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or_o need_v these_o or_o such_o kind_n of_o punishment_n or_o correction_n and_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o commit_v such_o outrage_n do_v not_o god_n restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o very_o visible_a how_o easy_o god_n can_v order_v and_o appoint_v such_o suffering_n for_o man_n without_o order_v or_o appoint_v any_o man_n sin_n it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v those_o who_o god_n appoint_v for_o suffering_n into_o the_o reach_n of_o such_o man_n and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o power_n and_o their_o own_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v do_v the_o rest_n it_o be_v like_o expose_v condemn_a malefactor_n to_o wild_a beast_n who_o nature_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o if_o god_n chain_n up_o bad_a man_n as_o we_o do_v wild_a beast_n that_o they_o can_v touch_v any_o one_o but_o who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o loose_v only_o to_o execute_v his_o own_o just_a and_o 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will_n and_o god_n do_v and_o what_o please_v he_o because_o no_o man_n or_o nation_n be_v reward_v or_o punish_v but_o by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o as_o many_o good_a man_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o they_o can_v and_o as_o many_o bad_a man_n as_o there_o be_v who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v none_o of_o they_o can_v do_v either_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o either_o which_o make_v god_n the_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n since_o whatever_o man_n intend_v all_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n depend_v upon_o his_o will._n and_o since_o god_n absolute_o order_n and_o appoint_v nothing_o but_o the_o event_n if_o the_o event_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n as_o far_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n for_o by_o what_o wicked_a mean_n soever_o man_n be_v reward_v or_o punish_v if_o the_o reward_n or_o punishment_n by_o holy_a just_a and_o good_a this_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o let_v man_n wickedness_n be_v to_o themselves_o for_o that_o be_v their_o own_o but_o that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v overrule_v by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n to_o accomplish_v wise_a and_o just_a decree_n that_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o suggest_v another_o evident_a reason_n why_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o befall_v man_n be_v call_v god_n will_n and_o god_n do_n because_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n it_o be_v not_o man_n will_n nor_o man_n do_n what_o be_v do_v be_v either_o what_o those_o who_o do_v it_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v or_o else_o serve_v such_o end_n and_o be_v order_v by_o god_n for_o such_o end_n as_o those_o who_o do_v it_o never_o think_v of_o which_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v only_a instrument_n but_o god_n the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o event_n if_o we_o must_v attribute_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n than_o what_o be_v not_o do_v by_o man_n must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v either_o beyond_o or_o contrary_a to_o what_o man_n intend_v must_v either_o be_v attribute_v to_o chance_n or_o to_o a_o divine_a providence_n i_o observe_v before_o what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n what_o be_v intend_v by_o man_n be_v their_o do_v what_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n be_v his_o do_v and_o whole_o his_o do_v when_o what_o god_n intend_v be_v not_o intend_v by_o man_n for_o this_o reason_n joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o god_n that_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n 45._o gen._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o for_o they_o think_v nothing_o of_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n but_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v when_o he_o permit_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n this_o be_v their_o sin_n as_o he_o add_v 50._o gen._n 20._o but_o as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o but_o the_o good_a that_o be_v do_v be_v whole_o god_n do_n but_o god_n mean_v it_o unto_o good_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o case_n which_o show_v we_o what_o the_o scripture_n call_v god_n do_n the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o those_o evil_n he_o bring_v on_o they_o be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o the_o sin_n whereby_o they_o be_v punish_v the_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultery_n by_o the_o incest_n of_o absalon_n be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o absalom_n incest_n the_o send_v joseph_n into_o egypt_n and_o advance_v he_o into_o pharaoh_n throne_n be_v god_n do_n but_o not_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o brethren_n in_o sell_v he_o for_o a_o slave_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v call_v god_n will_n or_o god_n do_v which_o have_v any_o moral_a evil_n in_o it_o all_o wicked_a action_n be_v man_n own_a will_n and_o own_o do_n which_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a end_n but_o never_o order_n or_o appoint_v but_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v do_v by_o man_n sin_n that_o be_v god_n do_v and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o all_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n without_o danger_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v 3_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n for_o many_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o confound_v these_o two_o if_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n befall_v any_o man_n but_o what_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v for_o they_o this_o they_o think_v sound_n like_o fate_n and_o destiny_n that_o every_o man_n fortune_n be_v write_v upon_o his_o forehead_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n by_o all_o his_o care_n and_o industry_n and_o prudence_n to_o make_v his_o condition_n better_o than_o what_o god_n have_v decree_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o irreversible_a roll_n of_o fate_n and_o yet_o a_o unrelenting_a immutable_a fate_n be_v so_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o reward_n and_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
