and_o sickness_n which_o we_o make_v the_o instance_n of_o adversity_n may_v become_v very_o good_a thing_n to_o we_o if_o they_o render_v our_o mind_n more_o sober_a &_o teachable_a and_o our_o heart_n more_o meek_a and_o submissive_a wherefore_o the_o stoic_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n come_v near_a to_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n be_v unanimous_a and_o confident_a in_o this_o maxim_n that_o there_o be_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a but_o only_a virtue_n and_o vice._n so_o tacitus_n describe_v helvidius_n priscus_n 4._o doctores_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la secutus_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la sola_fw-la bona_fw-la quae_fw-la honesta_fw-la mala_fw-la tantum_fw-la quae_fw-la turpia_fw-la potentiam_fw-la nobilitatem_fw-la caeteraque_fw-la extra_fw-la animum_fw-la neque_fw-la bonis_fw-la neque_fw-la malis_fw-la annumerant_fw-la tacit._n hist_o lib._n 4._o that_o he_o follow_v those_o master_n of_o wisdom_n who_o teach_v that_o those_o thing_n only_o be_v good_a which_o be_v honest_a and_o only_o those_o thing_n evil_a which_o be_v dishonest_a but_o power_n honour_n and_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o affect_v the_o outward_a man_n they_o account_v not_o to_o be_v either_o good_a or_o evil._n and_o though_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o go_v too_o far_o in_o this_o assertion_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o style_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o be_v allow_v to_o call_v temporal_a thing_n good_a or_o evil_a and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o these_o thing_n respect_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o body_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o man_n though_o the_o ignobl_a part_n in_o the_o composition_n yet_o after_o all_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o these_o outward_a thing_n be_v not_o good_a or_o evil_a in_o a_o absolute_a sense_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o whole_a man_n or_o in_o the_o high_a sense_n with_o respect_n o_o his_o more_o valuable_a interest_n and_o that_o in_o the_o strict_a senseâ—hose_v â—hose_z thing_n only_o deserve_v to_o be_v account_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o a_o man_n which_o can_v affect_v the_o spiritual_a interest_n of_o his_o soul._n these_o notion_n will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o we_o for_o proportion_v our_o estimation_n and_o affection_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n good_a or_o evil_a we_o shall_v be_v dispose_v to_o thank_v god_n for_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o his_o temporal_a correction_n but_o know_v withal_o that_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o spiritual_a interest_n which_o do_v comparative_o far_o exceed_v they_o in_o their_o goodness_n or_o evil_n we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o regard_v these_o with_o our_o high_a estimation_n and_o our_o strong_a affection_n 2._o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v what_o that_o hand_n be_v which_o dispense_v to_o we_o both_o our_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n the_o text_n assert_n it_o to_o be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o can_v import_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o power_n and_o instuence_n of_o his_o continual_a providence_n whereby_o he_o sustain_v the_o being_n he_o have_v give_v we_o and_o dispose_v of_o all_o event_n and_o circumstance_n about_o we_o so_o that_o nothing_o do_v or_o can_v befall_v we_o without_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o council_n of_o his_o will._n this_o hand_n of_o providence_n deal_v out_o to_o every_o man_n that_o proportion_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n think_v fit_a to_o assign_v to_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o happen_v to_o we_o by_o a_o blind_a fortune_n or_o a_o unaccountable_a fate_n but_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o that_o good_a god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a creator_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o whole_a world._n if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o creature_n about_o we_o which_o be_v good_a or_o hurtful_a to_o we_o it_o be_v the_o hand_n that_o make_v they_o which_o put_v those_o quality_n into_o they_o if_o any_o good_a accrue_v to_o we_o through_o our_o own_o skill_n and_o industry_n or_o by_o the_o care_n and_o favour_n of_o our_o friend_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o or_o our_o friend_n be_v