be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o more_o general_a communication_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o spread_v a_o wholesome_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pestilential_a contagion_n and_o since_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n be_v not_o so_o general_a in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o be_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ready_a way_n to_o do_v this_o as_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n which_o unite_v a_o great_a many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n into_o one_o which_o beside_o all_o other_o advantage_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o memorable_a action_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o great_a empire_n for_o though_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v long_o before_o yet_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o golden_a head_n of_o that_o image_n which_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n god_n carry_v judah_n captive_a into_o babylon_n 38._o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o babylonish_n empire_n the_o first_o occasion_n god_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o babylon_n be_v nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n which_o he_o have_v forget_v and_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o astrologer_n or_o sorcerer_n of_o chaldaean_n can_v show_v the_o king_n his_o dream_n much_o less_o tell_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o daniel_n do_v both_o which_o make_v nabuchadnezzar_n acknowledge_v to_o daniel_n of_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o king_n and_o a_o revealer_n of_o secret_n since_o thou_o can_v reveal_v this_o secret_a 2._o dan._n 47._o and_o this_o advance_a daniel_n to_o great_a authority_n for_o the_o king_n make_v he_o ruler_n over_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o babylon_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o governor_n over_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o babylon_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o use_v his_o authority_n especial_o among_o the_o wiseman_n of_o babylon_n who_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o other_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n among_o they_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o same_o king_n god_n magnify_v his_o power_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n which_o occasion_v a_o decree_n that_o give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o dispose_v all_o man_n to_o think_v very_o honourable_o of_o their_o god_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n which_o speak_v any_o thing_n amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n 3._o dan._n 28_o 29._o and_o that_o experience_n nabuchadnezzar_n have_v of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o his_o own_o person_n extort_a from_o he_o as_o devout_a praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o orthodox_n a_o confession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o he_o as_o any_o jew_n can_v have_v make_v 4_o dan._n thus_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o belshazzar_n who_o with_o his_o prince_n his_o wife_n and_o concubine_n drink_v wine_n out_o of_o the_o golden_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n god_n give_v a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o himself_o by_o a_o handwriting_n on_o the_o wall_n which_o as_o daniel_n expound_v it_o and_o the_o event_n that_o very_a night_n confirm_v foretell_v the_o immediate_a overthrow_n of_o his_o empire_n by_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n this_o be_v a_o very_a sudden_a vengeance_n for_o their_o idolatrous_a revel_n and_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o holy_a vessel_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o daniel_n very_o free_o acquaint_v the_o king_n 5_o dan._n and_o though_o his_o advancement_n by_o belshazzar_n who_o make_v he_o the_o three_o ruler_n in_o the_o kingdom_n be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a short_a continuance_n the_o king_n be_v slay_v that_o night_n yet_o it_o so_o recommend_v he_o to_o darius_n who_o begin_v the_o second_o monarchy_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o he_o advance_v daniel_n to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a honour_n and_o power_n he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o precedent_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o prince_n who_o darius_n set_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o new_a monarchy_n god_n give_v a_o fresh_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n in_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o which_o reason_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n 6._o dan._n 25_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o by_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n and_o this_o dispose_v cyrus_n the_o seventy_o year_n of_o their_o captivity_n be_v accomplish_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n and_o to_o publish_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o still_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o when_o all_o have_v liberty_n to_o return_v great_a number_n stay_v behind_o in_o babylon_n where_o they_o free_o profess_v and_o exercise_v their_o religion_n which_o together_o with_o the_o civil_a dependence_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n on_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n preserve_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o they_o and_o that_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o their_o god_n the_o grecian_a empire_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o persian_a make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n still_o more_o know_v to_o the_o world_n alexander_n the_o great_a come_v to_o jerusalem_n treat_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a kindness_n consult_v the_o record_n of_o their_o prophet_n offer_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o confirm_v their_o old_a but_o grant_v new_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o thus_o god_n become_v know_v not_o only_o to_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a but_o to_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n and_o when_o after_o alexander_n death_n the_o empire_n be_v divide_v this_o cause_v a_o new_a dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o into_o syria_n and_o egypt_n ptolemy_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v surprise_v jerusalem_n carry_v great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o egypt_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o kind_a opinion_n of_o they_o there_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o army_n and_o garrison_n and_o make_v they_o citizen_n of_o alexandria_n his_o son_n ptolemy_n philadelphus_n procure_v the_o translation_n of_o their_o law_n into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o new_a publication_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o after_o this_o onias_n build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v to_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o god_n be_v now_o as_o much_o know_v in_o egypt_n as_o he_o be_v in_o judaea_n and_o to_o let_v pass_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o power_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o assyrian_a monarch_n force_v the_o jew_n to_o pray_v the_o alliance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o end_v as_o such_o powerful_a alliance_n very_o often_o do_v in_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o first_o govern_v they_o by_o king_n and_o tetrarch_n and_o at_o last_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o roman_a province_n and_o thus_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n become_v know_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n these_o four_o successive_a monarchy_n do_v gradual_o increase_v and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n tell_v we_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v set_v up_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v 2._o dan._n 44._o for_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n make_v no_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n yet_o it_o great_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o it_o visible_o reform_v their_o philosophy_n and_o give_v they_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o age_n though_o they_o still_o worship_v their_o country_n god_n it_o give_v they_o some_o obscure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o never_o intend_v and_o disappoint_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o do_v intend_v or_o turn_v it_o into_o good_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n how_o absolute_a the_o divine_a providence_n be_v for_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n of_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o of_o the_o will_n and_o action_n of_o man_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o but_o that_o we_o may_v have_v the_o clear_a and_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o state_n this_o matter_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o good_a and_o to_o bad_a man_n 1._o as_o for_o good_a man_n there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o their_o case_n for_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o a_o good_a and_o beneficent_a providence_n they_o do_v good_a out_o of_o temper_n and_o inclination_n and_o a_o habit_n and_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o out_o of_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o obey_v every_o extraordinary_a impression_n to_o excite_v and_o determine_v they_o to_o such_o particular_a good_a office_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v they_o in_o and_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o honourable_a for_o god_n and_o what_o become_v good_a man_n for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o glory_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o divine_a providence_n and_o good_a man_n will_v observe_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n in_o do_v good_a and_o while_o good_a be_v do_v by_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a mean_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n 2_o but_o as_o bad_a man_n be_v most_o difficulty_n govern_v so_o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o vindicate_a providence_n in_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministries_n of_o bad_a man_n for_o it_o be_v common_o think_v a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n when_o glorious_a and_o admirable_a design_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n now_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n be_v a_o great_a mistake_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o serve_v his_o own_o providence_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n sin_n for_o there_o be_v no_o colour_n nor_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o a_o objection_n against_o god_n make_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n serve_v wise_a and_o good_a end_n if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o man_n sin_n it_o be_v the_o great_a glory_n of_o providence_n to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o while_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v just_o and_o righteous_a and_o holy_a and_o wise_a and_o such_o as_o become_v a_o god_n it_o be_v much_o more_o admirable_a to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o shall_v be_v while_o there_o be_v so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o short_a be_v this_o god_n never_o suggest_v any_o evil_a design_n to_o man_n that_o be_v owe_v to_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n or_o to_o the_o temptation_n of_o other_o wicked_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a spirit_n but_o when_o man_n have_v form_v any_o wicked_a design_n he_o sometime_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v change_v their_o purpose_n or_o deter_v they_o from_o put_v they_o in_o execution_n and_o when_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o proceed_v to_o action_n he_o either_o shameful_o disappoint_v they_o or_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o they_o wicked_o do_v and_o if_o providence_n consist_v in_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v mankind_n better_o than_o to_o permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v to_o good_a god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o miraculous_a power_n but_o