that_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n shall_v be_v preserve_v entire_a among_o they_o or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n they_o shall_v be_v visible_o punish_v for_o it_o 4._o that_o the_o fame_n of_o this_o people_n and_o of_o their_o god_n shall_v by_o degree_n be_v know_v over_o all_o the_o earth_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o mystical_a reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n which_o be_v a_o very_a large_a and_o nice_a argument_n and_o not_o so_o proper_a to_o my_o present_a design_n if_o most_o of_o the_o remarkable_a providence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v exercise_v do_v manifest_o serve_v some_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o end_n we_o have_v a_o visible_a reason_n of_o they_o not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v providence_n but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o ravish_a prospect_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n the_o occasion_n of_o which_o be_v well_o know_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o well_o consider_v for_o it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n have_v promise_v abraham_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o his_o posterity_n for_o a_o inheritance_n he_o shall_v remove_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n into_o egypt_n there_o to_o continue_v many_o year_n under_o grievous_a oppression_n before_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o deliver_v they_o and_o to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_v land_n but_o to_o understand_v the_o wise_a design_n of_o this_o we_o must_v remember_v that_o god_n be_v to_o give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o give_v they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o their_o inheritance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o this_o design_n that_o they_o shall_v increase_v insensible_o in_o canaan_n and_o by_o degree_n dispossess_v the_o old_a inhabitant_n for_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o singular_a and_o remarkable_a in_o this_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a nation_n before_o god_n so_o public_o and_o visible_o own_v they_o for_o his_o people_n and_o visible_o bestow_v a_o inheritance_n on_o they_o and_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v have_v some_o place_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v in_o till_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o transplant_v they_o into_o the_o promise_a land_n for_o this_o purpose_n god_n choose_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o send_v joseph_n beforehand_o thither_o and_o advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n to_o prepare_v a_o reception_n for_o they_o and_o a_o very_a quiet_a and_o easy_a retreat_n they_o find_v there_o for_o many_o year_n till_o joseph_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o the_o good_a office_n he_o have_v do_v both_o for_o king_n and_o people_n forget_v and_o the_o prodigious_a increase_n of_o israel_n make_v the_o king_n of_o egypt_n jealous_a of_o their_o number_n and_o power_n and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o oppress_v that_o people_n with_o hard_a labour_n and_o cruel_a bondage_n till_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o their_o deliverance_n be_v come_v this_o oppression_n of_o israel_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a severe_a providence_n but_o there_o be_v some_o very_a wise_a end_n it_o serve_v 1._o to_o make_v the_o people_n willing_a to_o leave_v egypt_n where_o they_o suffer_v such_o hard_a bondage_n for_o whoever_o observe_v how_o ready_a they_o be_v upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o talk_v of_o return_v into_o egypt_n how_o they_o long_v after_o the_o onion_n and_o garlic_n and_o fleshpot_n of_o egypt_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o hardship_n they_o suffer_v there_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o have_v they_o enjoy_v ease_n and_o prosperity_n all_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v will_v no_o more_o have_v persuade_v israel_n to_o have_v leave_v egypt_n than_o they_o can_v persuade_v pharaoh_n to_o let_v they_o go_v 2_o the_o advantage_n pharaoh_n make_v of_o the_o service_n of_o israel_n make_v he_o obstinate_o resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o they_o and_o his_o cruel_a oppression_n make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v he_o and_o all_o egypt_n with_o he_o and_o this_o occasion_v all_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n whereby_o he_o visible_o own_a israel_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v his_o own_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v 3_o the_o great_a proneness_n of_o israel_n to_o idolatry_n even_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n be_v too_o plain_a a_o proof_n that_o they_o have_v learn_v the_o egyptian_a idolatry_n while_o they_o live_v there_o the_o golden_a calf_n be_v as_o some_o learned_a man_n not_o without_o reason_n conclude_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o egyptian_a apis_n and_o this_o make_v it_o very_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v their_o egyptian_a idolatry_n with_o a_o egyptian_a bondage_n especial_o consider_v that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n to_o give_v check_n to_o their_o idolatry_n and_o to_o make_v they_o hate_v the_o egyptian_a god_n like_o their_o egyptian_a taskmaster_n and_o to_o remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o his_o promise_n and_o covenant_n to_o bestow_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n on_o they_o 4thly_a the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o keep_v they_o a_o distinct_a and_o separate_a people_n this_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o god_n have_v choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o incorporate_n with_o any_o other_o people_n and_o this_o god_n take_v early_a care_n of_o by_o place_v they_o by_o themselves_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o they_o grow_v up_o into_o a_o distinct_a body_n from_o egypt_n which_o make_v pharaoh_n so_o jealous_a of_o they_o when_o they_o begin_v to_o multiply_v 10._o and_o that_o make_v he_o oppress_v they_o and_o that_o oppression_n preserve_v the_o distinction_n which_o a_o kind_n and_o friendly_a usage_n may_v in_o time_n have_v destroy_v for_o it_o be_v rare_o see_v that_o two_o people_n can_v live_v amicable_o together_o in_o the_o same_o country_n and_o under_o the_o same_o prince_n without_o mingle_v and_o incorporate_n with_o each_o other_o till_o they_o forget_v all_o distinction_n between_o nation_n and_o family_n these_o be_v wise_a reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v the_o hard_a bondage_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n and_o those_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n both_o to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n of_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o they_o and_o to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o israel_n be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 6._o exod._n 6_o 7_o 8._o wherefore_o say_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o i_o will_v take_v you_o to_o i_o for_o a_o people_n and_o i_o will_v be_v to_o you_o a_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n which_o bring_v you_o out_o from_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o as_o for_o the_o egyptian_n god_n tell_v moses_n i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o my_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v the_o first_o time_n we_o read_v of_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n as_o these_o and_o probable_o they_o be_v the_o first_o miracle_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o it_o for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o surprise_n and_o wonder_n of_o they_o be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n miracle_n offer_v violence_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o will_v be_v no_o commendation_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o cause_n not_o as_o sign_n it_o will_v be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n wrought_v all_o those_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n because_o he_o can_v not_o have_v punish_v the_o egyptian_n nor_o
never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o infuse_v hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o when_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o and_o will_v abuse_v all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o harden_v themselves_o and_o be_v now_o ripe_a for_o destruction_n it_o very_o much_o become_v a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n to_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o know_v will_v still_o harden_v they_o till_o they_o make_v themselves_o such_o infamous_a example_n of_o wickedness_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o more_o glorious_a and_o exemplary_a vengeance_n which_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o very_o necessary_a to_o the_o full_a understanding_n this_o difficult_a case_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n god_n have_v peremptory_o decree_v not_o only_o to_o deliver_v israel_n but_o to_o punish_v egypt_n both_o king_n and_o people_n for_o the_o cruel_a oppression_n of_o israel_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v without_o any_o more_o solemnity_n have_v destroy_v pharaoh_n his_o people_n and_o land_n and_o have_v carry_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n with_o a_o mighty_a hand_n but_o when_o they_o have_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o destroy_v and_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n be_v at_o the_o free_a disposal_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o therefore_o he_o choose_v to_o punish_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v make_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v why_o he_o take_v such_o a_o course_n with_o pharaoh_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v and_o confirm_v he_o in_o his_o resolution_n of_o not_o part_v with_o israel_n when_o he_o can_v have_v force_v he_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o few_o miracle_n to_o have_v send_v they_o away_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v i_o will_v harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n and_o multiply_v my_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n but_o pharaoh_n shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o you_o that_o i_o may_v lay_v my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v forth_o my_o army_n and_o my_o people_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n by_o great_a judgement_n and_o the_o egyptian_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n when_o i_o stretch_v forth_o my_o hand_n upon_o egypt_n and_o bring_v out_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o 7._o exod._n 3_o 