want_n and_o distress_n but_o also_o that_o he_o have_v both_o the_o power_n and_o the_o will_n to_o relieve_v or_o deliver_v all_o those_o who_o make_v their_o humble_a supplication_n unto_o he_o do_v affliction_n happen_v by_o mere_a chance_n we_o shall_v not_o know_v how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o under_o they_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o encouragement_n to_o bear_v they_o patient_o nor_o skill_n to_o make_v a_o due_a provision_n for_o those_o which_o may_v seize_v upon_o we_o hereafter_o and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o benefit_n to_o our_o soul_n but_o when_o we_o know_v from_o whence_o they_o come_v and_o that_o our_o cup_n how_o bitter_a soever_o it_o be_v be_v mingle_v by_o the_o merciful_a hand_n of_o our_o most_o gracious_a father_n for_o the_o health_n of_o our_o soul_n with_o what_o readiness_n and_o courage_n shall_v we_o stoop_v to_o our_o burden_n and_o what_o a_o humble_a and_o heavenly_a temper_n shall_v we_o attain_v by_o our_o suffering_n do_v not_o god_n know_v we_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o our_o life_n how_o can_v he_o now_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o judge_v it_o hereafter_o insomuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n into_o question_n without_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o divine_a worship_n for_o the_o fear_n and_o service_n of_o god_n for_o trust_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o hope_v in_o his_o assistance_n and_o without_o put_v a_o end_n to_o every_o reasonable_a thought_n about_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o malice_n in_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n yet_o upon_o little_a examination_n they_o will_v be_v find_v weak_a and_o such_o as_o can_v shake_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o who_o will_v impartial_o consider_v they_o it_o be_v object_v that_o for_o god_n to_o have_v the_o care_n of_o all_o thing_n upon_o he_o will_v disturb_v his_o peace_n and_o that_o for_o he_o to_o condescend_v to_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o trifle_a man_n and_o to_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o small_a and_o vile_a parcel_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o glorious_a majesty_n the_o weakness_n of_o this_o objection_n which_o be_v so_o much_o flourish_v by_o the_o epicurean_o lie_v herein_o that_o they_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v like_a unto_o man_n who_o can_v hardly_o transact_v any_o affair_n wise_o without_o much_o think_n who_o can_v be_v concern_v in_o many_o thing_n together_o without_o great_a disquiet_n and_o trouble_v now_o the_o trouble_n uneasiness_n irresolution_n and_o difficulty_n which_o man_n find_v in_o much_o or_o great_a business_n do_v arise_v from_o their_o faculty_n be_v stint_v they_o be_v fain_o to_o turn_v thing_n up_o and_o down_o in_o their_o thought_n and_o to_o work_v their_o brain_n with_o long_a consideration_n before_o they_o can_v resolve_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o after_o they_o have_v resolve_v they_o be_v as_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n for_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v their_o design_n but_o what_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o the_o boundless_a power_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n can_v be_v expose_v to_o any_o of_o these_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n therefore_o to_o disow_v providence_n in_o the_o plain_a consequence_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a be_v ib._n and_o though_o we_o may_v bear_v with_o such_o a_o sorry_a objection_n as_o this_o in_o the_o epicure_n who_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o ascribe_v the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o do_v appear_v so_o many_o of_o the_o mark_n of_o deep_a skill_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n to_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n or_o casual_a jumble_z of_o atom_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v intolerable_a in_o christian_n who_o profess_v hearty_o to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o hold_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o think_v the_o thing_n worthy_a of_o his_o care_n and_o protection_n which_o he_o once_o think_v worthy_a of_o his_o make_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n who_o find_v none_o in_o create_v it_o as_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o providence_n be_v of_o vast_a concernment_n to_o our_o soul_n so_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v make_v many_o declaration_n of_o it_o and_o full_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o