_o name_n to_o themselves_o the_o arian_n will_v be_v the_o only_a church_n since_o that_o the_o papist_n the_o protestant_n think_v they_o have_v the_o best_a claim_n and_o great_a dispute_n there_o be_v for_o this_o honourable_a title_n i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o will_v determine_v the_o cause_n but_o it_o will_v go_v a_o great_a way_n that_o body_n of_o people_n profess_v christ_n against_o who_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n can_v prevail_v matth._n 16.18_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o which_o god_n appear_v to_o be_v by_o a_o more_o special_a powerful_a protection_n keep_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v psalm_n 46.5_o that_o people_n which_o the_o lord_n keep_v and_o water_v every_o moment_n lest_o any_o shall_v hurt_v it_o keep_v it_o night_n and_o day_n isa_n 27.3_o that_o people_n round_o about_o who_o the_o lord_n be_v as_o the_o mountain_n be_v round_o about_o jerusalem_n psalm_n 125_o v._o 2_o who_o can_v say_v as_o psalm_n 124_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o be_v on_o our_o side_n when_o man_n rise_v up_o against_o we_o than_o they_o have_v swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a when_o their_o wrath_n be_v kindle_v against_o we_o then_o the_o water_n have_v overwhelm_v we_o the_o proud_a water_n have_v go_v over_o our_o soul_n i_o say_v that_o people_n among_o those_o that_o lay_v claim_v to_o the_o honourable_a title_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v the_o best_a claim_n for_o it_o be_v the_o church_n for_o which_o god_n exercise_v a_o special_a providence_n i_o will_v not_o say_v this_o alone_o will_v prove_v any_o party_n the_o true_a christian_a church_n but_o wherever_o we_o see_v a_o people_n profess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n cry_v to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o her_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n and_o god_n watch_v over_o this_o people_n strange_o preserve_v multiply_a and_o increase_n they_o use_v the_o ministry_n of_o his_o word_n among_o they_o to_o convert_v and_o build_v up_o soul_n deliver_v they_o in_o a_o constant_a series_n and_o succession_n of_o providence_n from_o their_o enemy_n far_o more_o and_o more_o mighty_a than_o they_o be_v we_o may_v join_v ourselves_o to_o they_o the_o anoint_a of_o the_o lord_n the_o church_n of_o the_o true_a and_o live_a god_n be_v doubtless_o before_o we_o though_o these_o special_a providence_n will_v not_o make_v a_o argument_n alone_o yet_o they_o be_v a_o far_o better_a argument_n than_o the_o popish_a pedigree_n they_o pretend_v to_o in_o a_o succession_n from_o st._n peter_n or_o antiquity_n or_o their_o pretend_a unity_n or_o miracle_n indeed_o rather_o to_o be_v call_v lie_v wonder_n i_o know_v no_o promise_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o know_v many_o promise_n for_o special_a providence_n attend_v they_o and_o certain_o that_o body_n of_o christian_a people_n call_v protestant_n i_o mean_v that_o people_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v now_o call_v by_o that_o name_n for_o the_o name_n bear_v date_n but_o from_o the_o german_a reformation_n but_o i_o say_v that_o body_n of_o people_n unite_v in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v lay_v the_o fair_a claim_n to_o this_o of_o any_o other_o no_o people_n have_v be_v more_o strange_o preserve_v than_o they_o witness_v those_o in_o the_o valley_n of_o piedmont_n and_o lucerne_n and_o bohemia_n none_o more_o strange_o preserve_v nor_o who_o number_n have_v be_v more_o strange_o increase_v nor_o their_o doctrine_n more_o strange_o prevail_v a_o christian_a by_o observe_v which_o way_n special_a providence_n have_v most_o move_v may_v get_v much_o wisdom_n and_o much_o help_v himself_o in_o make_v a_o judgement_n which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n 2._o yea_o and_o he_o may_v also_o much_o help_v himself_o in_o judge_v of_o those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v the_o true_a saint_n and_o people_n of_o god_n who_o they_o be_v that_o dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o most_o high_a as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v for_o they_o general_o abide_v under_o the_o more_o particular_a shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o rare_a instance_n of_o person_n that_o walk_v close_o with_o god_n who_o yet_o god_n follow_v with_o a_o series_n of_o severe_a providence_n such_o a_o instance_n be_v job_n and_o such_o particular_a instance_n we_o see_v in_o our_o time_n to_o let_v we_o know_v that_o outward_a prosperity_n be_v not_o the_o saint_n portion_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o his_o people_n but_o take_v now_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o people_n in_o any_o city_n or_o place_n that_o so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_n walk_v more_o close_o with_o god_n and_o in_o a_o more_o strict_a observation_n of_o his_o law_n than_o other_o do_v and_o oppose_v these_o to_o a_o like_a number_n of_o person_n in_o that_o place_n that_o give_v a_o liberty_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o walk_v by_o no_o such_o rule_n and_o observe_v number_n for_o number_n who_o be_v most_o under_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n preserve_v they_o from_o danger_n and_o in_o danger_n who_o be_v most_o bless_v with_o special_a providence_n as_o to_o length_n of_o life_n health_n etc._n etc._n you_o will_v remember_v that_o i_o tell_v you_o we_o must_v abate_v for_o particular_a instance_n of_o god_n own_o people_n who_o he_o pick_v out_o to_o make_v example_n of_o say_v and_o patience_n and_o to_o be_v his_o witness_n unto_o the_o world_n in_o a_o time_n of_o trial_n who_o observe_v not_o how_o strange_o god_n preserve_v and_o bless_v some_o people_n that_o fear_v he_o and_o walk_v close_o with_o he_o and_o i_o do_v believe_v the_o observation_n will_v justify_v itself_o concern_v any_o considerable_a number_n of_o such_o person_n compare_v with_o a_o like_a number_n of_o other_o so_o that_o although_o none_o can_v conclude_v himself_o or_o herself_o a_o child_n of_o god_n from_o some_o particular_a special_a providence_n no_o not_o from_o a_o series_n and_o course_n of_o they_o yet_o where_o man_n and_o woman_n walk_v close_o with_o god_n god_n special_a providence_n attend_v they_o will_v much_o evidence_n even_o to_o other_o that_o they_o be_v not_o hypocritical_a in_o their_o profession_n 2._o but_o second_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n special_a providence_n towards_o our_o person_n our_o family_n our_o church_n will_v much_o make_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o love_n of_o our_o friend_n to_o we_o be_v not_o see_v so_o much_o in_o some_o act_n of_o his_o goodness_n which_o other_o experience_n as_o much_o as_o we_o as_o in_o some_o special_a thing_n which_o he_o do_v for_o we_o and_o do_v not_o or_o will_v not_o do_v for_o other_o the_o observation_n therefore_o of_o special_a providence_n help_v much_o to_o affect_v our_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n god_n in_o try_v our_o love_n to_o he_o say_v to_o we_o what_o do_v you_o do_v more_o than_o other_o and_o as_o our_o love_n to_o god_n be_v so_o try_v so_o god_n love_n to_o we_o be_v so_o evidence_v this_o be_v that_o which_o have_v always_o set_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o people_n of_o god_n admire_v god_n this_n be_v that_o which_o set_v the_o psalmist_n upon_o admire_v god_n goodness_n to_o mankind_n psal_n 8.4_o what_o be_v man_n that_o thou_o be_v mindful_a of_o he_o or_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o thou_o shall_v remember_v he_o if_o you_o read_v on_o you_o will_v see_v that_o which_o affect_v the_o psalmist_n be_v god_n special_a providence_n to_o man_n make_v he_o little_o low_a than_o the_o angel_n clothing_n he_o with_o glory_n and_o honour_n put_v all_o thing_n under_o his_o foot_n etc._n etc._n this_o make_v david_n understand_v the_o love_a kindness_n of_o the_o lord_n 1_o sam._n 7.18_o who_o be_o i_o o_o lord_n and_o what_o be_v my_o house_n that_o thou_o have_v bring_v i_o hitherto_o and_o this_o be_v yet_o a_o small_a thing_n in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n god_n aggravate_v our_o sin_n from_o the_o special_a providence_n he_o have_v bless_v we_o with_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n 2_o sam._n 12._o and_o saul_n moses_n argue_v the_o israelite_n to_o duty_n from_o god_n special_a providence_n to_o they_o in_o the_o four_o first_o chapter_n of_o deuteronomy_n nothing_o make_v we_o so_o much_o as_o they_o to_o understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n oh_o therefore_o observe_v consider_v what_o god_n have_v do_v and_o what_o he_o daily_o do_v for_o you_o more_o than_o
a_o credit_n to_o his_o word_n if_o his_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o languid_a the_o exemplify_a of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o the_o issue_n of_o providence_n tend_v much_o to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o soul_n faith_n and_o assent_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o israelite_n as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o believe_v not_o for_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o jew_n that_o live_v in_o the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v upon_o the_o earth_n that_o although_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v declare_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o do_v such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v and_o by_o such_o evident_a sign_n and_o token_n as_o never_o before_o be_v declare_v as_o to_o any_o man_n yet_o they_o believe_v he_o not_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 2._o as_o faith_n be_v one_o great_a principle_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a action_n so_o fear_v be_v another_o now_o the_o observe_v of_o divine_a providence_n much_o conduce_v to_o this_o it_o be_v particular_o remark_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o sudden_a death_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n that_o a_o great_a fear_n come_v upon_o all_o the_o church_n and_o upon_o as_o many_o as_o hear_v of_o those_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n you_o shall_v find_v god_n command_v exemplary_a justice_n to_o be_v do_v upon_o