be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o more_o general_a communication_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o spread_v a_o wholesome_a as_o well_o as_o a_o pestilential_a contagion_n and_o since_o commerce_n and_o traffic_n be_v not_o so_o general_a in_o those_o day_n as_o it_o be_v now_o there_o be_v no_o such_o ready_a way_n to_o do_v this_o as_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n which_o unite_v a_o great_a many_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n into_o one_o which_o beside_o all_o other_o advantage_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o memorable_a action_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n now_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o these_o great_a empire_n for_o though_o the_o assyrian_a monarchy_n begin_v long_o before_o yet_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v the_o golden_a head_n of_o that_o image_n which_o represent_v the_o four_o monarchy_n god_n carry_v judah_n captive_a into_o babylon_n 38._o and_o thereby_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o babylonish_n empire_n the_o first_o occasion_n god_n take_v to_o make_v himself_o know_v in_o babylon_n be_v nebuchadnezzar_n dream_n which_o he_o have_v forget_v and_o none_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o astrologer_n or_o sorcerer_n of_o chaldaean_n can_v show_v the_o king_n his_o dream_n much_o less_o tell_v he_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o daniel_n do_v both_o which_o make_v nabuchadnezzar_n acknowledge_v to_o daniel_n of_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o your_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o god_n and_o a_o lord_n of_o king_n and_o a_o revealer_n of_o secret_n since_o thou_o can_v reveal_v this_o secret_a 2._o dan._n 47._o and_o this_o advance_a daniel_n to_o great_a authority_n for_o the_o king_n make_v he_o ruler_n over_o the_o whole_a province_n of_o babylon_n and_o chief_a of_o the_o governor_n over_o all_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o babylon_n and_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o he_o use_v his_o authority_n especial_o among_o the_o 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that_o night_n yet_o it_o so_o recommend_v he_o to_o darius_n who_o begin_v the_o second_o monarchy_n of_o the_o mede_n and_o persian_n that_o he_o advance_v daniel_n to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a honour_n and_o power_n he_o be_v make_v the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o precedent_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o the_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o prince_n who_o darius_n set_v over_o the_o whole_a kingdom_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o new_a monarchy_n god_n give_v a_o fresh_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n in_o deliver_v daniel_n from_o the_o lion_n den_n for_o which_o reason_n darius_n make_v a_o decree_n that_o in_o every_o dominion_n of_o his_o kingdom_n man_n fear_v and_o tremble_v before_o the_o god_n of_o daniel_n 6._o dan._n 25_o 26_o 27._o so_o that_o by_o the_o captivity_n of_o judah_n god_n make_v himself_o know_v over_o all_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a monarchy_n and_o this_o dispose_v cyrus_n the_o seventy_o year_n of_o their_o captivity_n be_v accomplish_v to_o give_v they_o liberty_n to_o return_v into_o their_o own_o country_n and_o to_o publish_v a_o decree_n for_o the_o rebuilding_n the_o city_n and_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o still_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n among_o they_o the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v it_o that_o when_o all_o have_v liberty_n to_o return_v great_a number_n stay_v behind_o in_o babylon_n where_o they_o free_o profess_v and_o exercise_v their_o religion_n which_o together_o with_o the_o civil_a dependence_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n on_o the_o persian_a monarchy_n preserve_v a_o constant_a correspondence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o they_o and_o that_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o their_o god_n the_o grecian_a empire_n which_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o persian_a make_v the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n still_o more_o know_v to_o the_o world_n alexander_n the_o great_a come_v to_o jerusalem_n treat_v the_o jew_n with_o great_a kindness_n consult_v the_o record_n of_o their_o prophet_n offer_a sacrifice_n to_o god_n and_o not_o only_o confirm_v their_o old_a but_o grant_v new_a privilege_n to_o they_o and_o thus_o god_n become_v know_v not_o only_o to_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a but_o to_o the_o grecian_a monarchy_n and_o when_o after_o alexander_n death_n the_o empire_n be_v divide_v this_o cause_v a_o new_a dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n especial_o into_o syria_n and_o egypt_n ptolemy_n the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v surprise_v jerusalem_n carry_v great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o egypt_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o kind_a opinion_n of_o they_o there_o employ_v they_o in_o his_o army_n and_o garrison_n and_o make_v they_o citizen_n of_o alexandria_n his_o son_n ptolemy_n philadelphus_n procure_v the_o translation_n of_o their_o