but_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n for_o convey_v such_o blessing_n to_o we_o or_o if_o we_o suffer_v through_o our_o own_o default_n or_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o man_n we_o be_v to_o account_v of_o our_o self_n or_o our_o enemy_n as_o rod_n in_o his_o hand_n whereby_o he_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n upon_o we_o thus_o the_o pious_a king_n of_o israel_n acknowledge_v to_o god_n all_o that_o be_v in_o heaven_n or_o in_o earth_n be_v thou_o 12._o 1_o chron._n 19.11_o 12._o thou_o be_v the_o kingdom_n o_o lord_n and_o thou_o be_v exalt_v above_o all_o both_o riches_n and_o honour_n come_v of_o thou_o in_o thy_o hand_n be_v power_n and_o may_v and_o in_o thy_o hand_n it_o be_v to_o make_v great_a and_o to_o give_v strength_n unto_o all_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o prophet_n demand_v shall_v there_o be_v evil_a in_o a_o city_n and_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v it_o 3.6_o amos_n 3.6_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o both_o kind_n of_o event_n god_n himself_o declare_v i_o form_n the_o light_n 45.7_o isa_n 45.7_o and_o create_v darknesss_n i_o make_v peace_n and_o create_v evil_a i_o the_o lord_n do_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n do_v thus_o concern_v itself_o not_o only_o in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a event_n but_o also_o in_o those_o which_o may_v seem_v most_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a to_o we_o for_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n number_n our_o very_a hair_n 7._o luke_n 12.6_o 7._o and_o that_o a_o sparrow_n can_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o his_o knowledge_n a_o right_a apprehension_n and_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o entire_a dependence_n on_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o manage_v and_o order_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n will_v have_v a_o very_a great_a influence_n on_o our_o religious_a devotion_n for_o who_o will_v not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o who_o have_v the_o dispense_n of_o all_o blessing_n and_o curse_n to_o who_o shall_v we_o direct_v our_o prayer_n for_o what_o we_o want_v or_o our_o thanksgiving_n for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v but_o to_o that_o bountiful_a hand_n which_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o our_o blessing_n or_o what_o can_v make_v we_o more_o meek_a and_o patient_a under_o correction_n than_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o almighty_a hand_n which_o hold_v the_o rod_n and_o lay_n on_o the_o stroke_n 3._o we_o be_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v how_o we_o shall_v receive_v both_o good_a and_o evil_a from_o the_o hand_n of_o god._n job_n have_v use_v but_o one_o word_n with_o respect_n to_o both_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o that_o word_n locum_fw-la debemus_fw-la accipere_fw-la sive_fw-la excipere_fw-la cum_fw-la affectu_fw-la lubentiâ_fw-la reverentia_fw-la &_o acquiescentia_fw-la id_fw-la enim_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signisicat_fw-la nempe_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d acipere_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la donum_fw-la sva_fw-la natura_fw-la refertur_fw-la cocceius_n in_o locum_fw-la do_v proper_o denote_v such_o a_o acceptance_n as_o that_o wherewith_o we_o entertain_v a_o gift_n from_o a_o superior_a with_o a_o cheerful_a reverence_n and_o a_o graceful_a acquiescence_n now_o though_o the_o design_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v require_v only_o to_o explain_v how_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v our_o evil_a thing_n from_o god_n correct_v hand_n yet_o inasmuch_o as_o we_o be_v equal_o concern_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o receive_v good_a as_o of_o receive_v evil_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o study_v out_o the_o right_a art_n of_o do_v both_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v take_v both_o part_n of_o this_o duty_n under_o a_o distinct_a consideration_n 1._o the_o right_a manner_n in_o which_o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n do_v consist_v chief_o in_o this_o threefold_a disposition_n of_o mind_n viz._n that_o we_o receive_v god_n blessing_n with_o a_o content_a thankful_a and_o a_o honest_a mind_n 1._o we_o shall_v receive_v our_o good_a thing_n from_o god_n with_o a_o content_a mind_n i.e._n with_o a_o mind_n that_o can_v contain_v itself_o within_o those_o enjoyment_n which_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o allow_v so_o as_o to_o be_v well_o please_v with_o his_o blessing_n of_o whatever_o kind_a in_o whatever_o degree_n by_o whatever_o mean_n or_o at_o whatever_o time_n confer_v upon_o we_o not_o to_o despise_v our_o blessing_n or_o to_o be_v despise_v our_o blessing_n or_o to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o sort_n or_o not_o so_o much_o or_o do_v not_o come_v in_o such_o a_o way_n or_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o and_o that_o
