good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n as_o it_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n or_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v so_o much_o what_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o how_o many_o natural_a evil_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n if_o such_o severity_n be_v good_a for_o mankind_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n to_o inflict_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o prince_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reform_v his_o child_n or_o his_o subject_n by_o great_a severity_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n require_v severe_a restraint_n be_v no_o more_o a_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n than_o the_o fond_a indulgence_n of_o parent_n be_v to_o disobedient_a child_n so_o that_o this_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n the_o principal_a objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o natural_a evil_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a be_v not_o evil_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a we_o can_v neither_o prove_v nor_o disprove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a man_n for_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o good_a for_o we_o nor_o be_v affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
be_v sure_o put_v to_o death_n and_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v not_o in_o wait_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n than_o i_o will_v appoint_v thou_o a_o place_n whither_o he_o shall_v flee_v where_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n be_v oppose_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v and_o to_o he_o that_o come_v presumptuous_o upon_o his_o neighbour_n to_o slay_v he_o 15._o verse_n and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o who_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o mere_a accident_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o 19_o deut._n 4_o 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o slayer_n that_o shall_v flee_v thither_o i._n e._n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n whoso_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n ignorant_o who_o he_o hate_v not_o in_o time_n past_a as_o when_o a_o man_n go_v into_o the_o wood_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o his_o hand_n fetch_v a_o stroke_n with_o the_o axe_n to_o cut_v down_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o head_n slip_v from_o the_o helve_z and_o light_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v flee_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o city_n and_o live_v what_o can_v be_v more_o accidental_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n deliver_v the_o man_n who_o be_v kill_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o kill_v he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o casual_a than_o a_o lot_n and_o yet_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lap_n but_o the_o whole_a dispose_n thereof_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 33._o which_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n but_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o casual_a and_o uncertain_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n for_o what_o seem_v accidental_a to_o we_o be_v not_o chance_n but_o providence_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v decree_v as_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n by_o how_o many_o seem_a accident_n and_o casual_a event_n be_v joseph_n advance_v to_o pharoah_n throne_n his_o dream_n whereby_o god_n foretell_v his_o advancement_n make_v his_o brethren_n envious_a at_o he_o and_o watch_v some_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o so_o confute_v his_o dream_n jacob_n send_v joseph_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o field_n where_o they_o be_v keep_v their_o sheep_n this_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o execute_v their_o revenge_n and_o at_o first_o they_o intend_v to_o murder_v he_o but_o the_o ishmaelite_n accidental_o pass_v by_o they_o sell_v joseph_n to_o they_o and_o they_o carry_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o sell_v he_o to_o potiphar_n potiphar_n wife_n tempt_v he_o to_o uncleanness_n and_o be_v deny_v by_o joseph_n she_o accuse_v he_o to_o his_o lord_n who_o cast_v he_o into_o the_o king_n prison_n whilst_o he_o be_v there_o the_o king_n butler_n and_o baker_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o same_o prison_n and_o dream_v their_o several_a dream_n which_o joseph_n expound_v to_o they_o and_o the_o event_n verify_v his_o interpretation_n the_o butler_n who_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o office_n forget_v joseph_n till_o two_o year_n after_o pharaoh_n dream_v a_o dream_n which_o none_o of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v interpret_v and_o then_o joseph_n be_v send_v for_o and_o advance_v to_o the_o high_a place_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n next_o to_o pharaoh_n the_o year_n of_o famine_n bring_v ioseph_n brethren_n into_o egypt_n to_o buy_v corn_n where_o they_o bow_v before_o he_o according_a to_o his_o dream_n this_o occasion_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n into_o egypt_n where_o joseph_n place_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n by_o which_o mean_v god_n fulfil_v what_o he_o have_v tell_v abraham_n know_v of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o four_o hundred_o year_n 15._o genes_n 13_o how_o casual_a do_v all_o this_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o chance_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o seem_v chance_n to_o we_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n thus_o god_n intend_v to_o deliver_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n moses_n be_v bear_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v command_v that_o every_o son_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n his_o mother_n hide_v he_o three_o month_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v he_o any_o long_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n among_o the_o flag_n by_o the_o riverside_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v down_o to_o wash_v herself_o in_o the_o river_n and_o find_v the_o ark_n with_o the_o child_n in_o it_o put_v he_o to_o his_o own_o mother_n to_o nurse_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o know_v his_o own_o kindred_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n afterward_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v he_o home_o and_o breed_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o son_n whereby_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o egypt_n and_o in_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n which_o qualify_v he_o for_o government_n when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a he_o have_v live_v long_o enough_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o remove_v he_o into_o better_a company_n and_o to_o accustom_v he_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a life_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o as_o strange_a a_o accident_n he_o slay_v a_o egyptian_a in_o defence_n of_o a_o oppress_a jew_n and_o be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o brethren_n and_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o pharaoh_n to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n and_o then_o god_n send_v he_o back_o into_o egypt_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n out_o from_o thence_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n thus_o god_n have_v foretell_v ahab_n by_o the_o prophet_n micaiah_n that_o if_o he_o go_v up_o against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o this_o be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o very_a great_a chance_n for_o a_o certain_a man_n draw_v a_o bow_n at_o a_o venture_n and_o smite_v the_o king_n