law_n into_o greek_a which_o be_v a_o new_a publication_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o after_o this_o onias_n build_v a_o temple_n in_o egypt_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v to_o that_o of_o jerusalem_n where_o they_o worship_v god_n according_a to_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n that_o god_n be_v now_o as_o much_o know_v in_o egypt_n as_o he_o be_v in_o judaea_n and_o to_o let_v pass_v a_o great_a many_o other_o thing_n which_o contribute_v very_o much_o to_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o complete_a all_o the_o power_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o assyrian_a monarch_n force_v the_o jew_n to_o pray_v the_o alliance_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o roman_n which_o end_v as_o such_o powerful_a alliance_n very_o often_o do_v in_o their_o subjection_n to_o the_o roman_a power_n who_o first_o govern_v they_o by_o king_n and_o tetrarch_n and_o at_o last_o reduce_v they_o into_o a_o roman_a province_n and_o thus_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n become_v know_v over_o all_o the_o roman_a empire_n these_o four_o successive_a monarchy_n do_v gradual_o increase_v and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n tell_v we_o the_o god_n of_o heaven_n will_v set_v up_o which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v 2._o dan._n 44._o for_o the_o better_a to_o understand_v this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n make_v no_o public_a reformation_n of_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n yet_o it_o great_o dispose_v man_n to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o it_o visible_o reform_v their_o philosophy_n and_o give_v they_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a be_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n of_o those_o age_n though_o they_o still_o worship_v their_o country_n god_n it_o give_v they_o some_o obscure_a knowledge_n of_o the_o jewish_a prophecy_n concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n
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 freedom_n of_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o do_v good_a or_o evil_n to_o deserve_v reward_n or_o punishment_n as_o far_o as_o he_o himself_o be_v only_o concern_v in_o it_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v man_n in_o society_n the_o case_n be_v alter_v for_o when_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o their_o action_n extend_v beyond_o themselves_o to_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n to_o other_o man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n become_v concern_v either_o to_o hinder_v or_o to_o permit_v and_o order_v it_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o government_n as_o those_o other_o man_n who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o of_o god_n though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o free_a agent_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o creature_n as_o he_o himself_o can_v govern_v no_o man_n doubt_n but_o that_o god_n can_v when_o he_o please_v by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n turn_v man_n heart_n and_o 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creature_n may_v when_o he_o see_v fit_a press_v those_o man_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o his_o service_n who_o will_v not_o do_v good_a upon_o choice_n this_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o government_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n the_o first_o have_v relation_n to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n to_o make_v man_n good_a to_o change_v their_o nature_n and_o sinful_a inclination_n into_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o admit_v of_o no_o great_a force_n than_o what_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o choice_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o the_o government_n of_o providence_n respect_v the_o external_a happiness_n or_o misery_n reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o man_n or_o nation_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n god_n may_v use_v what_o instrument_n he_o please_v and_o exercise_v such_o authority_n over_o nature_n or_o man_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n of_o mercy_n or_o judgement_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o premise_v this_o distinction_n because_o the_o confound_a these_o two_o have_v occasion_v great_a difficulty_n and_o mistake_n both_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n let_v we_o then_o now_o more_o particular_o consider_v how_o god_n govern_v mankind_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n the_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o unsearchable_a and_o we_o must_v not_o expectful_o to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o secret_n and_o mystery_n of_o god_n government_n but_o something_o we_o may_v know_v of_o this_o enough_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o providence_n from_o the_o cavil_n of_o ignorance_n and_o infidelity_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o i_o shall_v reduce_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o the_o government_n of_o man_n mind_n of_o their_o will_n their_o passion_n and_o counsel_n 2._o the_o government_n of_o their_o action_n 1._o god_n