govern_v man_n by_o man_n and_o make_v they_o help_v and_o defend_v reward_n and_o punish_v one_o another_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ordinary_a way_n of_o punish_v bad_a man_n except_v the_o civil_a sword_n which_o reach_v but_o a_o few_o criminal_n but_o to_o punish_v they_o by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o what_o can_v more_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o to_o make_v bad_a man_n the_o minister_n and_o executioner_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n upon_o each_o other_o which_o be_v one_o great_a end_n god_n serve_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v as_o they_o will_v and_o that_o the_o mischief_n god_n permit_v they_o to_o do_v be_v direct_v to_o fall_v on_o such_o person_n as_o either_o want_n correction_n or_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o this_o be_v another_o thing_n very_o observable_a in_o god_n government_n both_o of_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n of_o man_n that_o as_o in_o the_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n god_n direct_v where_o and_o when_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n nature_n shall_v exert_v its_o influence_n that_o it_o shall_v rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o so_o god_n do_v not_o only_o excite_v man_n to_o do_v good_a but_o direct_v and_o determine_v they_o where_o to_o do_v it_o choose_v out_o such_o person_n as_o they_o shall_v do_v good_a to_o and_o appoint_v what_o good_a they_o shall_v do_v and_o in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n they_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o he_o not_o only_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n but_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o permit_v their_o wickedness_n he_o direct_v where_o the_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n of_o it_o shall_v light_v we_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n for_o that_o require_v a_o particular_a application_n of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o such_o particular_a person_n as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o do_v good_a to_o or_o to_o afflict_v and_o punish_v which_o be_v the_o most_o material_a and_o most_o necessary_a exercise_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n suffer_v man_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n at_o random_n without_o direct_v they_o to_o fit_v and_o proper_a object_n the_o fortune_n of_o particular_a man_n will_v depend_v upon_o as_o great_a a_o chance_n as_o the_o mutable_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n the_o only_a use_v i_o shall_v make_v of_o this_o at_o present_a be_v to_o convince_v you_o how_o perfect_o we_o be_v in_o god_n hand_n and_o how_o secure_a we_o be_v in_o his_o
if_o the_o whole_a world_n consist_v of_o particular_n it_o must_v be_v take_v care_n of_o in_o the_o care_n of_o particular_n for_o if_o all_o particular_n perish_v as_o they_o may_v do_v if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o preserve_v they_o the_o whole_a must_v perish_v and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o whole_a be_v govern_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o part_n and_o mankind_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v without_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n i_o be_o sure_a that_o the_o objection_n against_o a_o particular_a providence_n be_v very_o foolish_a some_o think_v it_o too_o much_o trouble_v to_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o take_v care_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o or_o as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v more_o creature_n than_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o as_o if_o a_o infinite_a mind_n and_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v as_o much_o disturb_v and_o tire_v with_o various_a and_o perpetual_a care_n as_o we_o be_v other_o think_v it_o below_o the_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o every_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n or_o of_o every_o private_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v more_o below_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o such_o creature_n than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v they_o as_o if_o number_n make_v creature_n considerable_a to_o god_n that_o though_o one_o man_n be_v below_o god_n care_n yet_o a_o kingdom_n be_v worthy_a of_o his_o care_n and_o notice_n when_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o god_n be_v but_o as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o bucket_n and_o the_o small_a dust_n of_o the_o balance_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a providence_n without_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o any_o man_n without_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o be_v not_o providence_n whatever_o other_o name_n you_o will_v give_v it_o so_o that_o if_o god_n do_v take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n for_o without_o it_o he_o can_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o if_o god_n have_v the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o he_o have_v this_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n for_o if_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o every_o particular_a man_n be_v appoint_v by_o god_n that_o be_v proof_n enough_o that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o every_o particular_a man._n god_n government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o his_o care_n of_o all_o individual_n include_v each_o other_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n the_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o particular_a event_n and_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n as_o our_o saviour_n represent_v it_o 10._o matth._n 29_o 30_o 31._o be_v not_o two_o sparrow_n sell_v for_o a_o farthing_n and_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v not_o fall_v on_o the_o ground_n without_o your_o father_n but_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o your_o head_n be_v all_o number_v fear_v you_o not_o therefore_o you_o be_v of_o more_o value_n than_o many_o sparrow_n where_o god_n particular_a providence_n over_o all_o his_o creature_n be_v express_v by_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o event_n which_o extend_v even_o to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o sparrow_n and_o to_o the_o hair_n of_o our_o head_n thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o without_o this_o belief_n that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n that_o can_v happen_v to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n or_o pretence_n for_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a duty_n of_o religious_a worship_n for_o most_o of_o the_o act_n of_o worship_n consider_v god_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o universal_a cause_n can_v we_o form_v any_o notion_n of_o a_o general_a providence_n without_o any_o care_n of_o particular_a creature_n or_o particular_a event_n but_o as_o our_o particular_a patron_n protector_n and_o preserver_n to_o fear_v god_n and_o to_o stand_v in_o awe_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o in_o all_o condition_n to_o submit_v patient_o to_o his_o will_n under_o all_o affliction_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o suffering_n for_o protection_n and_o defence_n to_o love_n and_o praise_v he_o for_o the_o blessing_n we_o enjoy_v for_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o health_n for_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n and_o all_o prosperous_a success_n i_o say_v these_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o reasonable_a man_n unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o for_o if_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a can_v befall_v we_o without_o god_n particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n who_o do_v not_o always_o take_v care_n of_o we_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n patient_o at_o god_n hand_n and_o in_o submission_n to_o his_o will_n for_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o our_o suffering_n be_v god_n will_n or_o not_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o love_n and_o praise_n god_n for_o every_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n we_o receive_v because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o come_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o particular_a blessing_n if_o he_o do_v not_o concern_v himself_o in_o particular_a event_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v a_o particular_a care_n of_o we_o all_o and_o that_o no_o good_a or_o evil_a happen_v to_o we_o but_o as_o he_o please_v all_o these_o act_n or_o religious_a worship_n be_v both_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o just._n but_o of_o this_o more_o hereafter_o chap._n iu._n concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n have_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n show_v that_o the_o government_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n consist_v in_o overrule_v and_o dispose_v all_o event_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o and_o to_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o it_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n and_o essential_a character_n and_o property_n of_o god_n govern_v providence_n and_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o 1._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n must_v govern_v with_o a_o sovereign_a will_n for_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n be_v a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a governor_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o scripture_n so_o often_o resolve_v all_o thing_n into_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o in_o many_o case_n will_v allow_v we_o to_o seek_v for_o no_o other_o cause_n 35._o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n 6._o whatever_o the_o lord_n please_v that_o do_v he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o deep_a place_n that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v sovereign_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o his_o wisdom_n unsearchable_a for_o absolute_a power_n make_v a_o absolute_a will._n he_o who_o have_v power_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o will_v can_v do_v whatever_o he_o will_v and_o that_o be_v the_o definition_n of_o a_o severeign_n and_o absolute_a will._n and_o thus_o the_o scripture_n resolve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n into_o power_n 4._o that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o he_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n and_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o have_v prosper_v and_o indeed_o a_o power_n which_o be_v supreme_a and_o absolute_a which_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o which_o have_v no_o great_a power_n above_o it_o none_o equal_a to_o it_o have_v a_o right_a to_o sovereignty_n for_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o must_v give_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o give_v a_o right_a to_o absolute_a government_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a right_n to_o government_n for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o govern_v his_o creature_n he_o must_v have_v a_o right_n to_o absolute_a government_n because_o the_o right_n he_o have_v in_o his_o creature_n be_v absolute_a and_o uncontrollable_a no_o creature_n have_v
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