between_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o harness_n of_o which_o he_o die_v 1_o king_n 22._o 34._o the_o blood_n which_o come_v from_o his_o wound_n run_v into_o the_o chariot_n and_o one_o wash_v the_o chariot_n in_o the_o pool_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o dog_n lick_v up_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v a_o very_a casual_a thing_n and_o little_a thought_n of_o by_o he_o who_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o fulfil_v god_n threaten_v against_o ahab_n in_o the_o place_n where_o dog_n lick_v the_o blood_n of_o naboth_n shall_v dog_n lick_v thy_o blood_n even_o thou_o 21._o ch_z 29._o v._n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o example_n more_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o god_n deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o esther_n from_o the_o wicked_a conspiracy_n of_o haman_n this_o haman_n be_v advance_v to_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n by_o king_n ahasuerus_n take_v great_a offence_n at_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o reverence_v he_o as_o other_o do_v and_o for_o his_o sake_n obtain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o province_n of_o his_o dominion_n mordecai_n send_v to_o queen_n esther_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o petition_v he_o about_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hazardous_a attempt_n it_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n for_o any_o person_n man_n or_o woman_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n without_o be_v call_v unless_o the_o king_n hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o they_o but_o the_o queen_n at_o last_o after_o three_o day_n fast_v venture_v she_o own_o life_n to_o save_v her_o people_n and_o obtain_v favour_n in_o the_o king_n sight_n who_o hold_v out_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o she_o all_o that_o she_o request_v at_o that_o time_n be_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v to_o the_o banquet_n which_o she_o have_v prepare_v and_o be_v then_o ask_v what_o her_o petition_n be_v with_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v she_o beg_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v the_o next_o day_n also_o to_o her_o banquet_n and_o then_o she_o will_v declare_v it_o haman_n be_v much_o
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n and_o phrase_n which_o make_v they_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o we_o than_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v this_o for_o a_o answer_n or_o as_o some_o will_v call_v it_o a_o evasion_n but_o shall_v consider_v these_o text_n particular_o and_o the_o first_o place_n relate_v to_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o let_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n 4._o exod._n 21._o where_o god_n express_o tell_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o story_n itself_o it_o be_v several_a time_n express_v that_o god_n do_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o he_o who_o harden_v the_o heart_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o such_o a_o hard_a heart_n commit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o have_v give_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o divine_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v such_o a_o firmness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o temper_n or_o resolution_n as_o will_v yield_v to_o no_o motive_n or_o persuasion_n that_o will_v no_o more_o receive_v any_o impression_n than_o a_o hard_a and_o impenetrable_a rock_n and_o therefore_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o stiffness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o will_v not_o yield_v but_o then_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o harden_v man_n heart_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o innocent_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o just_o and_o before_o we_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v know_v in_o what_o way_n god_n harden_v immediate_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n heart_n a_o unrelenting_a hardness_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o though_o god_n say_v he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o have_v first_o harden_v themselves_o take_v the_o most_o innocent_a occasion_n to_o grow_v hard_a nay_o be_v harden_v by_o such_o usage_n as_o will_v either_o break_v or_o soften_v other_o man_n and_o those_o who_o treat_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o their_o wicked_a heart_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o as_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o charge_v those_o with_o undo_n and_o harden_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o have_v spoil_v they_o by_o too_o much_o indulgence_n or_o by_o too_o great_a severity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o origen_n give_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o say_v to_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o yet_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o account_n give_v of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o what_o god_n do_v take_v occasion_n where_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v the_o jew_n do_v from_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a 2._o rome_n 4_o 5._o or_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long_o suffer_v not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n i.e._n shall_v lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n not_o harden_v thou_o in_o sin_n though_o it_o have_v another_o effect_n through_o thy_o own_o wickedness_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n grow_v more_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a by_o god_n forbearance_n and_o treasure_a up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n or_o thus_o pharaoh_n take_v occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v soften_v he_o and_o god_n foresee_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o say_z i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n not_o i_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o he_o but_z i_o will_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o certain_o know_v his_o hard_a and_o wicked_a heart_n will_v improve_v into_o new_a occasion_n and_o new_a degree_n of_o hardness_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n either_o for_o god_n or_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v what_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n direct_v to_o be_v do_v because_o harden_a sinner_n will_v harden_v themselves_o the_o more_o by_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o which_o harden_v pharaoh_n and_o make_v he_o so_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n be_v the_o great_a advantage_n he_o make_v of_o their_o service_n and_o bondage_n which_o make_v he_o impatient_a to_o think_v of_o send_v away_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o he_o to_o conquer_v this_o obstinate_a humour_n god_n send_v moses_n to_o deliver_v israel_n with_o a_o mighty_a arm_n and_o outstretch_v hand_n moses_n wrought_v such_o mighty_a wonder_n and_o inflict_v such_o miraculous_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o egypt_n as_o any_o one_o will_v have_v think_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n not_o to_o have_v harden_v but_o to_o have_v break_v and_o subdue_v the_o most_o harden_a heart_n but_o this_o have_v a_o contrary_a effect_n upon_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n and_o it_o be_v visible_a what_o it_o be_v that_o harden_a he_o some_o of_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v imitate_v by_o the_o magician_n as_o turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v frog_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n though_o the_o plague_n of_o frog_n be_v so_o grievous_a that_o it_o make_v he_o somewhat_o relent_v and_o promise_v