against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n so_o that_o these_o man_n have_v take_v care_n always_o to_o have_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n for_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n god_n can_v be_v both_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v both_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n both_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n both_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o must_v be_v very_o consistent_a and_o reconcilable_a with_o each_o other_o both_o in_o notion_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o vindicate_v his_o goodness_n the_o objection_n against_o which_o be_v found_v in_o plain_a and_o evident_a mistake_v and_o therefore_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a answer_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o mistake_v be_v and_o then_o particular_o answer_v the_o objection_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o mistake_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o the_o mistake_v concern_v god_n goodness_n and_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n be_v this_o that_o man_n consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n absolute_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n quality_n or_o desert_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o contemplate_v goodness_n in_o its_o abstract_a idea_n and_o notion_n and_o whatever_o they_o conceive_v belong_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v it_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o a_o good_a providence_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v all_o creature_n happy_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o misery_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o deface_v the_o beauty_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o harmony_n of_o it_o no_o lamentable_a sight_n nor_o doleful_a complaint_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n nor_o to_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o melancholy_a presage_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n nor_o to_o make_v frightful_a impression_n on_o we_o of_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a deity_n can_v they_o see_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o they_o will_v thankful_o own_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o secure_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v give_v we_o a_o very_a different_a prospect_n we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n and_o feel_v a_o great_a many_o misery_n ourselves_o and_o many_o time_n expect_v and_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o more_o and_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o world_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v have_v we_o never_o see_v it_o but_o only_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n make_v and_o govern_v by_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n indeed_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o a_o good_a god_n can_v make_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o good_a providence_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o will_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n will_v do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o can_v be_v wise_o do_v but_o not_o all_o the_o good_a which_o man_n may_v expect_v from_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o goodness_n must_v not_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_n event_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v very_o calamitous_a but_o by_o that_o proportion_n such_o event_n bear_v to_o the_o state_n and_o desert_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o this_o world_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v to_o every_o one_o he_o meet_v he_o will_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o child_n and_o a_o servant_n between_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o enemy_n between_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o much_o more_o must_v a_o good_a prince_n and_o a_o good_a magistrate_n do_v so_o and_o much_o more_o must_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o if_o we_o view_v man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n suit_v itself_o to_o those_o different_a state_n the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v our_o estimate_n what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v and_o will_v do_v when_o goodness_n free_o exert_v itself_o without_o any_o external_a impediment_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o divine_a goodness_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a scene_n the_o new-made_a world_n and_o the_o new-created_a man_n be_v as_o perfect_a and_o happy_a as_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n this_o be_v the_o world_n which_o god_n make_v such_o a_o happy_a world_n as_o it_o become_v perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v and_o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o will_v always_o do_v for_o when_o the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n he_o make_v it_o what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o be_v but_o man_n do_v not_o continue_v what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o sin_v and_o by_o sin_n bring_v death_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o now_o see_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o perfect_a goodness_n but_o that_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o ease_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v neither_o become_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v good_a for_o sinner_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v this_o not_o only_o because_o god_n make_v innocent_a man_n happy_a but_o because_o he_o have_v prepare_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n for_o good_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o show_v that_o the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o god_n but_o in_o man_n he_o make_v man_n happy_a at_o first_o and_o he_o will_v make_v good_a man_n perfect_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o though_o he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o good_a now_o as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v when_o he_o shall_v reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a yet_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o