4_o 5._o the_o same_o thing_n he_o tell_v pharaoh_n i_o will_v at_o this_o time_n send_v all_o my_o plague_n upon_o thy_o heart_n and_o upon_o thy_o servant_n and_o upon_o thy_o people_n that_o thou_o may_v know_v that_o there_o be_v none_o like_o i_o in_o all_o the_o earth_n for_o now_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n that_o i_o may_v smite_v thou_o and_o thy_o people_n with_o pestilence_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n for_o this_o cause_n have_v i_o raise_v thou_o up_o have_v all_o this_o time_n preserve_v thou_o and_o not_o cut_v thou_o off_o for_o to_o show_v in_o thou_o my_o power_n and_o that_o my_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n 9_o exod._n 14_o 15_o 16._o and_o this_o reason_n god_n give_v why_o he_o harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n to_o pursue_v israel_n i_o will_v be_v honour_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host_n that_o the_o egyptian_n may_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n 14._o exod._n 4._o this_o be_v diligent_o to_o be_v observe_v to_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o man_n heart_n yet_o if_o he_o exercise_v they_o with_o such_o providence_n as_o he_o foresee_v will_v harden_v they_o and_o do_v this_o with_o a_o intention_n and_o design_n to_o harden_v they_o this_o signify_v his_o will_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o such_o a_o moral_a efficiency_n in_o use_v harden_v providence_n as_o will_v as_o certain_o harden_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v infuse_v hardness_n into_o they_o and_o this_o make_v little_a difference_n whether_o god_n harden_v man_n by_o external_a providence_n or_o by_o a_o internal_a operation_n on_o their_o mind_n when_o he_o intend_v such_o providence_n to_o harden_v they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o will_v effectual_o do_v it_o now_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o though_o god_n infuse_v no_o hardness_n into_o pharaoh_n heart_n nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o unbecome_v a_o holy_a god_n to_o do_v yet_o he_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o and_o do_v intend_v to_o harden_v he_o on_o purpose_n to_o multiply_v his_o judgement_n on_o egypt_n and_o to_o destroy_v he_o and_o all_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o this_o be_v so_o plain_o express_v that_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o nay_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v be_v just_o chargeable_a with_o man_n sin_n do_v he_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o merit_n and_o desert_n of_o the_o person_n by_o such_o insensible_a method_n betray_v they_o into_o sin_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o harden_v they_o for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o such_o a_o firm_a and_o constant_a virtue_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o temptation_n which_o a_o long_a series_n of_o providence_n choose_v and_o direct_v for_o that_o purpose_n by_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v he_o into_o but_o yet_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o when_o god_n be_v so_o far_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n without_o any_o impeachment_n of_o his_o holiness_n to_o harden_v man_n by_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n not_o in_o sin_n which_o can_v never_o become_v a_o holy_a god_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a course_n as_o their_o own_o wicked_a heart_n betray_v they_o to_o and_o as_o will_v bring_v inevitable_a ruin_n on_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a resolution_n on_o this_o case_n 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v any_o man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o 2._o that_o then_o he_o do_v not_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n but_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o their_o own_o sin_n betray_v they_o to_o 3._o that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o by_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n but_o by_o their_o own_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 4._o to_o complete_a all_o when_o god_n have_v thus_o determine_v to_o destroy_v any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o penal_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n not_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o peace_n these_o four_o particular_n contain_v a_o full_a and_o easy_a account_n of_o this_o perplex_a doctrine_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n heart_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v speak_v distinct_o but_o brief_o to_o they_o 1._o that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v they_o this_o must_v be_v lay_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o for_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o god_n harden_v man_n how_o innocent_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o harden_v they_o not_o because_o they_o deserve_v and_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o only_o that_o they_o may_v deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o some_o fair_a appearance_n of_o justice_n destroy_v they_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o satisfy_v equal_a and_o impartial_a judge_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n have_v harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n beyond_o all_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o recovery_n and_o have_v so_o provoke_v a_o good_a