94._o psalm_n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v he_o that_o chastise_v the_o heathen_a shall_v not_o he_o correct_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n so_o that_o these_o man_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o god_n do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v reward_v man_n according_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o his_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o man_n 31._o job_n 4._o do_v not_o he_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n 33._o psal._n 18_o 19_o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v they_o and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o famine_n and_o therefore_o when_o good_a man_n pray_v for_o help_n and_o succour_n they_o only_o beg_v god_n to_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o condition_n 1._o lam._n 11._o see_v o_o lord_n and_o consider_v for_o i_o be_o become_v vile_a 64._o isa._n 9_o behold_v see_v we_o beseech_v thou_o we_o be_v all_o thy_o people_n thus_o in_o hezekiah_n be_v prayer_n incline_v thy_o ear_n o_o lord_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n o_o lord_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o senacherib_n which_o have_v send_v to_o reproach_v the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o god_n see_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v 10._o psalm_n 14._o thou_o have_v see_v it_o for_o thou_o behold_v mischief_n and_o spite_n to_o requite_v it_o with_o thy_o hand_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o see_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o reward_n and_o punish_v but_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o and_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v resolve_v into_o god_n know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n the_o dispute_n will_v be_v soon_o end_v for_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omnipresent_v mind_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o psalmist_n elegant_o express_v it_o 139._o psalm_n 1._o 13._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o my_o uprising_n thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o my_o way_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o lo_o o_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o altogether_o thou_o have_v beset_v i_o hehind_v and_o before_o and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o i_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v too_o high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o if_o i_o say_v sure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v i_o even_o the_o night_n shall_v be_v light_n about_o i_o yea_o the_o darkness_n hide_v not_o from_o thou_o but_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v possess_v my_o reins_o thou_o have_v cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o omnipresent_v mind_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v present_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n or_o that_o be_v present_a and_o see_v all_o their_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o idle_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n four_o for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v pass_v all_o dispute_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o most_o creature_n a_o natural_a care_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o want_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o ostrich_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o warm_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o foot_n may_v crush_v they_o or_o that_o the_o wild_a best_n may_v break_v they_o she_o be_v harden_v against_o her_o young_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o she_o her_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o fear_n because_o god_n have_v deprive_v she_o of_o wisdom_n neither_o have_v he_o impart_v to_o her_o understanding_n 39_o job_n 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o can_v we_o think_v then_o that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v shall_v be_v as_o unconcerned_a for_o the_o world_n as_o the_o ostrich_n be_v for_o her_o egg_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sluggish_a unactive_a be_v for_o to_o make_v a_o world_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o power_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v itself_o a_o act_n of_o excellent_a goodness_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o legible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v conclude_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o infinite_o good_a be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v who_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n and_o perfect_a life_n can_v cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o his_o creature_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n natural_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o forget_v their_o child_n and_o though_o god_n have_v no_o superior_a his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o no_o philosopher_n except_v epicurus_n and_o his_o sect_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n 2._o ever_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o tully_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o god_n but_o destroy_v his_o be_v 2._o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n conclude_v a_o providence_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o providence_n signify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n ibid._n and_o those_o