the_o just_a wage_n of_o our_o sin._n how_o absurd_a then_o must_v it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o expect_v only_o good_a thing_n of_o which_o we_o be_v most_o unworthy_a and_o to_o refuse_v or_o quarrel_n at_o those_o evil_a thing_n which_o we_o have_v just_o deserve_v and_o procure_v to_o ourselves_o shall_v a_o profligat_fw-la criminal_a who_o have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n expect_v only_o the_o caress_n of_o his_o prince_n favour_n and_o think_v much_o of_o endure_v the_o confinement_n and_o hardship_n of_o a_o prison_n if_o god_n deny_v we_o all_o his_o blessing_n and_o allot_v only_o evil_a thing_n to_o our_o share_n we_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o any_o injustice_n or_o have_v any_o just_a exception_n against_o his_o providence_n but_o when_o our_o merciful_a god_n dispense_v to_o we_o a_o mixture_n of_o both_o it_o will_v be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a piece_n of_o fondness_n to_o accept_v only_o the_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o frank_o give_v and_o to_o refuse_v the_o punishment_n which_o he_o just_o inflict_v or_o to_o quarrel_v at_o he_o for_o not_o give_v we_o those_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o owe_v we_o not_o or_o for_o send_v we_o those_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v of_o right_n due_a to_o we_o thus_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n expostulate_v in_o his_o lamentation_n why_o do_v a_o live_a man_n complain_v 3.39_o lam._n 3.39_o a_o man_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o have_v more_o than_o his_o due_n by_o be_v a_o live_a man_n and_o not_o more_o in_o bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o his_o sin._n 4._o if_o our_o evil_a thing_n come_v out_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a hand_n which_o dispense_v our_o good_a thing_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v well_o of_o they_o and_o to_o receive_v they_o with_o a_o content_a cheerful_a mind_n that_o our_o god_n be_v very_o kind_a and_o merciful_a appear_v from_o the_o many_o good_a thing_n we_o daily_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o if_o he_o also_o afflict_v we_o yet_o we_o may_v rejoice_v in_o this_o that_o we_o be_v in_o good_a hand_n that_o we_o be_v under_o the_o discipline_n of_o one_o that_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o or_o take_v pleasure_n in_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n that_o he_o will_v not_o correct_v we_o immoderate_o but_o in_o judgement_n that_o his_o merciful_a hand_n will_v support_v we_o while_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o justice_n chastise_v we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v we_o evil_a thing_n only_o to_o make_v we_o more_o capable_a of_o receive_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o have_v prepare_v for_o we_o if_o then_o all_o the_o blessing_n we_o have_v receive_v can_v be_v but_o enough_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v never_o murmur_v or_o despond_v but_o rather_o hope_v and_o rejoice_v in_o his_o mercy_n under_o the_o worst_a dispensation_n what_o be_v good_a shall_v never_o be_v unwelcome_a to_o we_o and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a can_v come_v from_o our_o good_a god_n for_o tho'_o we_o distinguish_v and_o call_v thing_n good_a or_o evil_a yet_o they_o be_v all_o good_a as_o they_o come_v from_o he_o and_o may_v be_v improve_v by_o we_o god_n who_o be_v not_o lead_v by_o passion_n say_v st._n chrysostome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2.2_o chrysost_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tunc_fw-la maxim_n est_fw-la optimus_fw-la cum_fw-la tibi_fw-la non_fw-la bone_fw-la tirtul_n in_o marc._n 2.2_o whether_o he_o bless_v or_o correct_v he_o be_v equal_o good_a yea_o he_o be_v then_o best_a say_v turtullian_n when_o we_o think_v he_o best_o good._n whatever_o therefore_o be_v dispense_v to_o we_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o approve_v and_o embrace_v as_o good_a as_o hezekiah_n do_v that_o heavy_a doom_n bring_v by_o the_o prophet_n say_v good_a be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o thou_o have_v speak_v 20.19_o 2_o king_n 20.19_o three_o