and_o merciful_a god_n that_o he_o give_v they_o over_o to_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n then_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o be_v harden_v which_o be_v not_o direct_o sinful_a there_o can_v be_v no_o just_a reason_n to_o question_v either_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n for_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o deserve_v immediate_a destruction_n and_o to_o provoke_v god_n to_o pass_v a_o final_a sentence_n on_o they_o god_n may_v either_o immediate_o destroy_v they_o or_o keep_v they_o in_o that_o harden_a state_n like_o condemn_a malefactor_n reserve_v in_o chain_n for_o a_o more_o public_a and_o solemn_a execution_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o god_n harden_v man_n and_o this_o all_o mankind_n must_v allow_v to_o be_v just_a and_o holy_a this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n who_o
he_o by_o the_o prophet_n nathan_n i_o will_v raise_v up_o evil_a against_o thou_o out_o of_o thy_o own_o house_n and_o i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n for_o thou_o do_v it_o secret_o but_o i_o will_v do_v this_o thing_n before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n 2_o sam._n 12._o 11_o 12._o which_o we_o know_v absalon_n according_o do_v by_o the_o advice_n of_o ahitophel_n 16._o chap._n 20_o etc._n etc._n now_o that_o god_n do_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n upon_o david_n be_v plain_a from_o the_o text_n but_o that_o he_o either_o instigate_v ahitophel_n to_o give_v this_o counsel_n or_o absolom_n to_o take_v it_o be_v not_o say_v and_o if_o god_n can_v inflict_v this_o punishment_n on_o david_n without_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o sin_n it_o be_v no_o reflection_n on_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n all_o that_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v do_v in_o the_o case_n be_v to_o put_v david_n wife_n into_o absalom_n power_n i_o will_v take_v thy_o wife_n before_o thy_o eye_n and_o give_v they_o unto_o thy_o neighbour_n and_o then_o foretell_v what_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o will_v be_v and_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o permit_v for_o his_o punishment_n he_o shall_v lie_v with_o thy_o wife_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o sun_n there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o so_o order_v the_o matter_n that_o when_o david_n flee_v he_o shall_v leave_v his_o wife_n behind_o he_o which_o put_v they_o into_o absalom_n power_n and_o than_o god_n foresee_v what_o counsel_n ahitophel_n will_v give_v and_o how_o ready_a absalon_n will_v be_v to_o take_v it_o unless_o he_o hinder_v it_o which_o he_o decree_v not_o to_o do_v in_o punishment_n of_o david_n adultary_a and_o thus_o to_o order_v the_o permission_n for_o such_o a_o end_n though_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n yet_o entitle_v god_n to_o the_o event_n consider_v as_o a_o punishment_n upon_o which_o account_n god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o before_o all_o israel_n and_o before_o the_o sun_n thus_o when_o shimei_n curse_v david_n as_o he_o flee_v from_o jerusalem_n david_n take_v notice_n of_o god_n hand_n in_o it_o and_o will_v no_o suffer_v abishai_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o let_v he_o curse_n because_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o he_o curse_n david_n 2_o sam._n 16._o 10._o but_o every_a one_o see_v that_o this_o must_v be_v a_o figurative_a expression_n for_o it_o be_v not_o true_a in_o the_o literal_a sense_n god_n never_o command_v shimei_n to_o curse_n david_n nor_o do_v david_n believe_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o he_o do_v for_o than_o he_o will_v not_o have_v impute_v the_o guilt_n of_o it_o to_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v though_o he_o have_v swear_v to_o shimei_n at_o his_o return_n when_o he_o come_v to_o meet_v he_o that_o he_o will_v not_o put_v he_o to_o death_n yet_o he_o leave_v it_o in_o his_o die_a charge_n to_o solomon_n not_o to_o hold_v he_o guiltless_a 1_o king_n 2._o 8_o 9_o but_o when_o david_n say_v the_o lord_n have_v bid_v he_o curse_v all_o that_o he_o mean_v by_o it_o or_o can_v mean_v by_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o the_o sad_a calamity_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o by_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n have_v give_v free_a scope_n to_o shimei_n old_a and_o inveterate_a hatred_n of_o he_o and_o as_o effectual_o let_v loose_v his_o revile_v tongue_n as_o if_o god_n have_v in_o express_a word_n command_v he_o to_o curse_n david_n and_o therefore_o he_o patient_o submit_v to_o this_o as_o part_v of_o his_o punishment_n and_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n when_o compare_v with_o the_o rebellion_n of_o his_o son_n absalon_n which_o give_v this_o confidence_n to_o shimei_n to_o curse_v his_o king_n behold_v my_o son_n which_o come_v forth_o of_o my_o bowel_n seek_v my_o life_n how_o much_o more_o now_o may_v this_o benjamite_n do_v it_o 10._o v._n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o david_n elsewhere_o complain_v of_o that_o god_n have_v make_v he_o the_o song_n of_o the_o drunkard_n for_o bad_a man_n will_v take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n give_v they_o to_o reproach_n and_o scorn_n and_o persecute_v the_o good_a there_o need_v no_o other_o command_n for_o this_o but_o a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o do_v it_o some_o object_n god_n give_v power_n to_o satan_n