as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o do_v he_o little_a service_n because_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n answer_v such_o difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o god_n act_n by_o such_o rule_n as_o all_o man_n who_o judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n must_v think_v unjust_a this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o talk_v as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v believe_v no_o such_o god_n for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o be_v arbitrary_a but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o not_o good_a and_o just_a as_o man_n understand_v goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o then_o we_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v just_a and_o good_a it_o seem_v hard_a to_o think_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a god_n without_o have_v any_o natural_a notion_n what_o his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o shall_v have_v such_o natural_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v what_o some_o man_n say_v of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o his_o be_v just_o and_o good_n this_o than_o must_v be_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n that_o we_o must_v never_o attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o contradict_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n under_o a_o pretence_n that_o god_n be_v unaccountable_a and_o his_o way_n and_o judgement_n unsearchable_a for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o direct_v by_o goodness_n and_o justice_n that_o be_v unaccountable_a but_o his_o wisdom_n not_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o perfect_a and_o unerring_a justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o the_o application_n of_o particular_a event_n to_o these_o rule_n and_o have_v premise_v this_o by_o way_n of_o caution_n i_o come_v now_o more_o particular_o to_o consider_v in_o what_o case_n this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o observe_v in_o general_a that_o the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a or_o essential_a evil_n in_o they_o whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o imagine_v any_o case_n or_o circumstance_n wherein_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o do_v it_o though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o be_v for_o be_v it_o not_o great_a perverseness_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o do_v such_o thing_n unjust_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v do_v for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n and_o yet_o i_o challenge_v all_o the_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n to_o name_v i_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o ever_o god_n do_v that_o can_v not_o possible_o in_o no_o case_n or_o circumstance_n whatsoever_o be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v mere_o in_o external_a event_n for_o all_o external_a event_n may_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a with_o respect_n to_o their_o different_a circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o person_n and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n happen_v which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o apprehend_v the_o case_n seem_v a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o alter_v the_o case_n will_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v only_o suppose_v that_o god_n see_v the_o case_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o difficulty_n vanish_v and_o be_v not_o this_o very_a easy_a and_o natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v know_v the_o case_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o we_o mistake_v the_o case_n than_o to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o do_v any_o thing_n hard_a or_o unjust_a but_o to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v it_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o private_a man_n or_o to_o public_a society_n to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n health_n or_o sickness_n poverty_n or_o riches_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n or_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n of_o plenty_n peace_n and_o a_o wholesome_a air_n the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v there_o that_o god_n can_v never_o wise_o and_o just_o do_v may_v not_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o lengthen_v some_o man_n life_n and_o for_o shorten_v other_o for_o make_v man_n rich_a or_o poor_a honourable_a or_o vile_a for_o translate_n kingdom_n and_o empire_n for_o send_v peace_n or_o war_n plenty_n or_o famine_n and_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v how_o can_v the_o do_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v such_o good_a or_o evil_a event_n may_v be_v wrong_o apply_v to_o person_n who_o do_v not_o deserve_v they_o and_o then_o they_o become_v unjust_a and_o so_o you_o apprehend_v they_o many_o time_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o the_o event_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v wise_a reason_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o be_v not_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n which_o see_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v see_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o confess_v that_o god_n may_v have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o silence_v its_o enemy_n for_o if_o all_o those_o event_n which_o they_o think_v hard_a or_o unjust_a may_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a as_o the_o natural_a justice_n of_o god_n be_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v and_o as_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prove_v they_o may_v be_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o just_a can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n such_o a_o may_v be_v be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v themselves_o no_o more_o than_o may_v bee_n 2_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o all_o prerogative_n act_n which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n i_o call_v those_o prerogative_n act_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o just_a and_o good_n the_o divine_a nature_n as_o infinite_a as_o it_o be_v confine_v itself_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n as_o the_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n can_v transgress_v these_o bound_n but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n relate_v to_o the_o free_a exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v under_o the_o necessary_a direction_n of_o no_o law_n but_o be_v only_o the_o free_a and_o unaccountable_a choice_n of_o a_o sovereign_a will_n as_o in_o scripture_n god_n be_v sometime_o say_v to_o do_v such_o thing_n according_a to_o his_o will_n according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n according_a to_o his_o good_a pleasure_n which_o always_o relate_v to_o such_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
they_o in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o strange_a country_n this_o destroy_v all_o their_o right_n and_o property_n at_o once_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o philistine_n or_o moabite_n or_o aramite_n have_v any_o right_a to_o invade_v canaan_n and_o to_o bring_v israel_n under_o their_o yoke_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n have_v no_o better_a right_n than_o they_o when_o he_o destroy_v the_o temple_n and_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o carry_v the_o jew_n captive_a to_o babylon_n but_o god_n be_v very_o just_a and_o righteous_a in_o this_o though_o he_o do_v not_o defend_v they_o in_o their_o just_a right_n because_o they_o have_v deserve_v such_o punishment_n and_o thus_o throughout_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n the_o protection_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o good_a and_o righteous_a man_n to_o those_o who_o love_n god_n who_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o that_o if_o man_n be_v not_o thus_o qualify_v whatever_o their_o cause_n be_v they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o protection_n of_o providence_n and_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n not_o to_o secure_v human_a right_n but_o to_o protect_v and_o defend_v good_a man_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a three_o we_o may_v observe_v also_o in_o scripture_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n love_n to_o righteousness_n and_o to_o righteous_a man_n he_o still_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n by_o their_o suffering_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o justice_n which_o have_v very_o different_a end_n and_o measure_n as_o the_o correction_n of_o a_o child_n differ_v from_o the_o execution_n of_o a_o malefactor_n for_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v he_o correct_v we_o for_o our_o profit_n that_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o his_o holiness_n 7._o heb._n 7_o 8_o 9_o very_o good_a man_n may_v fall_v into_o such_o great_a sin_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o severe_a correction_n not_o only_o to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a for_o the_o future_a but_o to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o other_o and_o in_o such_o case_n repentance_n itself_o though_o it_o will_v obtain_v their_o pardon_n will_v not_o excuse_v they_o from_o temporal_a punishment_n as_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o david_n when_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n and_o murder_n upon_o his_o repentance_n god_n declare_v his_o pardon_n by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n but_o will_v not_o remit_v his_o punishment_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o of_o necessary_a discipline_n and_o these_o be_v general_o the_o many_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a out_o of_o which_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o god_n will_v at_o last_o deliver_v they_o whereas_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o god_n after_o a_o long_a patience_n awake_v to_o judgement_n be_v usual_o for_o their_o final_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n thus_o good_a man_n may_v have_v many_o secret_a fail_n and_o miscarriage_n know_v to_o none_o but_o god_n and_o themselves_o which_o may_v deserve_v severe_a correction_n which_o sometime_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n when_o the_o correction_n be_v visible_a but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v correct_v unknown_a other_o good_a man_n suffer_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o of_o gold_n which_o perish_v and_o be_v train_v up_o by_o great_a severity_n to_o heroical_a degree_n of_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v very_o reconcilable_a with_o god_n love_n of_o righteousness_n and_o righteous_a man_n for_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o love_n and_o thus_o good_a man_n for_o a_o time_n may_v visible_o suffer_v as_o much_o as_o the_o wicked_a which_o occasion_n such_o complaint_n that_o all_o thing_n fall_v alike_o to_o all_o but_o such_o correction_n as_o these_o be_v not_o proper_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o discipline_n not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o good_a man_n as_o to_o make_v they_o better_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o anger_n but_o of_o love_n four_o we_o may_v observe_v in_o scripture_n also_o that_o god_n exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o exercise_v his_o judgement_n upon_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n but_o sometime_o wait_v patient_o for_o their_o return_n sometime_o use_v they_o as_o the_o instrument_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o punish_v other_o bad_a man_n or_o to_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o when_o he_o have_v finish_v what_o he_o have_v to_o do_v by_o they_o reserve_v they_o for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o glorious_a execution_n to_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n and_o stand_v example_n to_o the_o world_n which_o we_o know_v be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n of_o antiochus_n and_o some_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n thus_o have_v i_o show_v you_o wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n and_o from_o the_o account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o it_o which_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n i_o shall_v observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o discourse_n that_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a success_n much_o less_o make_v the_o oppression_n of_o a_o just_a cause_n any_o argument_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o justice_n do_v not_o oblige_v god_n always_o to_o favour_v a_o just_a cause_n when_o those_o who_o have_v a_o just_a cause_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v god_n may_v just_o punish_v bad_a man_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v dispose_v of_o his_o creature_n as_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n and_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n shall_v direct_v chap._n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n the_o next_o enquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v a_o holy_a be_v as_o holiness_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o impurity_n and_o wickedness_n and_o such_o as_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o his_o government_n must_v be_v and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n 145._o psalm_n 17._o assure_v