to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o frog_n may_v be_v remove_v but_o than_o god_n goodness_n in_o remove_v this_o plague_n harden_v he_o as_o it_o be_v express_o observe_v that_o when_o pharaoh_n see_v there_o be_v respite_n he_o harden_v his_o heart_n 8._o exod._n 15._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o succeed_a judgement_n while_o any_o judgement_n be_v upon_o he_o he_o yield_v and_o promise_v fair_a to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v that_o have_v any_o one_o of_o those_o judgement_n continue_v on_o he_o till_o he_o have_v part_v with_o israel_n he_o have_v certain_o send_v they_o away_o long_o before_o but_o when_o he_o see_v one_o judgement_n remove_v after_o another_o he_o think_v there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o at_o last_o and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o endure_v a_o while_n than_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o he_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n till_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o first-born_a put_v he_o and_o his_o servant_n and_o all_o the_o people_n into_o such_o a_o terrible_a fright_n that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o get_v rid_v of_o israel_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o god_n still_o harden_a pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v after_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v overthrow_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o for_o that_o end_n god_n lead_v the_o people_n about_o through_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n that_o pharaoh_n may_v say_v they_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o land_n the_o wilderness_n have_v shut_v they_o in_o and_o it_o be_v tell_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n that_o the_o people_n flee_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o of_o his_o servant_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v why_o have_v we_o do_v this_o that_o we_o have_v let_v israel_n go_v from_o serve_v we_o 14._o exod._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o report_n of_o their_o fly_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o wilderness_n make_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o servant_n quick_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o egypt_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n which_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o new_a pursuit_n and_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n which_o contain_v nothing_o that_o unbecome_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a be_v for_o though_o it_o can_v
this_o be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n which_o no_o consider_a man_n will_v serious_o make_v the_o more_o considerable_a objection_n relate_v to_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o only_a objection_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a can_v have_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o be_v that_o the_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o many_o so_o great_a and_o so_o universal_a that_o they_o overballance_v the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o choose_v not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o therefore_o need_v no_o answer_n to_o this_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o have_v the_o scripture_n on_o their_o side_n for_o the_o wiseman_n 4._o eccl._n 2_o 3._o tell_v we_o wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a yea_o better_a be_v he_o than_o both_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v who_o have_v not_o see_v the_o evil_a work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n this_o at_o first_o view_n look_v like_o a_o very_a sharp_a satyr_n upon_o human_a life_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v than_o to_o live_v and_o that_o not_o to_o live_v at_o all_o be_v better_a than_o either_o and_o be_v this_o universal_o true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o think_v of_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n which_o have_v nothing_o good_a or_o desirable_a in_o it_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v from_o those_o many_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n in_o this_o life_n and_o god_n will_v not_o promise_v good_a man_n what_o be_v worth_a nothing_o but_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o text_n will_v contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o understanding_n this_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a nor_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o understand_v by_o the_o wiseman_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v 2._o show_v you_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o wiseman_n mean_v this_o viz._n with_o respect_n to_o the_o many_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o some_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o which_o some_o man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v expose_v to_o and_o how_o this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v 1._o that_o this_o be_v not_o universal_o true_a that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o die_v or_o not_o to_o be_v bear_v than_o it_o be_v to_o live_v this_o i_o confess_v be_v teach_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n in_o too_o general_a term_n that_o the_o first_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o next_o to_o die_v quick_o but_o no_o body_n believe_v they_o for_o most_o man_n feel_v it_o otherwise_o that_o light_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n for_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n 11._o eccl._n 7._o there_o be_v a_o sense_n indeed_o wherein_o this_o may_v be_v true_a if_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o this_o life_n in_o its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n be_v the_o most_o imperfect_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n can_v live_v in_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v then_o those_o philosopher_n who_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n live_v and_o act_v before_o they_o be_v bear_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v thrust_v into_o these_o body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o former_a state_n have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v best_o for_o they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n of_o happiness_n and_o not_o to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o if_o when_o they_o die_v they_o return_v to_o their_o original_a state_n of_o happiness_n the_o next_o best_a thing_n for_o they_o be_v to_o die_v quick_o and_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o this_o be_v their_o secret_a meaning_n in_o it_o for_o if_o we_o only_o consider_v the_o advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n in_o ordinary_a case_n life_n be_v very_o desirable_a so_o desirable_a that_o it_o make_v death_n the_o king_n of_o terror_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o life_n so_o contemptible_a or_o so_o calamitous_a a_o state_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a not_o to_o be_v than_o to_o live_v in_o this_o world_n but_o no_o man_n yet_o ever_o make_v life_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n though_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n man_n may_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a without_o any_o reproach_n to_o providence_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o fault_n or_o folly_n but_o have_v god_n make_v life_n itself_o so_o contemptible_a or_o miserable_a a_o state_n as_o to_o be_v worse_o than_o not_o be_v this_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o be_v very_o ungrateful_a to_o almighty_a god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o bountiful_a provision_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n for_o what_o be_v want_v on_o god_n part_n to_o make_v man_n as_o