philosopher_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o calling_n god_n providence_n and_o fate_n 1._o and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a law_n for_o indeed_o mankind_n have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v ibid._n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n defend_v against_o epicurus_n and_o other_o atheist_n ibid._n this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n which_o atheist_n oppose_v the_o god_n who_o they_o fear_v a_o eternal_a lord_n who_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o dispute_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o principal_o resolve_v itself_o into_o this_o whether_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n or_o by_o chance_n and_o a_o blind_a material_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n include_v a_o providence_n or_o else_o either_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n will_v neither_o prove_v nor_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n if_o the_o beauty_n variery_a usefulness_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o
not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o immortal_a creature_n who_o can_v sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o whole_a argument_n with_o some_o few_o inference_n 1._o if_o creature_n must_v be_v preserve_v as_o well_o as_o make_v by_o god_n than_o the_o present_a continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o visible_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n some_o man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n because_o they_o do_v not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o but_o they_o see_v a_o world_n preserve_v when_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o able_a to_o preserve_v than_o to_o make_v itself_o and_o who_o then_o be_v it_o that_o preserve_v this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o this_o must_v be_v a_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o power_n and_o the_o only_a reasonable_a creature_n in_o this_o visible_a world_n be_v man_n and_o man_n can_v preserve_v himself_o and_o know_v that_o he_o can_v preserve_v nothing_o else_o and_o therefore_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v owe_v to_o some_o invisible_a cause_n who_o we_o call_v god._n 2._o if_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o god_n we_o be_v entire_o he_o and_o owe_v all_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o for_o he_o do_v not_o only_o make_v we_o but_o we_o have_v our_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o he_o have_v he_o only_o make_v we_o at_o first_o that_o have_v give_v he_o a_o title_n to_o we_o for_o ever_o but_o can_v we_o have_v live_v without_o he_o when_o he_o have_v make_v we_o though_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o less_o fault_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v less_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a to_o have_v live_v without_o any_o notice_n or_o regard_n of_o he_o as_o some_o ungrateful_a person_n deal_v by_o their_o friend_n and_o patron_n when_o they_o have_v set_v they_o up_o in_o the_o world_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o live_v by_o themselves_o but_o to_o forget_v that_o god_n in_o who_o we_o live_v who_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v we_o in_o be_v every_o moment_n be_v to_o affront_v a_o present_a benefactor_n if_o we_o value_v be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v tempt_v god_n by_o this_o to_o let_v we_o fall_v into_o nothing_o yet_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o just_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v to_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n which_o be_v infinite_o worse_a for_o happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v 3._o for_o if_o he_o not_o only_o make_v but_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v we_o in_o be_v he_o must_v be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n for_o no_o other_o have_v any_o original_a and_o absolute_a interest_n in_o we_o we_o be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o none_o can_v take_v we_o out_o of_o they_o nor_o touch_v we_o but_o by_o his_o order_n to_o give_v be_v and_o to_o preserve_v it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o government_n no_o other_o be_v have_v a_o right_a to_o govern_v no_o other_o power_n can_v govern_v he_o alone_o can_v give_v law_n can_v reward_v or_o punish_v can_v govern_v nature_n can_v direct_v over-rule_v control_v all_o other_o power_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o therefore_o he_o command_v they_o all_o 4._o and_o this_o may_v convince_v we_o how_o irresistible_a the_o divine_a power_n be_v for_o all_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o as_o light_n do_v on_o the_o sun_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o power_n against_o he_o and_o what_o distraction_n then_o be_v it_o to_o provoke_v that_o almighty_a god_n who_o we_o can_v resist_v humble_a thyself_o sinner_n before_o thy_o maker_n thy_o preserver_n and_o thy_o judge_n obey_v his_o will_n to_o who_o power_n thou_o must_v submit_v let_v he_o be_v thy_o fear_n and_o thy_o dread_a thy_o only_a fear_n for_o thou_o need_v fear_v none_o else_o all_o power_n be_v he_o none_o can_v resist_v he_o none_o can_v act_v without_o he_o he_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n to_o the_o fury_n of_o prince_n to_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n thou_o be_v safe_a in_o his_o hand_n safe_a in_o obedience_n to_o his_o will_n but_o thou_o can_v never_o escape_v he_o never_o