part_n thereof_o in_o holy_a scripture_n not_o only_o how_o god_n be_v please_v to_o engage_v himself_o in_o make_v provision_n for_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o how_o his_o care_n do_v extend_v to_o the_o small_a creature_n and_o the_o mean_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o be_v teach_v not_o only_o that_o the_o rational_a being_n do_v live_v and_o move_v and_o subsist_v by_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o maker_n but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o feed_v the_o little_a sparrow_n and_o to_o clothe_v the_o fade_a lily_n of_o the_o field_n and_o even_o to_o number_v the_o slender_a hair_n upon_o our_o head_n furthermore_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v set_v forth_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v manifest_v itself_o to_o man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o love_n there_o a_o account_n be_v give_v how_o god_n concern_v himself_o in_o our_o birth_n and_o first_o production_n that_o he_o make_v the_o barren_a woman_n to_o be_v a_o joyful_a mother_n of_o child_n that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o take_v we_o out_o of_o the_o womb_n that_o he_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o our_o whole_a dependence_n be_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o time_n we_o hang_v on_o our_o mother_n breast_n and_o that_o the_o mouth_n of_o babe_n and_o suckling_n set_v forth_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v itself_o about_o particular_a person_n but_o reach_v unto_o society_n and_o communion_n and_o take_v city_n and_o nation_n within_o its_o special_a cognisance_n that_o both_o their_o prosperity_n and_o suffering_n come_v from_o he_o that_o except_o he_o keep_v the_o city_n the_o watchman_n wake_v but_o in_o vain_a and_o that_o no_o evil_n happen_v there_o but_o he_o have_v do_v it_o and_o that_o he_o ever_o make_v they_o to_o flourish_n or_o decline_v in_o proportion_n to_o their_o virtue_n or_o their_o sin_n the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o creation_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o holy_a scripture_n sometime_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o part_n of_o providence_n which_o relate_v to_o god_n infinite_a knowledge_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o deal_n that_o nothing_o which_o we_o do_v or_o think_v can_v be_v hide_v from_o he_o but_o that_o all_o lie_v open_a and_o naked_a to_o the_o presence_n of_o he_o before_o who_o we_o stand_v that_o exact_a observation_n be_v make_v of_o every_o turn_n and_o design_n in_o our_o life_n that_o he_o see_v all_o under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n and_o look_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o our_o whole_a behaviour_n be_v as_o it_o be_v register_v in_o a_o book_n that_o at_o the_o great_a day_n of_o judgement_n this_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o we_o be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o misery_n according_a as_o our_o life_n shall_v from_o thence_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v good_a or_o evil._n in_o our_o bibles_n we_o learn_v that_o god_n suffer_v affliction_n to_o fall_v upon_o his_o own_o people_n and_o be_v there_o show_v the_o just_a reason_n of_o those_o proceed_n of_o his_o which_o at_o first_o view_n seem_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o his_o immense_a goodness_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o end_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o the_o good_a of_o they_o who_o love_v he_o there_o we_o also_o learn_v that_o the_o preservation_n and_o continuance_n of_o life_n be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n and_o that_o length_n of_o day_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o our_o care_n and_o skill_n but_o that_o god_n keep_v the_o issue_n of_o life_n and_o death_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o we_o never_o by_o any_o mean_n can_v be_v assure_v how_o long_o we_o have_v to_o live_v who_o see_v the_o day_n of_o the_o weak_a and_o sickly_a sometime_o extend_v to_o very_o old_a age_n and_o they_o of_o strong_a constitution_n and_o of_o firm_a and_o vigorous_a health_n lop_v off_o in_o their_o green_a year_n and_o full_a strength_n and_o all_o this_o that_o we_o may_v never_o presume_v to_o set_v death_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o but_o manage_v the_o present_a time_n prudent_o and_o circurnspect_o and_o not_o rely_v upon_o infinite_o contingent_a futurity_n in_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o our_o soul_n for_o the_o due_a care_n of_o which_o we_o be_v send_v
