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
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 necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o more_o general_a communication_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o spread_v a_o wholesome_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pestilential_a contagion_n and_o since_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n be_v not_o so_o general_a in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o be_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ready_a way_n to_o do_v this_o as_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n which_o unite_v a_o great_a many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n into_o one_o which_o beside_o all_o other_o advantage_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o memorable_a action_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o great_a empire_n for_o though_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v long_o before_o yet_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o golden_a head_n of_o that_o image_n which_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n god_n carry_v judah_n captive_a into_o babylon_n 38._o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o babylonish_n empire_n the_o first_o occasion_n god_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o babylon_n be_v nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n which_o he_o have_v forget_v and_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o astrologer_n or_o sorcerer_n of_o chaldaean_n can_v show_v the_o king_n his_o dream_n much_o less_o tell_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o daniel_n do_v both_o which_o make_v nabuchadnezzar_n acknowledge_v to_o daniel_n of_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o king_n and_o a_o revealer_n of_o secret_n since_o thou_o can_v reveal_v this_o secret_a 2._o dan._n 47._o and_o this_o advance_a daniel_n to_o great_a authority_n for_o the_o king_n make_v he_o ruler_n over_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o babylon_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o governor_n over_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o babylon_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o use_v his_o authority_n especial_o among_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n who_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o other_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n among_o they_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n god_n magnify_v his_o power_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n which_o occasion_v a_o decree_n that_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o dispose_v all_o man_n to_o think_v very_o honourable_o of_o their_o god_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n which_o speak_v any_o thing_n amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n 3._o dan._n 28_o 29._o and_o that_o experience_n nabuchadnezzar_n have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n extort_a from_o he_o as_o devout_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o orthodox_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o any_o jew_n can_v have_v make_v 4_o dan._n thus_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o belshazzar_n who_o with_o his_o prince_n his_o wife_n and_o concubine_n drink_v wine_n out_o of_o the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n god_n give_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n which_o as_o daniel_n expound_v it_o and_o the_o event_n that_o very_a night_n confirm_v foretell_v the_o immediate_a overthrow_n of_o his_o empire_n by_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n this_o be_v a_o very_a sudden_a vengeance_n for_o their_o idolatrous_a revel_n and_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o daniel_n very_o free_o acquaint_v the_o king_n 5_o dan._n and_o though_o his_o advancement_n by_o belshazzar_n who_o make_v he_o the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a short_a continuance_n the_o king_n be_v slay_v that_o night_n yet_o it_o so_o recommend_v he_o to_o darius_n who_o begin_v the_o second_o monarchy_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o he_o advance_v daniel_n to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a honour_n and_o power_n he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o precedent_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o prince_n who_o darius_n set_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o new_a monarchy_n god_n give_v a_o fresh_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n in_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o which_o reason_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n 6._o dan._n 25_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o by_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n and_o this_o dispose_v cyrus_n the_o seventy_o year_n of_o their_o captivity_n be_v accomplish_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n and_o to_o publish_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o still_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o when_o all_o have_v liberty_n to_o return_v great_a number_n stay_v behind_o in_o babylon_n where_o they_o free_o profess_v and_o exercise_v their_o religion_n which_o together_o with_o the_o civil_a dependence_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n on_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n preserve_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o they_o and_o that_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o their_o god_n the_o grecian_a empire_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o persian_a make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n still_o more_o know_v to_o the_o world_n alexander_n the_o great_a come_v to_o jerusalem_n treat_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a kindness_n consult_v the_o record_n of_o their_o prophet_n offer_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o confirm_v their_o old_a but_o grant_v new_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o thus_o god_n become_v know_v not_o only_o to_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a but_o to_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n and_o when_o after_o alexander_n death_n the_o empire_n be_v divide_v this_o cause_v a_o new_a dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o into_o syria_n and_o egypt_n ptolemy_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v surprise_v jerusalem_n carry_v great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o egypt_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o kind_a opinion_n of_o they_o there_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o army_n and_o garrison_n and_o make_v they_o citizen_n of_o alexandria_n his_o son_n ptolemy_n philadelphus_n procure_v the_o translation_n of_o their_o law_n into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o new_a publication_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o after_o this_o onias_n build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v to_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o god_n be_v now_o as_o much_o know_v in_o egypt_n as_o he_o be_v in_o judaea_n and_o to_o let_v pass_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o power_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o assyrian_a monarch_n force_v the_o jew_n to_o pray_v the_o alliance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o end_v as_o such_o powerful_a alliance_n very_o often_o do_v in_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o first_o govern_v they_o by_o king_n and_o tetrarch_n and_o at_o last_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o roman_a province_n and_o thus_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n become_v know_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n these_o four_o successive_a monarchy_n do_v gradual_o increase_v and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n tell_v we_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v set_v up_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v 2._o dan._n 44._o for_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n make_v no_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n yet_o it_o great_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o it_o visible_o reform_v their_o philosophy_n and_o give_v they_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o age_n though_o they_o still_o worship_v their_o country_n god_n it_o give_v they_o some_o obscure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n
