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
etc._n destroy_v the_o ease_n and_o security_n of_o life_n and_o the_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n of_o conversation_n without_o which_o all_o the_o other_o pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v very_o tasteless_a and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o bewail_v the_o folly_n and_o distraction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v fond_a of_o life_n and_o impatient_o thirst_v after_o happiness_n but_o will_v not_o suffer_v either_o themselves_o or_o other_o to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a who_o bite_v and_o devour_v each_o other_o and_o by_o their_o ungoverned_a passion_n raise_v such_o hurricane_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n or_o rest_v or_o happiness_n to_o be_v find_v but_o in_o a_o grave_a or_o in_o a_o charnel-house_n where_o the_o wicked_a cease_v from_o trouble_v and_o where_o the_o weary_a be_v at_o rest_n where_o the_o prisoner_n rest_v together_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o oppressor_n the_o small_a and_o great_a be_v there_o and_o the_o servant_n be_v free_a from_o his_o master_n 3._o job_n 17_o 18_o 19_o do_v man_n consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a it_o will_v convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n worth_a purchase_n with_o eternal_a discontent_n envy_n emulation_n jealousy_n fear_n with_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n and_o injury_n we_o can_v and_o with_o suffer_v all_o the_o injury_n which_o other_o can_v do_v nay_o indeed_o it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o man_n own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n if_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o reason_n the_o matter_n do_v not_o convince_v they_o of_o this_o to_o live_v be_v not_o mere_o to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a do_v not_o signify_v mere_o to_o have_v but_o to_o enjoy_v and_o to_o enjoy_v require_v a_o easy_a serene_a undisturbed_a mind_n which_o can_v relish_v what_o it_o have_v and_o extract_v its_o true_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o security_n of_o life_n the_o easiness_n and_o freedom_n of_o conversation_n when_o we_o fear_v no_o spy_n upon_o our_o word_n and_o action_n no_o malicious_a eye_n no_o slander_v tongue_n when_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o exchange_n of_o good_a office_n in_o the_o endearment_n and_o caress_n of_o friendship_n or_o at_o least_o in_o mutual_a civility_n and_o respect_n this_o be_v to_o live_v and_o to_o be_v happy_a a_o very_a little_a of_o what_o be_v external_a will_v make_v such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o happy_a which_o all_o the_o power_n and_o all_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n can_v do_v when_o to_o get_v or_o keep_v it_o divide_v the_o heart_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n ferment_n their_o passion_n destroy_v friendship_n and_o all_o mutual_a trust_n and_o confidence_n canton_n and_o crumble_v human_a society_n into_o party_n and_o faction_n and_o animate_v they_o with_o a_o bitter_a zeal_n and_o rage_n to_o reproach_n and_o vilify_v supplant_v and_o undermine_v each_o other_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v happy_a or_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v time_n to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n out_o of_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o despise_v or_o abhor_v life_n much_o less_o to_o force_v his_o passage_n out_o of_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o persuade_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n to_o live_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n they_o meet_v with_o the_o love_n of_o life_n be_v natural_a and_o strong_a and_o reconcile_v man_n to_o great_a misery_n before_o they_o desire_v that_o death_n shall_v ease_v they_o self-murder_n be_v so_o unnatural_a a_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v nowadays_o think_v reason_n enough_o to_o prove_v any_o man_n distract_v we_o have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n what_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n will_v do_v if_o that_o must_v pass_v for_o natural_a distraction_n but_o we_o seldom_o or_o never_o hear_v that_o mere_a external_a suffering_n how_o severe_a soever_o tempt_v man_n to_o kill_v themselves_o the_o stoic_n themselves_o who_o principle_n it_o be_v to_o break_v their_o prison_n when_o they_o find_v themselves_o uneasy_a very_o rare_o put_v it_o into_o practice_n nature_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o though_o their_o philosophy_n allow_v they_o to_o die_v when_o they_o please_v nature_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v as_o long_o as_o they_o can_v and_o we_o see_v that_o they_o seldom_o think_v themselves_o miserable_a enough_o to_o die_v there_o be_v no_o danger_n then_o of_o frightning_n man_n out_o of_o this_o world_n by_o the_o trouble_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o concern_v myself_o with_o such_o fear_n but_o yet_o without_o contradict_v solomon_n to_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o support_v and_o encourage_v good_a man_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o that_o it_o be_v very_o desirable_a for_o a_o good_a man_n to_o live_v on_o and_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n may_v live_v very_o happy_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o he_o may_v and_o sometime_o must_v encounter_v in_o this_o world_n for_o difficulty_n be_v a_o glorious_a scene_n of_o virtue_n and_o such_o a_o virtue_n as_o can_v conquer_v difficulty_n have_v its_o reward_n its_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n even_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v live_v in_o very_o bad_a time_n not_o only_o to_o reprieve_v a_o wicked_a world_n that_o god_n may_v not_o utter_o destroy_v it_o as_o he_o once_o do_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n but_o also_o to_o season_v human_a conversation_n to_o give_v check_n to_o wickedness_n and_o to_o revive_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n by_o some_o great_a and_o bright_a example_n and_o to_o redress_v those_o violence_n and_o injury_n which_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n at_o least_o to_o struggle_v and_o contend_v with_o a_o corrupt_a age_n which_o will_v put_v some_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_a evil_n and_o scatter_v such_o seed_n of_o virtue_n as_o will_v spring_v up_o in_o time_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n care_n of_o the_o world_n that_o antidote_n grow_v in_o the_o neighbourhood_n of_o poison_n that_o the_o most_o degenerate_a age_n have_v some_o