some_o remarkable_a offender_n for_o this_o very_a end_n that_o all_o israel_n may_v hear_v and_o fear_n it_o be_v particular_o say_v jonah_n 1.16_o when_o jonah_n have_v tell_v they_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o storm_n and_o they_o have_v throw_v he_o overboard_o then_o the_o man_n fear_v the_o lord_n exceed_o and_o offer_a sacrifice_n and_o make_v vow_n severe_a providence_n without_o the_o word_n make_v man_n startle_v and_o put_v they_o into_o a_o passion_n of_o fear_n but_o when_o they_o follow_v a_o word_n of_o threaten_a and_o they_o do_v but_o see_v god_n do_v what_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v say_v he_o will_v do_v this_o must_v needs_o have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o heart_n especial_o upon_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o as_o before_o have_v a_o habit_n of_o divine_a fear_n wrought_v in_o they_o though_o it_o be_v smother_v with_o the_o ash_n of_o too_o much_o carnal_a security_n 3._o love_n to_o god_n be_v a_o three_o principle_n of_o spiritual_a action_n a_o habit_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o every_o child_n of_o god_n but_o not_o at_o all_o time_n so_o lively_a and_o quick_a and_o work_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v now_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n good_a and_o gracious_a providence_n serve_v huge_o to_o excite_v it_o and_o to_o blow_v up_o the_o coal_n of_o it_o in_o the_o soul_n psal_n 37.23_o o_o love_v you_o the_o lord_n all_o his_o saint_n for_o the_o lord_n preserve_v the_o faithful_a and_o plentiful_o reward_v the_o proud_a doer_n but_o this_o will_v be_v further_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o my_o discourse_n upon_o the_o second_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v upon_o mem._n 2._o whoso_o observe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o take_v the_o word_n understand_v here_o to_o signify_v three_o thing_n 1._o knowledge_n 2._o a_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n 3._o a_o more_o demonstrative_a and_o experimental_a knowledge_n 1._o he_o shall_v know_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n understand_v it_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n for_o god_n providence_n be_v like_o the_o cloud_n which_o conduct_v the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o through_o the_o red-sea_n it_o have_v a_o light-side_n which_o have_v a_o aspect_n upon_o god_n israel_n and_o it_o have_v a_o black_a and_o dark-side_n towards_o his_o enemy_n now_o he_o who_o observe_v divine_a providence_n will_v know_v this_o that_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o those_o that_o fear_n god_n psal_n 25.10_o a_o slight_a and_o transient_a view_n of_o divine_a providence_n will_v not_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o but_o a_o wist_v view_n and_o observation_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o course_n and_o series_n of_o it_o will_v do_v it_o the_o word_n of_o god_n speak_v much_o of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n providence_n to_o the_o strict_a and_o constant_a observer_n of_o it_o will_v confirm_v all_o these_o word_n god_n himself_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n to_o abraham_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v his_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o till_o he_o have_v make_v a_o experiment_n of_o it_o and_o see_v that_o he_o will_v not_o have_v withhold_v from_o he_o his_o son_n even_o his_o only_a son_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n before_o we_o see_v it_o experiment_v and_o bring_v into_o demonstration_n in_o comparison_n with_o what_o we_o know_v upon_o such_o a_o evidence_n and_o this_o we_o gain_v by_o our_o considerate_a observation_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n 2._o he_o who_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o providence_n shall_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v not_o only_o know_v that_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n and_o to_o all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o clean_a heart_n but_o he_o shall_v also_o see_v something_o of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o lovingkindness_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o his_o people_n we_o be_v prone_a to_o understand_v by_o it_o nothing_o but_o please_v providence_n grateful_a to_o our_o sense_n now_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o see_v in_o please_a dispensation_n but_o in_o adverse_a providence_n also_o who_o he_o love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o child_n who_o he_o receive_v all_o thing_n be_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n this_o knowledge_n must_v be_v gain_v by_o observation_n sense_n look_v upon_o cross_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v reason_n judge_v of_o they_o from_o present_a appearance_n and_o effect_n cry_v out_o all_z these_o thing_n be_v against_o i_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o promise_a lovingkindness_n in_o all_o this_o be_v his_o mercy_n clean_o go_v do_v his_o promise_n fail_v for_o evermore_o but_o whoso_o observe_v divine_a providence_n will_v in_o these_o thing_n also_o understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o deal_v out_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n through_z crosses_z and_o trial_n and_o affliction_n in_o a_o way_n which_o at_o present_a they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o know_v but_o shall_v know_v hereafter_o no_o affliction_n say_v the_o apostle_n be_v joyous_a at_o present_a but_o grievous_a but_o it_o bring_v forth_o afterward_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v exercise_v thereby_o heb._n 12.11_o 3._o understanding_n three_o may_v signify_v experience_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o such_o understanding_n as_o experience_n give_v every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o observe_v divine_a providence_n shall_v find_v it_o let_v the_o wind_n of_o it_o blow_v which_o way_n it_o will_v give_v he_o a_o experiment_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o his_o soul_n but_o thus_o much_o shall_v serve_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o proposition_n in_o both_o branch_n i_o come_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o to_o show_v you_o how_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o who_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o he_o alone_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o you_o if_o you_o but_o consider_v 1._o that_o however_o thing_n go_v in_o the_o course_n of_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n to_o they_o who_o fear_n god_n for_o this_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a word_n psalm_n 25.10_o all_o the_o path_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v mercy_n and_o truth_n unto_o such_o as_o keep_v his_o covenant_n and_o his_o testimony_n and_o again_o psalm_n 73.1_o true_o god_n be_v good_a to_o israel_n in_o my_o former_a discourse_n i_o show_v you_o three_o object_n of_o special_a providence_n 1._o rational_a creature_n be_v a_o more_o special_a object_n of_o providence_n than_o either_o inanimate_a or_o brute_n creature_n 2._o among_o rational_a creature_n those_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v
take_v away_o his_o life_n pursue_v he_o with_o a_o army_n from_o place_n to_o place_n david_n have_v a_o pitiful_a company_n with_o he_o be_v force_v to_o flee_v to_o gath_n there_o to_o dissemble_v himself_o mad_a will_v any_o one_o have_v thought_n that_o have_v see_v david_n among_o the_o philstines_n scramble_n on_o the_o wall_n that_o he_o shall_v ever_o have_v be_v king_n over_o israel_n and_o judah_n at_o length_n saul_n and_o jonathan_n the_o next_o heir_n be_v slay_v in_o battle_n then_o ishbosheth_n be_v set_v up_o but_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o oblique_a and_o seem_o contradictory_n motion_n of_o providence_n it_o come_v home_o to_o the_o promise_n david_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o israel_n and_o judah_n 4._o let_v a_o four_o instance_n be_v that_o of_o the_o gospel_n church_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v set_v his_o king_n upon_o the_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n psalm_n 2.6_o v._o 8_o that_o he_o will_v give_v he_o the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n and_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n and_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v everywhere_o multiply_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n especial_o our_o lord_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n give_v out_o a_o commission_n to_o his_o disciple_n in_o order_n to_o this_o effect_n go_v preach_v and_o baptize_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n now_o at_o the_o first_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o move_v as_o if_o the_o thing_n shall_v present_o have_v be_v do_v you_o read_v act_n 2_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n descend_v and_o there_o be_v then_o at_o jerusalem_n say_v the_o text_n devout_a man_n of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n parthian_n mede_n elamites_n mesopotamian_n jew_n cappadocian_o man_n of_o pontus_n asia_n phrygia_n pamphilia_n egypt_n lybian_n cyrenian_o roman_n cretes_n arabian_n and_o hear_v the_o apostle_n in_o their_o own_o language_n speak_v of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o god_n here_o be_v now_o preacher_n make_v for_o all_o the_o world_n will_v not_o one_o have_v think_v that_o sure_o at_o this_o time_n all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v have_v be_v give_v unto_o christ_n peter_n at_o one_o sermon_n convert_v two_o thousand_o soon_o after_o there_o be_v five_o thousand_o add_v to_o the_o church_n but_o all_o on_o the_o sudden_a the_o providence_n of_o god_n turn_v the_o gospel_n grow_v out_o of_o repute_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o preach_v it_o too_o both_o with_o jew_n and_o gentile_n james_n be_v put_v to_o death_n peter_n hardly_o escape_v the_o church_n the_o only_a gospel_n church_n god_n have_v at_o that_o time_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v scatter_v and_o break_v the_o apostle_n complain_v that_o they_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o