for_o god_n have_v conclude_v they_o all_o in_o unbelief_n that_o he_o may_v have_v mercy_n upon_o all_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n i_o have_v already_o upon_o other_o occasion_n take_v notice_n of_o several_a thing_n of_o this_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v sense_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o see_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o we_o can_v in_o one_o view_n in_o general_n whoever_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o govern_v a_o world_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o must_v confess_v it_o to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n the_o epicurean_o for_o this_o reason_n reject_v a_o providence_n because_o they_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v for_o their_o god_n full_a of_o care_n solicitude_n and_o distraction_n to_o observe_v all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o over-rule_v and_o determine_v all_o event_n as_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n shall_v direct_v and_o indeed_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a mind_n can_v do_v this_o which_o see_v all_o thing_n at_o one_o view_n judge_n infallible_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o a_o powerful_a thought_n but_o my_o chief_a design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o show_v you_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o particular_a case_n which_o either_o be_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v or_o not_o right_o understand_v some_o of_o the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v the_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a state_n of_o this_o world_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n the_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n of_o human_a affair_n the_o promiscuous_a dispensation_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n both_o to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n and_o i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v not_o only_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n upon_o these_o account_n by_o show_v what_o wise_a end_v god_n serve_v by_o they_o and_o what_o a_o wise_a use_n we_o may_v make_v of_o such_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o principal_a thing_n i_o shall_v now_o insist_v on_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o those_o wise_a method_n god_n use_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o government_n consist_v and_o i_o shall_v brief_o mention_v some_o few_o 1._o that_o god_n reward_n and_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n this_o be_v so_o plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o dispute_n though_o some_o man_n venture_v to_o dispute_v the_o justice_n at_o least_o of_o one_o part_n of_o it_o that_o god_n shall_v visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n which_o the_o jew_n object_v against_o god_n in_o that_o profane_a proverb_n the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v a_o edge_n 18._o ezek._n and_o by_o the_o answer_n god_n there_o make_v we_o may_v learn_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o posterity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o to_o reward_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o father_n sake_n which_o do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o other_o world_n where_o every_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v according_a to_o his_o own_o work_n and_o the_o soul_n that_o sin_v it_o shall_v die_v and_o as_o to_o this_o world_n where_o we_o may_v allow_v more_o to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n without_o impeach_v the_o divine_a justice_n yet_o god_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v not_o be_v punish_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o wicked_a father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n be_v reward_v mere_o because_o he_o have_v a_o righteous_a father_n for_o thus_o much_o the_o word_n must_v signify_v if_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o life_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o well_o as_o to_o a_o future_a state_n now_o if_o neither_o a_o righteous_a son_n shall_v suffer_v for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o father_n nor_o a_o wicked_a son_n receive_v the_o reward_n of_o his_o father_n virtue_n this_o can_v afford_v no_o pretence_n to_o impeach_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n but_o it_o give_v occasion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o visit_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o their_o child_n and_o to_o bless_v and_o prosper_v the_o posterity_n of_o good_a man_n for_o their_o sake_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v a_o righteous_a son_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o father_n then_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o the_o child_n must_v be_v confine_v only_o to_o such_o child_n as_o inherit_v the_o vice_n and_o imitate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o their_o parent_n that_o be_v god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n this_o you_o will_v say_v have_v nothing_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o for_o god_n have_v threaten_v to_o punish_v all_o wicked_a man_n whatever_o their_o parent_n be_v and_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o because_o they_o be_v wicked_a how_o be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o but_o the_o answer_n of_o this_o seem_v as_o obvious_a as_o the_o objection_n that_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n shall_v be_v more_o certain_o and_o more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o bad_a man_n ordinary_o be_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o know_v a_o great_a many_o bad_a man_n very_o often_o escape_v the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o this_o world_n for_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o punish_v here_o as_o their_o wickedness_n deserve_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v do_v not_o require_v a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a execution_n bad_a man_n may_v be_v prosperous_a many_o year_n and_o be_v severe_o punish_v at_o last_o or_o may_v be_v prosperous_a all_o their_o life_n and_o go_v down_o to_o their_o grave_n in_o peace_n and_o only_o answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o then_o god_n threaten_v that_o a_o more_o speedy_a vengeance_n shall_v overtake_v their_o posterity_n if_o they_o be_v wicked_a that_o god_n will_v then_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n and_o