first_o over_o the_o good_n and_o then_o over_o the_o body_n of_o job_n except_v his_o life_n and_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth-gilead_n but_o wherein_o the_o objection_n lie_v i_o can_v tell_v for_o i_o suppose_v they_o will_v not_o say_v that_o god_n by_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o hurt_v and_o to_o deceive_v make_v he_o a_o malicious_a and_o lie_a spirit_n those_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a objector_n who_o will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n without_o charge_v he_o with_o their_o sin_n too_o but_o god_n himself_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v he_o have_v deceive_v he_o now_o how_o be_v it_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o providence_n to_o deceive_v 14._o ezek._n 9_o and_o if_o the_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n and_o i_o will_v stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n upon_o he_o and_o will_v destroy_v he_o from_o the_o midst_n of_o my_o people_n israel_n now_o to_o this_o it_o be_v common_o answer_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o possess_v such_o prophet_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o ahab_n for_o he_o only_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n such_o prophet_n as_o he_o will_v cut_v off_o for_o their_o lie_a prophecy_n and_o how_o do_v it_o unbecome_v god_n to_o give_v up_o the_o worshipper_n of_o evil_a spirit_n their_o priest_n and_o prophet_n to_o be_v inspire_v and_o deceive_v by_o they_o no_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o the_o prophet_n of_o god_n and_o god_n have_v always_o his_o own_o prophet_n among_o they_o to_o warn_v they_o against_o such_o lie_a prophecy_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o these_o prophet_n that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o for_o they_o do_v know_v that_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v their_o prophecy_n from_o the_o lord_n but_o from_o the_o heathen_a idol_n or_o that_o they_o be_v their_o own_o invention_n and_o when_o they_o choose_v to_o worship_v strange_a god_n and_o to_o consult_v their_o oracle_n or_o to_o divine_a out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n they_o choose_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o god_n threaten_v they_o shall_v bear_v the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n the_o punishment_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v be_v even_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o he_o that_o seek_v unto_o he_o 10._o v._n we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o these_o prophet_n and_o severe_a judgement_n denounce_v against_o they_o 13._o ezek._n who_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o to_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n when_o they_o have_v see_v nothing_o to_o see_v a_o vain_a vision_n and_o speak_v a_o lie_a divination_n and_o sometime_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n too_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n say_v it_o albeit_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v now_o this_o character_n the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n give_v of_o these_o lie_a prophet_n incline_v i_o to_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n of_o these_o word_n which_o seem_v plain_a and_o easy_a not_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o to_o prophesy_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n deceive_v they_o in_o the_o event_n they_o deceive_v themselves_o into_o vain_a vision_n either_o by_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o idolatry_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o the_o delusion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n or_o by_o heat_n their_o imagination_n into_o enthusiastic_a frenzy_n and_o prophesy_v their_o own_o hope_n and_o politic_a guess_n which_o be_v call_v prophesy_v out_o of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o follow_v their_o own_o spirit_n and_o than_o god_n deceive_v all_o their_o hope_n and_o expectation_n by_o bring_v those_o evil_n on_o they_o which_o they_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o confidence_n say_v shall_v never_o come_v and_o the_o word_n plain_o favour_v this_o sense_n god_n do_v not_o say_v if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v to_o speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v he_o but_o if_o a_o
cover_v the_o mountain_n have_v hear_v the_o thunder_n and_o the_o trumpet_n and_o at_o last_o a_o voice_n deliver_v the_o law_n with_o a_o unimitable_a terror_n and_o majesty_n what_o will_v they_o then_o have_v think_v of_o this_o or_o what_o far_a evidence_n will_v they_o have_v desire_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o speak_v to_o they_o this_o can_v be_v no_o dream_n nor_o melancholy_a apparition_n or_o disturb_a fancy_n for_o they_o have_v timely_a notice_n of_o it_o three_o day_n before_o and_o be_v command_v to_o sanctify_v themselves_o to_o meet_v their_o god_n and_o if_o a_o whole_a nation_n have_v be_v impose_v on_o after_o such_o fair_a warn_v it_o have_v be_v as_o great_a a_o prodigy_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o appearance_n on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a infatuation_n and_o that_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o god_n this_o than_o be_v as_o visible_a a_o demonstration_n as_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o presence_n and_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o reject_v