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
protection_n what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o furious_a soever_o their_o passion_n be_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o man_n and_o to_o depend_v on_o their_o favour_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o hurt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trust_v if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o if_o we_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v save_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n so_o that_o we_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o we_o be_v safe_a let_v we_o make_v god_n our_o friend_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o friend_n and_o patron_n and_o protector_n will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o make_v our_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o second_o have_v thus_o explain_v god_n government_n of_o cause_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o that_o if_o all_o those_o cause_n by_o which_o all_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v be_v govern_v by_o god_n god_n must_v also_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n but_o yet_o the_o government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n and_o to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o and_o familiar_o as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o show_v you_o what_o i_o mean_v by_o event_n when_o i_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n to_o god_n 2._o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 3._o the_o difference_n between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 4._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n 1._o what_o i_o mean_v by_o event_n now_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v may_v in_o a_o large_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o event_n and_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o under_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n as_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v but_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o god_n government_n of_o event_n i_o mean_v only_o such_o event_n as_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v god_n do_n as_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o private_a man_n or_o to_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n in_o this_o world_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v be_v not_o god_n do_v for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_a every_o day_n commit_v which_o god_n do_v not_o order_n and_o appoint_v to_o be_v do_v but_o have_v express_o forbid_v the_o do_n of_o it_o but_o there_o be_v no_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o happen_v to_o any_o man_n or_o to_o any_o society_n of_o man_n but_o what_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o and_o this_o be_v god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n this_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o providence_n to_o allot_v all_o man_n their_o fortune_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o dispense_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v receive_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o from_o the_o hand_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n necessary_o suppose_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v or_o thus_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n for_o unless_o providence_n be_v concern_v to_o take_v care_n that_o no_o man_n be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a but_o as_o they_o deserve_v which_o can_v be_v without_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a the_o many_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o turn_n of_o fortune_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o indeed_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n providence_n will_v be_v so_o insignificant_a a_o name_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v for_o or_o against_o it_o for_o a_o providence_n which_o neither_o can_v do_v we_o good_a nor_o hurt_n or_o which_o can_v always_o and_o in_o all_o case_n do_v it_o be_v worth_a nothing_o or_o worth_n no_o more_o than_o it_o can_v do_v good_a or_o hurt_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o do_v or_o can_v befall_v man_n or_o kingdom_n be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o providence_n and_o promise_v or_o threaten_v by_o god_n as_o man_n shall_v deserve_v either_o such_o as_o length_n of_o day_n or_o a_o sudden_a and_o untimely_a death_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n riches_n or_o poverty_n plenty_n or_o famine_n war_n or_o peace_n the_o change_a time_n and_o season_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o such_o event_n as_o these_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o 2_o but_o we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n now_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v in_o order_v and_o appoint_v whatever_o good_a or_o evil_n shall_v befall_v man_n for_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v attribute_v such_o a_o government_n to_o god_n as_o make_v all_o these_o event_n his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v his_o will_n and_o do_v but_o what_o he_o will_v and_o order_n some_o man_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n permit_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v but_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o god_n will_n and_o order_n and_o appoint_v it_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a will_v charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o true_o so_o it_o will_v do_v god_n order_n and_o appoint_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v do_v but_o though_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v what_o evil_n every_o man_n shall_v suffer_v he_o order_n and_o appoint_v no_o man_n to_o do_v the_o evil_a he_o only_o permit_v some_o man_n to_o do_v mischief_n and_o appoint_v who_o shall_v suffer_v by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o short_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n to_o attribute_v the_o evil_n which_o some_o man_n suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n mere_o to_o god_n permission_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n for_o bare_a permission_n be_v not_o government_n and_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n permit_v but_o do_v not_o order_n can_v be_v call_v his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n suffer_v befall_v they_o without_o god_n will_n and_o appointment_n and_o yet_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o evil_n man_n do_v and_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v the_o first_o god_n permit_v and_o direct_v the_o second_o he_o order_n and_o appoint_v how_o god_n govern_v man_n heart_n and_o action_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n to_o consider_v god_n permission_n of_o evil_a for_o permission_n relate_v to_o action_n man_n own_o wicked_a heart_n conceive_v and_o form_v wicked_a design_n and_o they_o execute_v they_o by_o god_n permission_n but_o no_o man_n suffer_v by_o they_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o god_n order_n for_o he_o and_o if_o such_o suffering_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a how_o wicked_a soever_o the_o cause_n be_v it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o providence_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v they_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n to_o providence_n or_o though_o he_o have_v make_v no_o criminal_a forfeiture_n of_o it_o yet_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o other_o wise_a reason_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o providence_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o murderer_n oppressor_n slanderer_n who_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o execute_v such_o decree_n when_o providence_n take_v off_o the_o restraint_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o deserve_v