we_o that_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o only_o righteous_a in_o all_o his_o way_n which_o signify_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v of_o but_o he_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o his_o work_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o more_o at_o large_a 5._o psal._n 4_o 5_o 6_o for_o thou_o be_v not_o a_o god_n that_o have_v pleasure_n in_o wickedness_n neither_o shall_v evil_o dwell_v with_o thou_o the_o foolish_a shall_v not_o stand_v in_o thy_o sight_n thou_o hate_v all_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n thou_o shall_v destroy_v they_o that_o speak_v lease_v the_o lord_n will_v abhor_v the_o bloody_a and_o deceitful_a man_n and_o yet_o there_o want_v not_o objection_n and_o such_o as_o some_o man_n think_v inexplicable_a difficulty_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o my_o design_n at_o present_a be_v to_o set_v this_o in_o as_o clear_v a_o light_n as_o i_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n i_o shall_v inquire_v 1._o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o what_o it_o do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o and_o 3._o what_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n as_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v that_o he_o shall_v govern_v it_o if_o what_o man_n ignorant_o object_n against_o providence_n be_v no_o just_a impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n and_o if_o nothing_o be_v just_o chargeable_a on_o providence_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o suppose_v i_o need_v then_o add_v no_o more_o to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 1._o now_o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o case_n seem_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o holiness_n of_o a_o governor_n in_o the_o government_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n can_v require_v no_o more_o of_o he_o
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
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
this_o kind_a father_n to_o keep_v such_o a_o watchful_a eye_n over_o they_o and_o to_o take_v such_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a care_n as_o not_o to_o suffer_v they_o utter_o to_o undo_v themselves_o to_o make_v their_o condition_n hopeless_a and_o desperate_a but_o only_o to_o let_v they_o feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o more_o sober_a thought_n not_o to_o perish_v under_o it_o till_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n leave_v of_o reclaim_v they_o what_o can_v a_o kind_a father_n do_v more_o for_o prodigal_n unless_o you_o will_v have_v he_o maintain_v they_o in_o their_o luxury_n and_o lewdness_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n can_v do_v he_o bring_v none_o of_o these_o misery_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o be_v kindness_n to_o let_v they_o smart_v under_o they_o to_o prevent_v their_o undo_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v he_o turn_v the_o misery_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o only_o into_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o injure_v one_o another_o to_o make_v they_o all_o sensible_a of_o their_o folly_n and_o those_o who_o be_v past_a recovery_n he_o make_v example_n of_o great_a severity_n to_o reform_v the_o rest_n if_o this_o will_v be_v think_v a_o kind_n merciful_a and_o wise_a conduct_n in_o earthly_a parent_n apply_v it_o to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o you_o have_v a_o answer_n to_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n 3_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v consider_v further_o that_o as_o most_o of_o these_o evil_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n so_o it_o be_v we_o ourselves_o who_o give_v the_o sting_n to_o they_o all_o as_o many_o external_a calamity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v there_o shall_v be_v in_o it_o god_n have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o support_n of_o good_a man_n under_o they_o it_o be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v many_o of_o the_o suffering_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n if_o we_o sink_v under_o they_o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o a_o wise_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o order_n all_o thing_n for_o our_o good_a and_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n will_v support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n and_o make_v they_o light_n and_o easy_a and_o if_o god_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v our_o suffering_n and_o to_o enjoy_v ourselves_o under_o they_o to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n though_o we_o may_v suffer_v we_o be_v not_o miserable_a and_o suffering_n without_o misery_n be_v no_o formidable_a objection_n against_o providence_n this_o be_v like_o the_o bush_n that_o be_v on_o fire_n but_o be_v not_o burn_v a_o signal_n token_n of_o the_o divine_a presence_n and_o favour_n and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n what_o be_v mere_o external_a may_v afflict_v a_o good_a man_n but_o can_v make_v he_o miserable_a for_o no_o man_n be_v miserable_a who_o mind_n be_v easy_a and_o cheerful_a full_a of_o great_a hope_n and_o support_v with_o divine_a joy_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n make_v we_o miserable_a and_o make_v we_o sink_v under_o external_a suffering_n a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o this_o world_n pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n anger_n hatred_n revenge_n make_v every_o condition_n uneasy_a and_o any_o great_a suffering_n intolerable_a it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v poverty_n and_o disgrace_n the_o loss_n of_o estate_n and_o honour_n the_o frown_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o clamour_n of_o the_o people_n such_o unsufferable_a evil_n which_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v only_o bear_v but_o modest_o despise_v it_o be_v this_o that_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o least_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o distract_v we_o with_o fear_n and_o care_n and_o solicitude_n and_o with_o all_o the_o imaginary_a evil_n and_o frightful_a appearance_n which_o a_o scare_v fancy_n can_v raise_v in_o the_o dark_a especial_o when_o guilt_n make_v man_n afraid_a and_o look_v upon_o every_o misfortune_n disappointment_n affliction_n as_o a_o token_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n and_o a_o terrible_a presage_n of_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n external_n evil_n and_o calamity_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v good_a can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o they_o be_v good_a as_o far_o as_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v in_o they_o for_o they_o be_v permit_v and_o order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o prove_v good_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n who_o will_v not_o be_v make_v better_a by_o they_o whatever_o man_n suffer_v if_o their_o suffering_n do_v not_o make_v they_o miserable_a this_o be_v no_o just_a reproach_n to_o providence_n for_o god_n may_v be_v very_o good_a to_o his_o creature_n whatever_o they_o suffer_v while_o they_o can_v suffer_v and_o be_v happy_a not_o perfect_o and_o complete_o happy_a which_o admit_v of_o no_o suffering_n but_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-enjoyment_n as_o reconcile_v external_a suffering_n with_o inward_a peace_n contentment_n patience_n hope_v which_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o a_o much_o great_a happiness_n than_o the_o most_o prosperous_a fortune_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o thus_o happy_a under_o all_o our_o suffering_n it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n thus_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o external_a suffering_n which_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o make_v man_n miserable_a but_o the_o inward_a guilt_n and_o disorder_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n text._n 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v and_o if_o all_o that_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o may_v be_v bear_v our_o misery_n be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o but_o i_o have_v so_o particular_o discourse_v this_o upon_o another_o occasion_n that_o i_o shall_v enlarge_v no_o far_o on_o it_o 2_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o i_o confess_v partiality_n be_v a_o very_a great_a objection_n both_o against_o justice_n and_o a_o universal_a goodness_n and_o such_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n and_o a_o great_a many_o degree_n of_o power_n and_o honour_n and_o riches_n and_o poverty_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n deal_v equal_o by_o all_o these_o man_n who_o fortune_n be_v so_o very_o unequal_a but_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o answer_v this_o for_o 1._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o consult_v the_o general_a good_a and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o subordination_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o full_o answer_v the_o objection_n for_o though_o there_o be_v too_o many_o who_o be_v not_o well_o satisfy_v with_o their_o own_o station_n and_o never_o will_v be_v unless_o they_o can_v be_v uppermost_a yet_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o most_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v very_o different_a rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o thing_n more_o necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o good_a government_n and_o yet_o there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n in_o a_o equality_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o make_v such_o a_o inequality_n like_o a_o unequal_a fortune_n be_v all_o man_n equal_o rich_a and_o great_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o subject_n nor_o servant_n for_o no_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v a_o subject_a or_o a_o servant_n who_o have_v a_o equal_a title_n to_o be_v a_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o then_o no_o man_n can_v be_v rich_a and_o great_a which_o be_v only_o comparative_a term_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v safe_a and_o if_o a_o inequality_n in_o man_n fortune_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o government_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n for_o humane_a society_n
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 terror_n and_o consternation_n of_o sinner_n when_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o he_o wash_v away_o all_o their_o dead_a body_n into_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o their_o old_a habitation_n that_o when_o noah_n come_v out_o of_o the_o ark_n he_o see_v nothing_o but_o a_o new_a and_o a_o beautiful_a world_n nothing_o to_o disturb_v his_o imagination_n no_o mark_n or_o remain_v of_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n this_o indeed_o destroy_v all_o other_o live_v creature_n as_o well_o as_o sinner_n except_v those_o that_o be_v in_o the_o ark_n with_o noah_n but_o this_o i_o suppose_v be_v no_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o creature_n which_o be_v make_v for_o man_n use_n be_v destroy_v with_o man_n since_o god_n preserve_v some_o of_o each_o kind_a for_o a_o new_a increase_n and_o yet_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o this_o for_o have_v the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o beast_n when_o there_o be_v 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 destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n begin_v to_o grow_v very_o corrupt_a as_o god_n foresee_v they_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o try_v some_o new_a method_n and_o not_o to_o drown_v the_o world_n any_o more_o when_o noah_n have_v offer_v a_o burnt-offering_a to_o the_o lord_n of_o every_o clean_a beast_n and_o of_o every_o clean_a fowl_n after_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n the_o lord_n smell_v a_o sweet_a savour_n and_o 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 8._o gen._n 20_o 21._o the_o first_o exploit_n we_o hear_v of_o they_o be_v their_o building_n the_o tower_n of_o babel_n which_o story_n be_v so_o brief_o relate_v by_o moses_n that_o we_o can_v give_v a_o perfect_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o nimrod_n the_o son_n of_o cush_n and_o grandson_n of_o ham_n in_o which_o line_n true_a religion_n and_o piety_n first_o decay_v affect_v a_o universal_a empire_n to_o prevent_v the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o people_n persuade_v they_o to_o build_v a_o magnificent_a seat_n for_o his_o empire_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o centre_n of_o union_n for_o they_o at_o what_o distance_n soever_o they_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o remove_v that_o the_o whole_a earth_n shall_v be_v but_o one_o kingdom_n and_o babel_n the_o royal_a palace_n have_v this_o design_n succeed_v the_o whole_a world_n will_v have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o the_o universal_a monarchy_n in_o the_o line_n of_o