happy_a as_o he_o can_v be_v here_o we_o want_v no_o sense_n which_o be_v useful_a to_o life_n we_o want_v no_o object_n to_o gratify_v those_o sense_n and_o which_o be_v very_o considerable_a the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o delightful_a object_n be_v most_o common_a and_o such_o as_o mankind_n pretty_a equal_o share_v in_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o mighty_a difference_n as_o some_o man_n imagine_v between_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o rich_a in_o pomp_n and_o show_v and_o opinion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n but_o little_a as_o to_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o earth_n and_o air_n and_o heaven_n hunger_n and_o thirst_n make_v the_o poor_a man_n meat_n and_o drink_n as_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a as_o all_o the_o variety_n which_o cover_v a_o rich_a man_n table_n and_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v more_o healthful_a and_o many_o time_n more_o pleasant_a too_o than_o the_o ease_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o rich_a to_o be_v sure_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o the_o care_n and_o solicitude_n the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n discontent_n and_o envy_n and_o emulation_n which_o common_o attend_v a_o exalt_v fortune_n these_o indeed_o at_o best_a be_v but_o mean_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o low_a pleasure_n a_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o entertain_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n think_v it_o worth_a live_n to_o enjoy_v they_o nay_o most_o man_n know_v little_a of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o these_o and_o as_o philosophical_o as_o some_o may_v despise_v the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n in_o word_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o who_o can_v live_v above_o the_o body_n and_o all_o its_o pleasure_n while_o they_o live_v in_o it_o but_o how_o mean_v soever_o these_o pleasure_n be_v it_o be_v certain_a they_o make_v mankind_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o common_a allay_v they_o meet_v with_o not_o only_o patient_a of_o live_v but_o desirous_a to_o live_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v more_o noble_a and_o divine_a pleasure_n which_o man_n may_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n such_o as_o gratify_v the_o noble_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o pleasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n to_o know_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o contemplate_v the_o art_n and_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o work_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o man_n these_o indeed_o be_v pleasure_n that_o do_v not_o make_v we_o very_o fond_a of_o this_o body_n nor_o of_o this_o world_n for_o they_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o body_n nor_o be_v they_o confine_v to_o this_o world_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o when_o we_o get_v loose_a from_o these_o body_n our_o intellectual_a faculty_n will_v be_v vast_o improve_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o now_o do_v and_o discover_v new_a and_o bright_a glory_n which_o be_v conceal_v from_o mortal_a eye_n but_o yet_o the_o pleasure_n of_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n in_o this_o world_n be_v very_o great_a and_o ravish_a and_o therefore_o we_o either_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v at_o present_a such_o pleasure_n as_o make_v life_n very_o desirable_a be_v there_o no_o other_o
nor_o happy_a state_n after_o this_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o live_v as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v here_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o may_v be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n and_o though_o we_o know_v there_o be_v a_o happy_a life_n after_o this_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n as_o general_o make_v even_o good_a man_n very_o well_o content_v to_o stay_v here_o as_o long_o as_o god_n please_v 2_o but_o still_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o though_o man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o only_o compare_v the_o sensible_a advantage_n and_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n may_v make_v death_n much_o more_o desirable_a than_o life_n i_o praise_v the_o dead_a which_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n which_o be_v yet_o alive_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o say_n which_o must_v not_o be_v strict_o and_o philosophical_o examine_v nor_o stretch_v to_o the_o utmost_a sense_n the_o word_n will_v bear_v it_o have_v some_o truth_n and_o something_o of_o figure_n and_o rhetoric_n in_o it_o as_o many_o of_o our_o common_a and_o proverbial_a speech_n have_v which_o must_v be_v expound_v to_o a_o qualify_a sense_n we_o must_v observe_v then_o that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n be_v not_o to_o put_v we_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o life_n but_o to_o cure_v our_o vain_a expectation_n of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v we_o weary_a of_o life_n but_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o moderate_v our_o love_n to_o present_a thing_n and_o to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n for_o this_o be_v the_o application_n of_o all_o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n not_o only_o his_o duty_n but_o his_o happiness_n too_o for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 12._o eccl._n 13_o 14._o among_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v a_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n the_o wiseman_n instance_n in_o the_o many_o oppression_n and_o suffering_n which_o man_n be_v liable_a to_o and_o which_o sometime_o befall_v they_o which_o may_v be_v so_o sore_a and_o grievous_a and_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a and_o troublesome_a as_o may_v tempt_v man_n who_o only_o consult_v their_o own_o sensible_a satisfaction_n to_o prefer_v death_n before_o life_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v all_o that_o the_o wiseman_n mean_v that_o we_o may_v live_v in_o such_o a_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o mere_a external_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n can_v recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o his_o design_n require_v he_o to_o prove_v the_o vanity_n of_o all_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o if_o ever_o the_o case_n be_v such_o that_o a_o wiseman_n will_v choose_v rather_o to_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n behind_o he_o than_o to_o endure_v the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n wherewith_o they_o be_v attend_v they_o be_v vain_a indeed_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n ought_v to_o despise_v life_n for_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v choose_v to_o run_v out_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v ease_v of_o its_o trouble_n or_o that_o a_o wiseman_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o trouble_n can_v make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a in_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o a_o wiseman_n in_o such_o case_n shall_v prefer_v death_n before_o life_n though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o enough_o cure_v his_o fondness_n for_o life_n and_o make_v he_o welcome_a death_n whenever_o god_n please_v to_o send_v it_o let_v we_o then_o brief_o consider_v these_o thing_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n which_o may_v make_v a_o wiseman_n willing_a to_o part_v with_o all_o the_o external_a enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o be_v rid_v of_o the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o make_v he_o think_v those_o man_n happy_a who_o be_v escape_v out_o of_o this_o world_n or_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v