off_o scour_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o jew_n persecute_v they_o the_o gentile_n in_o all_o place_n rise_v up_o against_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n bond_n stripe_n and_o imprisonment_n wait_v for_o the_o apostle_n in_o all_o place_n where_o they_o come_v paul_n say_v he_o think_v that_o god_n have_v set_v they_o forth_o as_o man_n appoint_v unto_o death_n spectacle_n to_o the_o world_n angel_n and_o man_n few_o of_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n die_v their_o natural_a death_n the_o christian_n be_v a_o sect_n everywhere_o speak_v against_o all_o course_n almost_o imaginable_a take_v to_o root_v they_o out_o of_o all_o place_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o but_o at_o length_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n come_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o work_v up_o to_o the_o direct_a fulfil_n of_o the_o many_o promise_n of_o this_o nature_n constantine_n a_o emperor_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n arise_v and_o command_v and_o encourage_v the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o be_v spread_v and_o accept_v in_o most_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n indeed_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n respect_v church_n nation_n or_o particular_a person_n as_o to_o which_o this_o observation_n will_v not_o justify_v itself_o 5._o for_o another_o instance_n may_v we_o not_o bring_v in_o if_o not_o all_o yet_o very_a many_o of_o your_o particular_a soul_n who_o fear_v the_o lord_n you_o also_o upon_o believe_v receive_v the_o promise_n the_o promise_n be_v make_v of_o old_a but_o we_o receive_v they_o we_o come_v to_o have_v a_o title_n to_o they_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n open_v our_o eye_n and_o open_v our_o heart_n to_o a_o receive_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n turn_v our_o heart_n from_o dead_a lust_n and_o sin_n to_o serve_v the_o live_a god_n in_o that_o day_n i_o say_v we_o have_v a_o first_o right_n to_o all_o the_o promise_n whether_o respect_v joy_n and_o peace_n or_o spiritual_a strength_n and_o assistance_n now_o very-often_a at_o the_o first_o of_o our_o conversion_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n move_v direct_o towards_o they_o the_o soul_n find_v a_o great_a life_n to_o duty_n a_o great_a zeal_n against_o sin_n great_a joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v glimpse_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o after_o this_o very_o ordinary_o follow_v very_o dark_a hour_n and_o the_o soul_n like_o jonah_n cry_v out_o of_o the_o belly_n of_o hell_n the_o soul_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o his_o servant_n yet_o walk_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o see_v no_o light_n cry_v out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o and_o have_v a_o thousand_o fair_a and_o foul_a day_n in_o its_o journey_n to_o heaven_n i_o know_v particular_a case_n must_v here_o be_v except_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o divine_a providence_n with_o soul_n who_o god_n bring_v to_o glory_n 6._o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o reformation_n of_o his_o church_n in_o this_o latter_a age_n whether_o you_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o germany_n france_n or_o england_n in_o germany_n it_o begin_v with_o luther_n a_o eminent_a servant_n of_o of_o god_n though_o like_o elias_n of_o like_a passion_n and_o infirmity_n with_o other_o man_n how_o strange_o do_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n work_n towards_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o that_o luther_n who_o be_v a_o poor_a monk_n shall_v be_v preserve_v to_o plant_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o shall_v diffuse_v it_o so_o far_o as_o he_o do_v and_o be_v preserve_v to_o do_v it_o against_o all_o the_o rage_n both_o of_o the_o pope_n and_o emperor_n 28_o or_o 29_o year_n be_v a_o great_a favour_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o infantile_fw-la reformation_n but_o afterward_o how_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v check_v to_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v yet_o it_o keep_v its_o ground_n and_o gain_v for_o england_n we_o know_v from_o our_o story_n that_o king_n hen._n 8_o lay_v the_o first_o stone_n we_o also_o know_v how_o providence_n at_o first_o favour_v the_o work_n during_o all_o the_o reign_n of_o edward_n the_o six_o but_o in_o queen_n mary_n time_n for_o five_o year_n together_o it_o seem_v to_o move_v direct_o cross_a the_o popish_a superstition_n be_v restore_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o nation_n multitude_n burn_v for_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n other_o flee_v into_o foreign_a part_n to_o secure_v their_o life_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n return_v again_o to_o its_o work_n in_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o observation_n let_v i_o in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o give_v you_o a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o these_o transverse_a motion_n of_o providence_n not_o that_o i_o dare_v presume_v to_o give_v you_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n move_v thus_o or_o thus_o for_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n at_o any_o time_n but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o to_o show_v you_o that_o these_o motion_n of_o providence_n be_v approvable_a to_o our_o reason_n so_o as_o we_o may_v judge_v the_o lord_n way_n but_o proportion_v to_o his_o wise_a and_o great_a design_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n certain_o one_o reasonable_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o motion_n must_v be_v the_o variety_n of_o design_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n ordinary_o carry_v on_o together_o i_o have_v hint_v this_o to_o you_o before_o suffer_v i_o here_o to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o again_o i_o then_o compare_v providence_n to_o a_o man_n of_o great_a business_n and_o deal_n in_o the_o world_n who_o though_o london_n or_o some_o other_o great_a place_n be_v in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o end_n of_o his_o journey_n where_o his_o business_n lie_v
god_n thus_o speak_v to_o you_o under_o its_o dark_a dispensation_n think_v you_o that_o i_o be_o about_o to_o destroy_v the_o promise_n or_o by_o my_o motion_n to_o make_v it_o of_o no_o effect_n no_o i_o be_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v a_o tittle_n of_o a_o promise_n heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v pass_v away_o but_o not_o a_o tittle_n of_o the_o promise_n shall_v fail_v i_o be_o not_o by_o these_o motion_n destroy_v the_o promise_n whatever_o your_o sense_n may_v dictate_v to_o you_o or_o whatsoever_o your_o reason_n may_v prompt_v to_o you_o i_o be_o but_o fulfil_v the_o promise_n therefore_o i_o say_v at_o such_o a_o time_n look_v to_o your_o heart_n that_o they_o abide_v by_o the_o promise_n let_v it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o church_n in_o which_o we_o live_v or_o the_o case_n of_o any_o particular_a soul_n still_o keep_v to_o the_o word_n the_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n be_v sure_a the_o promise_n to_o the_o particular_a soul_n be_v sure_a providence_n be_v not_o move_v out_o of_o its_o way_n it_o be_v only_o get_v a_o little_a out_o of_o thy_o sight_n if_o thou_o can_v but_o wait_v for_o it_o it_o will_v come_v into_o thy_o road_n again_o and_o go_v with_o thy_o expectation_n most_o certain_o to_o the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o promise_n take_v that_o one_o word_n eccles_n 8.12_o 13_o though_o a_o sinner_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n and_o his_o day_n be_v prolong_v yet_o sure_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v god_n which_o fear_v before_o he_o but_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v well_o with_o the_o wicked_a neither_o shall_v he_o prolong_v his_o day_n which_o be_v as_o a_o shadow_n because_o he_o fear_v not_o before_o god_n consonant_a to_o which_o be_v that_o isa_n 3.10_o 11_o say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v he_o now_o these_o word_n both_o of_o promise_n and_o of_o threaten_v be_v sure_a word_n yet_o such_o as_o to_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n make_v our_o faith_n stagger_v more_o than_o as_o to_o any_o other_o it_o often_o go_v out_o of_o what_o we_o take_v to_o be_v its_o road_n in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o these_o word_n we_o see_v wicked_a man_n prosper_v grow_v great_a in_o power_n honour_n riches_n yet_o their_o way_n be_v such_o as_o he_o that_o run_v may_v read_v that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v not_o before_o their_o eye_n well_o be_v it_o so_o yet_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n fail_v as_o to_o the_o promise_n keep_v close_o to_o it_o you_o will_v see_v providence_n return_v to_o what_o you_o call_v its_o road_n again_o if_o a_o sinner_n do_v evil_a a_o hundred_o time_n if_o he_o live_v a_o hundred_o year_n yet_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v justify_v upon_o he_o so_o if_o a_o child_n of_o god_n be_v chastened_a a_o hundred_o time_n if_o religion_n and_o reformation_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v bring_v under_o the_o hatch_v a_o hundred_o time_n yet_o magna_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la &_o praevalebit_fw-la truth_n shall_v prevail_v at_o last_o and_o god_n people_n shall_v have_v the_o day_n at_o last_o consider_v o_o christian_n thou_o can_v not_o give_v god_n a_o great_a honour_n than_o to_o believe_v when_o thou_o do_v not_o see_v this_o be_v a_o faith_n like_o abraham_n who_o believe_v in_o hope_n above_o hope_n or_o contrary_a to_o hope_v rom._n 4_o who_o believe_v when_o he_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v up_o and_o save_v from_o the_o dead_a say_v in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o sinner_n i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o for_o i_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o they_o though_o they_o thrive_v and_o prosper_v some_o month_n and_o year_n yet_o i_o know_v the_o reward_n of_o their_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v they_o