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
and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o deserve_v reward_n or_o punishment_n as_o far_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o society_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o when_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o their_o action_n extend_v beyond_o themselves_o to_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n become_v concern_v either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o permit_v and_o order_v it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n as_o those_o other_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o of_o god_n though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o he_o himself_o can_v govern_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n turn_v man_n heart_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o passion_n and_o alter_v their_o counsel_n the_o only_a question_n be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v this_o and_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o god_n make_v no_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o irresistible_a force_n for_o this_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o require_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o irresistible_a influence_n upon_o man_n mind_n even_o force_v they_o to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a man_n but_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o
thus_o it_o be_v whenever_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o interpose_v which_o he_o do_v as_o often_o as_o he_o have_v any_o wise_a end_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v even_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o 16._o prov._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a promise_n god_n make_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o when_o all_o their_o male_n shall_v come_v three_o time_n every_o year_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o country_n be_v leave_v without_o defence_n expose_v to_o the_o rapine_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n when_o they_o go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n 34._o exod._n 24._o we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o those_o many_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v it_o when_o abraham_n sojourn_v in_o gerar_n he_o say_v of_o sarah_n his_o wife_n that_o she_o be_v his_o sister_n and_o abimelech_n the_o king_n of_o gerar_n send_v and_o take_v she_o but_o god_n reprove_v abimelech_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v withhold_v he_o from_o sin_v and_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o touch_v she_o 20._o genes_n 1._o etc._n etc._n thus_o when_o jacob_n flee_v from_o laban_n with_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o laban_n pursue_v he_o god_n appear_v to_o laban_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o command_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v to_o jacob_n either_o good_a or_o hurt_n 31._o genes_n 24._o such_o appearance_n be_v very_o common_a in_o that_o age_n though_o they_o seem_v very_o extraordinary_a to_o we_o but_o god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o by_o strong_a and_o lively_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o suggest_v and_o fix_v such_o thought_n in_o we_o as_o excite_v or_o calm_v our_o passion_n as_o encourage_v we_o to_o bold_a and_o great_a attempt_n or_o check_v we_o in_o our_o career_n by_o frightful_a imagination_n and_o unaccountable_a fear_n and_o terror_n or_o by_o such_o other_o argument_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o change_v our_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n sometime_o god_n do_v this_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o external_n cause_n which_o at_o other_o time_n will_v not_o have_v be_v effectual_a but_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o effect_n when_o god_n enforce_v the_o impression_n thus_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o esau_n when_o he_o come_v out_o in_o great_a rage_n against_o his_o brother_n jacob_n it_o be_v a_o old_a hatred_n he_o have_v conceive_v against_o he_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o birthright_n and_o of_o his_o blessing_n and_o he_o have_v for_o many_o year_n confirm_v himself_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o the_o first_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o and_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o present_v which_o jacob_n send_v he_o which_o he_o can_v have_v take_v if_o he_o have_v please_v without_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o gift_n and_o that_o the_o submission_n of_o jacob_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a make_v he_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o the_o very_a business_n he_o come_v for_o and_o turn_v his_o bloody_a design_n into_o the_o kind_a embrace_n no_o this_o be_v god_n work_n the_o effect_n of_o that_o blessing_n which_o the_o angel_n give_v to_o jacob_n after_o a_o whole_a night_n wrestle_v with_o he_o in_o peniel_n 32._o and_o 33._o genes_n and_o when_o god_n please_v the_o weak_a mean_n shall_v change_v the_o most_o sullen_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o be_v the_o story_n of_o david_n and_o abigail_n nabal_n have_v high_o provoke_v david_n by_o the_o churlish_a answer_n which_o he_o send_v he_o and_o david_n be_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a severe_a revenge_n on_o nabal_n and_o his_o house_n but_o god_n send_v abigail_n to_o pacify_v he_o who_o by_o her_o presence_n and_o dutiful_a and_o submissive_a behaviour_n and_o wise_a counsel_n divert_v he_o from_o those_o bloody_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v as_o david_n himself_o acknowledge_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n which_o send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o from_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 32_o 33._o saul_n pursue_v david_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o god_n deliver_v he_o twice_o into_o david_n hand_n and_o the_o kindness_n david_n show_v he_o in_o not_o kill_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n do_v at_o last_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o saul_n that_o he_o pursue_v he_o no_o more_o 1_o sam._n 26._o 27._o ch_n thus_o god_n confound_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n which_o absolom_n choose_v to_o follow_v and_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v from_o god_n who_o have_v purpose_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absolom_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o such_o a_o absolute_a empire_n have_v god_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v can_v lead_v they_o into_o new_a thought_n and_o counsel_n with_o as_o great_a ease_n as_o the_o water_n of_o a_o river_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n prepare_v for_o they_o 2_o when_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o change_v and_o alter_v man_n will_n and_o passion_n he_o can_v govern_v their_o action_n and_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o they_o when_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o like_o best_a he_o do_v that_o by_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o little_o expect_v or_o intend_v the_o same_o action_n may_v serve_v very_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o god_n and_o man_n may_v have_v very_o different_a intention_n in_o it_o and_o what_o be_v ill_o do_v by_o man_n and_o for_o a_o very_a ill_a end_n may_v be_v order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n nay_o the_o ill_a end_n which_o man_n design_v may_v be_v disappoint_v and_o the_o good_a which_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v as_o absolute_a a_o government_n over_o man_n action_n as_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n require_v when_o whatever_o man_n do_v if_o they_o intend_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n another_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v and_o what_o they_o intend_v shall_v have_v no_o effect_n any_o far_a than_o as_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o divine_a counsel_n as_o to_o give_v some_o plain_a example_n of_o it_o ioseph_n brethren_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o dream_n and_o at_o the_o peculiar_a kindness_n which_o their_o father_n jacob_n show_v he_o resolve_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o but_o god_n intend_v to_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n and_o to_o transplant_v jacob_n and_o his_o family_n thither_o and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o slay_v he_o as_o they_o at_o first_o intend_v but_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n who_o carry_v he_o into_o egppt_v which_o disappoint_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o never_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v more_o of_o he_o but_o accomplish_v the_o decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n another_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o come_v