down_o with_o the_o brittle_a and_o deceitful_a good_n of_o the_o present_a state_n and_o only_o among_o they_o seek_v for_o rest_n thus_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o real_a felicity_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o innocence_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o notwithstanding_o in_o the_o general_n we_o may_v pronounce_v all_o those_o happy_a who_o have_v quiet_a and_o unblemished_a soul_n yet_o we_o can_v speak_v with_o confidence_n as_o to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o particular_a man_n because_o by_o their_o outward_a circumstance_n and_o appearance_n to_o the_o world_n we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o mind_n nor_o whether_o they_o have_v those_o virtue_n in_o their_o possession_n which_o cause_n solid_a happiness_n wherefore_o see_v we_o be_v not_o competent_o qualify_v to_o judge_n either_o of_o the_o piety_n or_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a man_n it_o evident_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a in_o that_o popular_a objection_n against_o the_o divine_a providence_n take_v from_o the_o seem_a adversity_n of_o the_o good_a and_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a further_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o disparagement_n of_o providence_n nor_o unkindness_n in_o god_n towards_o his_o faithful_a servant_n that_o sometime_o he_o translate_v they_o early_o from_o hence_o and_o permit_v they_o to_o die_v in_o the_o vigour_n of_o their_o year_n for_o can_v a_o great_a favour_n be_v do_v they_o for_o their_o short_a and_o faithful_a service_n than_o for_o god_n to_o remove_v they_o not_o only_o from_o the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n to_o sin_n but_o also_o from_o the_o manifold_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o this_o life_n unto_o his_o everlasting_a mercy_n he_o do_v this_o in_o honour_n to_o they_o that_o the_o wicked_a may_v behold_v and_o be_v concern_v they_o be_v no_o long_o worthy_a of_o they_o nor_o of_o the_o good_a they_o may_v receive_v from_o their_o holy_a and_o wise_a conversation_n beside_o when_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n have_v decree_v some_o dreadful_a judgement_n against_o a_o wicked_a nation_n he_o often_o take_v away_o his_o own_o people_n from_o the_o evil_a to_o come_v 14._o but_o though_o the_o righteous_a be_v prevent_v with_o death_n yet_o shall_v he_o be_v in_o rest_n for_o honourable_a age_n be_v not_o which_o stand_v in_o length_n of_o time_n nor_o that_o be_v measure_v by_o number_n of_o year_n but_o wisdom_n be_v the_o gray_a hair_n unto_o man_n and_o a_o unspotted_a life_n be_v old_a age_n he_o please_v god_n and_o be_v belove_v of_o he_o so_o that_o live_v among_o sinner_n he_o be_v translate_v he_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o a_o short_a time_n fulfil_v a_o long_a time_n for_o his_o soul_n please_v the_o lord_n therefore_o haste_v he_o to_o take_v he_o away_o from_o among_o the_o wicked_a 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n the_o virtuous_a shall_v often_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o same_o trouble_n and_o misfortune_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o ungodly_a and_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v there_o will_v be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n pestilence_n famine_n and_o fire_n involve_v man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o take_v in_o the_o holy_a with_o the_o sinner_n neither_o the_o nip_a frost_n nor_o scorch_a heat_n nor_o rage_a flood_n nor_o blast_a wind_n make_v any_o difference_n between_o the_o land_n of_o pious_a and_o bad_a man_n nor_o can_v a_o storm_n at_o sea_n distinguish_v between_o their_o good_n which_o be_v in_o the_o same_o vessel_n for_o a_o man_n to_o look_v that_o god_n shall_v exempt_v he_o from_o these_o public_a evil_n be_v to_o expect_v he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n for_o his_o sake_n which_o be_v wise_o establish_v and_o for_o great_a end_n and_o therefore_o all_o such_o hope_n can_v have_v no_o ground_n and_o must_v be_v deem_v very_o unreasonable_a 4._o notwithstanding_o such_o common_a calamity_n can_v be_v avoid_v yet_o god_n always_o intend_v our_o good_a in_o every_o harsh_a disappointment_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o and_o it_o will_v admirable_o serve_v to_o mend_v the_o temper_n of_o our_o mind_n by_o adversity_n which_o god_n never_o le_fw-fr we_o loose_v upon_o we_o before_o it_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o he_o make_v a_o experiment_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o our_o affection_n towards_o he_o who_o we_o ought_v infinite_o to_o esteem_v above_o all_o other_o thing_n by_o it_o god_n try_v our_o constancy_n whether_o