there_o be_v a_o power_n and_o therefore_o a_o god_n above_o they_o all_o who_o all_o mankind_n ought_v to_o fear_v and_o worship_n this_o convince_v nabuchadnezzar_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n when_o he_o have_v deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a from_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n 29._o he_o make_v a_o decree_n that_o every_o people_n nation_n and_o langage_fw-fr which_o speak_v amiss_o against_o the_o god_n of_o shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abed-nego_a shall_v be_v cut_v in_o piece_n and_o their_o house_n shall_v be_v make_v a_o dunghill_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n that_o can_v deliver_v after_o this_o sort_n thus_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n 27._o that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n shall_v tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n for_o he_o be_v the_o live_a god_n and_o steadfast_a for_o ever_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v and_o his_o dominion_n shall_v be_v even_o unto_o the_o end_n he_o deliver_v and_o rescue_v and_o work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n who_o have_v deliver_v daniel_n from_o ihe_a power_n of_o the_o lion_n both_o these_o king_n be_v convince_v by_o these_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n but_o nebuchadnezzar_n decree_n only_o forbid_v man_n to_o blaspheme_v god_n darius_n seem_v to_o command_v all_o people_n to_o worship_v he_o for_o to_o tremble_v and_o fear_v before_o he_o signify_v a_o religious_a veneration_n but_o neither_o of_o they_o appoint_v any_o solemn_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o much_o less_o do_v they_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o any_o other_o go_n but_o a_o little_a consideration_n will_v have_v carry_v they_o far_o for_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o prove_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o god_n prove_v a_o sovereign_a providence_n too_o that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v not_o so_o commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o minister_n or_o inferior_a deity_n but_o that_o he_o reserve_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n 35_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v convince_v that_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n and_o his_o kingdom_n be_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n and_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v repute_v as_o nothing_o and_o he_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n in_o the_o army_n of_o heaven_n and_o among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o this_o cut_v off_o all_o reasonable_a pretence_n of_o pay_v divine_a worship_n to_o their_o country-goods_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a power_n and_o providence_n over_o they_o at_o most_o they_o can_v be_v only_a minister_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o title_n to_o divine_a honour_n no_o more_o than_o minister_n of_o state_n have_v to_o the_o royal_a dignity_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v this_o when_o they_o see_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v israel_n who_o he_o have_v choose_v for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o worship_v any_o other_o god_n beside_o himself_o this_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o be_v more_o manifest_a in_o after-age_n when_o god_n so_o severe_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o darius_n when_o god_n deliver_v shadrach_n meshach_n and_o abednego_n out_o of_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n who_o refuse_v to_o worship_v the_o golden_a image_n which_o he_o have_v set_v up_o and_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o lion_n when_o he_o be_v cast_v into_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o pray_v to_o his_o god_n this_o show_v the_o strange_a power_n of_o prejudice_n and_o custom_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n have_v thus_o vindicate_v and_o explain_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o removal_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n and_o the_o hard_a bondage_n they_o suffer_v there_o and_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n and_o outstretch_v arm_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n before_o he_o show_v they_o open_o to_o the_o world_n under_o such_o a_o peculiar_a character_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o to_o form_v their_o manner_n to_o take_v care_n that_o they_o shall_v own_v he_o for_o their_o god_n and_o behave_v themselves_o as_o it_o become_v so_o glorious_a a_o relation_n this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o egypt_n where_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o hard_a bondage_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o wilderness_n remote_a from_o the_o conversation_n of_o all_o other_o people_n and_o upon_o all_o account_v a_o fit_a place_n both_o to_o instruct_v and_o try_v they_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o those_o various_a providence_n with_o which_o god_n exercise_v they_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n so_o often_o refer_v and_o which_o they_o apply_v to_o the_o gospel-state_n but_o shall_v only_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a conduct_n of_o that_o people_n to_o make_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v own_v before_o all_o the_o world_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n they_o have_v live_v two_o hundred_o year_n in_o egypt_n and_o be_v tincture_v with_o the_o idolatry_n and_o have_v learn_v the_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o that_o people_n and_o have_v all_o that_o meanness_n and_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o humour_n that_o a_o state_n of_o servitude_n and_o bondage_n be_v apt_a to_o create_v of_o which_o we_o have_v too_o many_o visible_a instance_n in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o moses_n all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v correct_v before_o their_o entrance_n into_o canaan_n which_o will_v give_v we_o the_o reason_n of_o some_o very_a wonderful_a providence_n the_o first_o remarkable_a thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v god_n deliver_v the_o law_n to_o they_o with_o all_o the_o most_o formidable_a solemnity_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o mount_n sinai_n which_o moses_n tell_v they_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v never_o know_v before_o 33._o since_o the_o day_n that_o god_n create_v man_n upon_o the_o earth_n do_v ever_o people_n hear_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n as_o thou_o have_v hear_v and_o live_v and_o the_o use_n moses_n make_v of_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n 35._o unto_o thou_o it_o be_v show_v that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n 36._o there_o be_v none_o else_o beside_o he_o out_o of_o heaven_n he_o make_v thou_o to_o hear_v his_o voice_n that_o he_o may_v instruct_v thou_o and_o upon_o earth_n he_o show_v thou_o his_o great_a fire_n and_o thou_o hear_v his_o word_n out_o of_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fire_n 39_o know_v therefore_o this_o day_n and_o consider_v it_o in_o thy_o heart_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v god_n in_o heaven_n above_o and_o upon_o the_o earth_n beneath_o there_o be_v none_o else_o for_o what_o can_v convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n if_o such_o a_o terrible_a appearance_n as_o that_o on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o the_o law_n deliver_v in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o heaven_n will_v not_o convince_v they_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o goddess_n aegeria_n as_o some_o other_o lawgiver_n pretend_v to_o do_v the_o like_a but_o no_o man_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o themselves_o but_o here_o a_o whole_a nation_n hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o see_v such_o a_o awful_a appearance_n upon_o the_o mount_n as_o make_v moses_n himself_o fear_v and_o tremble_v i_o desire_v any_o man_n to_o tell_v i_o how_o god_n who_o be_v a_o pure_a invisible_a mind_n can_v possible_o give_v a_o more_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o presence_n and_o power_n i_o desire_v the_o witty_a and_o most_o philosophical_a atheist_n only_o for_o experiment_n sake_n to_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o relation_n which_o moses_n give_v we_o of_o this_o matter_n and_o that_o they_o themselves_o have_v be_v present_a at_o mount_n sinai_n have_v see_v the_o smoke_n and_o fire_n
and_o not_o only_o restore_v peace_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o make_v christianity_n the_o religion_n of_o the_o empire_n and_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o give_v we_o wise_a instruction_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o furnish_v we_o with_o many_o when_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o that_o extremity_n as_o to_o be_v past_o human_a relief_n it_o make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_v where_o there_o be_v force_n against_o force_n and_o counsel_n against_o counsel_n though_o providence_n determine_v the_o event_n human_a power_n and_o counsel_n very_o often_o monopolise_v the_o glory_n and_o leave_v god_n out_o but_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o they_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v do_v this_o awaken_v a_o sense_n of_o a_o invisible_a power_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o providence_n know_v to_o the_o world_n when_o god_n expose_v his_o own_o church_n and_o people_n to_o such_o a_o suffer_a state_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o final_a ruin_n it_o be_v a_o severe_a summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o warn_v they_o not_o to_o trust_v in_o vain_a word_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o god_n will_v purge_v his_o own_o house_n and_o no_o external_n relation_n or_o privilege_n shall_v secure_v we_o from_o vengeance_n if_o we_o walk_v not_o worthy_a of_o that_o holy_a vocation_n wherewith_o we_o be_v call_v but_o such_o deliverance_n as_o these_o give_v we_o great_a reason_n never_o to_o despair_v they_o teach_v we_o that_o no_o case_n be_v desperate_a when_o god_n will_v save_v and_o therefore_o the_o less_o expectation_n we_o at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o human_a succour_n the_o more_o earnest_o ought_v we_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a protection_n and_o learn_v to_o live_v upon_o faith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o good_a man_n be_v reduce_v to_o such_o extremity_n it_o make_v they_o more_o fervent_a and_o importunate_a in_o their_o prayer_n more_o serious_a in_o their_o repentance_n more_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o god_n and_o such_o surprise_v and_o unexpected_a deliverance_n inflame_v their_o devotion_n make_v their_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n more_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a which_o give_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o better_v their_o own_o mind_n 5th_o the_o sudden_a revolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o various_a and_o unexpected_a change_n of_o man_n fortune_n which_o be_v think_v one_o great_a calamity_n of_o human_a life_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o some_o necessary_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o wisdom_n some_o crafty_a politician_n like_o mariner_n steer_v their_o course_n as_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o change_v as_o it_o change_v they_o have_v no_o other_o rule_n for_o their_o action_n but_o to_o guess_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v where_o their_o advantage_n or_o safety_n lie_v but_o providence_n very_o often_o disappoint_v they_o in_o this_o by_o such_o hasty_a change_n and_o short_a turn_n as_o make_v they_o giddy_a and_o this_o teach_v we_o to_o act_v by_o rule_n not_o by_o a_o politic_a foresight_n of_o event_n our_o rule_n can_v never_o deceive_v