in_o the_o adversity_n and_o afflict_a estate_n of_o god_n people_n say_v with_o those_o will_v i_o cast_v in_o my_o lot_n for_o i_o know_v it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o take_v heed_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n draw_v you_o not_o from_o the_o promise_n last_o will_n some_o say_v what_o be_v our_o duty_n with_o reference_n to_o providence_n at_o such_o a_o time_n i_o will_v open_v this_o in_o four_o or_o five_o particular_n with_o which_o i_o will_v shut_v up_o my_o discourse_n upon_o this_o observation_n 1._o search_v and_o see_v whether_o some_o miscarriage_n of_o thy_o own_o have_v not_o carry_v providence_n out_o of_o thy_o sight_n and_o turn_v it_o out_o of_o its_o right_a line_n i_o tell_v you_o before_o that_o providence_n be_v never_o out_o of_o its_o way_n it_o be_v always_o move_v upon_o god_n errand_n but_o it_o be_v often_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n and_o our_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o its_o motion_n you_o know_v under_o what_o a_o multitude_n of_o promise_n the_o jew_n be_v as_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n as_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n etc._n etc._n promise_n for_o great_a measure_n of_o outward_a prosperity_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_n into_o babylon_n and_o there_o endure_v a_o hard_a bondage_n of_o seventy_o year_n isaiah_n tell_v they_o the_o reason_n your_o iniquity_n have_v separate_v betwixt_o god_n and_o you_o and_o your_o sin_n have_v make_v he_o to_o hide_v his_o face_n from_o you_o what_o do_v the_o godly_a among_o the_o jew_n under_o this_o dispensation_n lam._n 3.39_o 40_o let_v we_o say_v they_o search_n and_o try_v our_o way_n and_o return_v again_o to_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v undoubted_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o church_n the_o duty_n of_o every_o particular_a soul_n when_o thou_o see_v god_n turn_v out_o of_o his_o way_n as_o thou_o think_v and_o not_o do_v by_o thou_o as_o thou_o do_v expect_v search_n and_o see_v whether_o thy_o miscarriage_n have_v not_o cause_v that_o withdraw_a or_o turn_v aside_o it_o be_v true_a god_n punishment_n of_o his_o people_n be_v not_o always_o for_o sin_n he_o may_v sometime_o do_v it_o to_o try_v their_o faith_n their_o patience_n their_o adherence_n to_o he_o but_o this_o be_v a_o secret_a to_o we_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a in_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o god_n do_v most_o ordinary_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n 2._o that_o he_o never_o punish_v they_o but_o they_o have_v sin_v enough_o to_o warrant_v it_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o to_o give_v they_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n and_o of_o soul-humiliation_n so_o as_o a_o search_a and_o try_v of_o their_o way_n in_o the_o day_n of_o divine_a chastening_n can_v never_o be_v improper_a or_o out_o of_o season_n 2._o look_v to_o your_o faith_n in_o the_o promise_n it_o be_v the_o promise_n be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o providence_n no_o further_o than_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o promise_n a_o time_n of_o dark_a providence_n be_v usual_o a_o time_n of_o great_a temptation_n it_o be_v so_o oftentimes_o on_o god_n part_n that_o be_v god_n design_n his_o people_n trial_n it_o be_v so_o often_o from_o satan_n who_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o those_o hour_n to_o suggest_v to_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v so_o as_o to_o the_o world_n they_o pierce_v david_n heart_n in_o such_o a_o hour_n as_o with_o a_o sword_n when_o in_o it_o they_o say_v unto_o he_o where_o be_v thy_o god_n become_v psalm_n 42._o it_o be_v so_o in_o itself_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v but_o flesh_n and_o how_o ready_a the_o language_n of_o that_o be_v sure_o i_o have_v cleanse_v my_o hand_n in_o vain_a i_o have_v wash_v my_o hand_n in_o innocency_n for_o nothing_o or_o that_o of_o saul_n this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v for_o he_o any_o long_o therefore_o i_o say_v look_v to_o your_o anchorhold_a in_o such_o a_o day_n thus_o do_v david_n why_o be_v thou_o cast_v down_o o_o my_o soul_n why_o be_v thou_o disquiet_v within_o i_o trust_v thou_o in_o god_n for_o i_o shall_v yet_o praise_v he_o who_o be_v the_o health_n of_o my_o countenance_n and_o my_o god_n psalm_n 42._o so_o do_v the_o church_n micab_n 7.8_o rejoice_v not_o over_o i_o o_o my_o enemy_n when_o i_o fall_v i_o shall_v rise_v when_o i_o sit_v in_o darkness_n the_o lord_n shall_v be_v a_o light_n unto_o i_o the_o heathen_a poet_n have_v a_o story_n that_o ulysses_n in_o his_o sail_a home_n be_v to_o pass_v the_o siren_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o allure_v mariner_n with_o their_o melodious_a tune_n towards_o they_o while_o their_o ship_n be_v dash_v in_o
be_v a_o divine_a stamp_n too_o though_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n what_o mean_n be_v proper_a must_v be_v use_v how_o mean_a soever_o they_o appear_v in_o our_o eye_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o betwixt_o jonathan_n and_o his_o armour-bearer_n and_o the_o whole_a garrison_n of_o the_o philistine_n between_o jeroboam_n army_n and_o abijah_n this_o but_o four_o hundred_o the_o other_o eight_o hundred_o thousand_o between_o the_o army_n of_o asia_n and_o that_o of_o the_o ethiopian_n and_o lubim_n 2_o chron._n 14._o god_n often_o work_v yea_o he_o ordinary_o work_v by_o small_a mean_n and_o providence_n bring_v forth_o its_o great_a work_n in_o the_o day_n of_o man_n small_a thing_n if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o be_v in_o god_n way_n and_o about_o his_o work_n let_v the_o mean_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o lawful_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o use_v they_o god_n must_v be_v honour_v in_o his_o own_o institution_n and_o seek_v in_o his_o own_o way_n though_o the_o mean_n be_v small_a and_o our_o humane_a hope_n small_a yet_o if_o we_o expect_v god_n blessing_n this_o mercy_n must_v be_v seek_v in_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n lay_v before_o we_o 2._o but_o second_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a will_v lie_v much_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o the_o probability_n of_o the_o mean_n this_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o the_o very_a end_n which_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o cut_v we_o short_a of_o mean_n many_o time_n i_o think_v we_o may_v say_v vbi_fw-la media_fw-la deficiunt_fw-la ibi_fw-la fides_fw-la incipit_fw-la where_o mean_n begin_v to_o fail_v there_o faith_n begin_v to_o work_v where_o we_o be_v out_o of_o sight_n as_o to_z mean_n there_o be_v a_o room_n for_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v say_v the_o apostle_n the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v by_o faith_n here_o i_o mean_v a_o trust_n and_o rely_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o god_n able_a and_o faithful_a but_o to_o open_v this_o a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o you_o i_o will_v show_v you_o 1._o in_o what_o case_n we_o may_v warrantable_o exercise_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n beyond_o the_o virtue_n and_o probability_n of_o mean_n 2._o what_o mean_v we_o may_v use_v for_o the_o help_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n 3._o what_o encouragement_n we_o may_v take_v to_o ourselves_o in_o such_o a_o case_n to_o set_v our_o faith_n on_o work_n 1_o quest_n in_o what_o case_n may_v a_o christian_a exercise_n faith_n in_o god_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n beyond_o the_o virtue_n efficacy_n and_o probability_n of_o humane_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v in_o order_n to_o it_o 1._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o promise_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o talk_v of_o a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n in_o god_n for_o a_o accomplishment_n for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o word_n to_o warrant_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o but_o now_o a_o promise_n may_v be_v either_o particular_a or_o general_n of_o old_a many_o have_v particular_a person_n and_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v particular_a promise_n make_v to_o they_o by_o god_n immediate_o or_o mediate_o by_o his_o prophet_n we_o have_v no_o such_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o unto_o his_o write_a word_n there_o be_v many_o general_a promise_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a still_o to_o particular_a church_n and_o person_n hence_o be_v our_o difficulty_n to_o conclude_v what_o it_o be_v we_o may_v exercise_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n for_o bring_v to_o pass_v to_o direct_v you_o a_o little_a 1._o where_o you_o have_v a_o particular_a promise_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a some_o such_o there_o be_v as_o for_o the_o destruction_n of_o antichrist_n etc._n etc._n 2._o in_o the_o want_n of_o a_o special_a particular_a promise_n a_o general_a promise_n be_v a_o sufficient_a object_n for_o our_o faith_n general_n promise_v make_v to_o the_o church_n and_o people_n of_o god_n be_v applicable_a to_o particular_a church_n and_o particular_a saint_n 3._o every_o precept_n do_v imply_v a_o promise_n god_n have_v certain_o promise_v a_o blessing_n upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o do_v no_o man_n serve_v god_n for_o nothing_o 4_o whatsoever_o issue_n certain_o conduce_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o promise_n god_n have_v resolve_v to_o glorify_v himself_o and_o he_o order_v all_o his_o action_n in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n the_o substance_n of_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o thus_o much_o we_o may_v exercise_v a_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o accomplish_v by_o his_o providence_n whatsoever_o in_o his_o word_n he_o have_v either_o more_o particular_o or_o general_o promise_v or_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o act_v in_o tendency_n unto_o or_o whatsoever_o do_v certain_o tend_v to_o the_o glorify_v of_o his_o great_a and_o holy_a name_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v