i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o make_v some_o useful_a application_n of_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o exhort_v we_o to_o yield_v to_o this_o reasonable_a argument_n of_o the_o text_n by_o resign_v and_o submit_v ourselves_o entire_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o whatever_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n shall_v fall_v to_o our_o lot._n that_o we_o may_v more_o easy_o learn_v this_o general_a duty_n we_o may_v convenient_o divide_v it_o into_o these_o two_o particular_a lesson_n 1._o that_o by_o a_o entire_a resignation_n of_o ourselves_o to_o god_n disposal_n we_o allow_v he_o to_o choose_v and_o order_v for_o we_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a which_o shall_v befall_v we_o he_o be_v the_o lord_n who_o have_v the_o right_a of_o dispose_v both_o 2._o that_o we_o content_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o his_o choice_n when_o he_o have_v make_v and_o declare_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n receive_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a from_o his_o hand_n as_o he_o have_v think_v most_o fit_a for_o we_o 1._o let_v we_o be_v exhort_v to_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o entire_o to_o god_n disposal_n to_o choose_v and_o allot_v for_o we_o whatever_o good_a or_o evil_a thing_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a for_o we_o almighty_a god_n have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o dispose_v of_o we_o and_o he_o will_v certain_o make_v use_n of_o it_o whether_o we_o allow_v it_o or_o not_o but_o it_o will_v best_o become_v we_o and_o be_v most_o please_v to_o god_n that_o we_o shall_v by_o our_o own_o act_n deliberate_o and_o voluntary_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o conduct_n and_o constute_v he_o the_o disposer_n of_o we_o and_o of_o all_o our_o concernment_n whereby_o we_o may_v make_v a_o great_a virtue_n of_o necessity_n discharge_v a_o necessary_a duty_n and_o give_v much_o honour_n to_o god._n this_o self_n resignation_n import_v many_o pious_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n our_o acknowledgement_n and_o approbation_n of_o god_n right_a and_o authority_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o dispose_v of_o we_o our_o choice_n of_o he_o for_o our_o guide_n our_o consent_n to_o his_o conduct_n yea_o our_o hearty_a desire_n and_o humble_a prayer_n to_o he_o that_o he_o will_v condescend_v to_o manage_v and_o order_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o and_o it_o will_v by_o consequence_n restrain_v we_o from_o intermeddle_v in_o that_o affair_n we_o have_v entire_o commit_v to_o his_o management_n by_o any_o anxious_a care_n or_o eager_a desire_n or_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o our_o own_o about_o it_o so_o that_o we_o shall_v employ_v our_o care_n only_o in_o do_v what_o god_n have_v make_v our_o duty_n leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o great_a master_n of_o that_o family_n to_o which_o we_o belong_v to_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o dispose_v of_o we_o as_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a this_o we_o be_v teach_v in_o those_o scripture_n which_o require_v we_o to_o commit_v ourselves_o 31.5_o psal_n 31.5_o and_o our_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n 4.6_o psal_n 37.5_o psal_n 55.22_o 1_o pet._n 5.7_o psal_n 37.3_o 5_o 7._o philip._n 4.6_o to_o cast_v our_o burden_n and_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o to_o rest_v on_o he_o to_o be_v careful_a for_o nothing_o but_o in_o all_o thing_n by_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n with_o thanksgiving_n to_o make_v our_o request_n know_v to_o god._n thus_o david_n when_o he_o flee_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n resign_v up_o himself_o most_o submisive_o to_o god_n disposal_n say_v to_o zadok_v carry_v back_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n into_o the_o city_n 26._o 2_o sam._n 15_o 25_o 26._o if_o i_o shall_v find_v favour_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n he_o will_v bring_v i_o again_o and_o show_v i_o both_o it_o and_o his_o habitation_n but_o if_o he_o thus_o say_v i_o have_v no_o delight_n in_o thou_o behold_v here_o be_o i_o let_v he_o do_v to_o i_o as_o seem_v good_a to_o he_o and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o a_o more_o extraordinary_a case_n suppress_v his_o own_o desire_n and_o submit_v himself_o entire_o to_o his_o father_n disposal_n say_v 26.39_o mat._n 26.39_o nevertheless_o not_o as_o i_o will_v but_o as_o thou_o will_v yea_o we_o find_v this_o duty_n excellent_o teach_v by_o a_o heathen_a who_o thus_o advise_v dare_v to_o look_v up_o to_o god_n and_o bespeak_v he_o after_o this_o manner_n 16._o epicter_n l._n 2._o c._n 16._o use_v i_o for_o the_o future_a as_o thou_o please_v for_o i_o be_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n with_o thou_o i_o refuse_v nothing_o that_o seem_v good_a to_o thou_o clothe_v i_o as_o thou_o will_v appoint_v i_o what_o station_n thou_o think_v fit_a whether_o public_a or_o private_a to_o abide_v at_o home_n or_o go_v into_o bannishment_n to_o be_v poor_a or_o rich_a i_o will_v not_o only_o comply_v myself_o but_o will_v justify_v thy_o providence_n