into_o it_o king_n solomon_n the_o preacher_n give_v we_o two_o account_n of_o this_o the_o first_o before_o the_o second_o immediate_o after_o this_o text._n in_o the_o one_a verse_n he_o tell_v we_o so_o i_o return_v and_o consider_v all_o the_o oppression_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n and_o behold_v the_o tear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v oppress_v and_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o oppressor_n there_o be_v power_n but_o they_o have_v no_o comforter_n and_o hence_o he_o conclude_v wherefore_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a that_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a which_o signify_v the_o public_a oppression_n either_o of_o the_o supreme_a power_n or_o of_o subordinate_a magistrate_n the_o second_o relate_v to_o private_a faction_n envy_n emulation_n which_o many_o time_n make_v life_n as_o uneasy_a as_o the_o public_a miscarriage_n of_o government_n again_o i_o consider_v all_o travel_n and_o every_o right_a work_n that_o for_o this_o a_o man_n be_v envy_v of_o his_o neighbour_n this_o be_v also_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n v_o 4._o these_o two_o contain_v most_o of_o those_o evil_n in_o they_o which_o disturb_v and_o distract_v human_a life_n but_o i_o shall_v not_o discourse_v this_o matter_n according_a to_o rule_n of_o art_n and_o method_n but_o shall_v beg_v leave_n to_o give_v you_o a_o short_a view_n of_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o may_v make_v a_o man_n who_o consult_v only_o his_o own_o ease_n very_o content_v to_o slip_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o leave_v foolish_a mortal_n to_o end_v the_o scuffle_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v in_o a_o strong_a convulsion_n assault_v by_o powerful_a enemy_n abroad_o and_o divide_v by_o busy_a and_o restless_a faction_n at_o home_n when_o man_n live_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o suspense_n know_v not_o what_o to_o call_v their_o own_o nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o when_o some_o man_n think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o their_o country_n and_o their_o religion_n other_o will_v sacrifice_v their_o country_n and_o consequent_o themselves_o too_o to_o private_a ambition_n resentment_n or_o revenge_n and_o try_v their_o fortune_n over_o again_o in_o some_o new_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n when_o such_o public_a dispute_n as_o these_o influence_n all_o inferior_a society_n and_o as_o sometime_o they_o have_v do_v corrupt_v public_a justice_n dissolve_v the_o most_o intimate_v friendship_n make_v conversation_n uneasy_a or_o dangerous_a set_v every_o man_n sword_n or_o which_o be_v almost_o as_o fatal_a every_o man_n tongue_n against_o his_o brother_n when_o no_o man_n fame_n no_o man_n life_n be_v secure_a but_o a_o slander_v tongue_n may_v blast_v one_o and_o a_o perjure_a tongue_n destroy_v the_o other_o when_o zeal_n and_o faction_n make_v character_n of_o man_n dispose_n of_o life_n of_o honour_n of_o estate_n and_o religion_n itself_o serve_v for_o little_a else_o but_o to_o inspire_v man_n with_o zeal_n and_o faction_n when_o we_o can_v live_v in_o the_o world_n without_o see_v or_o hear_v or_o feel_v ten_o thousand_o villainy_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o what_o shall_v make_v any_o man_n fond_a of_o life_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o come_v to_o good_a old_a simeon_n nunc_fw-la dimittis_fw-la lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n such_o a_o troublesome_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o make_v all_o consider_v man_n think_v of_o a_o better_a and_o as_o glad_a to_o get_v out_o of_o this_o as_o a_o mariner_n be_v to_o recover_v the_o haven_n after_o a_o violent_a storm_n at_o sea_n thus_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v if_o we_o consider_v only_o the_o present_a advantage_n or_o disadvantage_n of_o life_n for_o perpetual_a fear_n and_o care_n strife_n and_o contention_n oppression_n injustice_n defamation_n etc._n
though_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n which_o we_o often_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n do_v not_o prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o contemptible_a state_n or_o worse_o than_o not_o be_v yet_o they_o do_v prove_v life_n to_o be_v a_o very_a imperfect_a state_n that_o the_o mere_a sensible_a pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n together_o with_o these_o great_a allay_v be_v but_o vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n wise_a man_n see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o complete_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o expect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v this_o world_n make_v we_o happy_a which_o though_o it_o have_v its_o pleasure_n have_v its_o trouble_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n too_o be_v a_o insecure_a and_o mutable_a state_n expose_v to_o chance_n and_o accident_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v always_o chequer_a with_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n have_v always_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o many_o time_n the_o evil_n be_v the_o prevail_a ingredient_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o natural_a love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o many_o sweet_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o reconcile_v very_o miserable_a people_n to_o live_v yet_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o this_o state_n much_o less_o to_o dream_v of_o perfect_a and_o last_a happiness_n in_o it_o 2_o the_o many_o trouble_v we_o be_v expose_v to_o plain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o happiness_n to_o be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a brag_n of_o the_o stoic_n that_o virtue_n alone_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a that_o their_o wiseman_n can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a in_o phalaris_n bull_n for_o virtue_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_v and_o clothes_n can_v cure_v bodily_a pain_n and_o sickness_n nor_o satisfy_v the_o appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o body_n and_o while_o a_o wise_a man_n live_v in_o a_o mortal_a body_n he_o must_v feel_v the_o want_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v in_o want_n and_o pain_n be_v not_o happiness_n but_o yet_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o nothing_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a in_o this_o world_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o when_o we_o must_v encounter_v with_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n nothing_o can_v give_v we_o any_o degree_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o trouble_n as_o will_v sour_a all_o our_o other_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o bear_v up_o our_o spirit_n which_o sink_v under_o their_o own_o weight_n under_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n be_v torment_v with_o fear_n with_o disappointment_n with_o envy_n with_o rage_n and_o when_o they_o can_v bear_v themselves_o can_v bear_v nothing_o else_o nor_o relish_v their_o wont_a pleasure_n but_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v that_o virtue_n have_v its_o proper_a pleasure_n in_o the_o great_a difficulty_n inspire_v we_o with_o prudent_a counsel_n to_o disentangle_v ourselves_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o bravery_n to_o resist_v the_o evil_a or_o to_o bear_v it_o sweeten_v our_o labour_n with_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a action_n for_o the_o public_a good_a keep_v our_o own_o passion_n under_o government_n and_o triumph_n over_o a_o adverse_a fortune_n by_o raise_v the_o mind_n above_o it_o by_o such_o help_n as_o these_o a_o good_a man_n may_v enjoy_v some_o competent_a measure_n of_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o worst_a condition_n but_o when_o