upon_o the_o wheel_n although_o we_o see_v the_o present_a visible_a mean_n in_o order_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o be_v small_a and_o in_o all_o appearance_n disproportion_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o event_n yet_o a_o christian_a use_v what_o lawful_a mean_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n lay_v before_o he_o may_v warrantable_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o exerting_fw-mi a_o further_a power_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o than_o be_v in_o the_o mean_n which_o at_o present_a be_v apportion_v to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v now_o a_o hard_a thing_n to_o we_o let_v i_o therefore_o second_o direct_v you_o what_o you_o shall_v do_v in_o a_o day_n of_o small_a thing_n for_o the_o advantage_v of_o your_o faith_n in_o this_o noble_a exercise_n i_o shall_v offer_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o the_o case_n 1._o keep_v your_o eye_n as_o much_o off_o the_o mean_n and_o as_o much_o upon_o god_n as_o you_o can_v we_o have_v so_o much_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o we_o that_o we_o be_v very_o prone_a from_o one_o or_o other_o of_o they_o to_o take_v all_o our_o measure_n about_o future_a event_n if_o we_o will_v keep_v our_o heart_n steady_a in_o a_o time_n of_o such_o exigency_n as_o these_o we_o must_v shut_v the_o eye_n both_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n i'faith_o credit_n a_o proposition_n neither_o upon_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o one_o of_o these_o nor_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o other_o but_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o god_n man_n count_v it_o wisdom_n when_o they_o be_v upon_o precipice_n never_o to_o look_v downward_o but_o upward_o if_o they_o look_v downward_o their_o weak_a head_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v giddy_a christian_n in_o such_o stress_n of_o providence_n as_o these_o be_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v if_o they_o look_v downward_o their_o sense_n their_o reason_n say_v how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v if_o god_n will_v make_v window_n in_o heaven_n say_v that_o nobleman_n these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v our_o pore_v upon_o mean_n in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o small_a thing_n hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o god_n if_o the_o foundation_n be_v destroy_v say_v the_o psalmist_n psal_n 11.3_o what_o can_v the_o righteous_a do_v mean_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o natural_a hope_n now_o if_o these_o be_v destroy_v if_o there_o be_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o these_o what_o can_v we_o do_v wicked_a man_n be_v indeed_o at_o their_o wits-end_n they_o despond_v and_o despair_v but_o say_v the_o psalmist_n v._o 4_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o his_o holy_a temple_n the_o lord_n throne_n be_v in_o heaven_n his_o eye_n see_v his_o eyelid_n try_v the_o child_n of_o man_n god_n be_v still_o where_o he_o be_v and_o have_v the_o same_o power_n the_o same_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n the_o same_o rule_n and_o dominion_n twice_o in_o scripture_n abraham_n be_v propound_v to_o we_o as_o a_o noble_a example_n and_o a_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o this_o thing_n rom._n 4._o god_n have_v promise_v he_o a_o son_n a_o son_n of_o his_o wife_n sarah_n he_o grow_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n old_a his_o wife_n many_o year_n past_o child_n bear_v here_o be_v no_o mean_n yet_o abraham_n believe_v for_o a_o child_n and_o he_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o the_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n rom._n 4.18_o 19_o 20._o how_o do_v he_o behave_v himself_o the_o apostle_n tell_v you_o that_o he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarahs_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v
who_o can_v have_v imagine_v either_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o gospel-doctrine_n and_o church_n or_o the_o after-reformation_n of_o it_o when_o popery_n have_v everywhere_o obscure_v it_o have_v not_o god_n by_o a_o infinitely-wise_a providence_n first_o fit_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o world_n to_o his_o own_o work_n to_o give_v you_o a_o instance_n so_o late_o that_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o your_o memory_n the_o restauration_n of_o our_o present_a sovereign_n be_v a_o great_a work_n of_o providence_n have_v not_o god_n fit_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o three_o nation_n for_o such_o a_o work_n with_o how_o much_o tumult_n confusion_n and_o bloodshed_n must_v it_o have_v be_v effect_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v the_o same_o observation_n of_o particular_a providence_n relate_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o god_n bring_v forth_o his_o work_n in_o their_o season_n and_o his_o season_n be_v always_o such_o as_o the_o wit_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n have_v it_o be_v to_o choose_v can_v not_o have_v choose_v a_o fit_a he_o make_v every_o thing_n beautiful_a in_o his_o time_n say_v solomon_n indeed_o this_o be_v all_o the_o beauty_n of_o providence_n almost_o which_o we_o discern_v beauty_n in_o person_n lie_v much_o in_o symmetry_n or_o proportion_n of_o part_n and_o mixture_n of_o colour_n there_o be_v a_o beauty_n of_o providence_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o symmetry_n and_o proportion_n of_o it_o to_o the_o reveal_v will_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n but_o the_o further_a beauty_n of_o providence_n lie_v in_o the_o seasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o the_o fittedness_n of_o god_n work_n to_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o our_o person_n at_o that_o time_n when_o he_o produce_v it_o and_o herein_o we_o understand_v much_o of_o the_o lovingkindness_n of_o god_n but_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o to_o this_o observation_n sermon_n xx._n psalm_n cvii_o 43._o whoso_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v observe_v these_o thing_n even_o they_o shall_v understand_v the_o lovingkindness_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o go_v on_o in_o make_v some_o special_a observation_n concern_v the_o motion_n of_o divine_a providence_n five_o i_o have_v already_o make_v and_o discourse_v i_o proceed_v now_o to_o a_o six_o observe_v 6._o it_o usual_o subordinate_v the_o civil_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o religious_a concern_v of_o his_o church_n 1._o the_o world_n be_v of_o old_a divide_v into_o the_o circumcision_n and_o the_o uncircumcision_n that_o be_v jew_n and_o gentile_n the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o circumcision_n make_v the_o visible_a church_n until_o christ_n ascension_n or_o at_o least_o until_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n since_o it_o have_v be_v divide_v into_o jew_n christian_n and_o heathen_n i_o speak_v not_o mere_o of_o the_o name_n christian_n that_o i_o know_v be_v first_o give_v the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n at_o antioch_n but_o i_o understand_v under_o that_o notion_n such_o as_o own_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o gospel_n these_o make_v up_o the_o new-testament_n church_n the_o gospel-church_n the_o whole_a number_n of_o they_o make_v up_o the_o church_n catholic_n visible_a those_o of_o they_o in_o this_o or_o that_o nation_n make_v up_o the_o visible_a church_n in_o such_o a_o nation_n indeed_o a_o particular_a organical-church_n can_v consist_v of_o no_o more_o than_o so_o many_o as_o have_v either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o agree_v to_o walk_v together_o under_o the_o charge_n and_o inspection_n of_o such_o or_o such_o officer_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o world_n among_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o among_o heathen_n all_o hypocrite_n and_o seem_a professor_n who_o be_v carnal_a and_o savour_v nothing_o but_o earthly_a thing_n make_v up_o this_o world_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v restrain_v to_o the_o number_n of_o true_a and_o real_a saint_n who_o glory_v not_o in_o appearance_n but_o in_o truth_n and_o reality_n now_o this_o church_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v set_v his_o love_n upon_o above_o all_o other_o people_n in_o the_o world_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o great_a object_n of_o his_o love_n be_v those_o who_o he_o have_v choose_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o who_o in_o time_n christ_n die_v and_o who_o god_n have_v effectual_o call_v and_o translate_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n these_o be_v those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v a_o part_n for_o himself_o psal_n 4.3_o a_o choose_a generation_n a_o royal_a priesthood_n a_o holy_a nation_n a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o show_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o he_o who_o have_v call_v they_o out_o of_o darkness_n into_o marvellous_a light_n 2._o next_o to_o these_o be_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jew_n appertain_v the_o adoption_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9.4_o 5._o and_o as_o the_o scripture_n mention_v divers_a privilege_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o be_v to_o the_o church_n as_o to_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n so_o doubtless_o there_o be_v many_o promise_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v god_n peculiar_a kindness_n to_o that_o body_n of_o people_n whether_o it_o be_v because_o god_n have_v more_o honour_n from_o they_o than_o from_o pagan_n or_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o invisible_a church_n which_o be_v among_o they_o i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o now_o the_o observation_n which_o i_o make_v be_v but_o a_o further_a evidence_n of_o this_o love_n that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n dispose_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o just_a subordination_n to_o the_o good_a of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o those_o wise_a end_n which_o with_o reference_n to_o that_o