we_o now_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n to_o see_v goodness_n act_v alone_o and_o pursue_v its_o own_o gracious_a inclination_n and_o to_o see_v it_o limit_v and_o confine_v by_o justice_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n when_o mankind_n be_v sinner_n for_o than_o goodness_n can_v do_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a but_o what_o be_v best_a in_o such_o case_n and_o when_o goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v reconcilable_a as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o probation_n state_n there_o wisdom_n must_v prescribe_v the_o temperament_n justice_n require_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n but_o goodness_n be_v incline_v to_o spare_v and_o wisdom_n judge_n when_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o spare_v a_o incurable_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n a_o corrigible_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n his_o sin_n deserve_v correction_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o he_o be_v corrigible_a make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o patience_n and_o discipline_n and_o this_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o apostate_n angel_n and_o of_o fallen_n man_n and_o therefore_o justice_n immediate_o seize_v on_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_v a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n this_o make_v the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n to_o reclaim_v and_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
power_n in_o transfer_v estate_n and_o property_n and_o all_o man_n will_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a now_o this_o be_v the_o case_n with_o respect_n to_o god_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o for_o he_o be_v the_o sole_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o bound_n can_v be_v set_v to_o the_o just_a exercise_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o to_o do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a he_o may_v give_v or_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n or_o honour_n or_o power_n whenever_o he_o can_v serve_v any_o wise_a or_o just_a or_o good_a end_n by_o it_o for_o they_o be_v all_o but_o several_a trust_n we_o be_v but_o god_n steward_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o stewardship_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o use_v our_o riches_n and_o honour_n well_o or_o when_o he_o have_v no_o long_o any_o use_n of_o we_o he_o have_v as_o absolute_a authority_n to_o lay_v we_o aside_o as_o a_o lord_n have_v to_o change_v his_o steward_n when_o he_o please_v thus_o god_n be_v the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o all_o man_n we_o be_v all_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o potter_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v deal_v with_o we_o as_o he_o please_v and_o may_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o providence_n of_o we_o as_o far_o as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n will_v direct_v thus_o for_o instance_n we_o think_v it_o very_o unjust_a in_o human_a government_n to_o punish_v a_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n to_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o estate_n or_o honour_n to_o afflict_v his_o body_n to_o expose_v he_o to_o public_a scorn_n and_o confine_v he_o to_o a_o noisome_a prison_n and_o at_o last_o to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n with_o exquisite_a pain_n and_o torment_n but_o the_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o god_n extend_v to_o all_o this_o when_o he_o can_v serve_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o it_o without_o do_v any_o real_a injury_n to_o his_o creature_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v very_o great_a and_o excellent_a reason_n for_o do_v this_o and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n require_v that_o such_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v great_o support_v under_o their_o suffering_n and_o great_o reward_v for_o they_o but_o then_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n give_v he_o authority_n to_o use_v the_o service_n of_o his_o creature_n in_o do_v or_o suffer_v his_o will._n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o job_n who_o god_n exercise_v with_o great_a suffering_n to_o make_v he_o a_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n but_o we_o know_v what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o job_n and_o how_o great_o god_n reward_v his_o suffering_n though_o job_n himself_o while_o he_o be_v under_o these_o suffering_n know_v not_o what_o other_o account_n to_o give_v of_o they_o but_o to_o resolve_v all_o into_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o shall_v we_o receive_v good_a at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o shall_v we_o not_o receive_v evil_a which_o indeed_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o all_o such_o case_n while_o we_o have_v a_o implicate_v faith_n in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n thus_o god_n deal_v with_o joseph_n make_v he_o the_o instrument_n of_o transplant_n his_o father_n and_o all_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n and_o reward_v his_o suffering_n by_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n nay_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o christ_n himself_o who_o as_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o innocent_a who_o do_v no_o evil_a neither_o be_v any_o guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o be_v obedient_a to_o his_o father_n will_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o he_o god_n deliver_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o sinner_n to_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a and_o painful_a death_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o great_a suffering_n of_o the_o most_o innocent_a man_n when_o they_o serve_v such_o admirable_a end_n and_o be_v so_o great_o reward_v and_o thus_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o some_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n witness_v the_o suffering_n of_o prophet_n and_o of_o other_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o martyr_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v tread_v in_o the_o step_n of_o their_o lord_n who_o have_v suffer_v with_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v