of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o least_o blemish_n to_o his_o holiness_n or_o justice_n for_o such_o frightful_a execution_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o when_o god_n have_v public_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v try_v gentle_a method_n and_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o thus_o god_n punish_v that_o he_o may_v spare_v be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o strike_v often_o that_o sinner_n may_v have_v sufficient_a warning_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o sinner_n without_o encourage_v they_o in_o sin_n thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n when_o they_o be_v past_o be_v reform_v be_v a_o warn_n to_o all_o sinner_n as_o long_o as_o this_o world_n last_v and_o be_v a_o public_a and_o stand_a confutation_n of_o atheism_n of_o such_o scoffer_n as_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o
justice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o agree_v very_o exact_o with_o the_o actual_a administration_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n that_o a_o righteous_a cause_n be_v sometime_o oppress_v and_o that_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n be_v very_o often_o prosperous_a which_o must_v needs_o appear_v a_o great_a difficulty_n to_o those_o who_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o man_n who_o think_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v all_o man_n right_n and_o property_n as_o the_o justice_n of_o a_o prince_n be_v this_o make_v they_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n when_o they_o be_v hardly_o and_o unjust_o use_v by_o man_n and_o so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v not_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o and_o neither_o reverence_n his_o judgement_n nor_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o seem_v very_o plain_a the_o only_a question_n be_v how_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n for_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n by_o love_a righteousness_n and_o favour_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o 11._o psalm_n 7._o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n do_v behold_v the_o upright_a and_o the_o psalmist_n very_o often_o encourage_v himself_o to_o expect_v the_o divine_a favour_n and_o protection_n from_o his_o own_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o cause_n 35._o psal._n 19_o let_v not_o they_o that_o be_v my_o enemy_n wrongful_o rejoice_v over_o i_o neither_o let_v they_o wink_v with_o the_o eye_n that_o hate_v i_o without_o a_o cause_n stir_v up_o thyself_o and_o awake_v to_o my_o judgement_n even_o to_o my_o cause_n my_o god_n and_o my_o lord_n judge_v i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o righteousness_n and_o let_v they_o not_o rejoice_v over_o i_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o bring_v to_o confusion_n together_o that_o rejoice_v at_o my_o hurt_n let_v they_o be_v clothe_v with_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n that_o magnify_v themselves_o against_o i_o let_v they_o shout_n for_o joy_n and_o be_v glad_a that_o favour_n my_o righteous_a cause_n yea_o let_v they_o say_v continual_o let_v the_o lord_n be_v magnify_v which_o have_v pleasure_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o servant_n 23_o 24_o 26_o 27._o v_o the_o lord_n shall_v judge_v the_o people_n judge_v i_o o_o lord_n according_a to_o my_o righteousness_n and_o according_a to_o my_o integrity_n that_o be_v in_o i_o oh_o let_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o establish_v the_o just_a for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n try_v the_o heart_n and_o reins_o god_n judge_v the_o righteous_a and_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n if_o he_o turn_v not_o he_o will_v whet_v his_o sword_n he_o have_v bend_v his_o bow_n and_o make_v it_o ready_a and_o conclude_v i_o will_v praise_v the_o lord_n according_a to_o his_o righteousness_n and_o will_v sing_v praise_n to_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n most_o high_a 7._o psal._n 8_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o which_o the_o psalmist_n praise_v he_o be_v his_o judge_a and_o defend_v a_o righteous_a cause_n thus_o in_o 9_o psalm_n 8_o 9_o 10._o he_o shall_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v minister_v judgement_n to_o the_o people_n in_o uprightness_n the_o lord_n also_o will_v be_v a_o refuge_n to_o the_o oppress_a a_o refuge_n in_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o for_o thou_o lord_n have_v not_o forsake_v they_o that_o seek_v thou_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o multiply_v text_n to_o this_o purpose_n where_o god_n be_v express_o declare_v to_o be_v a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o injustice_n and_o violence_n the_o protector_n of_o the_o widow_n the_o fatherless_a and_o oppress_v and_o of_o all_o just_a and_o righteon_n man_n but_o those_o conclude_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o who_o will_v prove_v from_o such_o text_n as_o these_o that_o no_o righteous_a man_n nor_o righteous_a cause_n shall_v ever_o be_v oppress_v that_o good_a man_n shall_v always_o be_v prosperous_a and_o the_o wicked_a always_o miserable_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n when_o these_o psalm_n be_v pen_v and_o therefore_o this_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o how_o many_o complaint_n do_v the_o psalmist_n make_v against_o his_o enemy_n those_o who_o be_v wrongful_o his_o enemy_n 69._o psalm_n 4._o that_o his_o enemy_n be_v lively_a and_o strong_a and_o they_o that_o hate_v he_o wrongful_o be_v multiply_v 38._o psalm_n 19_o how_o passionate_o do_v he_o pray_v for_o protection_n against_o his_o enemy_n how_o long_o will_v thou_o forget_v i_o o_o lord_n for_o ever_o how_o long_o will_v thou_o hide_v thy_o face_n from_o i_o how_o long_o shall_v i_o take_v counsel_n