we_o what_o be_v just_a and_o right_a and_o true_a be_v always_o safe_a but_o our_o politic_n may_v for_o thing_n may_v not_o go_v as_o we_o expect_v the_o various_a change_n of_o man_n fortune_n teach_v we_o to_o treat_v all_o man_n with_o great_a humanity_n not_o to_o be_v insolent_a when_o we_o be_v prosperous_a nor_o to_o despise_v our_o inferior_n for_o we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o nor_o we_o may_v be_v before_o we_o die_v civility_n and_o modesty_n of_o conversation_n be_v always_o safe_a but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n may_v create_v we_o enemy_n who_o may_v in_o time_n how_o mean_a soever_o they_o be_v at_o present_a be_v able_a to_o return_v our_o insolence_n the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v human_a affair_n as_o to_o teach_v we_o most_o of_o the_o wise_a rule_n of_o human_a life_n both_o for_o our_o religious_a and_o civil_a conversation_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n six_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n be_v often_o see_v in_o the_o wise_a mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n when_o he_o correct_v but_o not_o destroy_v humble_v but_o do_v not_o cast_v down_o when_o he_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o give_v we_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v but_o without_o despair_n when_o as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v he_o lifts_z up_o and_o cast_v down_o keep_v we_o under_o the_o discipline_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o both_o threaten_v and_o invite_v we_o to_o repentance_n by_o the_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o prosperous_a and_o adverse_a event_n thus_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v with_o good_a man_n the_o step_n of_o a_o good_a man_n be_v order_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o he_o delight_v in_o his_o way_n though_o he_o fall_v he_o shall_v not_o utter_o be_v cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n 37._o psal._n 23_o 24._o thus_o 94._o psal_n 14_o 15._o for_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o cast_v off_o his_o people_n neither_o will_v he_o forsake_v his_o inheritance_n but_o judgement_n shall_v return_v unto_o righteousness_n and_o all_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n shall_v follow_v it_o and_o he_o prove_v this_o by_o his_o own_o experience_n unless_o the_o lord_n have_v be_v my_o help_n my_o soul_n have_v almost_o dwell_v in_o silence_n when_o i_o say_v my_o foot_n slip_v thy_o mercy_n o_o lord_n hold_v i_o up_o 17_o 18_o verse_n a_o example_n of_o this_o you_o have_v 27._o isaiah_n have_v he_o smite_v they_o that_o be_v israel_n as_o he_o smite_v those_o that_o smite_v he_o he_o smite_v israel_n but_o not_o as_o he_o smite_v the_o enemy_n of_o israel_n or_o be_v he_o slay_v according_a to_o the_o slaughter_n of_o they_o that_o be_v slay_v by_o he_o in_o measure_n when_o it_o shoot_v forth_o will_v thou_o debate_v with_o it_o he_o stay_v his_o rough_a wind_n in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o east_n wind_n this_o be_v to_o sing_v to_o god_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v but_o still_o to_o trust_v in_o his_o help_n chap._n ix_o concern_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n i_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o intend_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o justification_n of_o providence_n and_o all_o that_o remain_v be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n natural_a religion_n be_v found_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v no_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o worship_n but_o a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o deserve_v the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n of_o all_o a_o god_n who_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o govern_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o we_o we_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o he_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o nor_o we_o with_o he_o but_o a_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o reverence_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o of_o all_o those_o religious_a and_o devout_a affection_n which_o be_v due_a to_o our_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o name_v it_o but_o the_o nature_n and_o extent_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a 1._o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v and_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v to_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o appointment_n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n and_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o this_o make_v we_o defective_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n now_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n you_o must_v confess_v it_o your_o duty_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n in_o every_o thing_n for_o this_o be_v only_o apply_v the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o providence_n to_o particular_a event_n without_o which_o particular_a application_n the_o general_a belief_n of_o a_o
providence_n will_n and_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v of_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n 28._o psal._n 5._o and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o have_v a_o general_a notion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n in_o what_o be_v do_v most_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n and_o though_o at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v own_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n yet_o as_o to_o particular_a event_n take_v as_o little_a notice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n it_o neither_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n but_o if_o we_o will_v own_o providence_n to_o the_o true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o general_a belief_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n but_o whatever_o our_o state_n and_o condition_n be_v or_o whatever_o extraordinary_a good_a or_o evil_n happen_v to_o we_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o as_o from_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o must_v own_v this_o to_o be_v god_n will_n and_o appointment_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v poor_a if_o we_o be_v rich_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v god_n blessing_n which_o make_v rich_a if_o we_o lose_v our_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v as_o job_n do_v the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n befall_v we_o we_o must_v say_v with_o good_a old_a eli_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n let_v he_o do_v what_o seem_v he_o good_a or_o with_o david_n i_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o it_o be_v thy_o do_n without_o believe_v god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n we_o deny_v a_o particular_a providence_n and_o unless_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o any_o good_a or_o evil_n befall_v we_o we_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v god_n hand_n in_o it_o we_o can_v have_v no_o present_a affect_v sense_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o such_o act_n of_o providence_n be_v lose_v as_o far_o as_o our_o take_a no_o notice_n of_o they_o can_v lose_v they_o god_n lose_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o goodness_n mercy_n patience_n or_o justice_n and_o we_o lose_v those_o divine_a comfort_n and_o support_v or_o those_o spiritual_a instruction_n and_o admonition_n which_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n will_v have_v furnish_v we_o with_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o accustom_v ourselves_o in_o all_o event_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o how_o to_o make_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a use_n of_o whatever_o happen_v and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o teach_v man_n their_o duty_n to_o providence_n till_o they_o have_v learn_v to_o attribute_v all_o particular_a event_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o live_v under_o a_o constant_a sense_n and_o regard_n of_o it_o two_o when_o we_o have_v thus_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o every_o thing_n that_o befall_v we_o we_o must_v in_o the_o next_o place_n take_v care_n to_o compose_v our_o soul_n to_o a_o quiet_a and_o humble_a submission_n to_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n all_o man_n confess_v that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o if_o all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v god_n do_n and_o what_o god_n do_v be_v his_o will_n as_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v and_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v unless_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o own_o will_n than_o we_o must_v submit_v to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n in_o all_o event_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o command_a will_n of_o god_n in_o obey_v his_o law_n the_o sovereign_a authority_n and_o dominion_n of_o god_n require_v this_o of_o we_o for_o we_o be_v his_o and_o he_o may_v dispose_v of_o our_o condition_n and_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n as_o he_o please_v the_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o prudent_a and_o necessary_a 4._o for_o who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o he_o and_o prosper_v that_o be_v against_o his_o providential_a will_v for_o that_o whole_a dispute_n be_v about_o providence_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n make_v it_o both_o reasonable_a and_o our_o interest_n to_o submit_v to_o he_o for_o all_o his_o providence_n how_o severe_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v be_v order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o do_v submit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v because_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n whether_o we_o will_v submit_v or_o no_o we_o must_v suffer_v his_o will_n because_o we_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o he_o will_v consult_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o do_v better_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o various_a act_n of_o that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n or_o to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n and_o i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o those_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n place_v we_o in_o 1._o what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o suffering_n and_o affliction_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n for_o it_o require_v no_o great_a submission_n to_o be_v prosperous_a this_o be_v what_o all_o man_n desire_v and_o choose_v but_o to_o submit_v be_v to_o make_v our_o own_o will_n and_o desire_n and_o fear_n and_o aversion_n and_o natural_a passion_n and_o affection_n stoop_v and_o yield_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o but_o in_o a_o suffering_n and_o afflict_a state_n now_o when_o we_o suffer_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v very_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n do_v not_o require_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o feel_v our_o suffering_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v afflict_v with_o they_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o complain_v of_o they_o for_o to_o submit_v to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v off_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o our_o opinion_n about_o they_o affliction_n be_v affliction_n still_o and_o will_v be_v feel_v and_o though_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o in_o submission_n to_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o as_o affliction_n can_v be_v bear_v and_o as_o human_a nature_n can_v bear_v they_o with_o pain_n and_o grief_n and_o reluctancy_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o complaint_n with_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o help_v and_o deliver_v we_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o they_o abound_v with_o all_o dutiful_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v very_o full_a of_o complaint_n and_o of_o the_o most_o passionate_a sense_n of_o suffering_n represent_v so_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n of_o move_a eloquence_n as_o not_o art_n but_o afflict_a nature_n teach_v but_o we_o have_v one_o example_n above_o all_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o suffer_v with_o fear_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o his_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o aversion_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o great_a weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o our_o suffering_n but_o it_o argue_v the_o great_a strength_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o self_n to_o make_v our_o very_a
