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the_o heart_n of_o king_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n 1._o and_o that_o like_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o shall_v turn_v they_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v how_o will_v the_o world_n run_v to_o confusion_n and_o become_v one_o great_a den_n of_o wild_a beast_n or_o more_o ravenous_a man_n if_o great_a oppressor_n can_v effect_v their_o unwieldy_a project_n and_o god_n do_v not_o carry_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o froward_a headlong_o and_o unless_o he_o likewise_o restrain_v the_o madness_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o strike_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o majesty_n though_o in_o a_o person_n in_o many_o respect_v not_o unlike_o themselves_o how_o can_v good_a prince_n establish_v their_o government_n in_o righteousness_n and_o prove_v such_o universal_a blessing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o indeed_o he_o frequent_o serve_v himself_o of_o the_o insatiable_a ambition_n of_o unmerciful_a tyrant_n no_o less_o than_o of_o the_o generous_a and_o 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fancy_n to_o put_v to_o flight_v the_o syrian_a army_n how_o do_v he_o preserve_v david_n and_o his_o handful_n of_o man_n from_o the_o destructive_a issue_n of_o achitophel_n counsel_n by_o determine_v the_o people_n to_o prefer_v that_o of_o hushai_n before_o it_o for_o by_o this_o choice_n it_o must_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o text_n tell_v we_o have_v appoint_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o achitophel_n 14._o i_o will_v mention_v but_o one_o example_n more_o and_o that_o be_v of_o cyrus_n who_o ascend_v his_o throne_n with_o as_o great_a ambition_n and_o glory_n and_o as_o little_a affection_n to_o the_o jewish_a nation_n as_o any_o of_o his_o predecessor_n can_v not_o resist_v the_o impression_n god_n make_v upon_o his_o mind_n to_o restore_v the_o captive_a people_n and_o to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n king_n of_o persia_n say_v the_o sacred_a historian_n ezra_n 1._o 1._o it_o be_v needless_a to_o spend_v time_n in_o prove_v that_o god_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o result_n of_o his_o own_o counsel_n be_v not_o they_o apt_a to_o overlook_a the_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o to_o ascribe_v the_o success_n or_o disappointment_n of_o the_o most_o important_a action_n to_o time_n or_o chance_n to_o fate_n or_o fortune_n or_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n whereas_o do_v they_o impartial_o observe_v how_o inconsiderable_a moment_n turn_v the_o scale_n in_o the_o weighty_a concern_v how_o some_o unexpected_a accident_n surprise_n or_o inadvertency_n frequent_o determine_v the_o fate_n of_o a_o battle_n and_o give_v rise_v to_o the_o most_o glorious_a and_o heroical_a action_n beyond_o the_o intrinsic_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o their_o cause_n how_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v on_o the_o nice_a and_o critical_a conjuncture_n of_o some_o lucky_a hit_n
a_o sermon_n preach_v in_o the_o parish_n church_n of_o burcester_n in_o the_o county_n of_o oxford_n on_o the_o second_o day_n of_o december_n 1697._o be_v the_o day_n appoint_v for_o a_o thanksgiving_n to_o almighty_a god_n for_o his_o majesty_n safe_a return_n and_o for_o the_o happy_a and_o honourable_a peace_n of_o which_o god_n have_v make_v he_o the_o glorious_a instrument_n by_o thomas_n taylor_n m._n a._n london_n print_v by_o tho._n warren_n for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half_a moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o prov._n xxi_o 30_o 31._o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n the_o horse_n be_v prepare_v against_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n but_o safety_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n in_o these_o word_n the_o wise_a man_n give_v a_o brief_a but_o true_a and_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o humane_a endeavour_n when_o employ_v against_o the_o purpose_n of_o divine_a providence_n or_o destitute_a of_o the_o interest_n and_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n he_o declare_v that_o the_o best_a lay_v project_n and_o contrivance_n the_o deep_a reach_n of_o the_o wise_a politician_n when_o direct_v against_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v vain_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o come_v to_o nothing_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o wisdom_n or_o understanding_n or_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n and_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o better_o than_o folly_n and_o madness_n so_o be_v his_o power_n the_o contemptible_a effort_n of_o impotence_n and_o presumption_n the_o horse_n be_v prepare_v against_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n but_o safety_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n those_o numerous_a force_n and_o hostile_a