in_o my_o soul_n have_v sorrow_n in_o my_o heart_n daily_o how_o long_o shall_v my_o enemy_n be_v exalt_v over_o i_o 13._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o the_o 37th_o psalm_n be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o those_o day_n though_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o final_a destruction_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o 73d_o psalm_n give_v we_o a_o large_a description_n of_o the_o prosperity_n and_o pride_n of_o bad_a man_n many_o of_o who_o spend_v their_o life_n and_o end_v their_o day_n prosperous_o i_o be_v envious_a at_o the_o foolish_a when_o i_o see_v the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o band_n in_o their_o death_n but_o their_o strength_n be_v firm_a they_o be_v not_o in_o trouble_n as_o other_o man_n neither_o be_v they_o plague_v as_o other_o man_n behold_v these_o be_v the_o ungodly_a who_o prosper_v in_o the_o world_n they_o increase_v in_o riches_n the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o the_o good_a be_v in_o those_o day_n a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n and_o be_v so_o to_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o whatever_o he_o say_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o care_n of_o righteous_a man_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n can_v signify_v that_o god_n will_v always_o defend_v man_n in_o their_o just_a right_n that_o he_o will_v always_o prosper_v a_o righteous_a cause_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o this_o be_v against_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o psalmist_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o as_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n to_o compalin_n that_o wicked_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v always_o punish_v unjust_a oppressor_n and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a nay_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o unjust_a oppressor_n if_o no_o body_n can_v be_v oppress_v in_o their_o just_a right_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o divine_a providence_n do_v at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n suffer_v some_o man_n to_o be_v very_o prosperous_a in_o their_o oppression_n and_o do_v not_o always_o defend_v a_o just_a and_o innocent_a cause_n for_o if_o he_o do_v there_o can_v be_v no_o innocent_a oppress_a man_n to_o be_v relieve_v nor_o any_o oppressor_n to_o be_v punish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n to_o permit_v such_o thing_n for_o some_o time_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v at_o the_o discretion_n of_o providence_n how_o long_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v oppress_v and_o the_o oppressor_n go_v unpunished_a the_o plain_a account_n then_o of_o this_o matter_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o god_n be_v infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a himself_o so_o he_o love_v justice_n and_o righteousness_n among_o man_n he_o love_v righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n and_o hate_v all_o injustice_n violence_n and_o injury_n for_o the_o righteous_a lord_n must_v love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_v iniquity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o divine_a justice_n be_v superior_a to_o all_o human_a right_n and_o his_o authority_n absolute_a and_o sovereign_a to_o dispose_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o all_o they_o have_v as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n direct_v yet_o man_n can_v invade_v each_o other_o right_n without_o injustice_n and_o when_o right_n and_o property_n be_v settle_v by_o human_a law_n it_o be_v
my_o anger_n shall_v be_v kindle_v against_o they_o in_o that_o day_n and_o i_o will_v forsake_v they_o and_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v devour_v and_o many_o evil_n and_o trouble_n shall_v befall_v they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v say_v in_o that_o day_n be_v not_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o this_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o judgement_n though_o not_o always_o so_o last_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n 78._o psal._n 34_o 35._o by_o these_o mean_v god_n make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o for_o they_o certain_o know_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o their_o own_o law_n for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o indeed_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o this_o for_o they_o no_o soon_o forsake_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o worship_v other_o god_n but_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o return_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n who_o vanquish_v their_o enemy_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o liberty_n and_o peace_n especial_o since_o those_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o judge_n give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o know_v not_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n new_a and_o visible_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o we_o know_v what_o effect_n this_o discipline_n have_v it_o do_v not_o whole_o prevent_v their_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o judgement_n be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n but_o then_o the_o repetition_n of_o such_o judgement_n as_o they_o repeat_v their_o provocation_n join_v with_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o several_a age_n do_v general_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o till_o at_o last_o the_o ten_o tribe_n grow_v incurable_a and_o be_v therefore_o utter_o reject_v by_o god_n and_o carry_v into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n never_o to_o return_v more_o into_o their_o own_o land_n and_o judah_n who_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o so_o