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
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
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
that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n shall_v be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v visible_o punish_v for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o fame_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o their_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n be_v know_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o nice_a argument_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a design_n if_o most_o of_o the_o remarkable_a providence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v do_v manifest_o serve_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n we_o have_v a_o visible_a reason_n of_o they_o not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v providence_n but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o be_v well_o know_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v for_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o his_o posterity_n for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n there_o to_o continue_v many_o year_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v to_o give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v increase_v insensible_o in_o canaan_n and_o by_o degree_n dispossess_v the_o old_a inhabitant_n for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a in_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n before_o god_n so_o public_o and_o visible_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o visible_o bestow_v a_o inheritance_n on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v have_v some_o place_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v in_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n for_o this_o purpose_n god_n choose_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o send_v joseph_n beforehand_o thither_o and_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n to_o prepare_v a_o reception_n for_o they_o and_o a_o very_a quiet_a and_o easy_a retreat_n they_o find_v there_o for_o many_o year_n till_o joseph_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o the_o good_a office_n he_o have_v do_v both_o for_o king_n and_o people_n forget_v and_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o israel_n make_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n jealous_a of_o their_o number_n and_o power_n and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o oppress_v that_o people_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o their_o deliverance_n be_v come_v this_o oppression_n of_o israel_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a severe_a providence_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a wise_a end_n it_o serve_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o people_n willing_a to_o leave_v egypt_n where_o they_o suffer_v such_o hard_a bondage_n for_o whoever_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v of_o return_v into_o egypt_n how_o they_o long_v after_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n and_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n they_o suffer_v there_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o have_v they_o enjoy_v ease_n and_o prosperity_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v will_v no_o more_o have_v persuade_v israel_n to_o have_v leave_v egypt_n than_o they_o can_v persuade_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v they_o go_v 2_o the_o advantage_n pharaoh_n make_v of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n make_v he_o obstinate_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o his_o cruel_a oppression_n make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v he_o and_o all_o egypt_n with_o he_o and_o this_o occasion_v all_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n whereby_o he_o visible_o own_a israel_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v his_o own_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v 3_o the_o great_a proneness_n of_o israel_n to_o idolatry_n even_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n while_o they_o live_v there_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n not_o without_o reason_n conclude_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a apis_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v their_o egyptian_a idolatry_n with_o a_o egyptian_a bondage_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o give_v check_n to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hate_v the_o egyptian_a god_n like_o their_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n and_o to_o remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o they_o 4thly_a the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o incorporate_n with_o any_o other_o people_n and_o this_o god_n take_v early_a care_n of_o by_o place_v they_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o egypt_n which_o make_v pharaoh_n so_o jealous_a of_o they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v 10._o and_o that_o make_v he_o oppress_v they_o and_o that_o oppression_n preserve_v the_o distinction_n which_o a_o kind_n and_o friendly_a usage_n may_v in_o time_n have_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o two_o people_n can_v live_v amicable_o together_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o under_o the_o same_o prince_n without_o mingle_v and_o incorporate_n with_o each_o other_o till_o they_o forget_v all_o distinction_n between_o nation_n and_o family_n these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v the_o hard_a bondage_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o those_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 6._o exod._n 6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o as_o for_o the_o egyptian_n god_n tell_v moses_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o my_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 this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o they_o be_v the_o first_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o surprise_n and_o wonder_n of_o they_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n miracle_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v no_o commendation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o cause_n not_o as_o sign_n it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n wrought_v all_o those_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v punish_v the_o egyptian_n nor_o
have_v so_o grievous_o oppress_v israel_n that_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o inflict_v a_o great_a many_o miraculous_a judgement_n on_o they_o not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o convince_v pharaoh_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o convince_v he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o lay_v egypt_n waste_v and_o to_o take_v a_o signal_n vengeance_n upon_o that_o cruel_a persecutor_n by_o overthrow_v he_o and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o order_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o judgement_n that_o the_o harden_a heart_n of_o pharaoh_n shall_v grow_v more_o harden_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o cut_v off_o ahab_n as_o his_o grievous_a sin_n have_v long_o before_o deserve_v he_o intend_v to_o harden_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o fall_v there_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o prophet_n to_o encourage_v the_o king_n in_o that_o fatal_a expedition_n and_o as_o god_n have_v foretell_v they_o do_v prevail_v against_o micaiah_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o plain_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v in_o it_o 1_o king_n 22._o thus_o when_o god_n be_v so_o provoke_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n who_o shall_v destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o carry_v they_o captive_a to_o babylon_n he_o pronounce_v this_o harden_v sentence_n on_o they_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v what_o this_o mean_n you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o all_o that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o till_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o carry_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o to_o lay_v their_o city_n and_o country_n desolate_a as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n then_o say_v i_o lord_n how_o long_o and_o he_o answer_v until_o the_o city_n be_v waste_v without_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o house_n without_o man_n and_o the_o land_n be_v utter_o desolate_a 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n their_o city_n temple_n and_o polity_n for_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 23._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 19_o luke_n 41_o 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v thou_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v lay_v thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o