against_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o powerful_a army_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o but_o god_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o correct_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o do_v but_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o o_o assyrian_n the_o rod_n of_o my_o anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v my_o indignation_n i_o will_v send_v he_o against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o my_o wrath_n will_v i_o give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n thus_o far_o god_n give_v he_o commission_n that_o be_v thus_o far_o god_n intend_v to_o suffer_v his_o rage_n and_o pride_n to_o proceed_v but_o this_o be_v the_o least_o of_o his_o intention_n howbeit_o he_o think_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o but_o in_o this_o god_n disappoint_v he_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v only_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n and_o phrase_n which_o make_v they_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o we_o than_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o contradict_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v this_o for_o a_o answer_n or_o as_o some_o will_v call_v it_o a_o evasion_n but_o shall_v consider_v these_o text_n particular_o and_o the_o first_o place_n relate_v to_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o let_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n go_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o moses_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n 4._o exod._n 21._o where_o god_n express_o tell_v moses_n that_o he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o in_o the_o story_n itself_o it_o be_v several_a time_n express_v that_o god_n do_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o he_o who_o harden_v the_o heart_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o such_o a_o hard_a heart_n commit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o have_v give_v so_o much_o trouble_v to_o divine_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v such_o a_o firmness_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o temper_n or_o resolution_n as_o will_v yield_v to_o no_o motive_n or_o persuasion_n that_o will_v no_o more_o receive_v any_o impression_n than_o a_o hard_a and_o impenetrable_a rock_n and_o therefore_o to_o harden_v the_o heart_n be_v to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o stiffness_n and_o obstinacy_n as_o will_v not_o yield_v but_o then_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o harden_v man_n heart_n and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o innocent_a and_o holy_a as_o well_o as_o just_o and_o before_o we_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o must_v know_v in_o what_o way_n god_n harden_v immediate_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n heart_n a_o unrelenting_a hardness_n and_o obstinacy_n in_o a_o sinful_a course_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v in_o the_o most_o proper_a sense_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o though_o god_n say_v he_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n for_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o man_n who_o have_v first_o harden_v themselves_o take_v the_o most_o innocent_a occasion_n to_o grow_v hard_a nay_o be_v harden_v by_o such_o usage_n as_o will_v either_o break_v or_o soften_v other_o man_n and_o those_o who_o treat_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o their_o wicked_a heart_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o as_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o charge_v those_o with_o undo_n and_o harden_v their_o child_n and_o servant_n who_o have_v spoil_v they_o by_o too_o much_o indulgence_n or_o by_o too_o great_a severity_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o origen_n give_v of_o it_o and_o indeed_o when_o man_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o pharaoh_n be_v often_o say_v to_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n and_o yet_o god_n be_v say_v to_o harden_v they_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o account_n give_v of_o it_o but_o this_o that_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o what_o god_n do_v take_v occasion_n where_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v to_o harden_v themselves_o as_o st._n paul_n observe_v the_o jew_n do_v from_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a 2._o rome_n 4_o 5._o or_o despise_v thou_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o forbearance_n and_o long_o suffer_v not_o know_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n i.e._n shall_v lead_v thou_o to_o repentance_n not_o harden_v thou_o in_o sin_n though_o it_o have_v another_o effect_n through_o thy_o own_o wickedness_n but_o after_o thy_o hardness_n and_o impenitent_a heart_n grow_v more_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a by_o god_n forbearance_n and_o treasure_a up_o unto_o thyself_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n or_o thus_o pharaoh_n take_v occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v soften_v he_o and_o god_n foresee_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o say_z i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n not_o i_o will_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o he_o but_z i_o will_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o i_o certain_o know_v his_o hard_a and_o wicked_a heart_n will_v improve_v into_o new_a occasion_n and_o new_a degree_n of_o hardness_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n either_o for_o god_n or_o man_n to_o forbear_v do_v what_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n direct_v to_o be_v do_v because_o harden_a sinner_n will_v harden_v themselves_o the_o more_o by_o it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n appear_v from_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o which_o harden_v pharaoh_n and_o make_v he_o so_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n be_v the_o great_a advantage_n he_o make_v of_o their_o service_n and_o bondage_n which_o make_v he_o impatient_a to_o think_v of_o send_v away_o a_o people_n which_o be_v so_o useful_a to_o he_o to_o conquer_v this_o obstinate_a humour_n god_n send_v moses_n to_o deliver_v israel_n with_o a_o mighty_a arm_n and_o outstretch_v hand_n moses_n wrought_v such_o mighty_a wonder_n and_o inflict_v such_o miraculous_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o egypt_n as_o any_o one_o will_v have_v think_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n not_o to_o have_v harden_v but_o to_o have_v break_v and_o subdue_v the_o most_o harden_a heart_n but_o this_o have_v a_o contrary_a effect_n upon_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n and_o it_o be_v visible_a what_o it_o be_v that_o harden_a he_o some_o of_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v imitate_v by_o the_o magician_n as_o turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n and_o water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v frog_n upon_o the_o land_n and_o upon_o this_o he_o harden_v his_o heart_n though_o the_o plague_n of_o frog_n be_v so_o grievous_a that_o it_o make_v he_o somewhat_o relent_v and_o promise_v to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v and_o sacrifice_n unto_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o frog_n may_v be_v remove_v but_o than_o god_n goodness_n in_o remove_v this_o plague_n harden_v he_o as_o it_o be_v express_o observe_v that_o when_o pharaoh_n see_v there_o be_v respite_n he_o harden_v his_o heart_n 8._o exod._n 15._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o succeed_a judgement_n while_o any_o judgement_n be_v upon_o he_o he_o yield_v and_o promise_v fair_a to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v that_o have_v any_o one_o of_o those_o judgement_n continue_v on_o he_o till_o he_o have_v part_v with_o israel_n he_o have_v certain_o send_v they_o away_o long_o before_o but_o when_o he_o see_v one_o judgement_n remove_v after_o another_o he_o think_v there_o will_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o at_o last_o and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o endure_v a_o while_n than_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n and_o thus_o god_n harden_v his_o heart_n and_o he_o harden_v his_o own_o heart_n till_o the_o death_n of_o all_o the_o first-born_a put_v he_o and_o his_o servant_n and_o all_o the_o people_n into_o such_o a_o terrible_a fright_n that_o they_o be_v glad_a to_o get_v rid_v of_o israel_n to_o save_v their_o own_o life_n and_o to_o complete_a all_o god_n still_o harden_a pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v after_o israel_n that_o he_o may_v overthrow_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o for_o that_o end_n god_n lead_v the_o people_n about_o through_o the_o way_n of_o the_o wilderness_n of_o the_o red_a sea_n that_o pharaoh_n may_v say_v they_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o land_n the_o wilderness_n have_v shut_v they_o in_o and_o it_o be_v tell_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n that_o the_o people_n flee_v and_o the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o of_o his_o servant_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o people_n and_o they_o say_v why_o have_v we_o do_v this_o that_o we_o have_v let_v israel_n go_v from_o serve_v we_o 14._o exod._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o report_n of_o their_o fly_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o their_o be_v entangle_v in_o the_o wilderness_n make_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o servant_n quick_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v suffer_v in_o egypt_n and_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o the_o loss_n of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n which_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o new_a pursuit_n and_o be_v order_v by_o god_n to_o that_o end_n that_o he_o may_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host._n this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n which_o contain_v nothing_o that_o unbecome_v a_o wise_a and_o a_o holy_a be_v for_o though_o it_o can_v