perfect_o cure_v their_o idolatry_n that_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o complaint_n of_o that_o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n and_o this_o answer_v god_n design_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o notwithstanding_o their_o several_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o israel_n be_v consecrate_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o israel_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n while_o they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n especial_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ten_o tribe_n utter_o root_v out_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o land_n lay_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n will_v then_o be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o place_v they_o in_o that_o good_a land_n be_v as_o god_n himself_o tell_v solomon_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o if_o you_o turn_v away_o and_o forsake_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o shall_v go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_n they_o then_o will_v i_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n out_o of_o my_o land_n which_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o this_o house_n which_o i_o have_v sanctify_v for_o my_o name_n will_v i_o cast_v out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o house_n which_o be_v high_a shall_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o every_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v thus_o unto_o this_o land_n and_o unto_o this_o house_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o therefore_o have_v he_o bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o well_o choose_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o worship_n as_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o worshipper_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v bestow_v on_o they_o in_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n by_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n be_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o it_o be_v either_o oppression_n at_o home_n which_o make_v they_o servant_n and_o stranger_n in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o captivity_n in_o foreign_a country_n and_o this_o be_v so_o public_o know_v that_o when_o any_o such_o evil_n befall_v israel_n the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n so_o that_o the_o very_a oppression_n and_o captivity_n of_o israel_n publish_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o his_o own_o people_n forsake_v he_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o separate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o make_v they_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o they_o 5._o jer._n 19_o 2_o these_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o the_o long_a captivity_n of_o judah_n in_o babylon_n serve_v other_o end_n beside_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o idolatry_n for_o into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a they_o carry_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n along_o with_o they_o while_o they_o live_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o country_n and_o have_v little_a commerce_n with_o any_o other_o people_n the_o very_a name_n of_o israel_n be_v know_v only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n can_v be_v know_v no_o far_o than_o israel_n be_v but_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o disperse_v through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o that_o vast_a empire_n this_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n too_o who_o by_o many_o wonderful_a providence_n own_v these_o captive_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v the_o heathen_n see_v and_o confess_v his_o glory_n and_o power_n but_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o wise_a preparation_n god_n make_v for_o it_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n which_o begin_v about_o this_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o form_v they_o into_o several_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o moral_a and_o political_a virtue_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n see_v a_o proper_a season_n to_o begin_v a_o reformation_n to_o make_v the_o cure_n more_o easy_a and_o universal_a it_o
complain_v against_o providence_n too_o when_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v prosperous_a but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o if_o he_o can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n or_o by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o far_a use_n of_o their_o service_n reward_n or_o punish_v they_o according_a as_o they_o deserve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o present_a suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n 2_o but_o for_o a_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n for_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o proper_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n do_v not_o exercise_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o justice_n be_v rectitude_n and_o what_o be_v not_o right_a and_o fit_a in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n where_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v for_o if_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n though_o every_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n if_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o strict_a and_o exact_a justice_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a of_o what_o be_v common_o say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v former_o discourse_v more_o large_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n probation_n and_o discipline_n where_o good_a man_n many_o time_n suffer_v not_o so_o much_o in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o