we_o will_v equal_o love_v he_o and_o preserve_v as_o great_a a_o reverence_n for_o he_o in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o sorrow_n as_o when_o he_o crown_v we_o with_o plenty_n and_o if_o upon_o this_o trial_n we_o entertain_v as_o honourable_a thought_n of_o the_o proceed_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o when_o the_o world_n go_v well_o with_o we_o he_o have_v attain_v his_o end_n in_o visit_v we_o and_o will_v quick_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o grievance_n for_o if_o under_o the_o sore_a cross_n the_o heavy_a loss_n and_o sharp_a pain_n we_o uphold_v in_o our_o soul_n as_o worthy_a opinion_n of_o god_n administration_n of_o affair_n as_o when_o he_o enrich_v we_o with_o his_o blessing_n then_o we_o shall_v make_v a_o undoubted_a discovery_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o love_n of_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o man_n that_o we_o value_v the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o his_o favour_n above_o all_o sensual_a comfort_n beside_o nothing_o will_v more_o lessen_v our_o esteem_n of_o these_o mean_a and_o despicable_a pleasure_n nor_o take_v off_o the_o edge_n of_o our_o desire_n for_o they_o than_o frequent_o to_o be_v disturb_v in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o and_o to_o have_v they_o force_v away_o when_o we_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o they_o and_o confident_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o their_o long_a continuance_n it_o may_v indeed_o be_v a_o general_a observation_n that_o much_o prosperity_n corrupt_v man_n moral_n and_o tempt_v they_o to_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o power_n but_o adversity_n reform_v their_o life_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o know_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o want_n which_o they_o perceive_v will_v grow_v insupportable_a do_v god_n once_o withdraw_v his_o assistance_n wherefore_o see_n it_o be_v so_o much_o hard_a to_o walk_v upright_o before_o god_n in_o a_o flourish_a condition_n that_o make_v we_o apt_a to_o forget_v he_o than_o in_o a_o afflict_a state_n which_o natural_o dispose_v we_o to_o seek_v the_o lord_n be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v thus_o murmur_v at_o his_o rod_n and_o repine_v when_o he_o correct_v we_o with_o the_o tenderness_n of_o a_o father_n and_o visit_v we_o with_o his_o judgement_n only_o that_o he_o may_v heal_v our_o spiritual_a disease_n how_o terrible_a soever_o any_o calamity_n may_v appear_v to_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v fit_v to_o our_o circumstance_n and_o be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o crazy_a state_n of_o our_o soul_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o trouble_n do_v not_o spring_v casual_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n or_o fall_v upon_o we_o without_o measure_n or_o bound_n but_o god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n do_v order_v the_o time_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v afflict_a he_o determine_v the_o kind_n of_o evil_n which_o shall_v fall_v to_o our_o lot_n and_o mete_n the_o very_a quantity_n that_o we_o must_v suffer_v which_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o have_v humble_v our_o vanity_n or_o extinguish_v our_o lust_n or_o abate_v our_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o reduce_v we_o to_o just_a apprehension_n of_o ourselves_o be_v certain_o will_v recall_v from_o we_o and_o let_v in_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n into_o our_o heart_n now_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v plain_a to_o every_o honest_a enquirer_n it_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o wonder_n why_o man_n take_v affliction_n so_o ill_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n when_o they_o know_v they_o proceed_v from_o his_o love_n and_o behave_v themselves_o so_o untoward_o under_o almost_o every_o degree_n of_o adversity_n a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o i_o judge_v to_o be_v their_o make_v slight_a or_o no_o preparation_n for_o affliction_n before_o they_o come_v now_o there_o be_v that_o distraction_n and_o disorder_n raise_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o calamity_n that_o he_o toss_v like_o a_o bull_n in_o a_o net_n and_o have_v not_o temper_n enough_o leave_v to_o consider_v of_o the_o great_a cause_n there_o be_v to_o move_v god_n to_o lay_v it_o upon_o he_o or_o of_o the_o sweet_a fruit_n he_o may_v gather_v from_o it_o by_o a_o modest_a and_o quiet_a carriage_n under_o the_o heavenly_a discipline_n and_o a_o total_a submission_n of_o himself_o