fly_v from_o he_o never_o defend_v thyself_o against_o he_o for_o thou_o live_v in_o he_o 5._o this_o also_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v see_v and_o know_v all_o our_o action_n for_o we_o live_v and_o move_v in_o he_o he_o be_v always_o present_a with_o we_o privy_a to_o our_o most_o secret_a thought_n and_o counsel_n observe_v all_o our_o wander_n see_v we_o in_o all_o our_o retirement_n there_o be_v no_o darkness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o death_n where_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n can_v hide_v themselves_o this_o the_o scripture_n in_o express_a word_n teach_v and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v it_o for_o if_o we_o can_v think_v nor_o move_v nor_o subsist_v without_o god_n he_o must_v be_v always_o intimate_o present_a with_o we_o which_o shall_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o constant_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o his_o pure_a and_o all_o see_a eye_n chap._n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n next_o to_o preservation_n as_o that_o signify_v god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v and_o preserve_v and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n we_o must_v consider_v god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o therefore_o the_o absolute_a government_n of_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v in_o his_o hand_n or_o else_o something_o may_v be_v do_v which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v this_o all_o man_n grant_v in_o general_a word_n who_o own_o a_o providence_n but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o particular_n there_o be_v so_o many_o except_a case_n which_o they_o will_v hardly_o allow_v god_n to_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o that_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v little_o more_o by_o god_n government_n than_o a_o general_a inspection_n of_o human_a affair_n his_o look_v on_o to_o see_v the_o world_n govern_v itself_o for_o three_o part_n of_o four_o of_o all_o that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v into_o bare_a permission_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o order_v and_o dispose_v providence_n and_o than_o it_o can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v all_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n in_o such_o case_n no_o more_o than_o man_n do_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o god_n can_v hinder_v when_o he_o do_v it_o but_o man_n do_v hinder_v because_o they_o can_v but_o still_o mere_o not_o to_o hinder_v do_v not_o signify_v to_o govern_v but_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consider_v how_o the_o scripture_n represent_v it_o and_o because_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o act_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n of_o a_o very_a different_a consideration_n i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v into_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v three_o sort_n of_o cause_n and_o what_o the_o scripture_n attribute_n to_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o each_o 1._o natural_a cause_n 2_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n and_o fortune_n 3_o moral_a cause_n and_o free_a agent_n or_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n 1._o natural_a cause_n or_o god_n government_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o move_v and_o act_n by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o choice_n now_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o attribute_v to_o god_n all_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o belong_v to_o creation_n and_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n but_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o their_o natural_a influence_n to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v a_o mind_n shall_v be_v do_v god_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n govern_v the_o moral_a by_o the_o natural_a world_n he_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a air_n by_o fruitful_a or_o barren_a season_n he_o hinder_v or_o promote_v their_o design_n by_o wind_n and_o weather_n by_o a_o forward_a or_o a_o backward_a spring_n and_o make_v nature_n give_v law_n to_o man_n and_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o intrigue_n to_o overthrow_v the_o most_o powerful_a fleet_n and_o army_n to_o defeat_v the_o wise_a counsel_n
and_o in_o annex_v such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o observation_n or_o to_o the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n as_o may_v reasonable_o invite_v he_o to_o obedience_n and_o deter_v he_o from_o sin_n and_o as_o this_o degenerate_a state_n require_v in_o lay_v such_o external_a restraint_n on_o he_o and_o afford_v he_o such_o internal_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v proportion_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o become_v god_n to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v for_o a_o force_a virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n and_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v will_v reasonable_o excuse_v from_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n represent_v it_o as_o very_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o the_o 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heart_n devise_v his_o way_n but_o the_o lord_n direct_v his_o step_n 16._o prov._n 9_o man_n consult_v and_o advise_v what_o to_o do_v but_o after_o all_o god_n steer_v and_o direct_v they_o which_o way_n he_o please_v