government_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n and_o counsel_n for_o these_o be_v the_o great_a spring_n of_o action_n and_o as_o free_v a_o principle_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v it_o be_v not_o ungovernable_a it_o may_v be_v govern_v and_o that_o without_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n against_o its_o own_o bias_n and_o without_o change_v its_o inclination_n and_o what_o may_v be_v do_v certain_o god_n can_v do_v and_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v conclude_v he_o will_v do_v it_o let_v a_o man_n be_v never_o so_o much_o bend_v upon_o any_o project_n yet_o hope_v or_o fear_n some_o present_a great_a advantage_n or_o great_a inconvenience_n the_o powerful_a intercession_n of_o friend_n a_o sudden_a change_n of_o circumstance_n the_o improbability_n of_o success_n the_o irreparable_a mischief_n of_o a_o defeat_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o consideration_n will_v divert_v he_o from_o it_o and_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o god_n to_o imprint_v such_o thought_n upon_o man_n mind_n with_o a_o irresistible_a vigour_n and_o brightness_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o than_o to_o resist_v all_o the_o charm_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n than_o to_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n and_o to_o choose_v misery_n and_o ruin_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o 21._o prov._n 1_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o river_n of_o water_n he_o turn_v it_o whither_o soever_o he_o will_v and_o if_o the_o king_n heart_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o can_v doubt_v but_o he_o have_v all_o other_o man_n heart_n in_o his_o hand_n also_o and_o can_v turn_v and_o change_v they_o as_o he_o please_v thus_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o a_o man_n 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 that_o the_o way_n of_o man_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n 10._o jer_n 23._o and_o solomon_n tell_v we_o something_o more_o strange_a than_o this_o the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n in_o man_n and_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 1._o or_o as_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o signify_v the_o preparation_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v from_o man_n a_o man_n premeditate_v and_o resolve_v what_o he_o will_v say_v but_o notwithstanding_o that_o the_o answer_n of_o the_o tongue_n be_v of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v he_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n please_v which_o say_n must_v not_o be_v expound_v to_o a_o universal_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o but_o that_o
protection_n what_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o furious_a soever_o their_o passion_n be_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o trust_v in_o man_n and_o to_o depend_v on_o their_o favour_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o do_v good_a nor_o hurt_n but_o as_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o alone_o must_v be_v the_o supreme_a object_n of_o our_o fear_n and_o trust_v if_o god_n be_v for_o we_o who_o can_v be_v against_o we_o if_o we_o make_v he_o our_o enemy_n who_o can_v save_v we_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n so_o that_o we_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n to_o take_v care_n of_o and_o we_o be_v safe_a let_v we_o make_v god_n our_o friend_n and_o he_o will_v raise_v we_o up_o friend_n and_o patron_n and_o protector_n will_v deliver_v we_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o enemy_n or_o make_v our_o enemy_n to_o be_v at_o peace_n with_o we_o second_o have_v thus_o explain_v god_n government_n of_o cause_n let_v we_o now_o 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king_n and_o with_o respect_n to_o all_o such_o event_n as_o these_o whatever_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o they_o be_v god_n be_v say_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o 2_o but_o we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n now_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v in_o order_v and_o appoint_v whatever_o good_a or_o evil_n shall_v befall_v man_n for_o according_a to_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v attribute_v such_o a_o government_n to_o god_n as_o make_v all_o these_o event_n his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v his_o will_n and_o do_v but_o what_o he_o will_v and_o order_n some_o man_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o god_n permit_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v but_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v that_o god_n will_n and_o order_n and_o appoint_v it_o which_o they_o be_v afraid_a will_v charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o true_o so_o it_o will_v do_v god_n order_n and_o appoint_v the_o evil_a to_o be_v do_v but_o though_o god_n order_n and_o appoint_v what_o evil_n every_o man_n shall_v suffer_v he_o order_n and_o appoint_v no_o man_n to_o do_v the_o evil_a he_o only_o permit_v some_o man_n to_o do_v mischief_n and_o appoint_v who_o shall_v suffer_v by_o it_o which_o be_v the_o short_a resolution_n of_o this_o case_n to_o attribute_v the_o evil_n which_o some_o man_n suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n mere_o to_o god_n permission_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n for_o bare_a permission_n be_v not_o government_n and_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n permit_v but_o do_v not_o order_n can_v be_v call_v his_o will_n and_o do_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n suffer_v befall_v they_o without_o god_n will_n and_o appointment_n and_o yet_o to_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n which_o man_n do_v to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v necessary_o distinguish_v between_o the_o evil_n man_n do_v and_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v the_o first_o god_n permit_v and_o direct_v the_o second_o he_o order_n and_o appoint_v how_o god_n govern_v man_n heart_n and_o action_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v and_o this_o be_v the_o place_n to_o consider_v god_n permission_n of_o evil_a for_o permission_n relate_v to_o action_n man_n own_o wicked_a heart_n conceive_v and_o form_v wicked_a design_n and_o they_o execute_v they_o by_o god_n permission_n but_o no_o man_n suffer_v by_o they_o but_o by_o god_n appointment_n god_n care_n of_o his_o creature_n require_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o god_n order_n for_o he_o and_o if_o such_o suffering_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a how_o wicked_a soever_o the_o cause_n be_v it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o providence_n to_o order_n and_o appoint_v they_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v forfeit_v his_o life_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n to_o providence_n or_o though_o he_o have_v make_v no_o criminal_a forfeiture_n of_o it_o yet_o god_n see_v fit_a for_o other_o wise_a reason_n to_o remove_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o to_o reduce_v he_o to_o poverty_n and_o contempt_n be_v it_o any_o fault_n in_o providence_n to_o deliver_v such_o a_o man_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o murderer_n oppressor_n slanderer_n who_o be_v very_o forward_o to_o execute_v such_o decree_n when_o providence_n take_v off_o the_o restraint_n and_o set_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o follow_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o that_o deserve_v
have_v so_o grievous_o oppress_v israel_n that_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o send_v moses_n to_o inflict_v a_o great_a many_o miraculous_a judgement_n on_o they_o not_o intend_v thereby_o to_o convince_v pharaoh_n who_o have_v harden_v himself_o against_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o convince_v he_o and_o who_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o destroy_v but_o only_o to_o lay_v egypt_n waste_v and_o to_o take_v a_o signal_n vengeance_n upon_o that_o cruel_a persecutor_n by_o overthrow_v he_o and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o therefore_o he_o so_o order_v the_o execution_n of_o these_o judgement_n that_o the_o harden_a heart_n of_o pharaoh_n shall_v grow_v more_o harden_v by_o they_o thus_o when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o cut_v off_o ahab_n as_o his_o grievous_a sin_n have_v long_o before_o deserve_v he_o intend_v to_o harden_v he_o to_o go_v up_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n and_o fall_v there_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o prophet_n to_o encourage_v the_o king_n in_o that_o fatal_a expedition_n and_o as_o god_n have_v foretell_v they_o do_v prevail_v against_o micaiah_n the_o prophet_n of_o the_o lord_n who_o plain_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v fall_v in_o it_o 1_o king_n 22._o thus_o when_o god_n be_v so_o provoke_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o judah_n that_o he_o have_v resolve_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n who_o shall_v destroy_v their_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o carry_v they_o captive_a to_o babylon_n he_o pronounce_v this_o harden_v sentence_n on_o they_o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v what_o this_o mean_n you_o shall_v hear_v more_o hereafter_o all_o that_o i_o observe_v at_o present_a be_v that_o this_o sentence_n be_v not_o pronounce_v against_o they_o till_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o carry_v they_o into_o captivity_n and_o to_o lay_v their_o city_n and_o country_n desolate_a as_o the_o prophet_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n then_o say_v i_o lord_n how_o long_o and_o he_o answer_v until_o the_o city_n be_v waste_v without_o inhabitant_n and_o the_o house_n without_o man_n and_o the_o land_n be_v utter_o desolate_a 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n day_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n their_o city_n temple_n and_o polity_n for_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n as_o christ_n tell_v we_o 23._o matth._n 37_o 38_o 39_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o child_n together_o even_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o behold_v your_o house_n be_v leave_v unto_o you_o desolate_a for_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o see_v i_o henceforth_o till_o you_o shall_v say_v bless_a be_v he_o that_o come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 19_o luke_n 41_o 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o he_o behold_v