great_a reward_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperon_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o chastise_v the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n in_o their_o final_a ruin_n i_o say_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o final_a judgement_n now_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o as_o good_a order_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o provident_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n while_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o preserve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v god_n to_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n he_o must_v destroy_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o every_o age._n this_o earth_n will_v soon_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n if_o none_o but_o good_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n god_n have_v renounce_v ever_o since_o the_o universal_a deluge_n he_o then_o indeed_o exercise_v such_o a_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o some_o man_n think_v can_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n but_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v so_o again_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o cold_a and_o heat_n and_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v 8._o gen._n 21_o 22._o so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o root_a all_o bad_a man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o make_v they_o all_o miserable_a in_o it_o or_o in_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n with_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v without_o constant_a miracle_n and_o the_o visible_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o when_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o govern_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o good_a to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n on_o one_o another_o and_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o in_o every_o age_n notorious_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o this_o not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o tolerable_a order_n and_o be_v a_o tolerable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o and_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v as_o often_o punish_v and_o good_a man_n as_o often_o reward_v as_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v and_o what_o god_n see_v good_a for_o he_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n though_o not_o always_o so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o god_n be_v very_o just_a in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n that_o be_v between_o god_n govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_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
reform_v sinner_n by_o the_o various_a method_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o change_v both_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o of_o either_o than_o what_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o distinction_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v make_v both_o against_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o nor_o be_v all_o sinner_n so_o miserable_a as_o strict_a and_o absolute_a justice_n can_v make_v they_o but_o this_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v they_o be_v and_o yet_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n and_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n wherever_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o life_n be_v a_o middle-state_n between_o both_o and_o as_o man_n behave_v themselves_o here_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o goodness_n or_o justice_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n goodness_n indeed_o have_v the_o predominant_a government_n and_o justice_n be_v only_o the_o minister_n of_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n when_o correction_n as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v intend_v for_o good_a to_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n to_o recover_v that_o immortality_n he_o have_v lose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o whatever_o severe_a method_n be_v use_v to_o reform_v sinner_n be_v as_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v and_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o a_o leg_n to_o preserve_v life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n for_o another_o world_n and_o wise_o consider_v not_o what_o pure_a simple_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o what_o the_o goodness_n of_o discipline_n require_v it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o first_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v no_o state_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v not_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o another_o world_n nor_o learn_v those_o mortify_n and_o self-denying_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o bad_a man_n will_v grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o this_o world_n and_o sin_n on_o without_o check_n and_o control_v the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n wean_v good_a man_n from_o this_o world_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o bad_a man_n which_o justify_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o those_o many_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v 2._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n as_o to_o make_v life_n desirable_a his_o own_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n be_v there_o no_o visible_a and_o sensible_a testimony_n of_o a_o kind_n and_o good_a providence_n but_o though_o god_n curse_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o deface_v the_o character_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o still_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1._o