glorify_v together_o i_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n signify_v if_o he_o may_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n even_o by_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o creature_n when_o such_o suffering_n how_o uneasy_a and_o grievous_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o present_a shall_v turn_v to_o their_o much_o great_a good_a when_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o great_o reward_v that_o good_a man_n themselves_o shall_v think_v the_o reward_n a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o their_o suffering_n and_o glory_n in_o those_o very_a suffering_n which_o will_v have_v so_o great_a a_o reward_n thus_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n now_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a judge_n must_v do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a but_o he_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o no_o rule_n or_o formality_n of_o law_n as_o inferior_a minister_n of_o justice_n be_v if_o he_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a he_o may_v do_v it_o at_o what_o time_n and_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o please_v he_o be_v under_o no_o rule_n but_o his_o own_o sovereign_n will_v and_o wisdom_n when_o man_n have_v deserve_v punishment_n he_o may_v spare_v they_o as_o long_o or_o execute_v vengeance_n on_o they_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o see_v fit_a for_o he_o be_v the_o absolute_a judge_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o execute_v judgement_n this_o prerogative_n all_o sovereign_a prince_n challenge_n and_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o inseparable_a right_n of_o sovereignty_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o reward_v all_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n nor_o immediate_o punish_v wickedness_n for_o a_o sovereign_a justice_n be_v under_o no_o obligation_n to_o do_v this_o all_o that_o we_o can_v expect_v from_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o the_o wicked_a punish_v and_o that_o whenever_o god_n do_v reward_n or_o punish_v good_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o their_o reward_n be_v delay_v nor_o bad_a man_n to_o glory_n in_o the_o long_a delay_n of_o punishment_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n shall_v recompense_v for_o all_o delay_n for_o then_o god_n be_v just_a in_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a how_o long_o soever_o he_o delay_v either_o sovereign_n justice_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o time_n and_o when_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n who_o deserve_v a_o reward_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o the_o delay_n of_o both_o be_v take_v into_o the_o account_n god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a how_o long_o soever_o he_o delay_v to_o reward_v or_o punish_v from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n you_o may_v easy_o observe_v that_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n we_o measure_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n among_o man_n without_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o right_a and_o authority_n superior_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o superior_a justice_n too_o it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o deprive_v one_o another_o of_o their_o just_a and_o legal_a light_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n too_o when_o man_n suffer_v wrongful_o but_o no_o man_n have_v any_o right_n against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v give_v and_o he_o may_v take_v away_o he_o may_v set_v up_o and_o pull_v down_o and_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o afflict_v and_o oppress_v the_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a or_o to_o encourage_v and_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o they_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
the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n to_o we_o to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n that_o which_o be_v his_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n to_o punish_v those_o who_o invade_v another_o right_n and_o this_o be_v that_o justice_n which_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v in_o man_n and_o the_o violation_n of_o which_o he_o hate_v so_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n make_v god_n love_n righteousness_n and_o justice_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v punish_v injustice_n and_o violence_n and_o protect_v the_o just_a and_o innocent_a as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n everywhere_o declare_v that_o god_n will_v do_v that_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n that_o he_o be_v a_o refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o strong_a tower_n and_o rock_n of_o defence_n to_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n not_o that_o every_o particular_a bad_a man_n who_o do_v unjust_a thing_n shall_v be_v immediate_o punish_v for_o his_o unjustice_n nor_o that_o every_o man_n who_o have_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v be_v protect_v from_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o world_n prove_v that_o this_o never_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o mean_v by_o it_o to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o support_n to_o good_a man_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a 1._o for_o first_o it_o signify_v that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o justice_n or_o injustice_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v god_n will_v favour_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n there_o may_v be_v other_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n may_v suffer_v a_o just_a cause_n to_o be_v oppress_v and_o injustice_n to_o be_v prosperous_a and_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v always_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o when_o god_n do_v suffer_v this_o because_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o god_n be_v no_o favourer_n of_o injustice_n but_o he_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n may_v for_o other_o reason_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v he_o by_o unjust_a oppressor_n and_o thus_o injustice_n may_v be_v prosperous_a and_o justice_n oppress_v but_o where_o the_o