the_o city_n and_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v upon_o thou_o that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v thou_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v lay_v thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n now_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o final_a sentence_n which_o god_n have_v pronounce_v against_o they_o though_o he_o delay_v the_o execution_n of_o it_o for_o forty_o year_n st._n paul_n apply_v to_o they_o the_o case_n of_o a_o harden_a pharaoh_n who_o god_n spare_v also_o a_o great_a while_n as_o he_o do_v they_o though_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v he_o by_o a_o signal_n overthrow_n to_o show_v his_o power_n and_o that_o his_o name_n may_v be_v declare_v throughout_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n though_o he_o delay_v to_o destroy_v they_o for_o some_o year_n after_o he_o have_v determine_v to_o destroy_v they_o to_o make_v they_o also_o a_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o a_o just_a vengeance_n and_o more_o glorious_a power_n what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v his_o wrath_n and_o to_o make_v his_o power_n know_v endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n that_o be_v delay_n for_o many_o year_n the_o execution_n of_o those_o who_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o destroy_v for_o their_o great_a sin_n by_o a_o irreversible_a sentence_n for_o such_o only_o be_v the_o vessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v to_o destruction_n 9_o rom._n 17_o 22._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n concern_v the_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n when_o god_n have_v determine_v to_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n which_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o they_o also_o and_o receive_v its_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o example_n and_o i_o know_v no_o example_n in_o all_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o god_n never_o harden_v man_n till_o he_o have_v first_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o this_o harden_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n decree_n to_o punish_v or_o to_o destroy_v relate_v only_o to_o some_o temporal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o god_n intend_v to_o bring_v on_o they_o not_o to_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n that_o he_o may_v eternal_o damn_v they_o that_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o their_o own_o hard_a and_o impenitent_a heart_n but_o god_n do_v sometime_o harden_v man_n in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o exemplary_a vengeance_n on_o they_o in_o this_o world_n which_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o make_v his_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v two_o this_o will_n more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v never_o say_v to_o harden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n but_o he_o only_o harden_v and_o confirm_v they_o in_o such_o ruinous_a counsel_n as_o will_v bring_v that_o destruction_n on_o they_o which_o god_n have_v ordain_v and_o determine_v for_o they_o they_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o and_o when_o god_n resolve_v to_o do_v so_o then_o sometime_o he_o harden_v they_o in_o such_o course_n as_o will_v bring_v a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o i_o need_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n which_o be_v the_o most_o express_a text_n we_o have_v for_o god_n harden_v man_n now_o what_o do_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n in_o do_v he_o harden_v he_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n no_o such_o matter_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n say_v but_o he_o harden_v he_o not_o to_o let_v the_o people_n go_v pharaoh_n harden_v himself_o against_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v against_o own_v and_o submit_v to_o the_o power_n and_o sovereign_a authority_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n though_o when_o he_o feel_v the_o judgement_n inflict_v on_o he_o they_o be_v so_o uneasy_a as_o to_o make_v he_o relent_v and_o to_o promise_v to_o send_v israel_n away_o but_o his_o great_a concernment_n be_v how_o to_o keep_v israel_n and_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o these_o plague_n and_o his_o firm_a resolution_n be_v never_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n as_o long_o as_o he_o have_v any_o hope_n that_o he_o may_v keep_v they_o safe_o now_o though_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a evil_a to_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o to_o disobey_v god_n command_n attest_v and_o confirm_v by_o