preparation_n which_o men_n conside_fw-la in_o as_o their_o utmost_a security_n unless_o bless_v and_o reinforce_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a be_v ineffectual_a to_o victory_n or_o safety_n there_o be_v no_o king_n save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o a_o host_n 17._o a_o mighty_a man_n be_v not_o deliver_v by_o much_o strength_n a_o horse_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o safety_n neither_o shall_v he_o deliver_v any_o by_o his_o great_a strength_n say_v the_o royal_a psalmist_n who_o have_v frequent_o experience_v worldly_a strength_n and_o confidence_n to_o be_v a_o unequal_a match_n for_o the_o god_n of_o host_n the_o mighty_a god_n of_o israel_n the_o sum_n and_o meaning_n therefore_o of_o the_o word_n amount_n to_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o superintendent_n providence_n which_o overrule_v the_o counsel_n and_o power_n of_o man_n as_o shall_v be_v most_o suitable_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o divine_a counsel_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n which_o either_o succour_n and_o incourage_v or_o suspend_v and_o retard_v or_o baffle_v and_o disappoint_v natural_a cause_n so_o as_o to_o determine_v the_o issue_n of_o war_n and_o peace_n and_o of_o all_o humane_a force_n and_o policy_n according_a to_o this_o supreme_a agency_n and_o direction_n that_o the_o world_n be_v subject_a to_o the_o presidency_n and_o conduct_v of_o such_o a_o providence_n as_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o providence_n be_v inseparable_o involve_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_o wise_a powerful_a and_o beneficent_a be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o absurd_a than_o that_o he_o who_o be_v alwise_a shall_v not_o know_v how_o he_o that_o be_v almighty_a shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o he_o that_o be_v transcendant_o good_a shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n and_o therefore_o epicurus_n be_v deserve_o charge_v with_o hypocrisy_n and_o collusion_n and_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o a_o disguise_a atheist_n who_o in_o word_n profess_v a_o deity_n but_o in_o reality_n and_o effect_n disow_v he_o when_o he_o deny_v he_o have_v any_o interest_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n a_o man_n need_v but_o open_v his_o eye_n and_o contemplate_v those_o common_a change_n and_o vicissitude_n of_o thing_n which_o daily_o happen_v round_o about_o he_o to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o lord_n be_v king_n and_o that_o he_o rule_v unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o i_o may_v not_o therefore_o take_v up_o your_o time_n and_o thought_n with_o a_o unnecessary_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n which_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n suppose_v and_o which_o the_o christian_a have_v plain_o employ_v or_o demonstrate_v in_o every_o page_n of_o the_o gospel_n i_o rather_o choose_v to_o lead_v your_o mind_n at_o present_a to_o a_o attentive_a reflection_n on_o the_o various_a method_n of_o its_o dispensation_n which_o be_v no_o less_o useful_a yet_o a_o more_o uncommon_a and_o difficult_a consideration_n for_o though_o the_o directive_n hand_n of_o a_o supernatural_a providence_n be_v so_o very_o visible_a and_o palpable_a in_o its_o effect_n it_o seem_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o operation_n we_o often_o feel_v and_o enjoy_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n while_o we_o be_v insensible_a by_o what_o kind_n of_o ministration_n it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n mysterious_a and_o impenetrable_a he_o make_v darkness_n his_o secret_a place_n 11._o his_o pavilion_n round_o about_o he_o say_v holy_a david_n he_o do_v great_a thing_n and_o unsearchable_a marvellous_a thing_n without_o number_n say_v job_n 9_o speak_v of_o his_o providential_a administration_n it_o be_v indeed_o impossible_a to_o trace_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o almighty_a in_o his_o whole_a management_n of_o humane_a affair_n but_o yet_o those_o many_o character_n and_o impress_n of_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v legible_a in_o the_o wonderful_a event_n of_o thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v such_o a_o humble_a enquiry_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o procedure_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v all_o profane_a objection_n against_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o encourage_v our_o faith_n hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o wherefore_o my_o present_a business_n shall_v be_v to_o consider_v first_o some_o of_o those_o way_n and_o method_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o govern_v or_o over-rule_v the_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a purpose_n thereby_o second_o the_o reason_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o interpose_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o action_n three_o i_o shall_v apply_v