such_o trouble_v surprise_v a_o mind_n unarm_v and_o unfortified_a with_o virtue_n unable_a to_o resist_v and_o unable_a to_o bear_v we_o may_v then_o with_o great_a truth_n and_o reason_n apply_v this_o text_n to_o he_o i_o praise_v the_o dead_a who_o be_v already_o dead_a more_o than_o the_o live_n who_o be_v yet_o alive_a be_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n always_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a there_o will_v be_v little_a need_n of_o passive_a virtue_n though_o virtue_n in_o general_n be_v always_o necessary_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a but_o all_o man_n must_v be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a passive_a and_o suffer_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o inconstant_a troublesome_a and_o suffer_a state_n which_o be_v always_o in_o some_o degree_n the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v convince_v those_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o how_o necessary_a the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a 3_o though_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o life_n be_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o good_a man_n shall_v hasten_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o this_o world_n before_o his_o time_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o make_v he_o content_v to_o leave_v this_o world_n whenever_o god_n call_v he_o out_o of_o it_o for_o though_o virtue_n will_v sweeten_v labour_n and_o difficulty_n yet_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v always_o to_o live_v in_o a_o state_n of_o war._n ease_n and_o rest_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o refresh_a after_o labour_n though_o a_o prince_n be_v glorious_a in_o the_o field_n cover_v with_o dust_n and_o sweat_n and_o sprinkle_v with_o the_o blood_n of_o his_o enemy_n yet_o the_o triumph_n of_o a_o secure_a and_o quiet_a throne_n be_v great_a and_o more_o desirable_a and_o this_o make_v the_o grave_a too_o in_o some_o degree_n acceptable_a after_o the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o virtue_n that_o there_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n especial_o since_o this_o rest_n be_v not_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n for_o all_o the_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o the_o ease_n and_o rest_n of_o know_v and_o feeling_n and_o be_v sensible_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o rest_n of_o a_o stone_n and_o of_o thing_n without_o life_n not_o the_o rest_n of_o a_o man._n but_o they_o rest_v from_o their_o labour_n and_o their_o work_n follow_v they_o they_o rest_v in_o a_o peaceful_a and_o secure_a enjoyment_n of_o endless_a happiness_n they_o rest_v from_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o virtue_n and_o enjoy_v its_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o present_a evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v what_o exact_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o mix_a state_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o may_v wean_v we_o from_o the_o tempt_a vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o perfect_a happiness_n to_o be_v find_v here_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o raise_v our_o heart_n above_o this_o world_n and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n upon_o thing_n above_o which_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o perfect_a ease_n and_o rest_n and_o since_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o future_a happiness_n nothing_o can_v be_v better_o for_o we_o than_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o shall_v make_v virtue_n necessary_a to_o our_o present_a happiness_n and_o since_o we_o must_v leave_v this_o world_n and_o death_n be_v the_o king_n of_o terror_n whatever_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o make_v it_o easy_a may_v be_v reckon_v one_o of_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o security_n of_o human_a life_n second_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n of_o human_a life_n be_v owe_v to_o man_n own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n and_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v those_o evil_n a_o objection_n against_o providence_n which_o man_n wilful_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o thus_o the_o wiseman_n long_o since_o state_v this_o question_n the_o foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o way_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n 19_o prov._n 3_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a and_o then_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o their_o misery_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o mankind_n undo_v themselves_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o a_o satyr_n against_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n but_o need_v no_o proof_n if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n and_o resolve_v they_o into_o their_o immediate_a and_o natural_a cause_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o most_o man_n take_v great_a care_n to_o leave_v very_o little_a for_o god_n to_o do_v in_o the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v but_o two_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o
be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v unseasonable_a wether_n earthquake_n excessive_a heat_n or_o cold_a great_a drought_n or_o immoderate_a rain_n thunder_n lightning_n storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o occasion_n famine_n and_o plague_n great_a sickness_n or_o a_o great_a mortality_n these_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v nature_n but_o beside_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o visible_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n justify_v such_o severity_n how_o rare_o do_v these_o happen_v and_o how_o few_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o many_o and_o constant_a evil_n which_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o most_o of_o the_o other_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n be_v visible_o owe_v to_o man_n sin_n bodily_a sickness_n sharp_a and_o painful_a distemper_n which_o shorten_v man_n life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n or_o wantonness_n child_n inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v or_o to_o struggle_v some_o few_o year_n in_o the_o very_a kingdom_n and_o territory_n of_o death_n and_o to_o languish_v under_o those_o mortal_a wound_n which_o they_o receive_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o life_n another_o great_a evil_n be_v poverty_n which_o many_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o idleness_n or_o prodigality_n and_o some_o expensive_a vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o industry_n to_o make_v himself_o rich_a for_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o but_o in_o ordinary_a case_n prudence_n and_o industry_n join_v with_o a_o religious_a regard_n for_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v quick_o pinch_v by_o a_o long_a and_o expensive_a sickness_n or_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n or_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o hand_n or_o leg_n other_o be_v undo_v by_o fire_n or_o shipwreck_n or_o the_o various_a accident_n of_o trade_n which_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o cautious_a man_n can_v escape_v but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o throng_n and_o crowd_n of_o idle_a prodigal_a self-made_a poor_a god_n have_v make_v provision_n for_o all_o such_o case_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v extreme_a want_n by_o command_v the_o rich_a especial_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o such_o poor_a who_o be_v proper_o god_n poor_a or_o the_o poor_a of_o god_n make_v and_o command_v this_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o they_o prove_v unjust_a and_o unfaithful_a steward_n so_o that_o though_o