all_o other_o god_n from_o any_o share_n in_o his_o worship_n and_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v a_o more_o effectual_a conviction_n than_o this_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o israelite_n and_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o god_n intend_v to_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n again_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v israel_n a_o pattern_n and_o example_n of_o it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v they_o as_o visible_a and_o ocular_a a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n to_o have_v when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v overrun_v with_o idolatry_n and_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o so_o strong_o incline_v to_o it_o nothing_o less_o than_o such_o a_o appearance_n from_o mount_n sinai_n be_v likely_a to_o establish_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o we_o see_v that_o this_o itself_o can_v very_o hardly_o do_v it_o for_o immediate_o after_o they_o have_v hear_v god_n speak_v to_o they_o while_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o mount_n they_o make_v they_o a_o golden_a calf_n and_o worship_v it_o and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o mingle_v with_o any_o other_o people_n they_o join_v in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n a_o sad_a example_n of_o which_o we_o have_v in_o their_o worship_n of_o baal_n peor_n 25._o numb_a but_o this_o be_v the_o high_a evidence_n god_n can_v then_o give_v they_o of_o his_o power_n and_o glory_n and_o it_o do_v in_o time_n prevail_v and_o in_o they_o all_o mankind_n who_o know_v their_o story_n have_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v on_o every_o particular_a which_o will_v be_v endless_a it_o may_v seem_v strange_a that_o when_o god_n bring_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n he_o shall_v make_v they_o wander_v in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n till_o all_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n be_v dead_a except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o the_o general_a account_n of_o this_o matter_n 3._o heb._n 7._o to_o the_o end_n which_o resolve_v it_o into_o their_o idolatry_n and_o infidelity_n wherefore_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n harden_v not_o your_o heart_n as_o in_o the_o provocation_n in_o the_o day_n of_o temptation_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o your_o father_n tempt_v i_o prove_v i_o and_o see_v my_o work_n forty_o year_n wherefore_o i_o be_v grieve_v with_o that_o generation_n and_o say_v they_o do_v always_o err_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o have_v not_o know_v my_o way_n so_o i_o swear_v in_o my_o wrath_n they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o my_o rest_n which_o he_o make_v a_o admonition_n to_o christian_n take_v heed_n brethren_n lest_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o you_o a_o evil_a heart_n of_o unbelief_n in_o depart_v from_o the_o live_a god_n that_o be_v in_o forsake_v the_o true_a god_n and_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n as_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n do_v and_o to_o who_o swear_v he_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o enter_v into_o his_o rest_n but_o to_o they_o that_o believe_v not_o so_o we_o see_v that_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v in_o because_o of_o unbelief_n the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o remember_v the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o people_n be_v so_o strange_o addict_v to_o idolatry_n that_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o see_v in_o egypt_n in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n can_v not_o perfect_o cure_v they_o but_o whenever_o they_o have_v opportunity_n they_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o heathen_a god_n eat_v of_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o bow_v themselves_o before_o they_o that_o have_v these_o man_n go_v into_o canaan_n which_o be_v then_o a_o land_n of_o idolater_n they_o will_v certain_o have_v worship_v their_o god_n instead_o of_o destroy_v they_o and_o have_v mingle_v themselves_o with_o the_o people_n of_o the_o land_n and_o have_v learn_v their_o manner_n for_o they_o who_o so_o often_o tempt_v god_n and_o disobey_v moses_n while_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n in_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v have_v they_o be_v once_o possess_v of_o it_o so_o that_o to_o have_v give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n possession_n of_o canaan_n will_v not_o have_v answer_v god_n orginal_a design_n in_o choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n for_o in_o all_o likelihood_n they_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o nation_n of_o idolater_n like_o the_o other_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o therefore_o god_n defer_v the_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o his_o promise_n till_o that_o generation_n be_v all_o dead_a and_o a_o new_a generation_n spring_v up_o which_o know_v not_o egypt_n nor_o have_v converse_v with_o idolatrous_a nation_n but_o have_v see_v the_o wonder_n of_o god_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v learn_v his_o statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o be_v sufficient_o warn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n who_o carcase_n fall_v in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o fear_v