these_o consideration_n to_o that_o particular_a providence_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o present_a solemnity_n by_o which_o it_o will_v at_o last_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n that_o though_o the_o horse_n be_v prepare_v against_o the_o day_n of_o battle_n yet_o safety_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n first_o then_o to_o consider_v some_o of_o those_o method_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o govern_v or_o over-rule_v the_o counsel_n and_o endeavour_n of_o man_n so_o as_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a purpose_n thereby_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n at_o present_a as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o a_o visible_a authority_n and_o vouchsafe_v it_o such_o repeat_v prophecy_n and_o evident_a miracle_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n in_o his_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n to_o mankind_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o providence_n may_v be_v easy_o account_v for_o in_o those_o great_a turn_n of_o affair_n he_o bring_v about_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o that_o people_n be_v general_o so_o miraculous_o bless_v or_o afflict_a that_o they_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o manner_n than_o they_o can_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o deliverance_n or_o punishment_n itself_o which_o they_o actual_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v if_o a_o israelite_n be_v ask_v how_o he_o escape_v the_o host_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o how_o he_o be_v sustain_v in_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n forty_o year_n it_o be_v ready_a for_o he_o to_o answer_v to_o the_o former_a that_o god_n divide_v the_o red_a sea_n and_o make_v the_o surround_v wave_n bulwark_n of_o safety_n against_o the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o latter_a that_o the_o same_o god_n open_v the_o rock_n of_o stone_n and_o make_v the_o water_n flow_v and_o rain_v manna_n and_o quail_n from_o heaven_n for_o his_o daily_a provision_n and_o support_v for_o thus_o god_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o deal_v with_o a_o incredulous_a and_o sluggish_a people_n who_o will_v ever_o have_v be_v revolt_a back_n towards_o egypt_n if_o he_o have_v not_o submit_v his_o providence_n and_o care_n over_o they_o to_o
sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o they_o all_o this_o be_v the_o great_a mastery_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a policy_n to_o act_v upon_o such_o thorough_a view_n as_o infallible_o to_o attain_v its_o end_n though_o by_o way_n that_o seem_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o or_o incompetible_a with_o they_o thus_o st._n paul_n contemplate_v the_o mysterious_a depth_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o reciprocal_a dispensation_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n in_o that_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v administer_v to_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o bring_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o gentile_n at_o length_n turn_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o jew_n break_v out_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n of_o admiration_n oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o 33_o doubtless_o this_o be_v a_o abyss_n that_o no_o create_a understanding_n can_v fathom_v it_o be_v that_o infinite_a mind_n alone_o which_o at_o one_o steady_a and_o unchangeable_a view_n take_v in_o the_o whole_a eternal_a round_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o can_v either_o sufficient_o admire_v or_o comprehend_v the_o reach_n of_o its_o own_o wisdom_n but_o notwithstanding_o our_o inability_n to_o see_v far_o into_o the_o divine_a counsel_n we_o be_v confident_a that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o but_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o a_o heavenly_a father_n who_o be_v so_o intimate_o conscious_a to_o our_o minute_a concern_v that_o to_o express_v it_o the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v say_v to_o be_v number_v by_o he_o 30._o and_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o security_n to_o we_o christian_n to_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 28._o even_o the_o sin_n and_o evil_a and_o folly_n and_o rashness_n of_o man_n thing_n most_o repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_v shall_v one_o way_n or_o other_o tend_v to_o illustrate_v the_o wonderful_a extent_n of_o his_o wisdom_n who_o from_o the_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n of_o a_o chaos_n can_v raise_v the_o august_n fabric_n of_o a_o world_n and_o from_o the_o more_o horrid_a distraction_n of_o sin_n and_o madness_n can_v strike_v out_o the_o most_o beautiful_a and_o uniform_a design_n for_o the_o happiness_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o servant_n how_o otherwise_o can_v joseph_n have_v rise_v to_o little_a less_o