excellent_a man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n for_o such_o a_o time_n to_o stem_v the_o torrent_n and_o to_o give_v some_o ease_n to_o the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n and_o will_v it_o become_v such_o man_n when_o the_o world_n so_o much_o need_v they_o to_o get_v out_o of_o it_o if_o they_o can_v to_o choose_v the_o quiet_a and_o silent_a retirement_n of_o wood_n and_o desert_n or_o of_o the_o grave_a to_o avoid_v the_o trouble_n of_o serve_v god_n or_o do_v good_a to_o man_n great_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o virtue_n be_v make_v for_o difficulty_n and_o grow_v strong_a and_o bright_a for_o such_o trial_n it_o lay_v a_o mighty_a obligation_n on_o mankind_n to_o serve_v the_o public_a good_a with_o labour_n and_o danger_n to_o purchase_v the_o ease_n and_o liberty_n and_o security_n of_o their_o country_n at_o the_o price_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o oppose_v a_o harden_a and_o laborious_a and_o unwearied_a virtue_n against_o zeal_n and_o faction_n and_o not_o like_o issachar_n to_o crouch_v between_o two_o burden_n and_o cry_v rest_n be_v good_a and_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a pleasure_n to_o a_o virtuous_a mind_n to_o feel_v its_o own_o strength_n to_o contend_v with_o difficulty_n as_o far_o as_o virtue_n and_o prudence_n direct_v with_o a_o unbroken_a mind_n it_o be_v always_o pleasant_a to_o do_v good_a but_o yet_o it_o have_v the_o sweet_a relish_n the_o dear_a we_o pay_v for_o it_o this_o be_v a_o pleasure_n above_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o world_n it_o not_o only_o sweeten_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n but_o turn_v they_o into_o triumph_n to_o endeavour_v to_o bear_v up_o a_o sink_a world_n though_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o be_v crush_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o it_o will_v make_v the_o very_a ruin_n he_o sink_v under_o a_o illustrious_a monument_n of_o his_o virtue_n to_o do_v all_o that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n ought_v to_o do_v without_o regard_n to_o his_o own_o ease_n to_o save_v a_o sink_v church_n and_o state_n will_v make_v he_o fall_v with_o pleasure_n and_o perpetuate_v his_o memory_n with_o honour_n for_o in_o spite_n of_o envy_n and_o detraction_n virtue_n will_v always_o be_v honourable_a in_o the_o grave_a but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o result_n of_o all_o i_o have_v say_v in_o two_o or_o three_o observation_n 1._o that_o
end_n explain_v they_o and_o then_o we_o admire_v the_o skill_n and_o art_n of_o the_o poet._n now_o the_o great_a obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v in_o such_o intermediate_v event_n before_o we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o it_o have_v we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o joseph_n but_o that_o he_o be_v sell_v by_o his_o brethren_n into_o egypt_n and_o there_o false_o accuse_v by_o a_o wanton_a mistress_n and_o cast_v into_o prison_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v that_o god_n have_v deal_v very_o hardly_o with_o he_o but_o when_o we_o understand_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o pharaoh_n throne_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v be_v content_v to_o be_v a_o joseph_n thus_o the_o story_n of_o iob_n affliction_n strike_v terror_n and_o astonishment_n into_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o job_n himself_o know_v not_o what_o account_n to_o give_v of_o his_o suffering_n and_o his_o friend_n give_v a_o very_a bad_a one_o by_o false_o and_o uncharitable_o accuse_v job_n of_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n to_o vindicate_v god_n severity_n towards_o he_o and_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o it_o to_o this_o day_n have_v we_o not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o iob_n suffering_n and_o with_o that_o long_a and_o great_a prosperity_n wherewith_o god_n reward_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o now_o no_o man_n think_v the_o suffering_n of_o job_n any_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n much_o less_o any_o objection_n against_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o single_a man_n when_o we_o see_v only_o a_o scene_n or_o two_o of_o their_o life_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o such_o prosperous_a or_o adverse_a event_n as_o we_o can_v account_v for_o but_o can_v we_o see_v from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n in_o most_o case_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v justify_v itself_o but_o then_o the_o hide_a and_o mysterious_a design_n of_o providence_n relate_v to_o church_n and_o kingdom_n which_o comprehend_v so_o many_o great_a and_o wonderful_a revolution_n the_o translation_n of_o empire_n the_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o one_o country_n and_o plant_v church_n in_o other_o where_o there_o be_v none_o before_o the_o increase_n and_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o one_o age_n and_o its_o great_a declension_n and_o almost_o total_a eclipse_n in_o another_o those_o surprise_v change_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o genius_n temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n in_o several_a age_n the_o unaccountable_a beginning_n of_o war_n and_o the_o as_o unaccountable_a success_n and_o unaccountable_a end_n of_o it_o the_o long_a prosperity_n of_o persecute_v tyrant_n and_o their_o sudden_a fall_n these_o and_o such_o like_a event_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a to_o we_o who_o know_v not_o what_o god_n aim_v at_o in_o all_o this_o nor_o what_o design_n he_o be_v carry_v on_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n reach_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o nay_o do_v not_o come_v to_o perfection_n in_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o have_v all_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o some_o last_o great_a end_n the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n as_o mysterious_a book_n as_o they_o be_v and_o as_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v to_o apply_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a event_n yet_o thus_o much_o be_v plain_a in_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o long_a series_n and_o chain_n of_o event_n which_o reach_v from_o age_n to_o age_n with_o infinite_a turn_n and_o variety_n of_o wisdom_n direct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a counsel_n to_o some_o unknown_a but_o glorious_a conclusion_n and_o when_o the_o divine_a counsel_n be_v so_o deep_a and_o mysterious_a and_o so_o far_o out_o of_o our_o sight_n when_o we_o see_v so_o little_a a_o part_n of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o