other_o sin_n and_o demerit_n of_o the_o man_n do_v not_o forfeit_v god_n protection_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n the_o divine_a providence_n will_v make_v a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o just_a and_o unjust_a two_o and_o therefore_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o the_o divine_a protection_n but_o only_o when_o his_o cause_n be_v just_a and_o right_o which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o psalmist_n as_o you_o have_v already_o hear_v so_o often_o plead_v his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n to_o move_v god_n to_o save_v and_o defend_v he_o for_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o protection_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n and_o whenever_o injustice_n prosper_v it_o be_v not_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o unjust_a man_n or_o his_o unjust_a cause_n but_o in_o punishment_n to_o other_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v by_o such_o injustice_n though_o wickedness_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o while_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o obtain_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n but_o by_o do_v good_a for_o a_o righteous_a god_n can_v have_v no_o favour_n for_o a_o unjust_a cause_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n we_o must_v expect_v his_o protection_n only_o in_o the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a hope_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a while_o we_o have_v respect_n unto_o all_o his_o commandment_n three_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n though_o injustice_n may_v prosper_v for_o a_o time_n no_o unjust_a man_n can_v be_v secure_a from_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v bad_a man_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o but_o sometime_o he_o do_v and_o he_o be_v always_o angry_a with_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v always_o in_o danger_n 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 he_o have_v also_o prepare_v for_o he_o the_o instrument_n of_o death_n he_o have_v ordain_v his_o arrow_n against_o the_o persecutor_n 7._o psalm_n 11_o 12_o 13._o four_o and_o therefore_o though_o every_o particular_a good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o divine_a providence_n furnish_v we_o with_o numerous_a example_n of_o justice_n both_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o good_a man_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v so_o notorious_o know_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v it_o that_o beside_o the_o ordinary_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o sinner_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n and_o reward_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o scorn_n and_o the_o pity_n of_o mankind_n god_n do_v very_o often_o execute_v very_o remarkable_a judgement_n upon_o remarkable_a sinner_n which_o bear_v the_o evident_a token_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n on_o they_o and_o do_v appear_v as_o wonderful_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o just_a and_o good_a man_n in_o a_o righteous_a cause_n both_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n and_o our_o own_o observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o many_o example_n of_o both_o kind_n which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o be_v make_v in_o scripture_n two_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v that_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o protection_n and_o defence_n of_o providence_n be_v never_o promise_v in_o scripture_n mere_o to_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o just_a and_o righteous_a and_o good_a man_n this_o be_v not_o common_o observe_v and_o yet_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v name_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a we_o can_v indeed_o separate_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a man_n from_o a_o righteous_a cause_n for_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v engage_v in_o a_o unjust_a cause_n he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n but_o if_o the_o divine_a protection_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a man_n not_o to_o the_o righteous_a cause_n than_o a_o righteous_a cause_n may_v be_v oppress_v when_o the_o man_n have_v no_o right_a to_o god_n protection_n without_o any_o impeachment_n either_o of_o the_o righteousness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n which_o show_v the_o difference_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n consider_v man_n right_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consider_v their_o moral_a desert_n human_a justice_n defend_v bad_a man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a have_v no_o regard_n to_o human_a right_n when_o the_o man_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o such_o a_o absolute_a right_n and_o propriety_n in_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o when_o he_o please_v and_o therefore_o he_o threaten_v israel_n by_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n that_o since_o they_o have_v serve_v baal_n with_o the_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n and_o silver_n and_o gold_n which_o he_o give_v they_o therefore_o will_v i_o return_v and_o take_v away_o my_o corn_n in_o the_o time_n thereof_o and_o my_o wine_n in_o the_o season_n thereof_o and_o will_v recover_v my_o wool_n and_o my_o flax_n give_v to_o cover_v her_o nakedness_n 2._o hos._n 8_o 9_o the_o 26._o levit._n contain_v the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n to_o israel_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o both_o be_v their_o keep_n or_o transgress_v his_o law_n and_o statute_n and_o commandment_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n he_o will_v bestow_v all_o good_a thing_n on_o they_o if_o they_o transgress_v his_o law_n he_o will_v take_v they_o all_o away_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o right_n or_o property_n among_o other_o judgement_n he_o threaten_v they_o to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o shall_v oppress_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 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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 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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 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