never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o infuse_v hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o when_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o and_o will_v abuse_v all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o harden_v themselves_o and_o be_v now_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n it_o very_o much_o become_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o know_v will_v still_o harden_v they_o till_o they_o make_v themselves_o such_o infamous_a example_n of_o wickedness_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o more_o glorious_a and_o exemplary_a vengeance_n which_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o very_o necessary_a to_o the_o full_a understanding_n this_o difficult_a case_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n god_n have_v peremptory_o decree_v not_o only_o to_o deliver_v israel_n but_o to_o punish_v egypt_n both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o solemnity_n have_v destroy_v pharaoh_n his_o people_n and_o land_n and_o have_v carry_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n but_o when_o they_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o destroy_v and_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n be_v at_o the_o free_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v make_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v why_o he_o take_v such_o a_o course_n with_o pharaoh_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n of_o not_o part_v with_o israel_n when_o he_o can_v have_v force_v he_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o few_o miracle_n to_o have_v send_v they_o away_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o same_o thing_n he_o tell_v pharaoh_n i_o will_v at_o this_o time_n send_v all_o my_o plague_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o thy_o servant_n and_o upon_o thy_o people_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o now_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v smite_v thou_o and_o thy_o people_n with_o pestilence_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o have_v all_o this_o time_n preserve_v thou_o and_o not_o cut_v thou_o off_o for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 9_o exod._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o reason_n god_n give_v why_o he_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v israel_n i_o will_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host_n that_o the_o egyptian_n may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n 14._o exod._n 4._o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o if_o he_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v they_o and_o do_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n to_o harden_v they_o this_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o such_o a_o moral_a efficiency_n in_o use_v harden_v providence_n as_o will_v as_o certain_o harden_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o they_o and_o this_o make_v little_a difference_n whether_o god_n harden_v man_n by_o external_a providence_n or_o by_o a_o internal_a operation_n on_o their_o mind_n when_o he_o intend_v such_o providence_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o will_v effectual_o do_v it_o now_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o unbecome_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o do_v yet_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o on_o purpose_n to_o multiply_v his_o judgement_n on_o egypt_n and_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o express_v that_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o nay_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o man_n sin_n do_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o the_o person_n by_o such_o insensible_a method_n betray_v they_o into_o sin_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o harden_v they_o for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o constant_a virtue_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o temptation_n which_o a_o long_a series_n of_o providence_n choose_v and_o direct_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v he_o into_o but_o yet_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o when_o god_n be_v so_o far_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n to_o harden_v man_n by_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n not_o in_o sin_n which_o can_v never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a course_n as_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n betray_v they_o to_o and_o as_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a ruin_n on_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n on_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v any_o man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o that_o then_o he_o do_v not_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o their_o own_o sin_n betray_v they_o to_o 3._o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n but_o by_o their_o own_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 4._o to_o complete_a all_o when_o god_n have_v thus_o determine_v to_o destroy_v any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o penal_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n not_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o peace_n these_o four_o particular_n contain_v a_o full_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o this_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o but_o brief_o to_o they_o 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o for_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o god_n harden_v man_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o harden_v they_o not_o because_o they_o deserve_v and_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o justice_n destroy_v they_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v equal_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n beyond_o all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o recovery_n and_o have_v so_o provoke_v a_o good_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n then_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v harden_v which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o deserve_v immediate_a destruction_n and_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o pass_v a_o final_a sentence_n on_o they_o god_n may_v either_o immediate_o destroy_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o in_o that_o harden_a state_n like_o condemn_a malefactor_n reserve_v in_o chain_n for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a execution_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n harden_v man_n and_o this_o all_o mankind_n must_v allow_v to_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n who_o