he_o by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n and_o i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n for_o thou_o do_v it_o secret_o but_o i_o will_v do_v this_o thing_n before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 11_o 12._o which_o we_o know_v absalon_n according_o do_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o ahitophel_n 16._o chap._n 20_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o god_n do_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o david_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n but_o that_o he_o either_o instigate_v ahitophel_n to_o give_v this_o counsel_n or_o absolom_n to_o take_v it_o be_v not_o say_v and_o if_o god_n can_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n on_o david_n without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n all_o that_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o case_n be_v to_o put_v david_n wife_n into_o absalom_n power_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o foretell_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o permit_v for_o his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o david_n flee_v he_o shall_v leave_v his_o wife_n behind_o he_o which_o put_v they_o into_o absalom_n power_n and_o than_o god_n foresee_v what_o counsel_n ahitophel_n will_v give_v and_o how_o ready_a absalon_n will_v be_v to_o take_v it_o unless_o he_o hinder_v it_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o to_o do_v in_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultary_a and_o thus_o to_o order_v the_o permission_n for_o such_o a_o end_n though_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n yet_o entitle_v god_n to_o the_o event_n consider_v as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n thus_o when_o shimei_n curse_v david_n as_o he_o flee_v from_o jerusalem_n david_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n hand_n in_o it_o and_o will_v no_o suffer_v abishai_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n 2_o sam._n 16._o 10._o but_o every_a one_o see_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n god_n never_o command_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n nor_o do_v david_n believe_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o he_o do_v for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v impute_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o to_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v though_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o shimei_n at_o his_o return_n when_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n yet_o he_o leave_v it_o in_o his_o die_a charge_n to_o solomon_n not_o to_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a 1_o king_n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o when_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o curse_v all_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o or_o can_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n have_v give_v free_a scope_n to_o shimei_n old_a and_o inveterate_a hatred_n of_o he_o and_o as_o effectual_o let_v loose_v his_o revile_v tongue_n as_o if_o god_n have_v in_o express_a word_n command_v he_o to_o curse_n david_n and_o therefore_o he_o patient_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o part_v of_o his_o punishment_n and_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n which_o give_v this_o confidence_n to_o shimei_n to_o curse_v his_o king_n behold_v my_o son_n which_o come_v forth_o of_o my_o bowel_n seek_v my_o life_n how_o much_o more_o now_o may_v this_o benjamite_n do_v it_o 10._o v._n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o david_n elsewhere_o complain_v of_o that_o god_n have_v make_v he_o the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n for_o bad_a man_n will_v take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o persecute_v the_o good_a there_o need_v no_o other_o command_n for_o this_o but_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o some_o object_n god_n give_v power_n to_o satan_n first_o over_o the_o good_n and_o then_o over_o the_o body_n of_o job_n except_v his_o life_n and_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth-gilead_n but_o wherein_o the_o objection_n lie_v i_o can_v tell_v for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o god_n by_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o hurt_v and_o to_o deceive_v make_v he_o a_o malicious_a and_o lie_a spirit_n those_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a objector_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n without_o charge_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n too_o but_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v he_o have_v deceive_v he_o now_o how_o be_v it_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o providence_n to_o deceive_v 14._o ezek._n 9_o and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n now_o to_o this_o it_o be_v common_o answer_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o possess_v such_o prophet_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n for_o he_o only_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n such_o prophet_n as_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o for_o their_o lie_a prophecy_n and_o how_o do_v it_o unbecome_v god_n to_o give_v up_o the_o worshipper_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o deceive_v by_o they_o no_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o god_n have_v always_o his_o own_o prophet_n among_o they_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o such_o lie_a prophecy_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o prophecy_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o from_o the_o heathen_a idol_n or_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v to_o worship_v strange_a god_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o oracle_n or_o to_o divine_a out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o choose_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v even_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v unto_o he_o 10._o v._n we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o these_o prophet_n and_o severe_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o 13._o ezek._n who_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o to_o see_v a_o vain_a vision_n and_o speak_v a_o lie_a divination_n and_o sometime_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n too_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v it_o albeit_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v now_o this_o character_n the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n give_v of_o these_o lie_a prophet_n incline_v i_o to_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o seem_v plain_a and_o easy_a not_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o to_o prophesy_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o vain_a vision_n either_o by_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o idolatry_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o delusion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n or_o by_o heat_n their_o imagination_n into_o enthusiastic_a frenzy_n and_o prophesy_v their_o own_o hope_n and_o politic_a guess_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o than_o god_n deceive_v all_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n by_o bring_v those_o evil_n on_o they_o which_o they_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n say_v shall_v never_o come_v and_o the_o word_n plain_o favour_v this_o sense_n god_n do_v not_o say_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v to_o speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v he_o but_o if_o a_o
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 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
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_v