and_o desolation_n of_o his_o country_n much_o less_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v pursue_v they_o into_o the_o red_a sea_n who_o fluid_a wall_n threaten_v he_o with_o immediate_a destruction_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o blindness_n which_o god_n threaten_v against_o judah_n 6._o isaiah_n 9_o 10._o go_v and_o tell_v this_o people_n hear_v you_o indeed_o but_o understand_v not_o and_o see_v you_o indeed_o but_o perceive_v not_o make_v the_o heart_n of_o this_o people_n fat_a and_o make_v their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o shut_v their_o eye_n lest_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n and_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o convert_v and_o be_v heal_v for_o here_o be_v a_o double_a blindness_n take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o text_n one_o which_o they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o another_o which_o god_n threaten_v to_o inflict_v on_o they_o they_o do_v hear_v but_o not_o understand_v they_o do_v see_v but_o not_o perceive_v that_o be_v they_o 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and_o i_o shall_v heal_v they_o and_o thus_o st._n paul_n represent_v it_o 28._o act_n 26_o 27._o this_o be_v their_o sinful_a blindness_n and_o deafness_n which_o be_v whole_o owe_v to_o themselves_o and_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o which_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o a_o penal_a and_o judicial_a blindness_n for_o when_o god_n command_v the_o prophet_n to_o make_v their_o heart_n fat_a and_o their_o ear_n heavy_a and_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o passp_v a_o final_a decree_n and_o sentence_n of_o blindness_n and_o deafness_n on_o they_o not_o such_o a_o blindness_n as_o shall_v betray_v they_o to_o and_o harden_v they_o in_o sin_n god_n may_v leave_v man_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o blindness_n when_o they_o have_v wilful_o blind_v and_o harden_v themselves_o but_o he_o never_o inflict_v it_o but_o such_o a_o blindness_n as_o will_v betray_v they_o into_o that_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n which_o god_n have_v so_o just_o decree_v for_o they_o for_o this_o blindness_n and_o deafness_n which_o be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o the_o prophet_n day_n be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o the_o destruciton_n of_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n by_o the_o chaldaean_n that_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n be_v in_o order_n to_o their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o blindness_n be_v inflict_v on_o they_o that_o the_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o will_v preserve_v their_o nation_n from_o be_v destroy_v be_v now_o hide_v from_o their_o eye_n 19_o luke_n 42_o and_o the_o story_n verify_v this_o for_o certain_o never_o be_v there_o a_o great_a infatuation_n upon_o any_o people_n than_o upon_o the_o jew_n at_o both_o time_n who_o force_v both_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o roman_n to_o destroy_v they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o and_o when_o they_o intend_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o many_o example_n there_o be_v of_o such_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v seldom_o any_o great_a and_o remarkable_a calamity_n which_o befall_v any_o person_n especial_o nation_n but_o bystander_n see_v how_o they_o undo_v themselves_o by_o their_o own_o stupid_a wilfulness_n and_o folly_n as_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v quos_fw-la perdere_fw-la vult_fw-la jupiter_n prius_fw-la dementat_fw-la that_o god_n first_o blind_v and_o infatuate_v those_o who_o he_o intend_v to_o destroy_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o harden_v man_n heart_n and_o blind_a their_o eye_n as_o i_o hope_v appear_v from_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v and_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o quarrel_n either_o with_o the_o justice_n or_o holiness_n of_o god_n upon_o this_o account_n but_o we_o have_v all_o great_a reason_n to_o take_v warning_n by_o these_o example_n lest_o we_o provoke_v god_n so_o long_o by_o our_o sin_n by_o our_o own_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o hardness_n that_o he_o inflict_v this_o judicial_a blindness_n on_o we_o that_o he_o shut_v our_o eye_n not_o to_o see_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o our_o peace_n which_o we_o have_v so_o many_o sad_a symptom_n of_o already_o among_o we_o that_o it_o be_v time_n to_o take_v warning_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o god_n to_o harden_v those_o man_n to_o their_o own_o ruin_n who_o harden_v themselves_o against_o his_o fear_n so_o to_o blind_v those_o who_o will_v not_o see_v nor_o regard_v their_o duty_n as_o to_o mistake_v their_o interest_n too_o and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prevent_v such_o a_o judicial_a hardness_n and_o infatuation_n be_v to_o reverence_n god_n to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o his_o commandment_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o then_o to_o commit_v our_o way_n unto_o the_o lord_n in_o a_o secure_a dependence_n on_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v several_a other_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n but_o they_o will_v receive_v a_o short_a answer_n as_o two_o those_o text_n which_o ascribe_v what_o be_v do_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o god_n do_v but_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v plain_a for_o god_n can_v and_o do_v bring_v to_o pass_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o holy_a design_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v only_o the_o event_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n not_o the_o sin_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v this_o will_v appear_v at_o the_o first_o view_n by_o consider_v