he_o by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n and_o i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n for_o thou_o do_v it_o secret_o but_o i_o will_v do_v this_o thing_n before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 11_o 12._o which_o we_o know_v absalon_n according_o do_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o ahitophel_n 16._o chap._n 20_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o god_n do_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o david_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n but_o that_o he_o either_o instigate_v ahitophel_n to_o give_v this_o counsel_n or_o absolom_n to_o take_v it_o be_v not_o say_v and_o if_o god_n can_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n on_o david_n without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n all_o that_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o case_n be_v to_o put_v david_n wife_n into_o absalom_n power_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o foretell_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o permit_v for_o his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o david_n flee_v he_o shall_v leave_v his_o wife_n behind_o he_o which_o put_v they_o into_o absalom_n power_n and_o than_o god_n foresee_v what_o counsel_n ahitophel_n will_v give_v and_o how_o ready_a absalon_n will_v be_v to_o take_v it_o unless_o he_o hinder_v it_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o to_o do_v in_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultary_a and_o thus_o to_o order_v the_o permission_n for_o such_o a_o end_n though_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n yet_o entitle_v god_n to_o the_o event_n consider_v as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n thus_o when_o shimei_n curse_v david_n as_o he_o flee_v from_o jerusalem_n david_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n hand_n in_o it_o and_o will_v no_o suffer_v abishai_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n 2_o sam._n 16._o 10._o but_o every_a one_o see_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n god_n never_o command_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n nor_o do_v david_n believe_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o he_o do_v for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v impute_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o to_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v though_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o shimei_n at_o his_o return_n when_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n yet_o he_o leave_v it_o in_o his_o die_a charge_n to_o solomon_n not_o to_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a 1_o king_n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o when_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o curse_v all_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o or_o can_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n have_v give_v free_a scope_n to_o shimei_n old_a and_o inveterate_a hatred_n of_o he_o and_o as_o effectual_o let_v loose_v his_o revile_v tongue_n as_o if_o god_n have_v in_o express_a word_n command_v he_o to_o curse_n david_n and_o therefore_o he_o patient_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o part_v of_o his_o punishment_n and_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n which_o give_v this_o confidence_n to_o shimei_n to_o curse_v his_o king_n behold_v my_o son_n which_o come_v forth_o of_o my_o bowel_n seek_v my_o life_n how_o much_o more_o now_o may_v this_o benjamite_n do_v it_o 10._o v._n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o david_n elsewhere_o complain_v of_o that_o god_n have_v make_v he_o the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n for_o bad_a man_n will_v take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o persecute_v the_o good_a there_o need_v no_o other_o command_n for_o this_o but_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o some_o object_n god_n give_v power_n to_o satan_n first_o over_o the_o good_n and_o then_o over_o the_o body_n of_o job_n except_v his_o life_n and_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth-gilead_n but_o wherein_o the_o objection_n lie_v i_o can_v tell_v for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o god_n by_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o hurt_v and_o to_o deceive_v make_v he_o a_o malicious_a and_o lie_a spirit_n those_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a objector_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n without_o charge_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n too_o but_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v he_o have_v deceive_v he_o now_o how_o be_v it_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o providence_n to_o deceive_v 14._o ezek._n 9_o and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n now_o to_o this_o it_o be_v common_o answer_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o possess_v such_o prophet_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n for_o he_o only_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n such_o prophet_n as_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o for_o their_o lie_a prophecy_n and_o how_o do_v it_o unbecome_v god_n to_o give_v up_o the_o worshipper_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o deceive_v by_o they_o no_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o god_n have_v always_o his_o own_o prophet_n among_o they_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o such_o lie_a prophecy_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o prophecy_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o from_o the_o heathen_a idol_n or_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v to_o worship_v strange_a god_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o oracle_n or_o to_o divine_a out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o choose_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v even_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v unto_o he_o 10._o v._n we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o these_o prophet_n and_o severe_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o 13._o ezek._n who_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o to_o see_v a_o vain_a vision_n and_o speak_v a_o lie_a divination_n and_o sometime_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n too_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v it_o albeit_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v now_o this_o character_n the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n give_v of_o these_o lie_a prophet_n incline_v i_o to_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o seem_v plain_a and_o easy_a not_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o to_o prophesy_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o vain_a vision_n either_o by_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o idolatry_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o delusion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n or_o by_o heat_n their_o imagination_n into_o enthusiastic_a frenzy_n and_o prophesy_v their_o own_o hope_n and_o politic_a guess_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o than_o god_n deceive_v all_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n by_o bring_v those_o evil_n on_o they_o which_o they_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n say_v shall_v never_o come_v and_o the_o word_n plain_o favour_v this_o sense_n god_n do_v not_o say_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v to_o speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v he_o but_o if_o a_o
will_v not_o see_v to_o deceive_v those_o with_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o all_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n who_o do_v not_o love_v the_o trath_n but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o unrighteousness_n who_o endeavour_n to_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o desire_v to_o be_v deceive_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o send_v they_o strong_a delusion_n to_o believe_v a_o lie_n that_o god_n suffer_v the_o man_n of_o sin_n to_o erect_v his_o kingdom_n after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n when_o man_n be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o love_v the_o truth_n because_o it_o discover_v and_o reprove_v their_o sin_n they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o be_v deliver_v up_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o crafty_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n this_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n he_o force_v truth_n on_o no_o man_n but_o those_o who_o love_v the_o truth_n shall_v find_v it_o those_o who_o cry_v after_o knowledge_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o voice_n for_o understanding_n who_o seek_v she_o as_o silver_n and_o search_v for_o she_o as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n they_o shall_v understand_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o find_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 2._o prov._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o if_o man_n wilful_o shut_v their_o own_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n god_n suffer_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n to_o blind_v they_o as_o st._n paul_n teach_v 2_o cor._n 4._o 3_o 4._o but_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o all_o afraid_a of_o prejudice_n and_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n which_o bar_v up_o the_o mind_n against_o truth_n and_o by_o degree_n betray_v we_o to_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n there_o be_v some_o other_o text_n which_o do_v indeed_o attribute_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o human_a action_n to_o god_n but_o without_o charge_v his_o providence_n with_o man_n sin_n 16._o prov._n 9_o a_o man_n heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 19_o 21._o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 20._o 24._o man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o can_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o be_v that_o man_n advise_v and_o deliberate_a and_o choose_v free_o what_o they_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o action_n they_o can_v do_v nothing_o they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o