rom._n 20._o and_o in_o the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n give_v they_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n will_v this_o give_v mankind_n of_o god_n be_v this_o world_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o trouble_n and_o misery_n what_o encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v what_o hope_n can_v they_o reasonable_o conceive_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n have_v they_o no_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n what_o place_n will_v there_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a or_o christian_a virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o this_o world_n a_o very_a tolerable_o happy_a place_n though_o a_o changeable_a scene_n a_o state_n of_o discipline_n must_v neither_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n nor_o misery_n but_o a_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o very_o agreeable_a pleasure_n and_o tolerable_a evil_n sufficient_a to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o i_o take_v the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v so_o happy_a that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o miserable_a as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o intermix_v with_o trouble_n as_o to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o wicked_a and_o this_o be_v what_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o in_o such_o a_o mix_a and_o changeable_a scene_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o remarkable_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a for_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n be_v to_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a difference_n make_v as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a if_o man_n will_v wise_o consider_v thing_n to_o encourage_v good_a man_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o wicked_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o all_o good_a man_n can_v bear_v a_o prosperous_a fortune_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n may_v grow_v better_o by_o it_o or_o may_v be_v fit_a instrument_n of_o providence_n and_o such_o a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n belong_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o be_v not_o do_v and_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o though_o providence_n many_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o external_a event_n yet_o god_n very_o often_o take_v care_n to_o expound_v his_o providence_n which_o make_v a_o very_a visible_a difference_n between_o they_o natural_a conscience_n be_v one_o of_o god_n interpreter_n of_o providence_n which_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n when_o they_o suffer_v and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o more_o 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he_o please_v either_o by_o make_v they_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o the_o world_n as_o none_o but_o such_o harden_a sinner_n will_v execute_v or_o by_o make_v they_o the_o last_a monument_n of_o his_o own_o vengeance_n as_o he_o do_v a_o harden_a and_o incorrigible_a pharaoh_n for_o this_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v such_o example_n and_o such_o sinner_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v make_v example_n of_o and_o all_o such_o severity_n as_o these_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 5._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n not_o only_o allow_v but_o require_v great_a patience_n long-suffering_a and_o goodness_n to_o sinner_n for_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n to_o give_v they_o time_n for_o repentance_n and_o to_o invite_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v by_o all_o the_o art_n and_o method_n of_o goodness_n as_o well_o as_o to_o overawe_v they_o by_o judgement_n and_o severity_n promise_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o reform_v sinner_n as_o threaten_n for_o hope_n be_v as_o powerful_a a_o principle_n as_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o goodness_n work_v more_o kind_o upon_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o melt_v those_o who_o judgement_n can_v bow_v nor_o break_v thus_o a_o kind_a parent_n deal_v with_o a_o prodigal_a son_n try_v he_o with_o kindness_n as_o well_o as_o severity_n and_o thus_o god_n deal_v with_o sinner_n he_o be_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a and_o make_v his_o sun_n to_o shine_v and_o his_o rain_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o just_a and_o upon_o the_o unjust_a and_o this_o be_v such_o goodness_n as_o be_v proper_a only_a for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 6._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o good_a than_o 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that_o be_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o mean_v only_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v or_o of_o trouble_n and_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n and_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o mankind_n and_o particular_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a then_o god_n do_v good_a and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o providence_n be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v afflict_v this_o be_v very_o evil_a and_o therefore_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o do_v not_o every_o man_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o end_n be_v happiness_n which_o be_v the_o