he_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o this_o be_v true_a both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o the_o christian_a world_n according_a to_o the_o design_n which_o god_n have_v by_o which_o he_o do_v design_n to_o do_v good_a to_o his_o whole_a church_n so_o he_o dispose_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o according_a to_o the_o design_n god_n have_v by_o which_o he_o design_n to_o bring_v about_o good_a to_o the_o sincere_a servant_n of_o god_n in_o any_o place_n so_o he_o dispose_v order_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o ungodly_a man_n among_o who_o they_o live_v this_o will_v appear_v by_o a_o twofold_a observation_n which_o you_o shall_v make_v 1._o concern_v the_o variety_n of_o the_o same_o people_n spirit_n 2._o concern_v the_o variety_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o variety_n of_o the_o same_o people_n spirit_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o those_o especial_o in_o it_o that_o walk_v more_o full_o and_o close_o with_o god_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o astonishment_n to_o those_o who_o do_v not_o wist_o consider_v the_o wheel_n within_o the_o wheel_n or_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o live_a god_n within_o the_o wheel_n upon_o which_o all_o the_o great_a action_n of_o the_o world_n do_v turn_v the_o world_n be_v sometime_o all_o in_o a_o uproar_n against_o those_o they_o nickname_n puritan_n that_o be_v such_o as_o exercise_v themselves_o to_o keep_v a_o good_a conscience_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n for_o that_o be_v the_o true_a description_n of_o such_o a_o person_n and_o if_o profane_a and_o carnal_a man_n hate_v some_o that_o be_v otherwise_o in_o their_o conversation_n it_o be_v but_o their_o mistake_n for_o they_o think_v they_o so_o holiness_n and_o strict_a walk_n be_v the_o thing_n they_o hate_v revile_v and_o malign_v if_o you_o be_v of_o the_o world_n say_v our_o saviour_n the_o world_n will_v love_v its_o own_o but_o because_o you_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n but_o i_o have_v choose_v you_o out_o of_o the_o world_n therefore_o the_o world_n hate_v you_o john_n 15.19_o sometime_o again_o the_o scene_n be_v quite_o alter_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n be_v fulfil_v 8.23_o zech._n 8.23_o ten_o man_n take_v hold_v of_o the_o skirt_n of_o he_o that_o be_v a_o jew_n say_v we_o will_v go_v with_o you_o for_o we_o have_v hear_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o you_o man_n stand_v amaze_v at_o this_o the_o people_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o walk_v in_o the_o same_o method_n of_o conversation_n but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o thing_n sometime_o god_n design_v in_o his_o external_a providence_n to_o smile_v upon_o his_o people_n and_o give_v they_o some_o breathing-time_n a_o few_o halcion-day_n
the_o ignorance_n and_o sottishness_n of_o the_o popish-clergy_n together_o with_o their_o covetousness_n ambition_n and_o debauchery_n to_o grow_v to_o that_o height_n that_o they_o grow_v a_o abomination_n to_o all_o man_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a body_n so_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a person_n of_o christian_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n ordinary_o dispose_v the_o body_n according_a to_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v to_o do_v upon_o the_o soul_n but_o that_o be_v more_o foreign_a to_o my_o observation_n therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o beside_o that_o i_o speak_v something_o to_o it_o under_o the_o former_a observation_n which_o have_v some_o cognation_n with_o this_o this_o only_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o this_o show_v you_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o make_v the_o church_n lackey_n to_o the_o world_n but_o he_o make_v the_o world_n lackey_n to_o the_o church_n and_o subordinate_v the_o business_n of_o the_o world_n to_o his_o own_o great_a design_n relate_v to_o the_o church_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o it_o doubtless_o lie_v reas_n in_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n of_o god_n to_o that_o people_n in_o the_o world_n which_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o his_o church_n you_o have_v a_o expression_n psal_n 87.2_o the_o lord_n love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n more_o than_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob._n zion_n be_v the_o place_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o which_o the_o temple_n be_v build_v where_o all_o the_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v in_o the_o world_n perform_v according_a to_o his_o will_n be_v perform_v the_o tabernacle_n in_o shiloh_n be_v forsake_v psal_n 78.60_o god_n have_v a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o any_o place_n for_o any_o person_n among_o who_o his_o true_a worship_n be_v and_o where_o he_o have_v place_v to_o himself_o a_o tabernacle_n though_o god_n have_v a_o kindness_n for_o the_o whole_a seed_n of_o jacob_n yet_o he_o love_v the_o gate_n of_o zion_n above_o all_o the_o dwelling_n of_o jacob_n because_o that_o be_v the_o place_n where_o his_o worship_n be_v regular_o perform_v it_o hold_v still_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n wheresoever_o god_n have_v a_o church_n or_o people_n he_o have_v a_o particular_a kindness_n for_o that_o people_n they_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o house_n of_o god_n god_n be_v say_v to_o dwell_v and_o walk_v among_o they_o and_o god_n have_v yet_o a_o more_o particular_a favour_n to_o those_o that_o be_v the_o invisible_a part_n of_o the_o visible_a church_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o true_o belong_v unto_o god_n that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o psal_n 33.18_o all_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o to_o god_n in_o comparison_n of_o this_o little_a flock_n to_o who_o it_o be_v his_o will_n to_o give_v a_o kingdom_n he_o have_v give_v they_o his_o christ_n and_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o give_v they_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v easy_o to_o be_v prove_v to_o you_o from_o a_o variety_n of_o scripture_n and_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o now_o suppose_v this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o subordinate_v his_o work_n in_o the_o world_n to_o his_o design_n here_o this_o be_v that_o canaan_n which_o the_o lord_n care_v for_o and_o upon_o which_o his_o eye_n be_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o year_n to_o another_o deut._n 11._o his_o heritage_n the_o dear_o belove_v of_o his_o soul_n jer._n 12.7_o his_o peculiar_a treasure_n his_o sister_n his_o spouse_n the_o redeem_v and_o ransom_v of_o the_o lord_n his_o portion_n in_o short_a there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o expression_n by_o which_o god_n have_v show_v that_o his_o church_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o people_n own_v and_o profess_v he_o and_o especial_o those_o of_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o walk_v up_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o word_n be_v dear_a to_o he_o than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o he_o call_v they_o his_o bride_n rev._n 21.9_o his_o belove_a psal_n 108.6_o his_o building_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o his_o city_n heb._n 12.22_o his_o choose_a generation_n 1_o pet._n 2.9_o his_o family_n eph._n 3.15_o his_o husbandry_n 1_o cor._n 3.9_o his_o kingdom_n the_o lot_n of_o his_o inheritance_n now_o consider_v this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n shall_v manage_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n in_o subordination_n to_o his_o design_n for_o the_o good_a of_o this_o body_n all_o the_o relation_n of_o god_n to_o other_o be_v but_o that_o of_o a_o creator_n and_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o synagogue_n of_o satan_n as_o to_o the_o divine_a worship_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o the_o throne_n of_o satan_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o homage_n of_o their_o conversation_n they_o be_v call_v child_n of_o wrath_n of_o disobedience_n of_o the_o curse_n stranger_n and_o foreigner_n if_o god_n sometime_o give_v up_o his_o people_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o wicked_a man_n it_o be_v either_o 1._o for_o his_o people_n good_a to_o purge_v away_o their_o dross_n and_o take_v away_o their_o tinn_n as_o the_o prophet_n express_v it_o or_o for_o to_o ripen_v sinner_n for_o their_o destruction_n that_o they_o may_v by_o it_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n methinks_v you_o have_v a_o full_a proof_n of_o this_o observation_n in_o the_o 105_o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n in_o that_o psalm_n be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o lord_n to_o sing_v unto_o he_o to_o talk_v of_o all_o his_o wondrous_a work_n then_o follow_v a_o recapitulation_n of_o those_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v do_v for_o they_o among_o which_o this_o be_v reckon_v that_o he_o subordinate_v his_o motion_n of_o providence_n among_o the_o man_n and_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o his_o gracious_a design_n for_o they_o verse_n 14._o he_o suffer_v no_o man_n to_o do_v they_o wrong_n yea_o he_o reprove_v king_n for_o their_o sake_n say_v touch_v not_o my_o anoint_a do_v my_o prophet_n no_o harm_n and_o so_o he_o go_v on_o almost_o quite_o through_o that_o psalm_n now_o i_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o be_v his_o love_n set_v upon_o this_o people_n as_o most_o of_o we_o have_v some_o particular_a person_n that_o our_o heart_n be_v most_o set_v upon_o some_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n that_o we_o drive_v on_o now_o whoever_o those_o person_n be_v or_o whatever_o that_o design_n be_v we_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o action_n to_o be_v subordinate_a to_o that_o so_o the_o great_a god_n have_v set_v up_o his_o glory_n as_o his_o great_a interest_n and_o design_n and_o set_v apart_o he_o and_o they_o that_o be_v godly_a for_o himself_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o he_o rule_v all_o the_o world_n and_o govern_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o