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 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
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
and_o raise_v a_o expectation_n even_o among_o the_o roman_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o east_n as_o tacitus_n observe_v and_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o reform_v nation_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o make_v a_o great_a many_o private_a convert_v who_o secret_o forsake_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o some_o few_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o know_v may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o on_o the_o famous_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n there_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n great_a number_n not_o only_o of_o jew_n but_o of_o proselyte_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judaea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o lybia_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n 2._o act_n 9_o 10_o 11._o whether_o these_o be_v circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a proselyte_n be_v not_o say_v but_o proselyte_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o these_o nation_n who_o come_v up_o at_o the_o feast_n to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o nation_n make_v great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n who_o either_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o circumcision_n and_o become_v jew_n or_o at_o least_o renounce_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o number_n of_o these_o last_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o circumcise_a proselyte_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o learned_a man_n there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o worship_v greek_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o those_o which_o fear_v god_n when_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o thessalonica_n there_o consort_v with_o paul_n and_o silas_n of_o the_o devout_a greek_n a_o great_a multitude_n 17._o act_n 24._o the_o very_a name_n of_o greek_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v gentile_n not_o jew_n who_o be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devout_a or_o worship_a greek_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o title_n be_v never_o give_v in_o scripture_n to_o idolater_n and_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n sufficient_o prove_v it_o for_o no_o gentile_n resort_v thither_o but_o those_o who_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lydia_n 16._o act_n 14._o and_o cornelius_n the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o who_o fear_v god_n himself_o but_o all_o his_o family_n be_v so_o too_o 10._o act_n 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n 8._o act_n 27._o and_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o these_o worship_a gentile_n at_o thessalonica_n and_o philippi_n as_o you_o have_v see_v at_o corinth_n 18._o act_n 4._o at_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n 13._o act_n 43._o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n which_o show_v what_o a_o great_a effect_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o these_o country_n have_v in_o make_v proselyte_n some_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o many_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n which_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o be_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o gentile_n convert_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o more_o ready_o embrace_v the_o faith_n than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v all_o the_o preparation_n for_o christianity_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o none_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o a_o fondness_n for_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n nor_o for_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n 4._o and_o therefore_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n expound_v that_o text_n 13._o act_n 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v of_o these_o devout_a and_o worship_a gentile_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ready_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n who_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n to_o consider_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n for_o he_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o long_o delay_v to_o tell_v i_o in_o what_o soon_o period_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v in_o every_o age_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n take_v the_o wise_a method_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n will_v at_o that_o time_n allow_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n appear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o his_o appearance_n he_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v if_o we_o will_v allow_v god_n to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n wise_o that_o he_o do_v so_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o believe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o give_v you_o a_o fair_a representation_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a advances_n god_n make_v to_o this_o last_o complete_n and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n god_n have_v promise_v our_o first_o parent_n immediate_o upon_o the_o fall_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o true_o good_a man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o seem_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o all_o other_o method_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v best_o prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o as_o little_a as_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v christ_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v the_o only_a probable_a mean_n of_o restore_a piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v that_o righteous_a family_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n when_o that_o new_a generation_n begin_v to_o corrupt_v themselves_o god_n separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o stop_v the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v on_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o give_v they_o his_o law_n commit_v to_o