meaning_n of_o it_o from_o what_o noah_n have_v often_o tell_v they_o and_o this_o must_v needs_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o the_o flood_n give_v they_o some_o time_n to_o repent_v in_o and_o to_o beg_v god_n pardon_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a this_o make_v a_o glorious_a representation_n both_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o most_o terrible_a judgement_n that_o ever_o be_v execute_v upon_o the_o world_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v as_o there_o want_v not_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o it_o that_o god_n intend_v the_o deluge_n as_o well_o to_o convince_v and_o save_v all_o that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o old_a world_n as_o to_o reform_v the_o new_a thus_o since_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o three_o son_n to_o destroy_v the_o earth_n by_o a_o deluge_n and_o to_o shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n be_v as_o great_a or_o a_o great_a mercy_n to_o noah_n than_o his_o preservation_n be_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o instead_o of_o drown_v the_o world_n god_n have_v at_o once_o destroy_v all_o mankind_n by_o plague_n or_o thunder_n from_o heaven_n or_o some_o other_o sudden_a stroke_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o shall_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o this_o terrible_a execution_n and_o live_v to_o see_v the_o earth_n cover_v with_o dead_a body_n and_o none_o leave_v to_o bury_v they_o and_o their_o city_n lie_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n who_o can_v conceive_v what_o the_o horror_n of_o such_o a_o sight_n will_v have_v be_v who_o will_v have_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o world_n to_o converse_v only_o with_o the_o image_n of_o death_n and_o with_o noisome_a carcase_n but_o god_n in_o great_a mercy_n shut_v up_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o see_v the_o 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but_o four_o man_n in_o it_o the_o whole_a earth_n will_v quick_o have_v be_v possess_v by_o wild_a and_o savage_a creature_n which_o will_v have_v make_v it_o a_o very_a unsafe_a habitation_n for_o man_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o in_o short_a be_v this_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o incurable_a it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o corrupt_a state_n and_o to_o propagate_v a_o new_a race_n of_o man_n from_o a_o righteous_a stock_n and_o to_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n to_o this_o end_n he_o destroy_v the_o old_a world_n with_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n and_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n which_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n imaginable_a to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n which_o bring_v a_o deluge_n upon_o the_o old_a world_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o preserve_v noah_n from_o the_o common_a ruin_n we_o see_v in_o this_o example_n that_o number_n be_v no_o defence_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o therefore_o no_o security_n to_o sinner_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v they_o all_o nay_o we_o see_v that_o the_o more_o wickedness_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n the_o near_a it_o be_v to_o destruction_n that_o the_o great_a multitude_n of_o sinner_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o reasonable_a temptation_n and_o encouragement_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a warning_n to_o consider_v man_n to_o separate_v and_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o a_o wicked_a world_n by_o a_o exemplary_a virtue_n that_o god_n may_v distinguish_v they_o also_o when_o he_o come_v to_o judgement_n which_o a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n show_v to_o be_v very_o near_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o sin_n with_o a_o multitude_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o sinner_n will_v hasten_v vengeance_n here_o we_o see_v that_o though_o sinner_n may_v be_v very_o secure_a they_o be_v never_o safe_a as_o our_o saviour_n observe_v it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n they_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v marry_v and_o give_v in_o marriage_n until_o the_o day_n that_o noah_n go_v into_o the_o ark_n and_o know_v not_o until_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o take_v they_o all_o away_o 24._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o god_n may_v delay_v punishment_n a_o great_a while_n and_o seem_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v below_o till_o sinner_n begin_v to_o think_v 21._o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o but_o their_o judgement_n all_o this_o while_n neither_o slumber_n nor_o sleep_n there_o may_v be_v the_o great_a calm_a and_o the_o serene_a day_n before_o the_o most_o terrible_a earthquake_n and_o the_o long_a god_n have_v keep_v silence_n the_o more_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o severe_a and_o surprise_v vengeance_n which_o make_v the_o psalmist_n advice_n in_o such_o case_n very_o seasonable_a 22._o now_o consider_v this_o you_o that_o forget_v god_n lest_o i_o tear_v you_o in_o piece_n and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o deliver_v and_o who_o will_v be_v afraid_a or_o be_v ashamed_a of_o noah_n singularity_n to_o be_v good_a alone_o and_o to_o be_v the_o single_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o remember_v that_o he_o alone_o with_o his_o three_o son_n be_v save_v from_o the_o deluge_n and_o he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o noah_n in_o the_o ark_n must_v be_v a_o noah_n in_o a_o wicked_a world_n but_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o noah_n flood_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a world_n and_o now_o let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o new_a notwithstanding_o that_o late_a terrible_a example_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o the_o 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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 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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