than_o royal_a dignity_n by_o mean_n that_o humane_o speak_v tend_v only_o to_o misery_n and_o perdition_n can_v the_o purpose_n of_o revenge_n and_o hatred_n in_o his_o brethren_n to_o destroy_v he_o of_o covetousness_n in_o merchant_n to_o sell_v and_o enslave_v he_o of_o disappoint_v lust_n in_o a_o enrage_a woman_n to_o imprison_v he_o have_v ever_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v gradual_a step_n to_o his_o save_v both_o israel_n and_o egypt_n yet_o these_o and_o a_o number_n of_o other_o as_o unlikely_a presage_n to_o advancement_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n the_o necessary_a preparation_n for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v more_o amaze_a to_o follow_v the_o clue_n of_o god_n wonderful_a oeconomy_n in_o all_o those_o perplex_a labyrinth_n through_o which_o he_o deduce_v his_o great_a purpose_n of_o raise_v the_o posterity_n of_o fall_a man_n by_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n the_o messiah_n of_o the_o world_n the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n stand_v up_o and_o the_o ruler_n take_v counsel_n together_o against_o the_o lord_n and_o against_o his_o anoint_v all_o earthly_a power_n conspire_v to_o destroy_v he_o in_o the_o root_n in_o his_o progenitor_n or_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o righteous_a branch_n of_o jesse_n but_o how_o vain_a be_v their_o imagination_n and_o rash_a and_o foolish_a their_o endeavour_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o set_v his_o king_n upon_o his_o holy_a hill_n of_o zion_n ps._n 2._o our_o shortsighted_a knowledge_n can_v comprehend_v but_o a_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o obvious_a link_n in_o this_o wonderful_a chain_n of_o providence_n but_o yet_o enough_o to_o humble_v we_o in_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o wisdom_n nor_o understanding_n nor_o counsel_n against_o the_o lord_n which_o point_n be_v sufficient_o clear_v i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_n to_o discover_v brief_o second_o the_o intention_n or_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n thus_o interpose_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o action_n and_o these_o in_o general_n be_v two_o first_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o security_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n second_o the_o exercise_v those_o virtue_n and_o grace_n in_o they_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n first_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o security_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n there_o be_v two_o great_a evil_n which_o in_o this_o present_a disorder_a state_n of_o the_o world_n violent_o break_v in_o upon_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n to_o induce_v a_o omnipotent_a god_n to_o inspect_v and_o govern_v humane_a affair_n these_o be_v the_o destructive_a use_n of_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o irresistible_a violence_n of_o external_a body_n one_o great_a share_n of_o man_n infelicity_n happen_v to_o they_o by_o the_o design_v wickedness_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o another_o portion_n of_o misery_n accrue_v by_o the_o unpremeditate_a injury_n of_o outward_a accident_n which_o no_o foresight_n can_v prevent_v or_o remedy_n so_o that_o these_o necessity_n seem_v to_o have_v superinduce_v a_o peculiar_a order_n of_o providence_n which_o a_o unsinning_a state_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o state_n of_o innocence_n there_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_n to_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a and_o felicity_n of_o man_n and_o be_v a_o state_n of_o happiness_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a too_o natural_a evil_n grow_v out_o of_o exterior_a body_n to_o afflict_v and_o grieve_v a_o righteous_a soul_n the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v then_z subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o order_n of_o grace_n till_o sin_n and_o evil_a enter_v break_v and_o confound_v the_o happy_a connexion_n and_o oblige_v god_n to_o lay_v to_o his_o hand_n when_o man_n have_v destroy_v his_o law_n we_o know_v then_o that_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o as_o just_o call_v for_o a_o overrule_a providence_n both_o to_o still_o the_o rage_v of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o control_v the_o other_o element_n and_o also_o to_o restrain_v the_o madness_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o so_o neither_o the_o design_v malice_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o blind_a and_o insensate_a fury_n of_o the_o other_o may_v pass_v the_o bound_n which_o the_o almighty_a set_v they_o be_v it_o not_o for_o 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in_o dishearten_v religion_n and_o piety_n towards_o god_n what_o destruction_n may_v deluge_n earthquake_n and_o conflagration_n ever_o this_o have_v bring_v upon_o the_o earth_n have_v they_o constant_o be_v suffer_v to_o exert_v their_o natural_a and_o