to_o pass_v but_o what_o god_n will_v god_n can_v change_v their_o counsel_n or_o can_v disappoint_v they_o when_o they_o be_v ripe_a for_o action_n or_o can_v make_v what_o they_o do_v serve_v quite_o another_o end_n than_o what_o they_o intend_v now_o this_o only_a prove_n what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o issue_n and_o event_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n man_n may_v choose_v what_o they_o please_v but_o they_o shall_v do_v only_o what_o god_n see_v fit_a and_o what_o he_o order_v for_o wise_a end_n god_n do_v not_o act_v immediate_o but_o make_v use_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o of_o the_o ministries_n of_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n man_n choose_v and_o act_v free_o and_o pursue_v their_o own_o design_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o the_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o the_o action_n be_v their_o own_o and_o god_n do_v as_o free_o with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n over-rule_v all_o event_n which_o be_v therefore_o god_n do_v as_o well_o as_o man_n be_v direct_v by_o he_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n or_o nation_n as_o they_o deserve_v thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v examine_v most_o of_o those_o text_n which_o have_v be_v think_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 and_o i_o hope_v have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n intend_v in_o they_o and_o for_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o argument_n concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v some_o few_o practical_a inference_n by_o way_n of_o application_n 1._o not_o to_o attribute_v our_o own_o or_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o god_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v 1._o james_z 13_o 14._o this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o without_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n if_o god_n can_v influence_n man_n mind_n to_o wicked_a purpose_n and_o counsel_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v hate_v wickedness_n or_o be_v so_o holy_a as_o many_o holy_a man_n be_v who_o will_v no_o more_o incline_v or_o tempt_v other_o man_n to_o sin_n than_o they_o will_v sin_v themselves_o and_o who_o will_v hate_v sin_n or_o think_v that_o god_n will_v love_v he_o ever_o the_o less_o for_o be_v a_o sinner_n who_o believe_v this_o if_o god_n want_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o counsel_n they_o must_v either_o be_v very_o unholy_a counsel_n which_o can_v be_v accomplish_v without_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o he_o must_v be_v a_o weak_a or_o unskilful_a be_v which_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n for_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v can_v do_v whatever_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a without_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n it_o be_v excellent_a wisdom_n indeed_o when_o man_n do_v and_o will_v sin_n for_o god_n to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a and_o gracious_a counsel_n by_o their_o sin_n but_o to_o incline_v or_o tempt_v or_o over-rule_v or_o determine_v man_n to_o sin_n on_o purpose_n to_o serve_v himself_o by_o their_o sin_n this_o will_v be_v a_o just_a impeachment_n both_o of_o his_o holiness_n his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o power_n and_o a_o god_n who_o be_v neither_o holy_a wise_a nor_o powerful_a will_v be_v no_o very_o fit_a object_n of_o religious_a worship_n to_o say_v that_o god_n decree_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n for_o his_o own_o glory_n to_o magnify_v his_o mercy_n and_o justice_n in_o save_v some_o few_o and_o in_o condemn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o eternal_a misery_n be_v so_o senseless_a a_o representation_n both_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o mercy_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n as_o destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o all_o for_o if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a machine_n who_o move_v as_o he_o be_v move_v how_o can_v he_o deserve_v either_o well_o or_o ill_n necessity_n destroy_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n both_o which_o suppose_v a_o free_a choice_n and_o election_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n nor_o vice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o place_n neither_o for_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n and_o than_o god_n can_v neither_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n nor_o his_o justice_n in_o forgive_a sin_n or_o in_o punish_v the_o sinner_n how_o can_v any_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v overrule_v by_o god_n to_o do_v all_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v ever_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_n or_o hearty_o beg_v god_n pardon_n or_o reverence_v his_o judgement_n or_o endeavour_v to_o do_v better_o all_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o this_o persuasion_n that_o god_n hate_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v no_o pretence_n for_o religion_n and_o if_o god_n make_v none_o there_o be_v none_o and_o if_o he_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o be_v good_a he_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o 2_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n teach_v we_o never_o to_o do_v any_o evil_a to_o serve_v providence_n under_o pretext_n of_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o which_o we_o think_v may_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n god_n never_o need_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o can_v never_o approve_v they_o whatever_o good_a end_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o serve_v god_n indeed_o do_v many_o time_n bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a but_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o do_v evil_a that_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
there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o therefore_o a_o god_n above_o they_o all_o who_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o fear_v and_o worship_n this_o convince_v nabuchadnezzar_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o have_v deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n 29._o he_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o langage_fw-fr which_o speak_v amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n 27._o that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n shall_v tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v and_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o ihe_a power_n of_o the_o lion_n both_o these_o king_n be_v convince_v by_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o nebuchadnezzar_n decree_n only_o forbid_v man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n darius_n seem_v to_o command_v all_o people_n to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o he_o signify_v a_o religious_a veneration_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o appoint_v any_o solemn_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o much_o less_o do_v they_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o go_n but_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v have_v carry_v they_o far_o for_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o prove_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o god_n prove_v a_o sovereign_a providence_n too_o that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v not_o so_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o minister_n or_o inferior_a deity_n but_o that_o he_o reserve_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n 35_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v convince_v that_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o this_o cut_v off_o all_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o country-goods_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o at_o most_o they_o can_v be_v only_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o divine_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o minister_n of_o state_n have_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v this_o when_o they_o see_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v israel_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o after-age_n when_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n when_o god_n deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o pray_v to_o his_o god_n this_o show_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o custom_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v and_o explain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n and_o the_o hard_a bondage_n they_o suffer_v there_o and_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n before_o he_o show_v they_o open_o to_o the_o world_n under_o such_o a_o peculiar_a character_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o form_v their_o manner_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v so_o glorious_a a_o relation_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o