and_o reverence_v the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o to_o make_v he_o their_o trust._n this_o be_v the_o very_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v of_o it_o and_o thus_o according_o it_o prove_v for_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n be_v never_o charge_v with_o idolatry_n but_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o israel_n serve_v the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n and_o all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o elder_n that_o overlived_a joshua_n and_o which_o have_v know_v all_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n 24._o josh._n 31._o all_o this_o we_o see_v be_v design_v by_o god_n with_o admirable_a wisdom_n to_o make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o power_n know_v and_o to_o publish_v his_o choice_n of_o israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o himself_o and_o to_o establish_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o now_o god_n have_v make_v they_o fit_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n without_o any_o long_a delay_n he_o give_v they_o the_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o let_v we_o now_o follow_v they_o into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n the_o history_n of_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o present_v we_o with_o new_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n not_o inferior_a to_o those_o which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o god_n so_o visible_o fight_v the_o battle_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o and_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o that_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o that_o good_a land_n and_o drive_v out_o those_o wicked_a inhabitant_n before_o they_o which_o declare_v his_o glory_n and_o make_v his_o power_n know_v and_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v concern_v the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n in_o egypt_n be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o this_o and_o i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v israel_n in_o possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n more_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o the_o jewish_a history_n till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n 1._o their_o frequent_a
my_o anger_n shall_v be_v kindle_v against_o they_o in_o that_o day_n and_o i_o will_v forsake_v they_o and_o i_o will_v hide_v my_o face_n from_o they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v devour_v and_o many_o evil_n and_o trouble_n shall_v befall_v they_o so_o that_o they_o will_v say_v in_o that_o day_n be_v not_o these_o evil_n come_v upon_o we_o because_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v not_o among_o we_o this_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o such_o judgement_n though_o not_o always_o so_o last_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n 78._o psal._n 34_o 35._o by_o these_o mean_v god_n make_v they_o sensible_a of_o his_o justice_n and_o power_n and_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o idolatry_n and_o restore_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o for_o they_o certain_o know_v by_o the_o threaten_n of_o their_o own_o law_n for_o what_o reason_n they_o be_v thus_o punish_v and_o indeed_o their_o own_o experience_n be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v they_o in_o this_o for_o they_o no_o soon_o forsake_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o worship_v other_o god_n but_o they_o be_v oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n and_o when_o they_o repent_v of_o their_o idolatry_n and_o return_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n who_o vanquish_v their_o enemy_n and_o restore_v they_o to_o liberty_n and_o peace_n especial_o since_o those_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o god_n wrought_v for_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o judge_n give_v that_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o know_v not_o the_o war_n of_o canaan_n new_a and_o visible_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o we_o know_v what_o effect_n this_o discipline_n have_v it_o do_v not_o whole_o prevent_v their_o idolatry_n which_o they_o be_v very_o prone_a to_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o such_o judgement_n be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o long_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n but_o then_o the_o repetition_n of_o such_o judgement_n as_o they_o repeat_v their_o provocation_n join_v with_o the_o admonition_n of_o their_o prophet_n who_o god_n raise_v up_o in_o several_a age_n do_v general_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n among_o they_o till_o at_o last_o the_o ten_o tribe_n grow_v incurable_a and_o be_v therefore_o utter_o reject_v by_o god_n and_o carry_v into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n never_o to_o return_v more_o into_o their_o own_o land_n and_o judah_n who_o will_v not_o take_v warning_n by_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o so_o perfect_o cure_v their_o idolatry_n that_o we_o hear_v no_o more_o complaint_n of_o that_o after_o their_o return_n from_o captivity_n and_o this_o answer_v god_n design_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n for_o notwithstanding_o their_o several_a relapse_n into_o idolatry_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o israel_n be_v consecrate_a to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n