to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o merciful_a father_n they_o therefore_o who_o will_v bear_v trouble_n well_o must_v live_v in_o a_o constant_a expectation_n of_o they_o and_o in_o their_o good_a day_n lay_v up_o a_o stock_n of_o christian_a grace_n against_o the_o winter_n of_o adversity_n they_o i_o say_v who_o in_o the_o height_n of_o their_o prosperity_n will_v often_o and_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a change_n that_o either_o by_o loss_n and_o pain_n or_o certain_o by_o death_n in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v overtake_v they_o and_o provide_v themselves_o with_o the_o suffering-virtue_n against_o that_o dark_a season_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v their_o spirit_n sink_v at_o the_o approach_n either_o of_o affliction_n or_o death_n itself_o that_o it_o will_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o world_n and_o mount_v and_o carry_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o sound_a peace_n and_o solid_a joy_n how_o happy_a be_v those_o soul_n who_o when_o the_o world_n most_o smile_n upon_o they_o do_v not_o trust_v it_o but_o furnish_v themselves_o with_o the_o humility_n and_o the_o meekness_n and_o the_o patience_n of_o jesus_n against_o the_o evil_a day_n that_o as_o no_o sickness_n or_o trouble_n can_v much_o surprise_v they_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o great_o or_o long_o discompose_v their_o mind_n but_o they_o discern_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o it_o and_o turn_v it_o to_o their_o spiritual_a advantage_n and_o they_o therefore_o count_v it_o joy_n when_o they_o fall_v into_o temptation_n i_o e._n suffer_v affliction_n for_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o they_o be_v able_a if_o they_o be_v trouble_v on_o every_o side_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v distress_v if_o they_o be_v perplex_v they_o shall_v not_o despair_v if_o they_o be_v persecute_v they_o shall_v not_o be_v forsake_v if_o cast_v down_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v sermon_n ii_o iii_o that_o if_o we_o equal_o consider_v thing_n we_o shall_v be_v constrain_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n goodness_n and_o mercy_n do_v appear_v in_o our_o great_a suffering_n and_o this_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o follow_a reason_n 1._o because_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o owner_n of_o the_o world_n who_o alone_o have_v the_o right_a of_o all_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o to_o be_v but_o tenant_n at_o will_n for_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v and_o if_o god_n have_v give_v we_o nothing_o but_o during_o pleasure_n then_o let_v he_o take_v it_o away_o when_o he_o please_v he_o can_v do_v we_o no_o wrong_n our_o life_n that_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o his_o other_o favour_n our_o health_n which_o make_v life_n comfortable_a our_o relation_n our_o estate_n our_o ease_n and_o peace_n be_v all_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o the_o bounty_n of_o he_o who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o obligation_n to_o we_o and_o if_o he_o revoke_v they_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o we_o receive_v no_o injury_n for_o he_o do_v but_o resume_v his_o own_o right_n insomuch_o as_o if_o god_n strip_v we_o of_o all_o down_o to_o nothing_o he_o will_v but_o leave_v we_o in_o the_o state_n he_o find_v we_o wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o charge_v he_o with_o unkindness_n for_o any_o temporal_a evil_n that_o we_o must_v own_v it_o be_v his_o singular_a goodness_n we_o have_v be_v permit_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o so_o many_o of_o his_o blessing_n such_o a_o long_a time_n 2._o we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o our_o trouble_n and_o loss_n when_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o examine_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o grant_v the_o use_n of_o his_o creature_n unto_o they_o and_o the_o punishment_n he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o disobedient_a upon_o this_o examination_n it_o will_v be_v plain_a to_o the_o great_a sufferer_n that_o god_n have_v be_v merciful_a in_o that_o they_o in_o many_o particular_n have_v break_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n which_o be_v make_v between_o he_o and_o they_o and_o he_o have_v not_o take_v the_o whole_a forfeiture_n there_o be_v no_o breach_n of_o god_n law_n in_o any_o great_a instance_n make_v cool_o and_o deliberate_o but_o it_o do_v deserve_v not_o only_o a_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o the_o pain_n of_o hell_n shall_v god_n deal_v with_o we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o strict_a justice_n