god_n make_v some_o man_n poor_a it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n if_o they_o suffer_v want_v the_o poverty_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o want_n and_o misery_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v unequal_o divide_v of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n shall_v want_v necessary_n that_o one_o man_n plenty_n and_o abundance_n shall_v cause_v another_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o misery_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o expatiate_v on_o every_o particular_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o be_v all_o man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a happy_a place_n and_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n will_v make_v mankind_n happy_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o it_o be_v that_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o mankind_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o most_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o these_o evil_n which_o man_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v un_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o bring_v these_o evil_n upon_o mankind_n but_o man_n bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o suppose_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o they_o now_o be_v and_o that_o man_n live_v just_a as_o they_o now_o do_v there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o now_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n though_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o intemperance_n luxury_n and_o lust_n will_v destroy_v man_n health_n sloth_n and_o prodigality_n and_o expensive_a vice_n will_v make_v man_n poor_a pride_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n will_v make_v quarrel_n raise_v war_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n upon_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n thus_o it_o must_v be_v for_o excessive_a eat_n and_o drink_v will_v oppress_v nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v no_o honest_a pain_n to_o get_v money_n or_o will_v spend_v what_o they_o have_v upon_o their_o lust_n must_v be_v poor_a and_o those_o who_o will_v quarrel_v and_o fight_v must_v take_v what_o follow_v these_o evil_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o providence_n because_o providence_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o no_o more_o than_o providence_n make_v man_n wicked_a man_n make_v themselves_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n make_v they_o miserable_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o with_o those_o misery_n which_o their_o own_o wickedness_n bring_v upon_o they_o now_o since_o most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v for_o 1._o god_n have_v in_o ordinary_a case_n put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o most_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n even_o from_o all_o those_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
can_v subsist_v without_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o their_o fortune_n do_v that_o a_o prince_n be_v as_o much_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v great_a than_o his_o subject_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o happiness_n be_v not_o entail_v on_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o secular_a honour_n as_o they_o have_v their_o advantage_n so_o they_o have_v very_o troublesome_a and_o sour_a allay_v and_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n as_o different_a a_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o man_n make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pretty_a equal_a as_o to_o true_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v very_o little_a difference_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o we_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o satisfy_v nature_n for_o appetite_n make_v every_o thing_n delicious_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o gout_n and_o stone_n and_o those_o sharp_a or_o languish_a disease_n which_o so_o common_o attend_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o for_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n itself_o which_o create_v the_o great_a difference_n every_o rank_n of_o man_n make_v a_o scene_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o man_n find_v something_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o equal_a as_o in_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o a_o value_n for_o themselves_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o will_v change_v fortune_n with_o other_o there_o be_v few_o that_o will_v change_v themselves_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o fortune_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a while_o every_o man_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o 3_o this_o inequality_n of_o fortune_n be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n it_o make_v some_o man_n industrious_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o family_n it_o inspire_v other_o with_o emulation_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n it_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o a_o busy_a scene_n of_o action_n to_o keep_v what_o they_o have_v and_o to_o make_v new_a acquisition_n to_o excel_v their_o equal_n and_o rival_n those_o above_o they_o and_o though_o through_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n this_o occasion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a dull_a place_n without_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n no_o reward_n for_o virtue_n providence_n itself_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v for_o the_o visible_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o change_n of_o man_n fortune_n when_o industry_n prudence_n and_o virtue_n advance_v man_n of_o a_o low_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o a_o plentiful_a and_o splendid_a station_n and_o prodigality_n luxury_n and_o impiety_n bring_v misery_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n upon_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n such_o revolution_n as_o these_o be_v great_a example_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o inequality_n of_o man_n fortune_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n that_o there_o can_v be_v little_o visible_a exercise_n either_o of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n without_o it_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n reflect_v upon_o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n who_o know_v how_o little_o they_o deserve_v of_o he_o and_o feel_v every_o day_n how_o many_o blessing_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o seem_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v find_v or_o ignorant_o invent_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o reproach_v his_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n confute_v such_o objection_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o answer_v they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a goodness_n even_o on_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o patient_a and_o thankful_a submission_n to_o god_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o and_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v they_o and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n when_o we_o see_v it_o like_o the_o sun_n break_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conquer_v the_o sin_n the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n and_o shine_v through_o all_o those_o misery_n which_o foolish_a sinner_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o how_o good_a be_v god_n when_o his_o goodness_n flow_v with_o a_o undisturbed_a uninterrupted_a current_n chap._n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o 4._o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v or_o censure_v such_o mysterious_a