know_v not_o what_o end_n god_n aim_v at_o in_o it_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o particular_a event_n have_v we_o a_o certain_a and_o particular_a history_n of_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v and_o can_v we_o certain_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o what_o be_v still_o to_o be_v do_v in_o every_o age_n and_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n that_o we_o can_v have_v one_o view_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v be_v more_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o wisdom_n beauty_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o when_o our_o account_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a and_o our_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v to_o come_v much_o more_o imperfect_a than_o of_o what_o be_v past_a when_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o our_o own_o age_n of_o our_o own_o country_n of_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o wise_a contrivance_n and_o design_n of_o a_o comedy_n by_o read_v one_o act_n or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o one_o scene_n of_o that_o act._n this_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n without_o understand_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n and_o for_o what_o end_n every_o thing_n be_v design_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v well_o or_o ill_o contrive_v as_o it_o serve_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o god_n as_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n give_v why_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o unsearchable_a 11._o rom._n 33_o 34._o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o for_o who_o have_v know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v his_o counsellor_n 3_o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o while_o we_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a thorough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o providence_n without_o take_v the_o other_o world_n into_o the_o account_n be_v there_o no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o dispute_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n or_o not_o for_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o a_o providence_n thing_n be_v as_o they_o be_v and_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o we_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consequence_n which_o be_v true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o some_o man_n so_o zealous_o dispute_v against_o a_o providence_n be_v because_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o another_o world_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o so_o zealous_o contend_v for_o a_o providence_n be_v to_o support_v ourselves_o against_o all_o cross_a event_n with_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n at_o present_a and_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o more_o bless_a and_o happy_a life_n hereafter_o so_o that_o in_o truth_n this_o dispute_n be_v not_o so_o much_o intend_v against_o providence_n as_o against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o therefore_o both_o these_o must_v be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n when_o they_o make_v their_o objection_n against_o providence_n or_o all_o their_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o say_v and_o to_o prove_v too_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n for_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v their_o great_a objection_n as_o no_o man_n can_v give_v a_o reasonable_a account_n of_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v account_v for_o for_o though_o there_o may_v be_v many_o difficulty_n which_o we_o can_v particular_o answer_v as_o all_o wise_a man_n acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v yet_o unless_o they_o can_v positive_o prove_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n itself_o can_v answer_v these_o difficulty_n the_o world_n may_v still_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v and_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o they_o can_v never_o prove_v this_o for_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v tell_v what_o infinite_a wisdom_n know_v and_o what_o difficulty_n it_o can_v answer_v which_o show_v how_o vain_a all_o these_o argument_n against_o providence_n be_v which_o at_o last_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o the_o ignorance_n of_o human_a understanding_n that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n because_o
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_o be_v
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
imperfect_a can_v with_o such_o great_a probability_n almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n foresee_v many_o event_n which_o depend_v also_o upon_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n prescience_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v any_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o event_n if_o we_o say_v indeed_o as_o some_o man_n do_v that_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v absolute_o decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o i_o grant_v do_v infer_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o god_n foreknowledge_n but_o his_o decree_n which_o create_v the_o necessity_n all_o thing_n upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v necessary_a not_o because_o god_n foreknow_v they_o but_o because_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v they_o necessary_a he_o foreknow_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a but_o do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a by_o foreknow_v they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n god_n prescience_n consider_v only_o as_o foreknowing_a will_v be_v no_o great_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n than_o man_n have_v who_o can_v certain_o foreknow_v what_o they_o certain_o intend_v to_o do_v and_o it_o seem_v god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o these_o man_n confession_n that_o foreknowledge_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o human_a action_n that_o if_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o he_o have_v not_o absolute_o and_o peremptory_o decree_v how_o certain_a soever_o such_o event_n may_v be_v his_o foreknowledge_n do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o event_n from_o god_n foreknowledge_n till_o we_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foreknow_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o perfection_n as_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o foreknow_v thing_n in_o a_o decree_n or_o only_o in_o