unbroken_a strength_n and_o if_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n storm_z and_o tempest_n heat_v and_o cold_a poison_n and_o pestilence_n be_v discharge_v from_o the_o region_n of_o the_o air_n we_o breath_n in_o in_o their_o genuine_a and_o native_a force_n and_o providence_n interpose_v not_o to_o prevent_v their_o effect_n or_o over-rule_v they_o to_o a_o excellent_a end_n the_o best_a of_o man_n will_v labour_v under_o a_o worse_a fate_n than_o cain_n and_o imagine_v not_o only_o that_o every_o man_n but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o nature_n be_v arm_v against_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o all_o these_o fear_n and_o despondency_n be_v remove_v by_o the_o assurance_n god_n have_v give_v of_o his_o
second_o cause_n in_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a production_n of_o their_o effect_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o they_o like_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n be_v of_o great_a simplicity_n and_o constitute_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o universe_n can_v not_o always_o bend_v and_o comply_v to_o those_o particular_a moral_a exigency_n which_o man_n may_v create_v by_o the_o perverse_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o transcendent_a right_n as_o it_o be_v a_o court_n of_o equity_n of_o suspend_v or_o postponing_a their_o execution_n to_o mitigate_v that_o rigorous_a procedure_n and_o redress_v those_o unequal_a judgement_n which_o may_v otherwise_o reflect_v upon_o his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o justice_n for_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o free_a agent_n shall_v prescribe_v himself_o such_o fatal_a and_o unalterable_a law_n as_o may_v any_o way_n control_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o power_n or_o tie_v the_o hand_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o his_o merciful_a and_o bounteous_a design_n to_o his_o creature_n he_o that_o make_v those_o law_n for_o the_o good_a order_n of_o the_o natural_a world_n may_v well_o be_v allow_v to_o suspend_v revoke_v or_o alter_v they_o to_o serve_v a_o high_a end_n i._n e._n for_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o church_n and_o people_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v be_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o this_o sovereign_a and_o free_a power_n which_o he_o have_v employ_v for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o the_o service_n of_o his_o worshipper_n etc._n as_o when_o the_o fire_n have_v power_n in_o the_o water_n forget_v its_o own_o virtue_n and_o the_o water_n forget_v its_o own_o quench_a nature_n and_o when_o the_o flame_n waste_v not_o the_o flesh_n of_o corruptible_a live_a thing_n in_o all_o which_o and_o the_o like_a instance_n god_n magnify_v his_o people_n and_o glorify_v they_o and_o assist_v they_o in_o every_o time_n and_o place_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n be_v pass_v and_o that_o the_o lord_n no_o long_o deal_v by_o such_o extraordinary_a method_n with_o mankind_n we_o own_o that_o the_o sign_n and_o the_o wonder_n the_o ostentatious_a part_n of_o miracle_n be_v cease_v the_o sun_n do_v not_o stand_v still_o in_o gibeon_n nor_o the_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n god_n do_v not_o work_v prodigy_n to_o amaze_v and_o confound_v his_o enemy_n or_o to_o convince_v his_o own_o people_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n which_o have_v already_o be_v so_o abundant_o attest_v by_o those_o powerful_a credential_n but_o whoever_o from_o hence_o will_v conclude_v that_o he_o never_o supersede_v the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v not_o sometime_o withhold_v or_o promote_v or_o stop_v and_o revolt_v the_o wheel_n of_o nature_n in_o their_o roats_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o good_a and_o righteous_a or_o the_o punishment_n of_o atheistical_a and_o wicked_a man_n must_v be_v drive_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n be_v less_o dear_a to_o he_o than_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n have_v not_o equal_a pretension_n to_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n with_o a_o jew_n but_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o imaginable_a encouragement_n can_v be_v leave_v to_o our_o prayer_n in_o our_o difficulty_n or_o distress_n which_o yet_o god_n have_v command_v we_o to_o make_v and_o have_v promise_v to_o hear_v and_o grant_v when_o our_o blood_n boil_v within_o we_o and_o a_o rage_a fever_n drink_v up_o our_o spirit_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n for_o help_v if_o the_o disease_n must_v equal_o spend_v its_o force_n and_o the_o remedy_n be_v as_o ineffectual_a as_o if_o instead_o of_o pray_v we_o have_v blaspheme_v they_o that_o go_v down_o to_o the_o sea_n in_o ship_n say_v the_o psalmist_n and_o do_v business_n in_o great_a water_n etc._n these_o see_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o wonder_n in_o the_o deep_a for_o he_o command_v and_o raise_v the_o stormy_a wind_n