in_o subordination_n to_o this_o great_a interest_n and_o the_o good_a of_o this_o people_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o application_n of_o this_o observation_n use_v 1_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o i_o say_v before_o upon_o the_o other_o observation_n so_o i_o say_v here_o from_o hence_o a_o wise_a and_o observe_a christian_a may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n know_v what_o weather_n it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o the_o climate_n of_o the_o church_n how_o it_o be_v like_a to_o fare_v with_o they_o that_o be_v the_o people_n of_o god_n they_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o far_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n to_o look_v with_o a_o rational_a eye_n do_v much_o depend_v upon_o the_o complexion_n of_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o inclination_n if_o god_n intend_v a_o calm_a and_o tranquillity_n to_o the_o church_n he_o usual_o so_o order_v the_o world_n that_o the_o earth_n help_v the_o woman_n the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n either_o out_o of_o good_a nature_n or_o which_o indeed_o most_o be_v the_o business_n out_o of_o interest_n show_v they_o kindness_n hence_o you_o shall_v observe_v that_o when_o god_n intend_v the_o tranquillity_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n his_o providence_n ordinary_o bring_v one_o of_o these_o thing_n to_o pass_v 1._o he_o sometime_o raise_v up_o some_o eminent_a servant_n of_o he_o to_o do_v great_a service_n for_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n this_o you_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o joseph_n god_n have_v design_v the_o jew_n a_o prosper_a multiply_a time_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n he_o raise_v up_o joseph_n make_v he_o a_o privy-counsellor_n to_o pharaoh_n yea_o the_o second_o man_n
mean_a time_n he_o be_v in_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n he_o may_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n and_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o he_o these_o and_o a_o hundred_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o afford_v matter_n enough_o for_o the_o child_n of_o god_n to_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o lord_n at_o all_o time_n 2._o consider_v again_o how_o equitable_a it_o be_v that_o child_n shall_v at_o all_o time_n delight_v themselves_o in_o he_o because_o he_o at_o all_o time_n delight_v himself_o in_o they_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v as_o a_o father_n his_o son_n in_o who_o he_o delight_v his_o chasten_n be_v not_o a_o dispensation_n of_o wrath_n but_o of_o wisdom_n observe_v how_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o afflict_a church_n isa_n 54.11_o o_o thou_o afflict_a toss_v with_o tempest_n and_o not_o comfort_v behold_v i_o will_v lay_v thy_o stone_n with_o fair_a colour_n and_o lay_v thy_o foundation_n with_o saphire_n christ_n be_v anoint_v to_o appoint_v unto_o they_o that_o mourn_v in_o zion_n to_o give_v unto_o they_o beauty_n for_o ash_n the_o oil_n of_o joy_n for_o mourning_n and_o the_o garment_n of_o gladness_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o heaviness_n isa_n 64.1_o 3._o though_o his_o people_n have_v lie_v among_o the_o pot_n as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o yet_o he_o have_v a_o pleasure_n in_o they_o 3._o let_v i_o three_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n the_o advantage_n of_o this_o delight_v yourselves_o in_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o day_n of_o evil._n it_o will_v arm_v the_o soul_n against_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o a_o evil_a time_n 1._o it_o will_v abstract_a the_o mind_n from_o the_o world_n we_o see_v if_o the_o husband_n delight_v in_o his_o wife_n or_o a_o father_n on_o his_o child_n how_o it_o draw_v off_o their_o heart_n from_o all_o other_o object_n that_o all_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o object_n in_o which_o the_o great_a delight_n of_o their_o heart_n be_v 2._o it_o will_v fill_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v say_v to_o all_o the_o world_n as_o esay_n i_o have_v enough_o i_o have_v enough_o keep_v what_o thou_o have_v unto_o thyself_o or_o as_o jacob_n who_o delight_n be_v in_o joseph_n it_o be_v enough_o be_v joseph_n yet_o alive_a it_o be_v enough_o 3._o it_o will_v give_v the_o soul_n a_o rest_n the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n rest_v in_o the_o object_n of_o its_o delight_n 4._o final_o it_o will_v wonderful_o quiet_v the_o mind_n as_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v usual_o satisfy_v with_o what_o be_v do_v by_o those_o person_n who_o we_o principal_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o let_v this_o therefore_o be_v our_o study_n our_o great_a labour_n and_o business_n to_o bring_v up_o our_o heart_n to_o a_o delight_n in_o the_o lord_n study_v his_o attribute_n that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n goodness_n truth_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n study_v his_o promise_n which_o concern_v this_o life_n or_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v particular_o those_o which_o more_o special_o suit_v thy_o circumstance_n consider_v the_o example_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o servant_n of_o god_n in_o thy_o circumstance_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n whet_v they_o upon_o thy_o heart_n say_v often_o to_o thyself_o this_o god_n be_v in_o himself_o thus_o and_o thus_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o and_o he_o who_o have_v say_v it_o be_v power_n goodness_n truth_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v speak_v to_o this_o other_o piece_n of_o a_o christian_n duty_n under_o such_o dispensation_n of_o divine_a providence_n i_o proceed_v to_o another_o piece_n of_o duty_n 4._o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a you_o have_v it_o vers_fw-la 8._o fret_v not_o thyself_o in_o any_o wise_a to_o do_v evil._n and_o vers_fw-la 3._o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o do_v good_a you_o have_v they_o both_o together_o psal_n 34.12_o and_o 1_o pet._n 3.12_o now_o this_o do_v of_o good_a be_v a_o very_a large_a term_n according_a to_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o that_o duty_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o by_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o first_o and_o second_o table_n there_o be_v a_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v unto_o god_n all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n and_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o all_o thy_o strength_n thus_o that_o man_n do_v good_a that_o love_v and_o fear_v god_n that_o pray_v unto_o he_o and_o perform_v all_o those_o act_n of_o homage_n and_o worship_n which_o god_n have_v in_o his_o word_n require_v as_o much_o and_o as_o zealous_o and_o warm_o in_o the_o worst_a as_o in_o the_o best_a of_o time_n this_o be_v proper_o a_o do_v of_o good_a it_o be_v honest_a and_o just_a and_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o it_o bring_v profit_n and_o advantage_n to_o ourselves_o it_o will_v bring_v comfort_n sweetness_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o take_v good_a in_o what_o notion_n you_o will_v this_o be_v a_o true_a do_v good_a again_o there_o be_v a_o good_a which_o may_v be_v do_v to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o other_o the_o apostle_n command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o gal._n 6.10_o thus_o our_o saviour_n command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o the_o apostle_n heb._n 13.16_o command_v we_o not_o to_o forget_v to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distribute_v and_o it_o be_v one_o piece_n of_o our_o do_v good_a isa_n 1.17_o to_o judge_v the_o fatherless_a and_o relieve_v the_o oppress_v further_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o good_a of_o our_o general_a call_n this_o be_v comprehensive_a of_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o a_o man_n consider_v in_o no_o further_a capacity_n than_o that_o of_o a_o creature_n towards_o god_n or_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a relate_v to_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o own_v he_o there_o be_v a_o good_a of_o our_o particular_a call_n respect_v we_o with_o reference_n to_o our_o relation_n as_o magistrate_n or_o subject_n husband_n or_o wife_n minister_n or_o flock_n parent_n or_o child_n master_n or_o servant_n final_o there_o be_v a_o good_a of_o a_o particular_a season_n the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o day_n relate_v to_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n and_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n under_o which_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bring_v we_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v of_o good_a and_o distinguish_v of_o that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o understand_v what_o evil_a be_v it_o be_v either_o the_o omission_n of_o some_o of_o these_o duty_n or_o the_o commission_n or_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v opposite_a to_o they_o i_o take_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o text_n in_o the_o large_a sense_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o good_a and_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o omission_n of_o any_o duty_n or_o commission_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o duty_n which_o god_n expect_v from_o he_o either_o in_o his_o general_a call_n or_o in_o his_o particular_a relation_n he_o be_v at_o all_o time_n to_o eschew_v evil_a and_o to_o do_v good_a the_o precept_n of_o god_n psal_n 37.26_o isa_n 1.16_o 17._o 1_o pet._n 3.12_o concern_v he_o and_o oblige_v he_o at_o all_o time_n but_o it_o be_v their_o more_o especial_a duty_n with_o reference_n to_o evil_a time_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o make_v time_n better_o evil_a time_n be_v so_o call_v upon_o a_o double_a account_n either_o with_o respect_n to_o sin_n or_o to_o punishment_n these_o time_n be_v evil_a time_n wherein_o sin_n abound_v and_o the_o love_n of_o many_o grow_v cold_a now_o our_o sin_n contribute_v to_o the_o abounding_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o live_v we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o if_o every_o man_n will_v sweep_v his_o own_o door_n the_o street_n will_v be_v clean_a time_n be_v also_o call_v evil_a with_o respect_n to_o punishment_n to_o some_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n now_o for_o we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o do_v good_a be_v the_o way_n to_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n avert_v from_o we_o wash_v you_o say_v god_n isa_n 1.16_o 17._o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o you_o come_v let_v we_o reason_n together_o though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a you_o shall_v be_v as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v as_o crimson_a you_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o wool_n you_o have_v it_o vers_n 6._o do_v good_a and_o thou_o shall_v dwell_v in_o the_o land_n and_o as_o we_o translate_v it_o very_o thou_o shall_v be_v feed_v zeph._n 2.3_o seek_v you_o the_o lord_n all_o you_o