hard_a bondage_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n remote_a from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o other_o people_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o fit_a place_n both_o to_o instruct_v and_o try_v they_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o those_o various_a providence_n with_o which_o god_n exercise_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o often_o refer_v and_o which_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-state_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a conduct_n of_o that_o people_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v live_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v tincture_v with_o the_o idolatry_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o that_o people_n and_o have_v all_o that_o meanness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o humour_n that_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v of_o which_o we_o have_v too_o many_o visible_a instance_n in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o moses_n all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v before_o their_o entrance_n into_o canaan_n which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o very_a wonderful_a providence_n the_o first_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o they_o with_o all_o the_o most_o formidable_a solemnity_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o moses_n tell_v they_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o know_v before_o 33._o since_o the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v ever_o people_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o live_v and_o the_o 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and_o not_o only_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o make_v christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o give_v we_o wise_a instruction_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o furnish_v we_o with_o many_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n as_o to_o be_v past_o human_a relief_n it_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_v where_o there_o be_v force_n against_o force_n and_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n though_o providence_n determine_v the_o event_n human_a power_n and_o counsel_n very_o often_o monopolise_v the_o glory_n and_o leave_v god_n out_o but_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o they_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o awaken_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o providence_n know_v to_o the_o world_n when_o god_n expose_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n to_o such_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o final_a ruin_n it_o be_v a_o severe_a summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o vain_a word_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o no_o external_n relation_n or_o privilege_n shall_v secure_v we_o from_o vengeance_n if_o we_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v but_o such_o deliverance_n as_o these_o give_v we_o great_a reason_n never_o to_o despair_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o no_o case_n be_v desperate_a when_o god_n will_v save_v and_o therefore_o the_o less_o expectation_n we_o at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o human_a succour_n the_o more_o earnest_o ought_v we_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a protection_n and_o learn_v to_o live_v upon_o faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o good_a man_n be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n it_o 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providence_n so_o order_v human_a affair_n as_o to_o teach_v we_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n both_o for_o our_o religious_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n six_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o wise_a mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o correct_v but_o not_o destroy_v humble_v but_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o he_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v but_o without_o despair_n when_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o lifts_z up_o and_o cast_v down_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o both_o threaten_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o good_a man_n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n 37._o psal._n 23_o 24._o thus_o 94._o psal_n 14_o 15._o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n but_o judgement_n shall_v return_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o help_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o 17_o 18_o verse_n a_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v 27._o isaiah_n have_v he_o smite_v they_o that_o be_v israel_n as_o he_o smite_v those_o that_o smite_v he_o he_o smite_v israel_n but_o not_o as_o he_o smite_v the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v he_o slay_v according_a to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v by_o he_o in_o measure_n when_o it_o shoot_v forth_o will_v thou_o debate_v with_o it_o he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east_n wind_n this_o be_v to_o sing_v to_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v but_o still_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n chap._n ix_o concern_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o intend_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o justification_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o worship_n but_o a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o deserve_v the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o all_o a_o god_n who_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o govern_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o he_o but_o a_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o reverence_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o of_o all_o those_o religious_a and_o devout_a affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o name_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a 1._o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
fear_n and_o aversion_n submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o the_o more_o what_o we_o suffer_v be_v against_o our_o own_o will_n the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n submission_n to_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o courage_n and_o fortitude_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v suffering_n which_o man_n may_v have_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o which_o the_o profound_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o teach_v we_o but_o he_o submit_v who_o receive_v the_o bitter_a cup_n and_o drink_v it_o though_o with_o a_o tremble_v heart_n and_o hand_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a devout_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o judgement_n but_o betray_v great_a weakness_n of_o mind_n and_o disorder_n of_o passion_n under_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v very_o impatient_a of_o pain_n and_o have_v such_o soft_a and_o tender_a passion_n that_o every_o affliction_n gall_v they_o 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troublesome_a or_o delightful_a passion_n and_o this_o will_v exercise_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n to_o part_v with_o what_o we_o love_v and_o to_o suffer_v what_o we_o fear_v and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o submission_n to_o explain_v this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o that_o man_n must_v suffer_v who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n must_v not_o reproach_n and_o censure_v the_o divine_a providence_n but_o think_v and_o speak_v honourable_o of_o god_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o deal_v with_o he_o he_o may_v complain_v of_o what_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o he_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o god_n this_o be_v iob_n behaviour_n naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o 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 in_o all_o this_o job_n sin_v not_o nor_o charge_v god_n foolish_o i_o job_n 21_o 22._o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a submission_n i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o 39_o psalm_n 9_o he_o submit_v silent_o and_o patient_o as_o to_o god_n hand_n open_v not_o his_o mouth_n against_o god_n though_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o suffering_n deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o not_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o foolish_a remove_v thy_o stroke_n away_o from_o i_o i_o be_o consume_v by_o the_o blow_n of_o thy_o hand_n 8_o 10._o to_o reproach_n and_o revile_v providence_n to_o fret_v against_o god_n or_o as_o iob_n wife_n advise_v he_o to_o curse_v god_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o his_o government_n and_o impatient_a to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o cast_v off_o so_o uneasy_a a_o yoke_n this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o