some_o of_o these_o text_n ioseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o to_o the_o ishmaelite_n who_o carry_v he_o into_o egypt_n where_o god_n advance_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n throne_n joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o though_o they_o sell_v he_o it_o be_v god_n that_o send_v he_o before_o they_o into_o egypt_n to_o preserve_v their_o life_n so_o now_o it_o be_v not_o you_o that_o send_v i_o hither_o but_o god_n 45._o gen._n 5_o 7_o 8._o joseph_n do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n that_o his_o brethren_n sell_v he_o this_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o it_o be_v their_o own_o but_o it_o be_v god_n who_o send_v he_o into_o egypt_n which_o his_o brethren_n never_o think_v of_o nor_o intend_v their_o only_a concern_n be_v to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o when_o god_n do_v that_o which_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o do_v that_o may_v well_o be_v say_v to_o be_v god_n do_n who_o permit_v their_o wickedness_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n as_o he_o tell_v his_o brethren_n as_o for_o you_o you_o think_v evil_a against_o i_o but_o god_n mean_v it_o unto_o good_a to_o bring_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v this_o day_n to_o save_v much_o people_n alive_a 50._o gen._n 20._o when_o job_n be_v plunder_v by_o the_o sabaean_n and_o chaldaean_n he_o attribute_n it_o to_o god_n the_o lord_n give_v and_o the_o lord_n have_v take_v away_o 1._o job_n 21._o and_o so_o must_v all_o man_n say_v who_o believe_v a_o providence_n that_o all_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whoever_o be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n of_o it_o be_v order_v and_o dispose_v by_o god_n but_o job_n do_v not_o therefore_o attribute_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o sabaean_n and_o the_o chaldaean_n to_o god_n as_o if_o god_n can_v not_o govern_v and_o over-rule_v the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o their_o wickdness_n when_o david_n have_v commit_v that_o great_a sin_n in_o defile_v vriah_n be_v wife_n and_o contrive_v his_o murder_n god_n threaten_v
ham_n which_o will_v quick_o have_v endanger_v as_o general_a a_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n as_o there_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v what_o course_n god_n take_v to_o prevent_v this_o and_o the_o excellent_a wisdom_n of_o it_o which_o we_o have_v a_o account_n of_o 11._o genes_n 7_o 8._o that_o god_n confound_v their_o language_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o speech_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n scatter_v they_o abroad_o from_o thence_o upon_o the_o face_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o they_o leave_v off_o to_o build_v the_o city_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o ready_a way_n to_o people_n the_o whole_a earth_n even_o the_o remote_a corner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o mankind_n find_v they_o work_v to_o do_v force_v they_o upon_o the_o invention_n of_o ingenious_a art_n and_o by_o the_o benefit_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n make_v every_o country_n which_o be_v not_o want_v to_o itself_o a_o little_a world_n and_o every_o part_n to_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o say_v beside_o this_o it_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n that_o can_v be_v use_v at_o that_o time_n to_o prevent_v the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o 1._o this_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n from_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n where_o the_o infection_n be_v already_o begin_v and_o will_v have_v spread_v apace_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o empire_n when_o cain_n have_v slay_v his_o brother_n abel_n god_n send_v he_o away_o out_o of_o adam_n family_n that_o his_o presence_n and_o example_n may_v do_v no_o hurt_n and_o if_o by_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o 6._o genes_n we_o understand_v as_o some_o good_a expositor_n do_v those_o who_o descend_v of_o cain_n and_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n in_o who_o family_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v preserve_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o moses_n date_n the_o general_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o union_n of_o these_o two_o family_n when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n see_v the_o daughter_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v fair_a and_o take_v they_o wife_n of_o all_o which_o they_o choose_v and_o have_v the_o universal_a empire_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o family_n of_o ham_n and_o the_o posterity_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n be_v bring_v into_o subjection_n to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v in_o a_o short_a time_n have_v be_v what_o less_o can_v have_v be_v expect_v from_o such_o a_o union_n and_o government_n but_o another_o antediluvian_n corruption_n of_o all_o flesh_n this_o dispersion_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n but_o we_o see_v in_o the_o example_n of_o cain_n that_o a_o mere_a local_a separation_n be_v no_o security_n for_o they_o may_v come_v together_o again_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o