not_o exercise_v the_o same_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a to_o they_o and_o this_o be_v in_o a_o proper_a sense_n to_o visit_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n on_o they_o for_o though_o they_o be_v punish_v only_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n punish_v they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o the_o example_n of_o his_o justice_n while_o other_o man_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o escape_v 2._o as_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o punishment_n no_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v more_o than_o his_o own_o sin_n deserve_v but_o yet_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n may_v be_v and_o very_o often_o be_v punish_v more_o severe_o than_o other_o wicked_a man_n god_n do_v not_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n alike_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v more_o proper_o act_n of_o discipline_n than_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o crime_n but_o to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n and_o to_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n and_o if_o the_o wicked_a child_n of_o wicked_a parent_n be_v punish_v though_o for_o their_o own_o sin_n yet_o the_o more_o severe_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n this_o be_v to_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o the_o scripture_n take_v notice_n of_o a_o certain_a measure_n of_o iniquity_n which_o be_v fill_v up_o from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o till_o a_o last_o it_o make_v a_o nation_n or_o family_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n and_o although_o those_o person_n on_o who_o this_o final_a vengeance_n fall_v suffer_v no_o more_o than_o their_o own_o personal_a sin_n deserve_v yet_o because_o the_o sin_n of_o former_a generation_n which_o they_o equal_a or_o out_o do_v make_v it_o time_n for_o god_n utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o the_o punishment_n due_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o many_o age_n and_o generation_n be_v all_o say_v to_o fall_v upon_o they_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n 23._o matt._n 29_o 30_o 31_o 32_o 34_o 35_o
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often_o disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o great_a expectation_n of_o some_o great_a good_a either_o we_o be_v disappoint_v in_o what_o we_o expect_v or_o if_o we_o have_v what_o we_o wish_v for_o it_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o expectation_n we_o find_v ourselves_o deceive_v in_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o we_o if_o we_o have_v be_v without_o they_o and_o when_o we_o be_v terrify_v with_o the_o apprehension_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o fall_v on_o we_o either_o the_o evil_n do_v not_o come_v as_o we_o fear_v or_o it_o prove_v no_o evil_a but_o a_o very_a great_a good_a to_o we_o this_o be_v so_o often_o every_o man_n case_n that_o i_o need_v only_o appeal_v to_o your_o own_o observation_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v god_n take_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o we_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o know_v not_o what_o be_v good_a for_o 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punishment_n that_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n of_o all_o virtuous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o great_a and_o generous_a attempt_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n or_o prudent_a and_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n for_o what_o will_v be_v will_v be_v or_o if_o any_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v that_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o care_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o necessary_o and_o mechanical_o as_o a_o watch_n move_v and_o point_n to_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o fate_n have_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n determine_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n and_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o fate_n have_v determine_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v you_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n about_o fate_n none_o of_o who_o 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when_o they_o do_v ill_a but_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n not_o the_o necessity_n of_o fate_n those_o who_o do_v ill_a and_o deserve_v ill_a and_o suffer_v ill_a may_v have_v do_v well_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o the_o favourite_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v under_o no_o great_a necessity_n of_o suffer_v ill_a than_o they_o be_v of_o do_v ill_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n keep_v all_o event_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v absolute_o determine_v the_o fate_n of_o all_o man_n but_o that_o he_o may_v govern_v the_o world_n wise_o and_o just_o and_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o far_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n require_v in_o this_o world_n now_o while_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n be_v secure_v and_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o fatal_a absolute_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n but_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o wise_a 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such_o a_o absolute_a power_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n have_v such_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a will_n neither_o for_o how_o powerful_a soever_o any_o man_n be_v god_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o he_o and_o can_v call_v he_o to_o a_o account_n and_o no_o power_n no_o will_n which_o can_v be_v check_v and_o control_v and_o call_v to_o a_o account_n be_v perfect_o absolute_a and_o as_o absolute_a power_n make_v the_o divine_a providence_n absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a so_o do_v perfect_a and_o unerring_a wisdom_n but_o for_o a_o very_a different_a reason_n absolute_a power_n have_v no_o superior_a power_n to_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o account_n perfect_a and_o unerring_a wisdom_n have_v no_o superior_a wisdom_n to_o take_v a_o account_n or_o to_o judge_n of_o its_o action_n nothing_o can_v judge_v of_o wisdom_n but_o wisdom_n and_o a_o inferior_a can_v comprehend_v a_o superior_a wisdom_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o vast_a 