fear_n and_o aversion_n submit_v to_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o the_o more_o what_o we_o suffer_v be_v against_o our_o own_o will_n the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n submission_n to_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o courage_n and_o fortitude_n of_o mind_n to_o bear_v suffering_n which_o man_n may_v have_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o which_o the_o profound_a reverence_n for_o god_n will_v not_o always_o teach_v we_o but_o he_o submit_v who_o receive_v the_o bitter_a cup_n and_o drink_v it_o though_o with_o a_o tremble_v heart_n and_o hand_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o comfort_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a devout_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o judgement_n but_o betray_v great_a weakness_n of_o mind_n and_o disorder_n of_o passion_n under_o their_o suffering_n who_o be_v very_o impatient_a of_o pain_n and_o have_v such_o soft_a and_o tender_a passion_n that_o every_o affliction_n gall_v they_o and_o when_o they_o reflect_v upon_o these_o disorder_n this_o create_v new_a and_o great_a trouble_n to_o they_o for_o they_o conclude_v that_o all_o this_o be_v want_n of_o a_o due_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o religion_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o extinguish_v the_o sense_n and_o affection_n of_o nature_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o pain_n or_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o while_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o love_v it_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o part_v with_o it_o and_o while_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v grievous_a to_o suffer_v it_o religion_n will_v rectify_v our_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o cure_v our_o fondness_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o passion_n but_o when_o all_o these_o flatter_a or_o frightful_a disguise_n be_v remove_v which_o magnify_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o thing_n yet_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v and_o will_v excite_v in_o we_o either_o troublesome_a or_o delightful_a passion_n and_o this_o will_v exercise_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n to_o part_v with_o what_o we_o love_v and_o to_o suffer_v what_o we_o fear_v and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o use_n of_o submission_n to_o explain_v this_o in_o a_o few_o word_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o that_o man_n must_v suffer_v who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n to_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v with_o submission_n must_v not_o reproach_n and_o censure_v the_o divine_a providence_n but_o think_v and_o speak_v honourable_o of_o god_n how_o hardly_o soever_o he_o deal_v with_o he_o he_o may_v complain_v of_o what_o he_o suffer_v both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n but_o he_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o god_n this_o be_v iob_n behaviour_n naked_a come_v i_o out_o of_o my_o mother_n womb_n and_o naked_a shall_v i_o return_v thither_o the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o and_o bless_v be_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o this_o job_n sin_v not_o nor_o charge_v god_n foolish_o i_o job_n 21_o 22._o and_o the_o prophet_n david_n be_v a_o example_n of_o the_o like_a submission_n i_o be_v dumb_a i_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o 39_o psalm_n 9_o he_o submit_v silent_o and_o patient_o as_o to_o god_n hand_n open_v not_o his_o mouth_n against_o god_n though_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o severity_n of_o his_o suffering_n deliver_v i_o from_o all_o my_o transgression_n make_v i_o not_o the_o reproach_n of_o the_o foolish_a remove_v thy_o stroke_n away_o from_o i_o i_o be_o consume_v by_o the_o blow_n of_o thy_o hand_n 8_o 10._o to_o reproach_n and_o revile_v providence_n to_o fret_v against_o god_n or_o as_o iob_n wife_n advise_v he_o to_o curse_v god_n to_o be_v weary_a of_o his_o government_n and_o impatient_a to_o think_v that_o we_o can_v resist_v and_o cast_v off_o so_o uneasy_a a_o yoke_n this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o submission_n such_o man_n suffer_v god_n will_n because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o but_o they_o will_v rebel_v if_o they_o can_v those_o who_o be_v so_o outrageous_a against_o what_o god_n do_v and_o so_o impatient_o angry_a with_o god_n for_o do_v it_o only_o want_v power_n to_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o to_o pull_v he_o from_o his_o throne_n submission_n to_o god_n be_v the_o submission_n of_o our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o though_o no_o man_n can_v absolute_o choose_v suffering_n for_o suffering_n be_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o therefore_o not_o the_o object_n of_o a_o free_a choice_n yet_o man_n may_v choose_v suffer_v against_o the_o natural_a bias_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o subjection_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n of_o this_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o great_a example_n who_o express_v a_o great_a aversion_n against_o suffering_n pray_v earnest_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o nevertheless_o not_o my_o will_n but_o thy_o will_n be_v do_v our_o own_o will_n will_v draw_v back_o and_o recoil_v at_o suffer_v for_o no_o affliction_n be_v for_o the_o present_a joyous_a but_o grievous_a but_o yet_o a_o will_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n will_v deny_v itself_o and_o choose_v that_o god_n will_n shall_v take_v place_n and_o this_o be_v our_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o suffer_v yet_o how_o uneasy_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o we_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o complain_v against_o god_n that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v it_o otherwise_o when_o god_n see_v fit_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o that_o though_o we_o do_v not_o and_o can_v choose_v suffering_n yet_o we_o choose_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v do_v though_o it_o be_v to_o suffer_v another_o act_n of_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v when_o we_o wait_v patient_o on_o god_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v we_o when_o notwithstanding_o all_o we_o suffer_v our_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o dependence_n be_v still_o on_o god_n to_o submit_v to_o god_n be_v to_o submit_v in_o faith_n and_o hope_n to_o submit_v as_o to_o the_o correction_n and_o discipline_n of_o a_o father_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o submit_v without_o hope_n as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v content_v with_o final_a ruin_n when_o we_o cast_v off_o our_o hope_n in_o god_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o submission_n than_o we_o shall_v come_v to_o that_o desperate_a conclusion_n behold_v this_o evil_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lord_n any_o long_o 2_o king_n 6._o 33._o but_o never_o be_v there_o a_o great_a expression_n of_o submission_n than_o that_o of_o job_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o he_o also_o shall_v be_v my_o salvation_n for_o a_o hypocrite_n shall_v not_o come_v before_o he_o 13._o job_n 15_o 16._o this_o the_o psalmist_n have_v full_o express_v 27._o psalm_n 13_o 14._o i_o have_v faint_v unless_o i_o have_v believe_v to_o see_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o land_n of_o live_v wait_v on_o the_o lord_n be_v of_o good_a courage_n and_o he_o shall_v strengthen_v thy_o heart_n wait_v i_o say_v on_o the_o lord_n to_o hope_v in_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o strike_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o he_o will_v be_v gracious_a to_o make_v our_o complaint_n to_o he_o and_o to_o expect_v our_o deliverance_n and_o salvation_n only_o from_o he_o this_o be_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o make_v his_o will_n our_o will_n to_o attend_v all_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o patient_o and_o diligent_o as_o a_o servant_n do_v the_o command_n of_o his_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v elegant_o represent_v 123._o psalm_n 1_o 2._o unto_o thou_o lift_v i_o up_o my_o eye_n o_o thou_o that_o dwell_v in_o the_o heaven_n behold_v as_o the_o eye_n of_o servant_n look_v upon_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o master_n and_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o maiden_n unto_o the_o hand_n of_o her_o mistress_n so_o our_o eye_n wait_v upon_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n until_o that_o he_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o this_o be_v that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v make_v this_o submission_n easy_a and_o cheerful_a we_o must_v possess_v our_o soul_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o a_o mere_a sovereign_n and_o arbitrary_a lord_n for_o to_o submit_v to_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n be_v and_o will_v be_v very_o grievous_a
thus_o it_o be_v whenever_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o interpose_v which_o he_o do_v as_o often_o as_o he_o have_v any_o wise_a end_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o thus_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n he_o make_v even_o his_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o 16._o prov._n 7._o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a promise_n god_n make_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o when_o all_o their_o male_n shall_v come_v three_o time_n every_o year_n to_o worship_n god_n at_o jerusalem_n by_o which_o mean_v their_o country_n be_v leave_v without_o defence_n expose_v to_o the_o rapine_n of_o their_o enemy_n who_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v desire_v their_o land_n when_o they_o go_v up_o to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n 34._o exod._n 24._o we_o have_v many_o example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n and_o some_o of_o those_o many_o way_n whereby_o god_n do_v it_o when_o abraham_n sojourn_v in_o gerar_n he_o say_v of_o sarah_n his_o wife_n that_o she_o be_v his_o sister_n and_o abimelech_n the_o king_n of_o gerar_n send_v and_o take_v she_o but_o god_n reprove_v abimelech_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o have_v withhold_v he_o from_o sin_v and_o not_o suffer_v he_o to_o touch_v she_o 20._o genes_n 1._o etc._n etc._n thus_o when_o jacob_n flee_v from_o laban_n with_o his_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o laban_n pursue_v he_o god_n appear_v to_o laban_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o command_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o speak_v to_o jacob_n either_o good_a or_o hurt_n 31._o genes_n 24._o such_o appearance_n be_v very_o common_a in_o that_o age_n though_o they_o seem_v very_o extraordinary_a to_o we_o but_o god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o by_o strong_a and_o lively_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n by_o suggest_v and_o fix_v such_o thought_n in_o we_o as_o excite_v or_o calm_v our_o passion_n as_o encourage_v we_o to_o bold_a and_o great_a attempt_n or_o check_v we_o in_o our_o career_n by_o frightful_a imagination_n and_o unaccountable_a fear_n and_o terror_n or_o by_o such_o other_o argument_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o change_v our_o purpose_n and_o counsel_n sometime_o god_n do_v this_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o external_n cause_n which_o at_o other_o time_n will_v not_o have_v be_v effectual_a but_o shall_v certain_o have_v their_o effect_n when_o god_n enforce_v the_o impression_n thus_o god_n in_o a_o moment_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o esau_n when_o he_o come_v out_o in_o great_a rage_n against_o his_o brother_n jacob_n it_o be_v a_o old_a hatred_n he_o have_v conceive_v against_o he_o for_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o birthright_n and_o of_o his_o blessing_n and_o he_o have_v for_o many_o year_n confirm_v himself_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o the_o first_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o do_v it_o and_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v