now_o when_o he_o who_o if_o he_o proceed_v strict_o against_o we_o may_v pass_v the_o sentence_n of_o death_n upon_o we_o and_o shut_v we_o out_o of_o his_o presence_n for_o ever_o do_v but_o gentle_o correct_v we_o with_o such_o chastisement_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o reform_v our_o fault_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o grieve_v we_o have_v offend_v our_o best_a friend_n what_o can_v we_o do_v but_o admire_v his_o goodness_n and_o magnify_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n towards_o we_o if_o god_n do_v not_o let_v sinner_n who_o have_v live_v a_o great_a while_n secure_o in_o their_o iniquity_n at_o length_n feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o justice_n they_o will_v lay_v aside_o all_o fear_n of_o his_o power_n and_o fall_v into_o ruin_n beyond_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v recover_v but_o yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o plentiful_a mixture_n of_o mercy_n in_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n first_o inflict_v upon_o the_o great_a sinner_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o severity_n until_o their_o heart_n be_v so_o hard_o that_o light_a affliction_n will_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o wherefore_o when_o very_o bad_a man_n be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n by_o a_o terrible_a judgement_n they_o discern_v god_n goodness_n in_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o terror_n which_o attend_v the_o judgement_n wherewith_o he_o correct_v they_o because_o they_o be_v sensible_a it_o will_v not_o have_v reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o wicked_a course_n have_v it_o be_v of_o a_o mild_a sort_n god_n then_o temper_v judgement_n with_o mercy_n that_o as_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o one_o may_v preserve_v in_o man_n mind_n a_o awful_a regard_n of_o his_o majesty_n so_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o other_o may_v keep_v they_o from_o run_v into_o despair_n where_o sinner_n be_v become_v bold_a more_o of_o his_o justice_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v they_o dread_v his_o displeasure_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o infirmity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a where_o such_o a_o tenderness_n be_v find_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v extreme_a fearful_a of_o their_o condition_n notwithstanding_o to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o ability_n they_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o serve_v he_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o put_v any_o unnecessary_a hardship_n upon_o they_o that_o he_o let_v forth_o the_o treasure_n of_o his_o compassion_n upon_o their_o disturb_a soul_n do_v scatter_v their_o groundless_a fear_n and_o refresh_v and_o cherish_v they_o with_o his_o mercy_n there_o be_v no_o want_n of_o proof_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o as_o all_o the_o temporal_a evil_n they_o suffer_v be_v less_o than_o in_o rigour_n of_o justice_n god_n may_v lay_v upon_o they_o so_o they_o never_o overtake_v they_o before_o they_o be_v necessary_a either_o to_o make_v they_o reflect_v upon_o the_o error_n of_o their_o own_o way_n or_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o other_o in_o a_o bad_a course_n the_o servant_n of_o god_n who_o have_v be_v renown_v for_o their_o piety_n and_o who_o holy_a deed_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v record_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o follower_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o support_n of_o all_o afflict_a saint_n these_o eminent_a instrument_n in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o say_v have_v ever_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o their_o own_o frailty_n as_o to_o dread_v the_o divine_a justice_n they_o never_o do_v presume_v to_o insist_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n when_o they_o come_v before_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v with_o such_o exactness_n according_a to_o his_o law_n that_o he_o can_v not_o afflict_v they_o without_o be_v injurious_a they_o be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o themselves_o as_o not_o to_o be_v conscious_a that_o in_o a_o great_a number_n of_o respect_n their_o behaviour_n come_v short_a of_o perfection_n which_o alone_o can_v justify_v a_o man._n wherefore_o we_o shall_v never_o find_v that_o they_o appeal_v to_o their_o innocence_n when_o they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o their_o righteous_a judge_n but_o full_a of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o guilt_n they_o cast_v themselves_o at_o his_o