will_v indeed_o be_v very_o ill_a for_o we_o if_o god_n shall_v leave_v we_o like_o orphan_n to_o our_o own_o care_n and_o disposal_n and_o shall_v make_v our_o cark_n sollicitude_n and_o toilsome_a labour_n as_o necessary_a as_o we_o think_v they_o to_o be_v how_o mad_o shall_v we_o order_v ourselves_o how_o miserable_a shall_v we_o soon_o make_v ourselves_o we_o understand_v not_o our_o own_o want_n or_o capacity_n or_o the_o fitness_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o thing_n about_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o choose_v any_o evil_n that_o appear_v specious_o or_o to_o reject_v any_o good_a that_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o fair_a and_o easy_a circumstance_n so_o foolish_a and_o humour_n some_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n that_o if_o god_n leave_v event_n to_o their_o management_n they_o will_v but_o disturb_v and_o destroy_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n about_o they_o be_v it_o not_o therefore_o much_o better_a that_o we_o may_v sit_v still_o and_o not_o disquiet_a or_o mischief_n ourselves_o with_o our_o unwise_a care_n and_o rash_a project_n and_o that_o the_o infinite_o good_a the_o only_a wise_a and_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o master_n of_o the_o great_a family_n in_o which_o we_o live_v our_o father_n and_o guardian_n will_v vouchsafe_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o order_v all_o thing_n about_o we_o for_o our_o good_a why_o will_v we_o toil_v and_o cark_n for_o ourselves_o when_o we_o need_v not_o what_o can_v we_o desire_v better_o than_o to_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o at_o the_o disposal_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n 3._o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o we_o to_o attempt_v to_o do_v more_o for_o after_o all_o our_o project_v wish_v and_o strive_v tho'_o with_o never_o so_o great_a earnestness_n it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o attain_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o god_n deny_v or_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a thing_n which_o god_n appoint_v god_n have_v fit_v our_o nature_n with_o faculty_n for_o do_v so_o much_o as_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v our_o duty_n and_o therein_o we_o shall_v assiduous_o employ_v ourselves_o but_o as_o he_o never_o design_v to_o trouble_v we_o with_o govern_v the_o world_n so_o he_o have_v capacitate_v we_o with_o no_o power_n for_o so_o vast_a a_o undertake_n but_o have_v reserve_v it_o to_o himself_o who_o have_v most_o right_o and_o be_v best_a able_a to_o perform_v it_o we_o may_v as_o well_o make_v a_o attempt_n at_o god_n work_n of_o creation_n as_o of_o providence_n for_o both_o great_o transcend_v our_o skill_n and_o power_n or_o try_v if_o we_o can_v alter_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o change_v the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v we_o can_v make_v one_o hair_n white_a or_o black_a 5.36_o mat._n 5.36_o so_o neither_o can_v we_o of_o ourselves_o make_v our_o condition_n better_o or_o worse_o than_o god_n have_v appoint_v if_o our_o experience_n have_v not_o long_o since_o convince_v we_o of_o this_o let_v we_o make_v a_o experiment_n of_o our_o power_n in_o change_v the_o wether_n in_o prevent_v sickness_n and_o death_n and_o if_o we_o can_v command_v these_o ordinary_a event_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o order_v other_o or_o rather_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o leave_v off_o the_o folly_n of_o attempt_v what_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 4._o there_o be_v great_a peace_n pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o this_o duty_n he_o that_o have_v hearty_o resign_v up_o himself_o to_o god_n conduct_n and_o disposal_n be_v become_v a_o happy_a man_n and_o lead_v the_o most_o easy_a safe_a and_o delightful_a course_n of_o life_n for_o he_o have_v unload_v his_o mind_n of_o all_o his_o burdensome_a care_n and_o dismay_v fear_n he_o take_v no_o thought_n what_o he_o shall_v eat_v or_o drink_v or_o