submission_n such_o man_n suffer_v god_n will_n because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o but_o they_o will_v rebel_v if_o they_o can_v those_o who_o be_v so_o outrageous_a against_o what_o god_n do_v and_o so_o impatient_o angry_a with_o god_n for_o do_v it_o only_o want_v power_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o to_o pull_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n submission_n to_o god_n be_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o though_o no_o man_n can_v absolute_o choose_v suffering_n for_o suffering_n be_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n yet_o man_n may_v choose_v suffer_v against_o the_o natural_a bias_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n of_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o express_v a_o great_a aversion_n against_o suffering_n pray_v earnest_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v our_o own_o will_n will_v draw_v back_o and_o recoil_v at_o suffer_v for_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a but_o yet_o a_o will_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n will_v deny_v itself_o and_o choose_v that_o god_n will_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o this_o be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o suffer_v yet_o how_o uneasy_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o complain_v against_o god_n that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v it_o otherwise_o when_o god_n see_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v choose_v suffering_n yet_o we_o choose_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o suffer_v another_o act_n of_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v when_o we_o wait_v patient_o on_o god_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v we_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o we_o suffer_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o dependence_n be_v still_o on_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n be_v to_o submit_v in_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o submit_v as_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o discipline_n of_o a_o father_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o submit_v without_o hope_n as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o final_a ruin_n when_o we_o cast_v off_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o submission_n than_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o that_o desperate_a conclusion_n behold_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n any_o long_o 2_o king_n 6._o 33._o but_o never_o be_v there_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o submission_n than_o that_o of_o job_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o also_o shall_v be_v my_o salvation_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o 13._o job_n 15_o 16._o this_o the_o psalmist_n have_v full_o express_v 27._o psalm_n 13_o 14._o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o live_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o strike_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o make_v our_o complaint_n to_o he_o and_o to_o expect_v our_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n only_o from_o he_o this_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o will_n our_o will_n to_o attend_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o patient_o and_o diligent_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v the_o command_n of_o his_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v elegant_o represent_v 123._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o unto_o thou_o lift_v i_o up_o my_o eye_n o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o heaven_n behold_v as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n and_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o maiden_n unto_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o our_o eye_n wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n until_o that_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o submission_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a we_o must_v possess_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o a_o mere_a sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a lord_n for_o to_o submit_v to_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n be_v and_o will_v be_v very_o grievous_a
we_o owe_v to_o providence_n 345_o a_o particular_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o event_n ibid._n submission_n to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n 347_o concern_v submission_n to_o god_n under_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n 348_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n 354_o concern_v hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n 366_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 378_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o introduction_n my_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v so_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o principal_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o tempt_v some_o man_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o so_o weaken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o believe_v it_o that_o a_o divine_a providence_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n i_o have_v prove_v large_o enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o future_a judgement_n 3._o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o but_o that_o this_o work_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o want_v a_o foundation_n i_o have_v not_o whole_o omit_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o have_v at_o least_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o a_o providence_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o a_o discourse_n of_o providence_n the_o whole_a be_v divide_v into_o nine_o chapter_n i._o the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n iv._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n v._o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n ix_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n the_o explication_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o only_o answer_v many_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n instead_o of_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o providence_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o this_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n do_v govern_v it_o too_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n for_o chance_n can_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o it_o can_v make_v the_o world_n one_o principal_a act_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n power_n operation_n to_o make_v this_o low_a world_n again_o every_o year_n by_o new_a production_n for_o nature_n seem_v to_o decay_v and_o die_v and_o revive_v again_o in_o almost_o as_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n and_o as_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n which_o act_n by_o no_o rule_n nor_o with_o any_o counsel_n or_o design_n can_v make_v a_o world_n which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o admirable_a wisdom_n in_o its_o contrivance_n yet_o it_o seem_v more_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n can_v preserve_v that_o it_o can_v uphold_v the_o thing_n it_o have_v make_v that_o it_o can_v repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n nay_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v lose_v that_o it_o can_v not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n twice_o but_o repeat_v it_o infinite_o in_o new_a production_n that_o chance_n can_v give_v law_n to_o nature_n 1._o and_o impose_v a_o necessity_n on_o it_o to_o act_v regular_o and_o uniform_o that_o be_v that_o chance_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o chance_n and_o introduce_v necessity_n and_o fate_n be_v there_o not_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o likely_a that_o chance_n shall_v unmake_v and_o dissolve_v the_o world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o make_v it_o for_o a_o world_n that_o come_v together_o by_o chance_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v it_o together_o but_o the_o chance_n that_o make_v it_o which_o be_v as_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a as_o chance_n be_v will_v quick_o unmake_v itself_o shall_v the_o sun_n but_o change_v his_o place_n come_v near_o this_o earth_n or_o remove_v far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o so_o many_o age_n some_o new_a unlucky_a chance_n have_v not_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n attribute_n not_o only_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n of_o light_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o heaven_n and_o you_o water_n that_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v make_v they_o fast_o for_o ever_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o law_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v 148._o psal._n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o make_v the_o world_n must_v govern_v it_o too_o it_o be_v only_o a_o