into_o the_o world_n in_o this_o word_n of_o god_n we_o find_v a_o account_n not_o only_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o our_o life_n but_o of_o all_o the_o other_o good_n we_o possess_v which_o belong_v unto_o the_o present_a state_n that_o the_o possession_n we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v very_o precarious_a and_o that_o of_o a_o sudden_a we_o may_v very_o many_o way_n be_v put_v out_o of_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o esteem_v most_o have_v keep_v long_a and_o be_v most_o secure_a of_o but_o though_o the_o way_n of_o turn_v we_o out_o of_o what_o we_o have_v be_v many_o yet_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o good_a assurance_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v dispossess_v of_o the_o least_o good_a without_o the_o appointment_n or_o licence_n of_o providence_n that_o as_o we_o may_v not_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o any_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n which_o we_o have_v so_o we_o may_v bear_v loss_n quiet_o and_o without_o ruffle_v the_o peace_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o make_v any_o abatement_n of_o our_o love_n of_o god_n may_v submit_v to_o every_o change_n in_o our_o condition_n with_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n yield_v back_o to_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o have_v give_v sometime_o the_o scripture_n discourse_n of_o the_o strange_a change_n which_o be_v make_v in_o kingdom_n how_o god_n pull_v man_n down_o and_o sets_z other_o up_o by_o unlikely_a mean_n and_o when_o they_o least_o expect_v it_o and_o that_o in_o a_o instant_n he_o strip_v they_o of_o their_o vast_a possession_n when_o their_o power_n and_o plenty_n have_v thrust_v he_o out_o of_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o they_o place_v their_o security_n in_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o his_o providence_n the_o glory_n of_o their_o greatness_n of_o the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o providence_n we_o have_v unquestionable_a example_n in_o all_o age_n wherein_o the_o motion_n of_o god_n hand_n have_v be_v so_o visible_a that_o necessity_n will_v compel_v man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o he_o how_o frequent_o have_v the_o interposition_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v clear_o manifest_a in_o the_o rise_n and_o declension_n of_o kingdom_n and_o in_o the_o surprise_v period_n which_o have_v be_v put_v to_o mighty_a empire_n by_o small_a and_o improbable_a cause_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v found_v in_o deep_a policy_n and_o have_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n he_o in_o a_o moment_n break_v the_o firm_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o turn_v up_o the_o foundation_n which_o be_v lay_v by_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o most_o skilful_a and_o sagacious_a man_n when_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o great_a people_n be_v full_a and_o their_o iniquity_n be_v grow_v up_o to_o a_o ripeness_n fit_a for_o ruin_n so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o long_o endure_v the_o abuse_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o the_o bold_a affront_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o his_o love_n and_o kindness_n then_o destruction_n come_v swift_o upon_o they_o and_o they_o receive_v their_o terrible_a overthrow_n from_o those_o hand_n which_o they_o do_v despise_v history_n of_o all_o country_n furnish_v we_o with_o instance_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o we_o may_v read_v abundance_n of_o the_o mysterious_a variety_n of_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o quick_a turn_n and_o amaze_a change_n which_o do_v happen_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n either_o the_o sick_a or_o the_o lame_a have_v strength_n enough_o to_o pull_v down_o the_o mighty_a nation_n when_o the_o cry_a sin_n thereof_o have_v provoke_v god_n peremptori_fw-la 〈…〉_z to_o resolve_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n put_v to_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o this_o case_n we_o have_v a_o memorable_a declaration_n make_v from_o the_o lord_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n of_o the_o fatal_a blow_n which_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o their_o kingdom_n even_o by_o those_o they_o themselves_o have_v beat_v and_o that_o only_o the_o wound_a man_n which_o remain_v shall_v be_v sufficient_o able_a to_o set_v fire_n to_o their_o city_n and_o lay_v it_o in_o ash_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n deceive_v not_o yourselves_o say_v the_o chaldean_n shall_v sure_o depart_v from_o