passage_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o it_o become_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o admire_v that_o wonderful_a wisdom_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n 11._o job_n 7_o 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v as_o well_o as_o make_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n when_o we_o contemplate_v god_n it_o be_v like_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o a_o boundless_a prospect_n where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o glory_n and_o beauty_n but_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v discover_v admirable_a and_o surprise_v wisdom_n in_o that_o little_a we_o see_v of_o providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o brief_o observe_v upon_o several_a occasion_n but_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v and_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o have_v as_o imperfect_a a_o view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o whoever_o diligent_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o providence_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v a_o great_a many_o event_n which_o careless_a observer_n make_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o will_v be_v of_o such_o great_a use_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o make_v some_o little_a essay_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a yet_o will_v suggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n and_o show_v we_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o profitable_a way_n of_o study_v history_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hinge_n of_o providence_n whereon_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o providence_n turn_v 2._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o other_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o more_o common_a event_n of_o providence_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n 1._o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o give_v a_o new_a face_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o open_v new_a scene_n of_o providence_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n there_o be_v no_o death_n no_o sickness_n no_o labour_n or_o sorrow_n but_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n make_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o this_o visible_a creation_n man_n himself_o become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n according_a to_o that_o sentence_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n thorn_n also_o and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n in_o
meaning_n of_o it_o from_o what_o noah_n have_v often_o tell_v they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o flood_n give_v they_o some_o time_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o make_v a_o glorious_a representation_n both_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n that_o ever_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v as_o there_o want_v not_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o it_o that_o god_n intend_v the_o deluge_n as_o well_o to_o convince_v and_o save_v all_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o old_a world_n as_o to_o reform_v the_o new_a thus_o since_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n to_o destroy_v the_o earth_n by_o a_o deluge_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o noah_n than_o his_o preservation_n be_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o instead_o of_o drown_v the_o world_n god_n have_v at_o once_o destroy_v all_o mankind_n by_o plague_n or_o thunder_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o other_o sudden_a stroke_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o shall_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o terrible_a execution_n and_o live_v to_o see_v the_o earth_n cover_v with_o dead_a body_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o bury_v they_o and_o their_o city_n lie_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n who_o can_v conceive_v what_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o sight_n will_v have_v be_v who_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o world_n to_o converse_v only_o with_o the_o image_n of_o death_n and_o with_o noisome_a carcase_n but_o god_n in_o great_a mercy_n shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o terror_n and_o consternation_n of_o sinner_n when_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o he_o wash_v away_o all_o their_o dead_a body_n into_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o old_a habitation_n that_o when_o noah_n come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n he_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o new_a and_o a_o beautiful_a world_n nothing_o to_o disturb_v his_o imagination_n no_o mark_n or_o remain_v of_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n this_o indeed_o destroy_v all_o other_o live_v creature_n as_o well_o as_o sinner_n except_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n with_o noah_n but_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n use_n be_v destroy_v with_o man_n since_o god_n preserve_v some_o of_o each_o kind_a for_o a_o new_a increase_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o this_o for_o have_v the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o beast_n when_o there_o be_v but_o four_o man_n in_o it_o the_o whole_a earth_n will_v quick_o have_v be_v possess_v by_o wild_a and_o savage_a creature_n which_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o very_a unsafe_a habitation_n for_o man_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o in_o short_a be_v this_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o incurable_a it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o corrupt_a state_n and_o to_o propagate_v a_o new_a race_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a stock_n and_o to_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n to_o this_o end_n he_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n imaginable_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n which_o bring_v a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o old_a world_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o preserve_v noah_n from_o the_o common_a ruin_n we_o see_v in_o this_o example_n that_o number_n be_v no_o defence_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o therefore_o no_o security_n to_o sinner_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v they_o all_o nay_o we_o see_v that_o the_o more_o wickedness_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n the_o near_a it_o be_v to_o destruction_n that_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reasonable_a temptation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a warning_n to_o consider_v man_n to_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a world_n by_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n that_o god_n may_v distinguish_v they_o also_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n which_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n show_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o sin_n with_o a_o multitude_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n will_v hasten_v vengeance_n here_o we_o see_v that_o though_o sinner_n may_v be_v very_o secure_a they_o be_v never_o safe_a as_o our_o saviour_n observe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o 24._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o god_n may_v delay_v punishment_n a_o great_a while_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v below_o till_o sinner_n begin_v to_o think_v 21._o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o but_o their_o judgement_n all_o this_o while_n neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a calm_a and_o the_o serene_a day_n before_o the_o most_o terrible_a earthquake_n and_o the_o long_a god_n have_v keep_v silence_n the_o 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