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their_o power_n the_o more_o absolute_a it_o be_v into_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n and_o this_o make_v some_o afraid_a that_o god_n absolute_a will_n and_o power_n may_v use_v his_o creature_n very_o hardly_o also_o but_o the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a as_o different_a as_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o man_n be_v from_o the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n what_o we_o call_v absolute_a power_n in_o man_n be_v not_o absolute_a power_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o perfect_a power_n it_o be_v not_o a_o power_n which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v infinite_a thing_n which_o the_o most_o absolute_a prince_n have_v not_o power_n to_o do_v and_o that_o be_v not_o absolute_a perfect_a power_n which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n absolute_a government_n among_o man_n signify_v only_o a_o uncontrollable_a liberty_n to_o do_v all_o that_o it_o will_v and_o can_v do_v a_o will_v which_o be_v under_o no_o human_a restraint_n which_o may_v will_v whatever_o it_o please_v and_o do_v whatever_o it_o will_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v but_o have_v not_o power_n to_o do_v all_o that_o it_o will_v now_o such_o a_o absolute_a will_n as_o this_o which_o have_v not_o all_o power_n may_v be_v very_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a and_o far_o from_o will_v always_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a for_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v no_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o a_o true_o absolute_a power_n so_o it_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o rectitude_n and_o justice_n nay_o such_o a_o will_n be_v not_o true_o absolute_a no_o more_o than_o its_o power_n because_o there_o be_v a_o will_n as_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o it_o and_o no_o will_n be_v absolute_a which_o have_v a_o superior_a will_n to_o control_v it_o and_o to_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o god_n be_v high_a than_o the_o high_a to_o who_o sovereign_a will_v the_o most_o absolute_a prince_n be_v accountable_a and_o
he_o beget_v a_o wicked_a son_n his_o son_n shall_v sure_o die_v and_o if_o this_o wicked_a son_n beget_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a son_n he_o shall_v live_v 20._o the_o son_n shall_v not_o bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o father_n neither_o shall_v the_o father_n bear_v the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v upon_o he_o that_o if_o the_o wicked_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o wickedness_n he_o shall_v live_v and_o if_o the_o righteous_a man_n turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n he_o shall_v die_v and_o appeal_v to_o they_o to_o judge_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o equal_a yet_o you_o say_v 29._o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o equal_a hear_v now_o o_o house_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a this_o plain_o prove_v that_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o providence_n be_v very_o just_a and_o equal_a and_o that_o to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v a_o very_a great_a reproach_n to_o he_o and_o be_v think_v so_o by_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n complain_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o in_o the_o first_o place_n as_o a_o unshaken_a principle_n that_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n when_o i_o plead_v with_o thou_o yet_o let_v i_o talk_v with_o thou_o of_o thy_o judgement_n wherefore_o do_v the_o way_n of_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v wherefore_o be_v all_o they_o happy_a that_o deal_n very_o treacherous_o 12._o jer._n 1._o this_o very_a complaint_n that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_o find_v out_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n that_o all_o mankind_n expect_v from_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a justice_n and_o equity_n for_o otherwise_o though_o such_o a_o providence_n itself_o will_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v not_o by_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n oblige_v to_o observe_v the_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n what_o can_v the_o unaccountable_a difficulty_n of_o providence_n be_v be_v it_o that_o we_o observe_v such_o event_n as_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v with_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o what_o then_o this_o be_v no_o difficulty_n nor_o unaccountable_a if_o god_n observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n in_o his_o government_n if_o he_o act_v by_o such_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n as_o have_v no_o law_n or_o rule_n by_o such_o a_o will_v as_o regard_v not_o what_o we_o call_v right_a and_o just_a but_o make_v every_o thing_n just_o it_o will_v the_o difficulty_n and_o unsearchableness_n of_o providence_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o providence_n but_o in_o the_o event_n not_o in_o reconcile_n the_o rule_n of_o providence_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n but_o in_o reconcile_n some_o event_n to_o the_o acknowledge_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o god_n government_n this_o be_v the_o atheist_n objection_n against_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n because_o they_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o wise_o govern_v and_o though_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n notwithstanding_o a_o great_a many_o difficult_a and_o unaccountable_a event_n which_o the_o atheist_n object_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n against_o unjust_a and_o arbitrary_a rule_n of_o government_n which_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n conclude_v to_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o unjust_a as_o for_o instance_n though_o we_o see_v good_a man_n afflict_v and_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a and_o it_o may_v be_v can_v give_v no_o particular_a account_n why_o this_o good_a man_n be_v afflict_v and_o such_o a_o wicked_a man_n prosperous_a yet_o we_o can_v vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o this_o and_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o it_o but_o shall_v any_o man_n turn_v this_o into_o a_o rule_n of_o providence_n that_o by_o the_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a will_n of_o god_n some_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o