wherewithal_o he_o shall_v be_v clothe_v much_o less_o do_v he_o distract_v himself_o with_o future_a want_n or_o distant_a danger_n because_o his_o heavenly_a father_n take_v care_n of_o he_o he_o can_v wake_v or_o sleep_v secure_o and_o attend_v on_o his_o duty_n without_o distraction_n he_o can_v enjoy_v his_o blessing_n with_o the_o great_a cheerfulness_n and_o bear_v his_o affliction_n with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o be_v at_o all_o time_n well_o please_v and_o full_o satisfy_v because_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o being_n have_v undertake_v to_o manage_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n for_o he_o and_o he_o that_o can_v content_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v free_a from_o the_o uneasy_a passion_n of_o grief_n and_o shame_n he_o be_v never_o disappoint_v never_o discontent_v he_o never_o envy_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o be_v dispense_v to_o another_o or_o fret_v at_o the_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v allot_v to_o he_o he_o never_o murmur_v at_o god_n or_o quarrel_n with_o man_n or_o disquiet_v himself_o however_o the_o world_n move_v about_o he_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o because_o he_o will_v have_v they_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o god_n appoint_v they_o how_o very_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a must_v such_o a_o state_n of_o life_n need_v be_v wherein_o be_v fulfil_v that_o say_n of_o the_o prophet_n thou_o will_v keep_v he_o in_o perfect_a peace_n who_o mind_n be_v stay_v on_o thou_o 26.3_o isa_n 26.3_o because_o he_o trust_v in_o thou_o 5._o great_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n will_v accrue_v to_o we_o by_o a_o sincere_a and_o constant_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n conduct_n we_o effectual_o engage_v the_o care_n and_o favour_n of_o his_o providence_n over_o we_o for_o it_o will_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o honour_n or_o his_o promise_n to_o suffer_v any_o who_o repose_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o to_o be_v ashamed_a and_o how_o great_a a_o advantage_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o contrive_v for_o we_o his_o goodness_n to_o supply_v we_o and_o his_o power_n to_o protect_v we_o be_v it_o not_o a_o much_o great_a privilege_n than_o if_o we_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o great_a wise_a or_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o what_o can_v we_o want_v if_o feed_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a bounty_n what_o evil_n can_v hurt_v we_o if_o shelter_v under_o the_o almighty_a wing_n by_o submit_v to_o god_n conduct_n we_o shall_v escape_v many_o sin_n and_o danger_n which_o they_o usual_o fall_v into_o who_o will_v be_v at_o their_o own_o disposal_n yea_o hereby_o our_o evil_a thing_n will_v be_v turn_v into_o good_a for_o we_o shall_v receive_v a_o blessing_n with_o they_o which_o will_v sanctify_v and_o sweeten_v they_o to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o continue_v always_o to_o implore_v and_o rely_v on_o god_n conduct_n he_o will_v never_o leave_v or_o forsake_v we_o till_o he_o have_v bring_v we_o past_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o danger_n up_o to_o that_o heaven_n where_o we_o shall_v receive_v good_a thing_n only_o and_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o thank_v and_o praise_n god_n for_o those_o evil_a thing_n wherewith_o he_o discipline_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n here_o 12.10_o heb._n 12.10_o and_o of_o his_o glory_n hereafter_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v far_o improve_v by_o consider_v more_o particular_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a advantage_n which_o will_v accrue_v to_o we_o by_o submit_v our_o self_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n providence_n 1._o in_o follow_v this_o divine_a conduct_n we_o shall_v always_o walk_v in_o way_n that_o be_v right_a and_o lawful_a and_o thereby_o escape_v those_o sinful_a course_n which_o defile_v our_o soul_n wound_v our_o conscience_n and_o enthral_v we_o in_o manifold_a misery_n when_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o eye_n and_o after_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o own_o heart_n we_o run_v ourselves_o into_o many_o dangerous_a error_n so_o the_o apostle_n observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a and_o follow_v their_o own_o will_n therein_o fall_n into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n but_o if_o we_o follow_v this_o heavenly_a guide_n he_o will_v never_o mislead_v we_o into_o any_o crooked_a way_n not_o betray_v we_o into_o any_o temptation_n which_o may_v prove_v too_o strong_a for_o we_o this_o david_n mention_n as_o a_o considerable_a advantage_n of_o have_v god_n for_o his_o shepherd_n over_o he_o