and_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v witness_n of_o god_n judgement_n against_o israel_n when_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n while_o they_o keep_v his_o covenant_n it_o be_v a_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n especial_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o ten_o tribe_n utter_o root_v out_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a into_o babylon_n and_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n destroy_v and_o the_o land_n lay_v waste_v and_o desolate_a without_o inhabitant_n the_o justice_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o drive_v they_o out_o of_o their_o land_n will_v then_o be_v as_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o as_o his_o wonderful_a providence_n in_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o place_v they_o in_o that_o good_a land_n be_v as_o god_n himself_o tell_v solomon_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n 2_o cor._n 7._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o but_o if_o you_o turn_v away_o and_o forsake_v my_o statute_n and_o my_o commandment_n which_o i_o have_v set_v before_o you_o and_o shall_v go_v and_o serve_v other_o god_n and_o worship_n they_o then_o will_v i_o pluck_v they_o up_o by_o the_o root_n out_o of_o my_o land_n which_o i_o have_v give_v they_o and_o this_o house_n which_o i_o have_v sanctify_v for_o my_o name_n will_v i_o cast_v out_o of_o my_o sight_n and_o will_v make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proverb_n and_o a_o byword_n among_o all_o nation_n and_o this_o house_n which_o be_v high_a shall_v be_v a_o astonishment_n to_o every_o one_o that_o pass_v by_o it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v say_v why_o have_v the_o lord_n do_v thus_o unto_o this_o land_n and_o unto_o this_o house_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n which_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o lay_v hold_v on_o other_o god_n and_o worship_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o therefore_o have_v he_o bring_v all_o this_o evil_a upon_o they_o for_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o god_n have_v as_o well_o choose_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o his_o worship_n as_o israel_n to_o be_v his_o worshipper_n and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n be_v bestow_v on_o they_o in_o virtue_n of_o god_n covenant_n to_o be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o to_o be_v his_o people_n that_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v worship_v no_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o and_o the_o breach_n of_o covenant_n on_o their_o part_n by_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n be_v a_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o right_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n and_o the_o proper_a punishment_n of_o it_o be_v either_o oppression_n at_o home_n which_o make_v they_o servant_n and_o stranger_n in_o their_o own_o land_n or_o captivity_n in_o foreign_a country_n and_o this_o be_v so_o public_o know_v that_o when_o any_o such_o evil_n befall_v israel_n the_o nation_n round_o about_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n so_o that_o the_o very_a oppression_n and_o captivity_n of_o israel_n publish_v the_o supreme_a power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o partner_n in_o worship_n but_o when_o his_o own_o people_n forsake_v he_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o the_o land_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o and_o separate_v to_o his_o own_o worship_n he_o make_v they_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o they_o 5._o jer._n 19_o 2_o these_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o the_o long_a captivity_n of_o judah_n in_o babylon_n serve_v other_o end_n beside_o the_o punishment_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o idolatry_n for_o into_o what_o country_n soever_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a they_o carry_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n along_o with_o they_o while_o they_o live_v at_o home_n in_o their_o own_o country_n and_o have_v little_a commerce_n with_o any_o other_o people_n the_o very_a name_n of_o israel_n be_v know_v only_o to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n can_v be_v know_v no_o far_o than_o israel_n be_v but_o when_o they_o be_v carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o disperse_v through_o all_o the_o province_n of_o that_o vast_a empire_n this_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n too_o who_o by_o many_o wonderful_a providence_n own_v these_o captive_n for_o his_o people_n and_o make_v the_o heathen_n see_v and_o confess_v his_o glory_n and_o power_n but_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o wise_a preparation_n god_n make_v for_o it_o in_o those_o great_a revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n which_o begin_v about_o this_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o thereby_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o form_v they_o into_o several_a distinct_a independent_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v a_o effectual_a mean_n to_o prevent_v the_o spread_a of_o the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o great_a many_o moral_a and_o political_a virtue_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n see_v a_o proper_a season_n to_o begin_v a_o reformation_n to_o make_v the_o cure_n more_o easy_a and_o universal_a it_o