some_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o happy_a this_o we_o can_v never_o vindicate_v because_o it_o contradict_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o though_o we_o can_v always_o judge_v of_o the_o righteousness_n and_o justice_n of_o a_o particular_a event_n yet_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o the_o rule_n and_o abstract_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n thus_o god_n have_v often_o threaten_v the_o jew_n that_o he_o will_v visit_v on_o they_o not_o only_o their_o own_o sin_n but_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n which_o in_o some_o case_n may_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o but_o when_o by_o a_o ignorant_a or_o spiteful_a mistake_n they_o turn_v this_o into_o a_o unjust_a proverb_n which_o all_o man_n acknowledge_v to_o be_v unjust_a god_n declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o it_o what_o mean_v you_o that_o you_o use_v this_o proverb_n concern_v the_o land_n of_o israel_n 2._o say_v the_o father_n have_v eat_v sour_a grape_n and_o the_o child_n tooth_n be_v set_v on_o edge_n as_o if_o child_n who_o have_v never_o eat_v sour_a grape_n themselves_o shall_v have_v their_o tooth_n set_v on_o edge_n by_o their_o father_n eat_v they_o that_o be_v that_o those_o who_o have_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o sin_n shall_v yet_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o father_n sin_n this_o appear_v manifest_o unjust_a and_o god_n himself_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o reproach_n to_o his_o providence_n and_o how_o difficult_a soever_o some_o passage_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v we_o must_v own_v no_o rule_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v manifest_o unjust_a thus_o it_o be_v too_o certain_a that_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v be_v final_o miserable_a and_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o wicked_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v miserable_a but_o to_o say_v that_o god_n create_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n nay_o that_o he_o create_v any_o one_o man_n under_o the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n that_o he_o make_v they_o to_o make_v they_o miserable_a can_v never_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o unaccountable_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n because_o it_o be_v notorious_o unjust_a if_o mankind_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v just_a and_o unjust_a the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a incomprehensible_a unaccountable_a be_v no_o reason_n to_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o when_o reduce_v into_o abstract_a notion_n and_o general_a rule_n of_o action_n be_v notorious_o unjust_a but_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o reverence_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o charge_v any_o particular_a event_n of_o providence_n with_o injustice_n mere_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o the_o general_a notion_n and_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o unaccountable_a thing_n for_o we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o they_o be_v for_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o god_n and_o man_n but_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v do_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n wise_o and_o just_o which_o our_o narrow_a mind_n can_v comprehend_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o now_o this_o make_v infinite_a wisdom_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v acquiesce_v in_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n notwithstanding_o such_o event_n as_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o but_o a_o unaccountable_a will_n which_o act_v by_o no_o rule_n of_o justice_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v understand_v what_o justice_n mean_v can_v give_v no_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n to_o any_o man_n for_o it_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n by_o a_o sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a will_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n condemn_v as_o unjust_a for_o this_o do_v not_o answer_v our_o complaint_n but_o justify_v they_o this_o be_v all_o the_o atheist_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v and_o all_o that_o he_o desire_n shall_v be_v grant_v he_o to_o confute_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o god_n do_v such_o thing_n
providence_n for_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o legal_a property_n against_o god_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o creature_n but_o to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o defend_v every_o man_n in_o his_o legal_a right_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n but_o in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o deserve_v or_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o that_o dispute_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o creaturas_fw-la what_o right_o god_n have_v in_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a unlimited_a uncontrollable_a right_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n they_o and_o all_o they_o have_v be_v his_o and_o at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n though_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v without_o any_o injustice_n make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o though_o creature_n have_v no_o natural_a right_n against_o god_n yet_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v they_o a_o moral_a right_n to_o such_o usage_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o those_o who_o deserve_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v ill_o use_v but_o these_o moral_a right_n concern_v distributive_a justice_n and_o result_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o government_n not_o from_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v absolute_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o our_o security_n be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 3_o from_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o distributive_a justice_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o bare_o consider_v what_o man_n have_v or_o what_o they_o lose_v or_o what_o they_o suffer_v nor_o what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o moral_a desert_n or_o whether_o they_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a end_n of_o god_n government_n if_o man_n