chap._n 1._o v._n 8._o have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a which_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o a_o good_a man_n that_o though_o the_o devil_n accuse_v he_o his_o friend_n reproach_v he_o and_o the_o world_n condemn_v he_o yet_o god_n that_o search_v the_o heart_n do_v approve_v and_o commend_v he_o 2._o we_o be_v inform_v also_o from_o this_o history_n how_o satan_n dare_v to_o accuse_v even_o to_o god_n himself_o his_o most_o faithful_a servant_n if_o not_o of_o outward_a scandal_n yet_o of_o inward_a hypocrisy_n for_o thus_o the_o lie_a spirit_n draw_v up_o a_o charge_n against_o job_n etc._n ch._n 1_o v._o 9_o etc._n etc._n do_v job_n fear_n god_n for_o nought_o have_v not_o thou_o make_v a_o hedge_n about_o he_o and_o about_o his_o house_n and_o about_o all_o that_o he_o have_v on_o every_o side_n thou_o have_v bless_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o substance_n be_v increase_v in_o the_o land_n but_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o when_o this_o pretence_n be_v refute_v he_o again_o suggest_v that_o if_o god_n will_v put_v out_o his_o hand_n 5._o chap._n 2._o v._n 5._o and_o touch_v his_o bone_n and_o flesh_n he_o will_v curse_v god_n to_o his_o face_n whence_o we_o may_v learn_v how_o satan_n be_v call_v the_o accuser_n of_o the_o brethren_n 12.10_o rev._n 12.10_o who_o accuse_v they_o before_o god_n day_n and_o night_n and_o how_o great_a a_o privilege_n the_o gospel_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v our_o advocate_n to_o justify_v we_o in_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n against_o the_o malicious_a allegation_n of_o this_o adversary_n this_o also_o may_v render_v a_o easy_a account_n of_o the_o perverse_a malice_n of_o wicked_a man_n who_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o reproach_v the_o faithful_a servant_n of_o god_n if_o not_o of_o any_o apparent_a wickedness_n yet_o of_o some_o latent_fw-la suspect_v hypocrisy_n 8.44_o joh._n 8.44_o for_o they_o be_v of_o their_o father_n the_o devil_n his_o lust_n they_o will_v do_v who_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n 3._o we_o may_v hence_o also_o discover_v that_o those_o calamity_n which_o befall_v mankind_n be_v chief_o wrought_v by_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o destroyer_n a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n the_o great_a tempter_n and_o tormenter_n of_o man_n the_o chief_a author_n of_o all_o evil_a either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o misery_n who_o sometime_o tempt_v man_n to_o mischieve_v themselves_o sometime_o to_o mischieve_v other_o and_o who_o can_v use_v fire_n or_o water_n cloud_n or_o wind_n or_o other_o creature_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o ruin_n thus_o job_n fear_v lest_o he_o may_v have_v tempt_v his_o child_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o at_o their_o feast_n thus_o he_o stir_v up_o the_o sabean_o and_o chaldaean_n to_o rob_v job_n and_o procure_v a_o fire_n from_o heaven_n to_o consume_v his_o cattle_n and_o servant_n and_o a_o strong_a wind_n from_o the_o wilderness_n to_o overturn_v the_o house_n in_o which_o his_o child_n be_v feast_v and_o those_o ill_a humour_n in_o job_n body_n which_o break_v out_o in_o boil_n from_o head_n to_o foot._n which_o discovery_n may_v be_v of_o use_n to_o guard_v we_o with_o the_o strict_a caution_n and_o strong_a indignation_n against_o that_o tempter_n who_o be_v so_o great_a a_o enemy_n and_o may_v also_o help_v we_o to_o conceive_v how_o some_o extraordinary_a calamity_n which_o sometime_o surprise_v we_o be_v produce_v though_o no_o other_o natural_a cause_n of_o they_o do_v appear_v 4._o we_o may_v further_o learn_v from_o this_o history_n that_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o legion_n with_o all_o their_o malice_n &_o power_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v no_o mischief_n against_o we_o but_o then_o only_o and_o foe_n far_o as_o god_n give_v they_o permission_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o hurt_v job_n though_o eager_a in_o his_o malice_n against_o he_o till_o god_n say_v to_o he_o behold_v all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v in_o thy_o power_n and_o at_o first_o he_o can_v not_o hurt_v his_o person_n because_o god_n restrain_v he_o by_o a_o prohibition_n 12._o chap._n 1._o ver_fw-la 12._o only_o upon_o himself_o put_v not_o forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n