final_a sentence_n which_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o they_o though_o he_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o for_o forty_o year_n st._n paul_n apply_v to_o they_o the_o case_n of_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n who_o god_n spare_v also_o a_o great_a while_n as_o he_o do_v they_o though_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v he_o by_o a_o signal_n overthrow_n to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n though_o he_o delay_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o some_o year_n after_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o to_o make_v they_o also_o a_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o a_o just_a vengeance_n and_o more_o glorious_a power_n what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n that_o be_v delay_n for_o many_o year_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o destroy_v for_o their_o great_a sin_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n for_o such_o only_o be_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n 9_o rom._n 17_o 22._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n concern_v the_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o they_o also_o and_o receive_v its_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o example_n and_o i_o know_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o he_o have_v first_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o harden_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n decree_n to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v relate_v only_o to_o some_o temporal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v on_o they_o not_o to_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n that_o he_o may_v eternal_o damn_v they_o that_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o their_o own_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n but_o god_n do_v sometime_o harden_v man_n in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o exemplary_a vengeance_n on_o they_o in_o this_o world_n which_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o make_v his_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v two_o this_o will_n more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n but_o he_o only_o harden_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o will_v bring_v that_o destruction_n on_o they_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o determine_v for_o they_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o and_o when_o god_n resolve_v to_o do_v so_o then_o sometime_o he_o harden_v they_o in_o such_o course_n as_o will_v bring_v a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o i_o need_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a text_n we_o have_v for_o god_n harden_v man_n now_o what_o do_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n in_o do_v he_o harden_v he_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n no_o such_o matter_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v but_o he_o harden_v he_o not_o to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v pharaoh_n harden_v himself_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v against_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o when_o he_o feel_v the_o judgement_n inflict_v on_o he_o they_o be_v so_o uneasy_a as_o to_o make_v he_o relent_v and_o to_o promise_v to_o send_v israel_n away_o but_o his_o great_a concernment_n be_v how_o to_o keep_v israel_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o plague_n and_o his_o firm_a resolution_n be_v never_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o safe_o now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a to_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o to_o disobey_v god_n command_n attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o
of_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o trust_v in_o he_o without_o hope_n or_o any_o comfortable_a expectation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o more_o visible_a assurance_n to_o rely_v on_o this_o make_v most_o man_n hope_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o their_o external_a circumstance_n change_v if_o they_o be_v prosperous_a and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o can_v trust_v secure_o in_o god_n when_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v no_o body_n that_o can_v hurt_v they_o but_o if_o their_o condition_n be_v perplex_v and_o calamitous_a and_o they_o see_v no_o prospect_n of_o human_a relief_n their_o spirit_n sink_v and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o providence_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o find_v no_o support_n in_o it_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o security_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n promise_n nor_o our_o expectation_n to_o state_n this_o matter_n plain_o we_o must_v proceed_v by_o degree_n and_o distinguish_v between_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o state_n and_o kingdom_n and_o to_o private_a and_o single_a man_n or_o rather_o to_o man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n most_o of_o the_o temporal_a promise_n under_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o nation_n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o the_o law_n and_o statute_n of_o god_n he_o will_v bless_v they_o with_o great_a plenty_n and_o peace_n or_o give_v they_o victory_n over_o their_o enemy_n that_o he_o will_v have_v respect_n unto_o they_o and_o make_v they_o fruitful_a and_o multiply_v they_o and_o establish_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o leu._n which_o be_v public_a and_o national_a blessing_n and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a church_n with_o respect_n to_o temporal_a promise_n yet_o there_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v any_o great_a difference_n between_o a_o christian_a nation_n and_o the_o jewish_a state_n when_o a_o nation_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o the_o church_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o state_n and_o true_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v encourage_v and_o vice_n suppress_v such_o a_o religious_a nation_n have_v a_o title_n to_o all_o the_o national_a blessing_n which_o god_n promise_v to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n if_o they_o observe_v his_o law_n for_o solomon_n observation_n be_v universal_o true_a that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n and_o except_v what_o be_v typical_a in_o the_o jewish_a state_n there_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o protect_v and_o bless_v a_o religious_a christian_a nation_n viz._n for_o the_o public_a encouragement_n of_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o national_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n inherit_v all_o those_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n so_o a_o christian_a nation_n succeed_v to_o all_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a state_n or_o else_o all_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n to_o we_o now_o so_o that_o these_o national_a promise_v we_o may_v secure_o rely_v on_o as_o to_o their_o utmost_a extent_n and_o signification_n and_o i_o be_o satisfy_v there_o can_v be_v one_o example_n give_v wherein_o these_o promise_n have_v fail_v god_n have_v oftentimes_o suffer_v a_o wicked_a nation_n to_o be_v prosperous_a to_o scourge_v their_o wicked_a neighbour_n but_o he_o never_o suffer_v a_o true_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n to_o be_v oppress_v now_o the_o large_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a promise_n in_o scripture_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n such_o as_o concern_v the_o public_a state_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n but_o even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o different_a rank_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o poor_a man_n as_o well_o as_o rich_a or_o do_v he_o intend_v that_o no_o poor_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a wisdom_n indeed_o will_v advance_v a_o prince_n to_o great_a riches_n and_o honour_n as_o solomon_n tell_v we_o his_o father_n david_n instruct_v he_o he_o teach_v i_o also_o and_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v thy_o heart_n retain_v my_o word_n keep_v my_o commandment_n and_o live_v get_v wisdom_n get_v understanding_n forget_v she_o not_o neither_o decline_v from_o the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n forsake_v she_o not_o and_o she_o shall_v preserve_v thou_o love_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v keep_v thou_o wisdom_n be_v the_o principal_a thing_n therefore_o get_v wisdom_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o get_n get_v understanding_n exalt_v she_o and_o she_o shall_v promote_v thou_o she_o shall_v bring_v thou_o to_o honour_v when_o thou_o do_v embrace_v she_o she_o shall_v give_v to_o thy_o head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_o