be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o have_v neither_o deserve_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o or_o which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n allot_v all_o man_n their_o several_a portion_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v man_n condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o they_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a happy_a or_o miserable_a advance_v or_o ruin_v by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o violence_n if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o deserve_v what_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o what_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o providence_n which_o direct_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n with_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n daily_o commit_v in_o it_o unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o these_o miserable_a people_n ought_v not_o for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n to_o suffer_v such_o misery_n or_o that_o any_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o what_o god_n may_v wise_o and_o just_o inflict_v on_o he_o this_o abundant_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n 4thly_a but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o confound_a of_o which_o have_v occasion_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o justice_n vary_v as_o they_o do_v even_o among_o man_n according_a as_o their_o right_n and_o authority_n differ_v justice_n signify_v to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o to_o take_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v our_o own_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o as_o our_o authority_n will_v justify_v so_o that_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o exercise_v by_o different_a person_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n relation_n authority_n and_o power_n differ_v for_o when_o two_o man_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v do_v very_o just_o by_o one_o and_o very_o unjust_o by_o the_o other_o because_o one_o may_v have_v a_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o other_o have_v none_o as_o a_o prince_n or_o judge_n may_v very_o just_o execute_v a_o criminal_a and_o confiscate_v his_o estate_n which_o a_o private_a man_n can_v just_o do_v now_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o private_a man_n and_o a_o magistrate_n between_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o subject_a make_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o particular_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o they_o respect_v such_o different_a state_n that_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n must_v make_v a_o much_o great_a difference_n that_o though_o the_o general_n notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o same_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v just_o do_v as_o a_o prince_n may_v exercise_v some_o act_n of_o justice_n which_o a_o private_a man_n must_v not_o do_v i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a instance_n in_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o show_v you_o in_o some_o plain_a case_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n now_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n give_v he_o right_o and_o authority_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o absolute_a dominion_n be_v absolute_a authority_n and_o absolute_a authority_n make_v every_o thing_n just_a which_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a a_o limit_a authority_n have_v a_o rule_n and_o must_v not_o do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a against_o its_o rule_n of_o right_n no_o man_n must_v take_v away_o that_o which_o be_v another_o and_o which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o take_v away_o whatever_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n he_o can_v serve_v by_o it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o the_o man_n himself_o to_o take_v away_o great_a part_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o use_v ill_a to_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o beast_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o estate_n he_o have_v nay_o deserve_v to_o lose_v it_o though_o we_o can_v bestow_v it_o upon_o man_n who_o deserve_v and_o will_v use_v it_o better_o or_o can_v employ_v it_o to_o excellent_a use_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n or_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a all_o these_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n will_v justify_v no_o man_n who_o invade_v another_o right_n without_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o have_v any_o prince_n such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o he_o can_v give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o as_o he_o please_v than_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o will_v justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n will_v and_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
against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n so_o that_o these_o man_n have_v take_v care_n always_o to_o have_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n for_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n god_n can_v be_v both_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v both_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n both_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n both_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o must_v be_v very_o consistent_a and_o reconcilable_a with_o each_o other_o both_o in_o notion_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o vindicate_v his_o goodness_n the_o objection_n against_o which_o be_v found_v in_o plain_a and_o evident_a mistake_v and_o therefore_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a answer_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o mistake_v be_v and_o then_o particular_o answer_v the_o objection_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o mistake_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o the_o mistake_v concern_v god_n goodness_n and_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n be_v this_o that_o man_n consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n absolute_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n quality_n or_o desert_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o contemplate_v goodness_n in_o its_o abstract_a idea_n and_o notion_n and_o whatever_o they_o conceive_v belong_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v