create_a power_n that_o can_v preserve_v that_o which_o owe_v its_o very_a be_v to_o power_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o make_v it_o for_o it_o can_v have_v no_o principle_n of_o self-subsistence_n independent_a on_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v only_o create_v wisdom_n that_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o see_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n that_o can_v correct_v the_o error_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v suspend_v or_o direct_v the_o influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o can_v govern_v heart_n change_v man_n purpose_n inspire_v wisdom_n and_o counsel_n restrain_v or_o let_v loose_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o can_v take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o can_v allot_v every_o creature_n its_o portion_n that_o can_v adjust_a the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n in_o a_o word_n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v such_o wisdom_n and_o such_o power_n as_o no_o be_v have_v but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v it_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o 3_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v as_o we_o call_v god_n a_o pure_a infinite_a eternal_a mind_n it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o must_v govern_v the_o world_n those_o who_o deny_v a_o providence_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o god_n see_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o the_o epicurean_o though_o in_o civility_n and_o compliment_n to_o the_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o real_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n they_o do_v own_o a_o god_n nay_o a_o great_a many_o god_n fruatur_fw-la such_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o never_o allow_v their_o god_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o affair_n longè_fw-la which_o will_v have_v disturb_v their_o profound_a ease_n and_o rest_v the_o sole_a happiness_n of_o the_o lazy_a unactive_a epicurean_a deity_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o god_n who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v or_o hear_v or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 64._o psalm_n 5._o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n secret_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o 10._o psalm_n 11._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o
94._o psalm_n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v he_o that_o chastise_v the_o heathen_a shall_v not_o he_o correct_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n so_o that_o these_o man_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o god_n do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v reward_v man_n according_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o his_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o man_n 31._o job_n 4._o do_v not_o he_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n 33._o psal._n 18_o 19_o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v they_o and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o famine_n and_o therefore_o when_o good_a man_n pray_v for_o help_n and_o succour_n they_o only_o beg_v god_n to_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o condition_n 1._o lam._n 11._o see_v o_o lord_n and_o consider_v for_o i_o be_o become_v vile_a 64._o isa._n 9_o behold_v see_v we_o beseech_v thou_o we_o be_v all_o thy_o people_n thus_o in_o hezekiah_n be_v prayer_n incline_v thy_o ear_n o_o lord_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n o_o lord_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o senacherib_n which_o have_v send_v to_o reproach_v the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o god_n see_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v 10._o psalm_n 14._o thou_o have_v see_v it_o for_o thou_o behold_v mischief_n and_o spite_n to_o requite_v it_o with_o thy_o hand_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o see_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o reward_n and_o punish_v but_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o and_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v resolve_v into_o god_n know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n the_o dispute_n will_v be_v soon_o end_v for_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omnipresent_v mind_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o psalmist_n elegant_o express_v it_o 139._o psalm_n 1._o 13._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o my_o uprising_n thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o my_o way_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o lo_o o_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o altogether_o thou_o have_v beset_v i_o hehind_v and_o before_o and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o i_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v too_o high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o if_o i_o say_v sure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v i_o even_o the_o night_n shall_v be_v light_n about_o i_o yea_o the_o darkness_n hide_v not_o from_o thou_o but_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v possess_v my_o reins_o thou_o have_v cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o omnipresent_v mind_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v present_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n or_o that_o be_v present_a and_o see_v all_o their_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o idle_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n four_o for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v pass_v all_o dispute_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o most_o creature_n a_o natural_a care_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o want_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o ostrich_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o warm_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o foot_n may_v crush_v they_o or_o that_o the_o wild_a best_n may_v break_v they_o she_o be_v harden_v against_o her_o young_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o she_o her_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o fear_n because_o god_n have_v deprive_v she_o of_o wisdom_n neither_o have_v he_o impart_v to_o her_o understanding_n 39_o job_n 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o can_v we_o think_v then_o that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v shall_v be_v as_o unconcerned_a for_o the_o world_n as_o the_o ostrich_n be_v for_o her_o egg_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sluggish_a unactive_a be_v for_o to_o make_v a_o world_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o power_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v itself_o a_o act_n of_o excellent_a goodness_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o legible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v conclude_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o infinite_o good_a be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v who_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n and_o perfect_a life_n can_v cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o his_o creature_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n natural_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o forget_v their_o child_n and_o though_o god_n have_v no_o superior_a his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o no_o philosopher_n except_v epicurus_n and_o his_o sect_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n 2._o ever_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o tully_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o god_n but_o destroy_v his_o be_v 2._o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n conclude_v a_o providence_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o providence_n signify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n ibid._n and_o those_o philosopher_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o calling_n god_n providence_n and_o fate_n 1._o and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a law_n for_o indeed_o mankind_n have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v ibid._n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n defend_v against_o epicurus_n and_o other_o atheist_n ibid._n this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n which_o atheist_n oppose_v the_o god_n who_o they_o fear_v a_o eternal_a lord_n who_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o dispute_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o principal_o resolve_v itself_o into_o this_o whether_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n or_o by_o chance_n and_o a_o blind_a material_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n include_v a_o providence_n or_o else_o either_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n will_v neither_o prove_v nor_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n if_o the_o beauty_n variery_a usefulness_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o