for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o device_n in_o a_o man_n heart_n nevertheless_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o shall_v stand_v 19_o prov._n 21._o which_o make_v the_o wise_a man_n conclude_v man_n go_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n how_o then_o shall_v a_o man_n understand_v his_o own_o way_n 20._o prov._n 24._o that_o be_v god_n have_v such_o a_o absolute_a government_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o action_n of_o man_n when_o his_o providence_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o event_n that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o know_v what_o he_o himself_o shall_v choose_v and_o do_v for_o god_n can_v in_o a_o instant_n alter_v his_o mind_n and_o make_v he_o steer_v a_o very_a different_a course_n from_o what_o he_o intend_v as_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n assure_v we_o i_o know_v 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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 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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 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and_o authority_n superior_a to_o man_n and_o therefore_o a_o superior_a justice_n too_o it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o deprive_v one_o another_o of_o their_o just_a and_o legal_a light_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v this_o a_o reflection_n on_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n too_o when_o man_n suffer_v wrongful_o but_o no_o man_n have_v any_o right_n against_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sole_a proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v give_v and_o he_o may_v take_v away_o he_o may_v set_v up_o and_o pull_v down_o and_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n it_o be_v unjust_a for_o man_n to_o afflict_v and_o oppress_v the_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a or_o to_o encourage_v and_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o they_o
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o 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please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n
his_o promise_n do_v honour_n to_o his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o to_o trust_v god_n to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o we_o either_o what_o we_o desire_v or_o what_o he_o like_v better_a argue_v such_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o god_n and_o a_o absolute_a resignation_n to_o his_o will_n with_o a_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o creature_n can_v express_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o divine_a perfection_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o think_v that_o any_o man_n do_v we_o so_o much_o honour_n by_o take_v our_o word_n for_o what_o we_o express_o promise_v to_o do_v for_o he_o as_o that_o man_n do_v who_o commit_v all_o his_o concernment_n with_o a_o secure_a confidence_n to_o our_o disposal_n without_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v but_o for_o a_o more_o particular_a explication_n of_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v and_o what_o security_n it_o give_v we_o 1._o what_o this_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v since_o it_o do_v not_o signify_v a_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o now_o this_o signify_v 1._o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o hope_v for_o or_o expect_v we_o expect_v from_o god_n alone_o that_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reliance_n and_o dependence_n but_o only_o on_o god_n though_o we_o just_o value_v the_o kindness_n of_o our_o friend_n and_o the_o patronage_n and_o protection_n of_o prince_n and_o powerful_a favourite_n and_o thank_v god_n when_o he_o raise_v up_o such_o friend_n and_o patron_n to_o we_o yet_o our_o entire_a trust_n and_o hope_n be_v in_o god_n that_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o event_n be_v in_o god_n hand_n we_o be_v sure_a none_o can_v help_v we_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o the_o disposal_n of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o in_o scripture_n our_o trust_n in_o god_n be_v always_o oppose_v to_o our_o trust_n in_o man_n in_o prince_n in_o human_a counsel_n policy_n or_o strength_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o man_n it_o be_v better_a to_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n than_o to_o put_v confidence_n in_o prince_n 118._o psalm_n 8_o 9_o now_o know_v i_o that_o the_o lord_n save_v his_o anointed_n he_o will_v hear_v he_o from_o his_o holy_a heaven_n with_o the_o save_a strength_n of_o his_o right_a hand_n some_o trust_n in_o chariot_n and_o some_o in_o horse_n but_o we_o will_v remember_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n they_o be_v bring_v down_o and_o fall_v but_o we_o be_v rise_v and_o stand_v upright_o 20._o psalm_n 6_o 7_o 8._o all_o wise_a man_n be_v great_o satisfy_v and_o please_v to_o see_v the_o probable_a mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o their_o safety_n and_o defence_n because_o god_n ordinary_o work_v by_o mean_n but_o good_a man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v but_o instrument_n in_o god_n hand_n and_o no_o wise_a man_n put_v his_o trust_n in_o the_o instrument_n be_v they_o never_o so_o good_a but_o in_o the_o workman_n thus_o much_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n must_v necessary_o signify_v that_o we_o have_v no_o reliance_n but_o only_o on_o god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o