we_o for_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v for_o though_o you_o have_v smite_v the_o whole_a army_n of_o the_o chaldean_n that_o fight_n against_o you_o and_o there_o remain_v but_o wound_v man_n among_o they_o yet_o shall_v they_o rise_v up_o every_o man_n in_o his_o tent_n and_o burn_v this_o city_n with_o fire_n now_o when_o only_o the_o wound_a and_o shatter_v remain_v of_o a_o conquer_a army_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o attack_v and_o take_v a_o well_o fortify_v city_n the_o great_a disproportion_n between_o the_o instrument_n and_o the_o work_n must_v force_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v the_o lord_n do_n and_o that_o their_o misery_n be_v just_o pull_v down_o from_o heaven_n by_o their_o abominable_a sin_n wherefore_o when_o we_o behold_v any_o empire_n or_o kingdom_n that_o have_v be_v long_o settle_v take_v deep_a root_n enlarge_v its_o border_n and_o be_v â—_o terror_n to_o its_o neighbour_n to_o dissolve_v on_o a_o sudden_a and_o tumble_v down_o and_o all_o the_o limb_n of_o this_o well-built_a and_o often-tryed_a body_n at_o once_o to_o be_v dis-jointed_n will_v not_o in_o this_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a revolution_n the_o print_n be_v most_o conspicuous_a and_o plain_a of_o the_o all-seeing_a and_o all-disposing_a providence_n of_o god_n who_o turn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a into_o foolishness_n do_v not_o give_v the_o race_n to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o see_v a_o small_a society_n or_o body_n of_o man_n preserve_v when_o environ_v with_o powerful_a enemy_n each_o of_o which_o can_v have_v devour_v it_o and_o its_o state_n and_o condition_n support_v when_o they_o do_v all_o conspire_v to_o work_v its_o ruin_n and_o peace_n and_o safety_n restore_v by_o most_o improbable_a mean_n where_o there_o be_v no_o appearance_n or_o likelihood_n of_o it_o must_v be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o order_n all_o the_o affair_n thereof_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v as_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v wonderful_o put_v forth_o itself_o in_o all_o time_n so_o god_n show_v himself_o high_o displease_v when_o his_o people_n presume_v to_o call_v his_o care_n of_o they_o into_o question_n and_o make_v any_o doubt_n whether_o he_o observe_v their_o behaviour_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o neglect_v or_o forget_v they_o 15._o for_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n bathe_v forsake_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o lord_n see_v not_o and_o as_o for_o i_o also_o my_o eye_n shall_v not_o spare_v neither_o will_v i_o have_v pity_n but_o zion_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v forsake_v i_o and_o my_o lord_n have_v forget_v i_o can_v a_o woman_n forget_v her_o suck_a child_n that_o she_o shall_v not_o have_v compassion_n on_o the_o son_n of_o her_o womb_n yea_o they_o may_v forget_v yet_o will_v i_o not_o forget_v thou_o thus_o i_o have_v dispatch_v the_o first_o head_n of_o this_o discourse_n namely_o that_o nothing_o can_v come_v to_o we_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o this_o life_n without_o the_o order_n or_o at_o least_o the_o permission_n of_o providence_n and_o show_v that_o not_o only_o the_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n the_o poverty_n and_o riches_n the_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o length_n of_o day_n and_o death_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o also_o the_o growth_n and_o fall_n of_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n come_v from_o the_o lord_n 19_o who_o humble_v himself_o to_o behold_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n he_o show_v love_v kindness_n unto_o thousand_o and_o recompense_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n into_o the_o bosom_n of_o their_o child_n after_o they_o the_o great_a the_o mighty_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n great_a in_o counsel_n and_o mighty_a in_o work_n for_o thy_o eye_n be_v open_a upon_o all_o the_o way_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o give_v every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o do_n 2._o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o good_a be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o the_o misery_n god_n send_v or_o suffer_v to_o fall_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n many_o of_o his_o great_a end_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v serve_v and_o much_o spiritual_a profit_n may_v accrue_v to_o they_o who_o by_o the_o cross_a event_n and_o disappointment_n they_o here_o encounter_v be_v wean_a from_o the_o world_n and_o will_v not_o be_v draw_v in_o