necessary_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o that_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o call_v prescience_n than_o it_o be_v prescience_n in_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n but_o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n do_v also_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n charge_v man_n sin_n and_o final_a ruin_n on_o themselves_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o now_o how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reconcile_v prescience_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o if_o man_n act_n free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v necessary_o and_o if_o god_n do_v foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n act_v free_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v free_o do_v that_o be_v that_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o necessity_n but_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n who_o can_v reason_v nice_o about_o these_o matter_n that_o this_o argument_n from_o prescience_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o human_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o charge_v man_n sin_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v fallacious_a and_o deceitful_a because_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o man_n sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v both_o these_o and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v liberty_n two_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o foreknow_v but_o decree_v such_o event_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o such_o case_n he_o must_v decree_v man_n sin_n too_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o be_v there_o a_o more_o wicked_a action_n commit_v and_o yet_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v 2._o act_n 23._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n careful_o this_o very_a text_n will_v answer_v the_o objection_n for_o what_o do_v st._n peter_n say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o take_v he_o and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o say_v but_o he_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o power_n by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n slay_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o this_o event_n the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v foreordain_v and_o praedetermine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o christ_n shall_v die_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n that_o nothing_o can_v more_o become_v god_n than_o such_o counsel_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o by_o his_o infinite_a prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o will_v be_v do_v if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o viz._n by_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o this_o he_o determine_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o certain_a effect_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o they_o will_v take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o so_o that_o though_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o christ_n shall_v die_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o decree_n that_o judas_n shall_v betray_v he_o or_o that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n shall_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v he_o but_o this_o he_o foresee_v and_o this_o he_o decree_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o wicked_a instrument_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o unworthy_a of_o god_n or_o unbecoming_a the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o reference_n to_o all_o other_o event_n which_o be_v decree_v by_o god_n he_o never_o decree_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n accomplish_v his_o wise_a decree_n by_o the_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o never_o decree_v their_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o foresight_n and_o wonderful_a wisdom_n so_o dispose_v and_o order_n thing_n as_o to_o make_v their_o sin_n which_o they_o free_o and_o resolve_o commit_v and_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o irresistible_a power_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o commit_v serve_v the_o wise_a and_o gracious_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n this_o be_v wisdom_n too_o wonderful_a for_o we_o but_o thus_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v 3_o another_o pretence_n for_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n which_o when_o expound_v to_o a_o strict_a literal_a sense_n as_o some_o man_n expound_v they_o seem_v to_o attribute_v to_o god_n some_o kind_n of_o causality_n and_o efficiency_n in_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v the_o scripture_n contradict_v itself_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o few_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n be_v misunderstand_v because_o not_o only_o some_o few_o particular_a text_n but_o all_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o three_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n either_o direct_o or_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n prove_v the_o contrary_n and_o suppose_v then_o that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n be_v it_o not_o more_o reasonable_a
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o 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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 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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
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 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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