we_o depend_v as_o entire_o on_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o second_n and_o intermediate_v cause_n which_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v and_o use_v but_o not_o to_o be_v the_o final_a object_n of_o our_o trust_n 2_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n signify_v our_o absolute_a dependence_n on_o the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o it_o be_v a_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o god_n put_v ourselves_o absolute_o into_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o he_o will_v do_v what_o we_o desire_v or_o do_v what_o shall_v be_v better_o for_o we_o that_o he_o will_v answer_v our_o request_n or_o deny_v they_o with_o great_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n than_o he_o can_v grant_v they_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o this_o be_v a_o perfect_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o such_o a_o trust_n and_o dependence_n as_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v it_o not_o become_v all_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o give_v up_o themselves_o secure_o to_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n take_v care_n of_o we_o what_o need_v we_o know_v any_o more_o will_v we_o desire_v any_o thing_n else_o or_o can_v we_o wish_v for_o any_o thing_n better_o than_o what_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n can_v do_v for_o we_o or_o will_v we_o have_v any_o thing_n which_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o this_o indeed_o do_v not_o give_v we_o that_o security_n which_o some_o man_n desire_v that_o we_o shall_v never_o suffer_v those_o particular_a evil_n which_o we_o fear_v and_o which_o we_o see_v come_v upon_o we_o or_o that_o we_o shall_v obtain_v some_o other_o blessing_n which_o we_o be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o but_o it_o give_v we_o a_o much_o better_a security_n than_o this_o that_o we_o shall_v have_v always_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o which_o be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o shall_v god_n always_o grant_v our_o own_o desire_n this_o give_v we_o a_o most_o profound_a rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n deliver_v we_o from_o all_o careful_a and_o solicitous_a thought_n for_o time_n to_o come_v which_o be_v many_o time_n more_o terrible_a than_o the_o evil_n we_o fear_v it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v our_o duty_n with_o the_o best_a prudence_n and_o industry_n we_o can_v but_o to_o leave_v all_o event_n to_o god_n disposal_n to_o make_v know_v our_o request_n to_o god_n and_o to_o cast_v all_o our_o care_n upon_o he_o for_o he_o care_v for_o we_o it_o will_v not_o make_v we_o whole_o unconcern_v and_o indifferent_a whatever_o happen_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o equal_a or_o alike_o indifferent_a riches_n and_o poverty_n health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n war_n or_o peace_n plenty_n or_o famine_n can_v be_v alike_o indifferent_a to_o any_o man_n who_o have_v his_o sense_n about_o he_o but_o it_o will_v make_v we_o quiet_a and_o patient_a under_o all_o event_n and_o help_v we_o to_o bear_v the_o most_o adverse_a fortune_n with_o such_o a_o unbroken_a greatness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v natural_a to_o a_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a trust_n and_o hope_n in_o god_n this_o be_v proper_o to_o trust_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v that_o god_n will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v which_o be_v to_o command_v and_o govern_v or_o at_o least_o to_o direct_v providence_n not_o to_o trust_v it_o but_o to_o live_v secure_o under_o the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n without_o disturb_v ourselves_o with_o unknown_a and_o future_a event_n in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n that_o we_o be_v safe_a and_o happy_a in_o god_n hand_n 2_o though_o our_o trust_n in_o god_n do_v not_o signify_v a_o absolute_a security_n what_o god_n will_v do_v for_o we_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o obtain_v whatever_o we_o wise_o and_o reasonable_o desire_v of_o god_n when_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n he_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o liberty_n to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o but_o if_o what_o we_o desire_v be_v good_a for_o we_o our_o trust_n and_o dependence_n on_o god_n will_v engage_v providence_n on_o our_o side_n trust_v in_o god_n refer_v our_o cause_n to_o he_o to_o judge_v for_o we_o and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o we_o have_v god_n word_n and_o promise_n for_o it_o that_o if_o we_o do_v trust_v in_o he_o he_o will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v want_v nothing_o that_o be_v good_a and_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o evil_a 31._o psal._n 21_o 22._o o_o how_o plentiful_a be_v thy_o goodness_n which_o thou_o have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o fear_v thou_o and_o that_o thou_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thou_o shall_v hide_v they_o privy_o by_o thy_o own_o presence_n from_o the_o provoke_a of_o all_o man_n thou_o shall_v keep_v they_o secret_o in_o thy_o tabernacle_n from_o the_o strife_n of_o tongue_n thus_o 37._o psal._n 40_o 41._o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o righteous_a come_v of_o the_o lord_n who_o be_v also_o their_o strength_n in_o the_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v stand_v by_o they_o and_o save_v they_o