seek_v to_o have_v his_o commission_n enlarge_v god_n give_v he_o power_n over_o job_n body_n say_v behold_v he_o be_v in_o thy_o hand_n 6._o chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 6._o yet_o then_o also_o restrain_v he_o with_o this_o exception_n but_o save_v his_o life_n and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o great_a comfort_n and_o encouragement_n to_o we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o abandon_v to_o the_o powerful_a malice_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o though_o he_o go_v about_o as_o a_o roar_a lion_n seek_v to_o devour_v yet_o he_o can_v go_v beyond_o the_o tedder_n of_o his_o chain_n that_o a_o almighty_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n watch_v over_o we_o in_o a_o continual_a providence_n and_o that_o god_n will_v be_v faithful_a to_o we_o in_o not_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v tempt_v beyond_o what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v 10.13_o 1_o cor._n 10.13_o and_o will_v with_o every_o temptation_n make_v a_o way_n for_o we_o to_o escape_v that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o bear_v it_o 5._o we_o be_v also_o inform_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n do_v sometime_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o afflict_v his_o servant_n not_o out_o of_o wrath_n against_o they_o but_o only_o to_o approve_v and_o exercise_v their_o grace_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o of_o their_o praise_n and_o for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o grace_n here_o and_o of_o their_o reward_n hereafter_o this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o character_n god_n give_v of_o job_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o delight_n he_o express_v towards_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o suffering_n the_o lord_n say_v unto_o satan_n 3._o ch._n 2_o v._o 3._o have_v thou_o consider_v my_o servant_n job_n that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o he_o in_o the_o earth_n a_o perfect_a and_o a_o upright_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a and_o still_o he_o hold_v fast_o his_o integrity_n although_o thou_o move_v i_o against_o he_o to_o destroy_v he_o without_o a_o cause_n this_o may_v support_v and_o encourage_v we_o under_o any_o suffering_n when_o our_o conscience_n can_v attest_v our_o integrity_n as_o job_n do_v and_o teach_v we_o to_o suffer_v cheerful_o for_o god_n sake_n when_o we_o do_v not_o suffer_v for_o our_o own_o this_o may_v also_o restrain_v we_o from_o make_v any_o reproachful_a reflection_n upon_o the_o affliction_n of_o god_n servant_n as_o job_n friend_n do_v on_o he_o because_o god_n may_v permit_v they_o for_o other_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n beside_o that_o of_o punishment_n 2._o this_o history_n do_v not_o only_o teach_v we_o such_o useful_a lesson_n but_o also_o exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o very_a eminent_a pattern_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n very_o needful_a to_o instruct_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o the_o difficult_a duty_n of_o bear_v as_o we_o ought_v those_o calamity_n and_o affliction_n which_o be_v our_o common_a portion_n in_o this_o world._n whilst_o we_o dwell_v in_o this_o low_a world_n deprave_v with_o the_o malignity_n of_o sin_n and_o blast_v with_o the_o curse_n of_o god_n displeasure_n we_o can_v but_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o cross_n and_o disappointment_n misery_n and_o calamity_n insomuch_o that_o suffer_v be_v become_v at_o least_o one_o half_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o patience_n be_v a_o grace_n of_o as_o perpetual_a and_o common_a use_n as_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v so_o irksome_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o we_o need_v the_o most_o forcible_n help_v and_o support_v to_o contain_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o now_o nothing_o do_v more_o sensible_o encourage_v we_o under_o suffering_n then_o proper_a and_o eminent_a example_n which_o at_o once_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o that_o our_o affliction_n be_v tolerable_a because_o we_o see_v they_o bear_v by_o other_o and_o also_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o generous_a emulation_n to_o acquit_v ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o our_o fellow_n servant_n who_o have_v be_v in_o a_o like_a or_o worse_a condition_n but_o among_o all_o the_o pattern_n of_o patience_n there_o be_v none_o comparable_a with_o this_o of_o job_n except_v that_o of_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v