that_o the_o present_v which_o jacob_n send_v he_o which_o he_o can_v have_v take_v if_o he_o have_v please_v without_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o gift_n and_o that_o the_o submission_n of_o jacob_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a make_v he_o forget_v all_o that_o be_v past_a and_o the_o very_a business_n he_o come_v for_o and_o turn_v his_o bloody_a design_n into_o the_o kind_a embrace_n no_o this_o be_v god_n work_n the_o effect_n of_o that_o blessing_n which_o the_o angel_n give_v to_o jacob_n after_o a_o whole_a night_n wrestle_v with_o he_o in_o peniel_n 32._o and_o 33._o genes_n and_o when_o god_n please_v the_o weak_a mean_n shall_v change_v the_o most_o sullen_a and_o obstinate_a resolution_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o this_o be_v the_o story_n of_o david_n and_o abigail_n nabal_n have_v high_o provoke_v david_n by_o the_o churlish_a answer_n which_o he_o send_v he_o and_o david_n be_v resolve_v to_o take_v a_o very_a severe_a revenge_n on_o nabal_n and_o his_o house_n but_o god_n send_v abigail_n to_o pacify_v he_o who_o by_o her_o presence_n and_o dutiful_a and_o submissive_a behaviour_n and_o wise_a counsel_n divert_v he_o from_o those_o bloody_a resolution_n he_o have_v take_v as_o david_n himself_o acknowledge_v bless_a be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n which_o send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o from_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n 1_o sam._n 25._o 32_o 33._o saul_n pursue_v david_n in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o take_v away_o his_o life_n and_o god_n deliver_v he_o twice_o into_o david_n hand_n and_o the_o kindness_n david_n show_v he_o in_o not_o kill_v he_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o power_n do_v at_o last_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o saul_n that_o he_o pursue_v he_o no_o more_o 1_o sam._n 26._o 27._o ch_n thus_o god_n confound_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n which_o absolom_n choose_v to_o follow_v and_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v from_o god_n who_o have_v purpose_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o he_o may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absolom_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o such_o a_o absolute_a empire_n have_v god_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o he_o can_v turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v can_v lead_v they_o into_o new_a thought_n and_o counsel_n with_o as_o great_a ease_n as_o the_o water_n of_o a_o river_n may_v be_v draw_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n prepare_v for_o they_o 2_o when_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o change_v and_o alter_v man_n will_n and_o passion_n he_o can_v govern_v their_o action_n and_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o they_o when_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o counsel_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o themselves_o like_o best_a he_o do_v that_o by_o their_o hand_n which_o they_o little_o expect_v or_o intend_v the_o same_o action_n may_v serve_v very_o different_a end_n and_o therefore_o god_n and_o man_n may_v have_v very_o different_a intention_n in_o it_o and_o what_o be_v ill_o do_v by_o man_n and_o for_o a_o very_a ill_a end_n may_v be_v order_v by_o god_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n nay_o the_o ill_a end_n which_o man_n design_v may_v be_v disappoint_v and_o the_o good_a which_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o have_v its_o effect_n and_o this_o be_v as_o absolute_a a_o government_n over_o man_n action_n as_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n require_v when_o whatever_o man_n do_v if_o they_o intend_v one_o thing_n and_o god_n another_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n shall_v stand_v and_o what_o they_o intend_v shall_v have_v no_o effect_n any_o far_a than_o as_o it_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o divine_a counsel_n as_o to_o give_v some_o plain_a example_n of_o it_o ioseph_n brethren_n be_v offend_v at_o his_o dream_n and_o at_o the_o peculiar_a kindness_n which_o their_o father_n jacob_n show_v he_o resolve_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o but_o god_n intend_v to_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n to_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n and_o to_o transplant_v jacob_n and_o his_o family_n thither_o and_o therefore_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o slay_v he_o as_o they_o at_o first_o intend_v but_o he_o suffer_v they_o to_o sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n who_o carry_v he_o into_o egppt_v which_o disappoint_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o in_o it_o never_o to_o see_v or_o hear_v more_o of_o he_o but_o accomplish_v the_o decree_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n another_o example_n we_o have_v in_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o come_v against_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o powerful_a army_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o but_o god_n intend_v no_o more_o than_o to_o correct_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n this_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o do_v but_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o o_o assyrian_n the_o rod_n of_o my_o anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o their_o hand_n be_v my_o indignation_n i_o will_v send_v he_o against_o a_o hypocritical_a nation_n and_o against_o the_o people_n of_o my_o wrath_n will_v i_o give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n thus_o far_o god_n give_v he_o commission_n that_o be_v thus_o far_o god_n intend_v to_o suffer_v his_o rage_n and_o pride_n to_o proceed_v but_o this_o be_v the_o least_o of_o his_o intention_n howbeit_o he_o think_v not_o so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o but_o in_o this_o god_n disappoint_v he_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n
this_o world_n that_o they_o never_o care_v to_o think_v of_o another_o and_o that_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n have_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n to_o make_v man_n serious_a and_o considerate_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n to_o correct_v and_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a both_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v what_o god_n design_n in_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n he_o bring_v on_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o natural_a conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o prove_v evil_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o god_n design_n they_o for_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o 28._o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v if_o you_o endure_v chasten_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o as_o with_o son_n for_o what_o son_n be_v he_o who_o the_o father_n chasten_v not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v without_o chastisement_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n then_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n 21._o hebr._n 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v pleasant_a nor_o every_o thing_n evil_a that_o be_v afflict_v this_o distinction_n the_o heathen_a poet_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o always_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a he_o will_v give_v we_o what_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a not_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o external_a appearance_n but_o by_o that_o spiritual_a good_a they_o do_v or_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a man_n here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o man_n may_v if_o they_o so_o please_v as_o reasonable_o quarrel_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n which_o so_o many_o enjoy_v as_o with_o the_o affliction_n which_o other_o suffer_v for_o prosperity_n do_v often_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o affliction_n do_v good_a man_n themselves_o can_v hardly_o bear_v a_o prosperous_a state_n nor_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o flattery_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o affliction_n many_o time_n reform_v bad_a man_n and_o make_v good_a man_n better_a as_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o own_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o keep_v thy_o law_n and_o if_o both_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n may_v be_v either_o for_o our_o good_a or_o hurt_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o we_o can_v always_o tell_v we_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o discipline_n who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o start_v a_o new_a and_o more_o difficult_a objection_n that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o external_a and_o sensible_a event_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v object_v the_o external_a evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o external_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n so_o that_o religion_n gain_v nothing_o by_o this_o it_o silence_n indeed_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o it_o also_o destroy_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a providence_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v give_v we_o a_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o we_o can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n nor_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a or_o in_o send_v his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n natural_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o instrument_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n be_v encourage_v and_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o external_a and_o natural_a blessing_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o some_o natural_a evil_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o punish_v make_v these_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n the_o method_n of_o discipline_n which_o can_v have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o they_o either_o to_o encourage_v good_a man_n or_o to_o reform_v the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a signification_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n nor_o have_v any_o moral_a efficacy_n upon_o mankind_n but_o yet_o when_o these_o act_n of_o goodness_n or_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o intend_v as_o the_o proper_a reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o always_o confine_v to_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n to_o the_o evil_a a_o expression_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a the_o mere_a external_a event_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n the_o external_a good_a may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o god_n be_v good_a to_o both_o and_o intend_v good_a to_o both_o but_o yet_o have_v not_o equal_a favour_n to_o both_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v and_o to_o correct_v sin_n and_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n feel_v the_o same_o severity_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o folly_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o over-awe_n and_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o be_v good_a to_o both_o as_o great_a goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a though_o the_o external_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o such_o case_n make_v little_a distinction_n between_o they_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n manifest_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n though_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o a_o blessing_n nor_o affliction_n always_o evil_a they_o be_v always_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o natural_a good_n and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o justice_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a end_n to_o that_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n what_o be_v natural_o good_a may_v prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v natural_o evil_a may_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v mere_o by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o external_a event_n but_o by_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o govern_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o there_o be_v another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n now_o the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n