happy_a let_v the_o most_o sceptical_a objector_n against_o providence_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o god_n can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n without_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o choose_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v these_o evil_n on_o he_o have_v be_v to_o change_v his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o yet_o man_n can_v live_v as_o they_o do_v and_o escape_v these_o misery_n unless_o all_o nature_n be_v change_v we_o must_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o body_n than_o we_o have_v or_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n must_v have_v other_o virtue_n and_o quality_n to_o bear_v the_o disorder_n and_o excess_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n without_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o fire_n must_v not_o burn_v nor_o water_n drown_v if_o wine_n must_v not_o inflame_v nor_o a_o flood_n of_o indigested_a liquor_n extinguish_v the_o vital_a heat_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v a_o paradise_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v possess_v in_o common_a or_o the_o idle_a slothful_a prodigal_a sinner_n must_v be_v poor_a our_o body_n must_v be_v invulnerable_a and_o immortal_a or_o there_o must_v be_v no_o instrument_n of_o death_n in_o the_o world_n or_o man_n who_o quarrel_n will_v fight_v and_o kill_v one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v to_z separate_z sin_n and_o misery_n but_o man_n may_v avoid_v misery_n if_o they_o please_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a world_n and_o a_o good_a god_n that_o make_v such_o a_o world_n and_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n wherein_o man_n may_v make_v themselves_o happy_a if_o they_o will_n 2_o beside_o this_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v see_v in_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o more_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o sin_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v they_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o providence_n no_o man_n doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v nor_o that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o hurt_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v it_o then_o after_o all_o that_o make_v the_o world_n so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n if_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v foolish_a sinner_n to_o make_v themselves_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_a as_o they_o will_v that_o as_o many_o furious_a phaeton_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o in_o flame_n but_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n have_v its_o temperate_a as_o well_o as_o torrid_a zone_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o attribute_v this_o to_o if_o we_o do_v not_o attibute_v it_o to_o providence_n to_o what_o else_o can_v we_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o those_o unseen_a snare_n which_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o have_v escape_v nay_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o to_o this_o day_n how_o many_o wicked_a design_n prove_v abortive_a how_o many_o secret_a plot_n be_v discover_v when_o ripe_a for_o execution_n how_o often_o do_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n into_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o proud_a tyrant_n and_o by_o some_o cross_a accident_n or_o by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n break_v their_o power_n and_o humble_v they_o to_o the_o dust_n sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n be_v full_a of_o such_o example_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o good_a we_o enjoy_v to_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o then_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n prevent_v all_o that_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n will_v do_v but_o can_v and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o this_o be_v who_o know_v how_o much_o evil_n bad_a man_n will_v do_v have_v they_o no_o restraint_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o restrain_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o misery_n than_o complain_v that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o afflict_v the_o world_n 3_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n than_o what_o he_o overrule_v to_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n for_o god_n many_o time_n serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o chastise_v the_o good_a to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n or_o to_o give_v terrible_a example_n of_o his_o vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o all_o this_o how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v suppress_v destroy_v and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v make_v better_a and_o become_v great_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v if_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o more_o than_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o than_o what_o will_v do_v himself_o good_a if_o he_o wise_o improve_v it_o or_o will_v do_v other_o good_a if_o they_o will_v either_o take_v warning_n by_o his_o suffering_n or_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n though_o the_o way_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v very_o severe_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n even_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n himself_o immediate_o inflict_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o he_o inflict_v no_o more_o nor_o great_a evil_n than_o what_o be_v for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o for_o be_v it_o not_o wonderful_a goodness_n in_o god_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o ourselves_o to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n to_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v ourselves_o no_o more_o hurt_v than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v into_o great_a good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v so_o to_o restrain_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hurt_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o correct_v or_o to_o exercise_v with_o some_o severity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o hurt_n nor_o hurt_v any_o long_a than_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o review_v this_o objection_n and_o answer_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n let_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o father_n and_o i_o hope_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n of_o earthly_a parent_n will_v be_v think_v a_o good_a justification_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n suppose_v then_o a_o father_n have_v several_a child_n who_o he_o providee_n very_o bountiful_o for_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o hopeful_a circumstance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v frugal_a diligent_a and_o virtuous_a they_o may_v live_v happy_o and_o increase_v their_o fortune_n shall_v such_o child_n turn_v prodigal_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o riot_v and_o luxury_n destroy_v their_o health_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n will_v any_o man_n blame_v their_o good_a father_n for_o this_o and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o much_o injure_v shall_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o unkindness_n and_o severity_n to_o his_o child_n only_o because_o after_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o can_v show_v they_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v