it_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o a_o good_a providence_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v all_o creature_n happy_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o misery_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o deface_v the_o beauty_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o harmony_n of_o it_o no_o lamentable_a sight_n nor_o doleful_a complaint_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n nor_o to_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o melancholy_a presage_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n nor_o to_o make_v frightful_a impression_n on_o we_o of_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a deity_n can_v they_o see_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o they_o will_v thankful_o own_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o secure_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v give_v we_o a_o very_a different_a prospect_n we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n and_o feel_v a_o great_a many_o misery_n ourselves_o and_o many_o time_n expect_v and_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o more_o and_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o world_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v have_v we_o never_o see_v it_o but_o only_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n make_v and_o govern_v by_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n indeed_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o a_o good_a god_n can_v make_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o good_a providence_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o will_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n will_v do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o can_v be_v wise_o do_v but_o not_o all_o the_o good_a which_o man_n may_v expect_v from_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o goodness_n must_v not_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_n event_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v very_o calamitous_a but_o by_o that_o proportion_n such_o event_n bear_v to_o the_o state_n and_o desert_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o this_o world_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v to_o every_o one_o he_o meet_v he_o will_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o child_n and_o a_o servant_n between_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o enemy_n between_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o much_o more_o must_v a_o good_a prince_n and_o a_o good_a magistrate_n do_v so_o and_o much_o more_o must_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o if_o we_o view_v man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n suit_v itself_o to_o those_o different_a state_n the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v our_o estimate_n what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v and_o will_v do_v when_o goodness_n free_o exert_v itself_o without_o any_o external_a impediment_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o divine_a goodness_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a scene_n the_o new-made_a world_n and_o the_o new-created_a man_n be_v as_o perfect_a and_o happy_a as_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n this_o be_v the_o world_n which_o god_n make_v such_o a_o happy_a world_n as_o it_o become_v perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v and_o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o will_v always_o do_v for_o when_o the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n he_o make_v it_o what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o be_v but_o man_n do_v not_o continue_v what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o sin_v and_o by_o sin_n bring_v death_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o now_o see_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o perfect_a goodness_n but_o that_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o ease_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v neither_o become_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v good_a for_o sinner_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v this_o not_o only_o because_o god_n make_v innocent_a man_n happy_a but_o because_o he_o have_v prepare_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n for_o good_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o show_v that_o the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o god_n but_o in_o man_n he_o make_v man_n happy_a at_o first_o and_o he_o will_v make_v good_a man_n perfect_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o though_o he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o good_a now_o as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v when_o he_o shall_v reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a yet_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o we_o now_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n to_o see_v goodness_n act_v alone_o and_o pursue_v its_o own_o gracious_a inclination_n and_o to_o see_v it_o limit_v and_o confine_v by_o justice_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n when_o mankind_n be_v sinner_n for_o than_o goodness_n can_v do_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a but_o what_o be_v best_a in_o such_o case_n and_o when_o goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v reconcilable_a as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o probation_n state_n there_o wisdom_n must_v prescribe_v the_o temperament_n justice_n require_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n but_o goodness_n be_v incline_v to_o spare_v and_o wisdom_n judge_n when_o and_o in_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o spare_v a_o incurable_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n a_o corrigible_a sinner_n be_v the_o object_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n his_o sin_n deserve_v correction_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o he_o be_v corrigible_a make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o patience_n and_o discipline_n and_o this_o we_o must_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o case_n of_o apostate_n angel_n and_o of_o fallen_n man_n and_o therefore_o justice_n immediate_o seize_v on_o those_o apostate_n spirit_n but_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_v a_o saviour_n to_o mankind_n this_o make_v the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n to_o reclaim_v and_o
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