which_o lift_v up_o the_o wave_n thereof_o they_o mount_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n they_o go_v down_o to_o the_o depth_n their_o soul_n be_v melt_v because_o of_o trouble_n they_o reel_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n and_o be_v at_o their_o wit_n end_n as_o he_o elegant_o describe_v their_o condition_n in_o a_o tempest_n then_o they_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o their_o trouble_n and_o he_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o their_o distress_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o mariner_n to_o cry_v unto_o the_o lord_n in_o hope_n of_o deliverance_n if_o he_o suffer_v the_o wind_n and_o wave_n to_o take_v their_o full_a swinge_n in_o wreck_v their_o fury_n upon_o the_o defenceless_a vessel_n and_o he_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o to_o say_v unto_o the_o sea_n peace_n be_v still_o such_o miracle_n as_o these_o we_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n work_v every_o day_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o in_o their_o trouble_n hearty_o and_o devout_o call_v upon_o he_o yet_o if_o any_o shall_v still_o contend_v as_o some_o have_v do_v that_o it_o be_v below_o the_o dignity_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o universal_a and_o immutable_a be_v to_o deviate_v from_o his_o general_a will_n in_o these_o particular_a exception_n and_o contradiction_n to_o it_o these_o may_v be_v also_o satisfy_v without_o recee_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o consider_v four_o that_o god_n interess_n his_o angel_n in_o affair_n here_o below_o and_o make_v they_o minister_n to_o the_o necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o infancy_n and_o uninlightn_v age_n of_o the_o world_n if_o god_n have_v any_o special_a message_n to_o reveal_v or_o business_n to_o transact_v with_o the_o son_n of_o man_n his_o angel_n be_v his_o ambassador_n commission_v to_o perform_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o as_o they_o themselves_o appear_v with_o a_o visible_a pomp_n and_o authority_n so_o they_o discharge_v their_o office_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o the_o revealer_n but_o since_o those_o minister_n have_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o that_o manifest_a commerce_n we_o be_v more_o in_o the_o dark_a concern_v the_o extent_n of_o their_o province_n and_o the_o actual_a exercise_n of_o their_o power_n nevertheless_o since_o in_o scripture_n we_o read_v of_o kingdom_n commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o angel_n and_o hear_v of_o the_o prince_n of_o persia_n and_o of_o greece_n 1._o and_o of_o michael_n the_o prince_n that_o protect_v israel_n since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v all_o minister_a spirit_n 14._o send_v forth_o to_o minister_n for_o they_o who_o shall_v be_v heir_n of_o salvation_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o they_o still_o mingle_v themselves_o with_o humane_a interest_n and_o by_o the_o appointment_n of_o their_o almighty_a lord_n engage_v their_o power_n in_o influence_v both_o the_o public_a policy_n and_o private_a transaction_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v apt_a enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v evil_a and_o lie_a spirit_n which_o diligent_o wait_v to_o betray_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o misery_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o so_o reproach_v the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o to_o think_v he_o have_v not_o counterpoise_v those_o evil_a design_n with_o the_o auspicious_a protection_n of_o more_o charitable_a and_o benevolent_a nature_n which_o be_v so_o we_o need_v not_o nice_o dispute_v how_o far_o god_n himself_o may_v personal_o operate_v in_o the_o suspension_n or_o application_n of_o his_o general_a law_n to_o our_o particular_a necessity_n there_o be_v the_o same_o mercy_n of_o providence_n on_o god_n part_n and_o the_o same_o obligation_n to_o gratitude_n and_o adoration_n on_o we_o whether_o he_o in_o person_n take_v this_o immediate_a care_n of_o we_o or_o in_o subservience_n to_o his_o will_n have_v appoint_v deputy_n to_o this_o purpose_n and_o give_v his_o angel_n charge_v over_o we_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o all_o our_o way_n 11._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o consideration_n more_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n providential_a proceed_v and_o that_o be_v last_o that_o he_o mannage_n the_o whole_a result_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o power_n and_o motion_n both_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o moral_a world_n so_o as_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n however_o repugnant_a to_o his_o will_n or_o inconsistent_a with_o one_o another_o harmonious_o conspire_v in_o the_o produce_v those_o effect_n which_o his_o wisdom_n have_v predetermined_a which_o consideration_n i_o do_v not_o mention_v as_o distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o as_o the_o