in_o spiritual_a nourishment_n though_o it_o be_v true_a in_o body_n that_o all_o who_o be_v feed_v with_o the_o same_o bread_n and_o drink_v the_o same_o drink_n do_v not_o thrive_v alike_o yet_o suppose_v a_o body_n to_o be_v feed_v with_o improper_a food_n or_o not_o to_o have_v half_a enough_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o do_v not_o grow_v so_o fast_o as_o another_o body_n that_o have_v a_o plenty_n of_o food_n and_o that_o food_n too_o which_o be_v good_a and_o proper_a for_o it_o it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o soul_n that_o also_o must_v have_v its_o food_n the_o soul_n food_n be_v the_o scripture_n ordinance_n influence_n for_o the_o first_o indeed_o we_o have_v they_o we_o have_v they_o in_o our_o own_o language_n so_o that_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o but_o yet_o every_o one_o can_v read_v a_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o parent_n and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o government_n of_o youth_n especial_o in_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v nor_o have_v all_o the_o like_a mean_n of_o have_v they_o read_v to_o they_o and_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o the_o great_a difference_n lie_v in_o ordinance_n st._n peter_n advise_v christian_n to_o desire_v like_o newborn_a babe_n the_o sincere_a milk_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o may_v grow_v thereby_o he_o doubtless_o speak_v of_o the_o word_n preach_v the_o promise_n psal_n 92.13_o be_v those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v flourish_v in_o the_o court_n of_o our_o god_n the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o church_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o there_o be_v a_o promise_n of_o growth_n to_o all_o those_o that_o be_v plant_v in_o it_o yet_o as_o in_o our_o garden_n and_o field_n there_o be_v different_a sort_n ofttimes_o so_o in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o large_a field_n there_o be_v different_a soil_n for_o christian_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o that_o preach_n under_o which_o christian_n sit_v one_o man_n preach_v in_o the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n another_o in_o the_o persuasive_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n another_o in_o the_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o with_o power_n some_o christian_n possible_o live_v where_o they_o scarce_o ever_o hear_v a_o good_a sermon_n but_o some_o harangue_n of_o oratory_n or_o some_o rational_a philosophical_a discourse_n of_o which_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o other_o live_v under_o plain_a lively_a powerful_a preach_n where_o the_o preacher_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o study_v the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n and_o proportion_v his_o preach_n according_o so_o as_o the_o babe_n have_v their_o milk_n and_o other_o their_o strong_a meat_n teach_v they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o receive_v instruction_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o christian_n who_o be_v under_o the_o best_a mean_n be_v find_v most_o thrive_a god_n work_v in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n where_o mean_n can_v be_v have_v it_o be_v true_a christ_n once_o and_o never_o but_o once_o that_o we_o read_v of_o make_v use_v of_o clay_n and_o spittle_n to_o cure_v the_o blind_a man_n eye_n and_o when_o our_o lord_n be_v himself_o upon_o the_o earth_n attend_v his_o own_o garden_n and_o the_o plant_n in_o it_o though_o he_o have_v a_o fullness_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n too_o and_o have_v many_o thing_n to_o say_v unto_o they_o yet_o say_v he_o john_n 16.12_o you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v they_o now_o and_o it_o be_v say_v mark_v 4.33_o with_o many_o such_o parable_n speak_v he_o the_o word_n unto_o they_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o now_o if_o christian_n live_v under_o preacher_n who_o either_o make_v no_o conscience_n what_o they_o preach_v unto_o people_n but_o fill_v up_o their_o time_n either_o with_o idle_a fable_n or_o invective_n against_o party_n or_o some_o florid_n or_o philosophical_a discourse_n as_o if_o their_o study_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o great_a care_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v so_o to_o order_v his_o preach_n as_o the_o faith_n of_o his_o hearer_n may_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n now_o their_o preach_n seem_v to_o be_v so_o direct_v and_o order_v as_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o hearer_n may_v not_o rest_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o such_o christian_n do_v not_o grow_v in_o grace_n in_o proportion_n with_o other_o who_o live_v under_o more_o adequate_a and_o proper_a mean_n god_n use_v not_o ordinary_o to_o work_v miracle_n and_o their_o ordinary_a spiritual_a food_n be_v not_o proportion_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o spiritual_a proficiency_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o 2._o second_o a_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o difference_n lie_v also_o in_o the_o differ_v natural_a temper_n of_o christian_n among_o other_o metaphor_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n express_v the_o conversion_n and_o regeneration_n of_o soul_n by_o that_o of_o engraff_n be_v one_o rom._n 11.17.19.23_o 24._o the_o soul_n be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n now_o those_o who_o be_v skill_v in_o plant_v know_v that_o according_a to_o the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o plant_n the_o growth_n be_v fast_a or_o slow_a more_o or_o less_o some_o plant_n grow_v much_o more_o free_o than_o other_o a_o cion_n of_o one_o sort_n of_o fruit_n will_v shoot_v up_o as_o much_o in_o one_o year_n as_o a_o cion_n of_o another_o species_n will_v shoot_v in_o two_o or_o three_o year_n true_o it_o be_v so_o in_o the_o spiritual_a plantation_n christ_n be_v the_o stock_n into_o which_o we_o be_v all_o ingraft_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n there_o but_o now_o the_o cion_n that_o be_v ingraft_v into_o christ_n be_v not_o all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o temper_n and_o although_o grace_n make_v a_o great_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o do_v much_o correct_v a_o natural_a temper_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o root_v out_o nature_n nor_o work_v the_o change_n in_o a_o moment_n nor_o in_o all_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o time_n there_o be_v several_a temper_n which_o much_o hinder_v the_o appearance_n of_o growth_n in_o grace_n some_o be_v natural_o of_o vain_a airy_a light_a spirit_n some_o of_o proud_a and_o high_a spirit_n some_o of_o froward_a teachy_a passionate_a stubborn_a spirit_n other_o be_v natural_o of_o more_o solid_a serious_a temper_n of_o more_o low_a and_o humble_a of_o more_o meek_a and_o pliable_a spirit_n now_o where_o it_o happen_v that_o there_o be_v a_o change_n wrought_v in_o some_o person_n of_o airy_a and_o light_a spirit_n or_o such_o as_o be_v proud_a and_o high_a or_o froward_a and_o passionate_a and_o stubborn_a a_o progress_n and_o growth_n in_o habit_n and_o exercise_n of_o grace_n will_v not_o be_v so_o soon_o evident_a and_o apparent_a as_o in_o those_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o sweet_a and_o more_o gentle_a and_o ductile_a spirit_n much_o grace_n will_v make_v but_o a_o little_a show_n where_o there_o be_v a_o ill_a natural_a temper_n and_o humour_n 3._o three_o a_o ill_a neighbourhood_n do_v make_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n in_o the_o growth_n of_o grace_n we_o see_v in_o plant_n a_o ill_a neighbourhood_n of_o plant_n do_v much_o hinder_a growth_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o plant_n will_v thrive_v much_o near_o a_o ash_n the_o like_a may_v be_v observe_v of_o other_o tree_n which_o experience_n tell_v we_o be_v ill_a neighbour_n to_o plant_n rake_v up_o fire_n in_o ash_n if_o it_o keep_v alive_a it_o be_v all_o it_o be_v so_o with_o christian_n that_o be_v ill-yoaked_n that_o live_v in_o ill_a family_n or_o neighbourhood_n there_o be_v some_o wood_n they_o call_v quench-coal_n rot_a wood_n be_v most_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o company_n of_o all_o carnal_a worldly_a man_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n they_o be_v all_o quench-coal_n to_o the_o life_n of_o grace_n and_o discourage_v that_o holy_a fire_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v kindle_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o people_n if_o a_o christian_a be_v engage_v in_o such_o society_n whether_o necessary_o as_o in_o conjugal_a relation_n and_o indeed_o in_o most_o domestic_a relation_n or_o voluntary_o if_o such_o a_o christian_a keep_v his_o sincerity_n it_o will_v be_v well_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o profit_v of_o such_o christian_n shall_v appear_v unto_o all_o or_o indeed_o that_o they_o shall_v grow_v in_o proportion_n unto_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o better_a converse_n and_o be_v under_o the_o daily_a instruction_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o admonition_n of_o other_o who_o as_o brethren_n take_v themselves_o concern_v to_o consider_v they_o and_o to_o