daughter_n of_o man_n in_o process_n of_o time_n do_v and_o therefore_o two_o the_o most_o last_a dispersion_n and_o separation_n be_v by_o a_o confusion_n of_o language_n which_o hinder_v all_o intercourse_n and_o communication_n at_o least_o till_o there_o be_v a_o remedy_n find_v against_o it_o by_o learn_v each_o other_o language_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o time_n and_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o be_v so_o general_a as_o to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o a_o common_a intercourse_n this_o effectual_o divide_v they_o at_o first_o and_o will_v always_o keep_v nation_n divide_v till_o foreign_a arm_n shall_v give_v new_a law_n and_o a_o new_a language_n to_o a_o conquer_a people_n 3_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o the_o more_o division_n of_o language_n be_v make_v and_o the_o great_a the_o dispersion_n be_v the_o great_a security_n be_v it_o against_o a_o general_a corruption_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n not_o only_o for_o separate_v the_o family_n of_o ham_n from_o the_o family_n of_o sem_fw-mi and_o japhet_n but_o for_o separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o and_o divide_v they_o into_o small_a body_n for_o the_o more_o division_n there_o be_v whatever_o part_n be_v infect_v the_o less_o can_v the_o corruption_n spread_v when_o there_o be_v no_o communication_n between_o they_o 4thly_a this_o also_o divide_a mankind_n into_o several_a little_a independent_a monarchy_n under_o the_o government_n of_o the_o head_n of_o their_o several_a family_n which_o keep_v all_o mankind_n under_o a_o strict_a government_n than_o if_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v one_o great_a empire_n which_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o tyrannical_a domination_n but_o can_v have_v take_v little_a care_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o subject_n especial_o if_o the_o government_n itself_o be_v corrupt_v the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v corrupt_a with_o it_o but_o when_o so_o many_o distinct_a society_n be_v form_v this_o give_v they_o distinct_a interest_n and_o make_v their_o law_n and_o custom_n the_o very_a humour_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n so_o different_a from_o each_o other_o as_o will_v keep_v they_o distinct_a and_o this_o will_v necessary_o occasion_v mutual_a emulation_n and_o jealousy_n to_o rival_n their_o neighbour_n in_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o this_o can_v be_v do_v without_o wise_a law_n and_o a_o strict_a discipline_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o labour_n and_o industry_n of_o liberal_a art_n and_o all_o social_a virtue_n and_o the_o suppression_n of_o such_o vice_n as_o weaken_v government_n and_o emasculate_a man_n spirit_n this_o effect_n we_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o have_v as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o most_o early_a account_n of_o the_o grecian_a commonwealth_n where_o we_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o excellent_a law_n and_o such_o great_a example_n of_o frugality_n temperance_n fortitude_n and_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n which_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v attribute_v to_o their_o mutual_a emulation_n which_o teach_v they_o prudence_n and_o justice_n at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o force_v on_o they_o the_o exercise_n of_o many_o civil_a and_o military_a virtue_n it_o have_v indeed_o be_v more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o mankind_n have_v be_v but_o one_o people_n and_o one_o kingdom_n without_o divide_a interest_n and_o government_n but_o such_o a_o profound_a state_n of_o ease_n be_v apt_a to_o loosen_v the_o rain_n of_o government_n and_o to_o corrupt_v man_n mind_n with_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a for_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n than_o it_o will_v have_v be_v that_o the_o earth_n shall_v have_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o without_o humane_a labour_n and_o industry_n but_o jealousy_n and_o emulation_n the_o necessity_n of_o defend_v themselves_o against_o potent_a neighbour_n or_o the_o ambition_n to_o equal_v or_o to_o outdo_v they_o restrain_v public_a vice_n and_o be_v a_o spur_n to_o virtue_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o many_o misery_n to_o mankind_n of_o all_o the_o calamity_n and_o desolation_n of_o war_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v consider_v 5thly_a that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n while_o god_n keep_v the_o sword_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v a_o admirable_a instrument_n of_o government_n and_o a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n god_n have_v promise_v that_o he_o will_v not_o again_o any_o more_o smite_v every_o live_a thing_n as_o he_o have_v do_v 8._o genes_n 21._o and_o yet_o mankind_n can_v not_o be_v govern_v without_o some_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v god_n to_o punish_v man_n and_o nation_n as_o often_o as_o they_o deserve_v it_o by_o a_o immediate_a hand_n and_o what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o if_o man_n and_o nation_n be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v scourge_v and_o punish_v one_o another_o by_o this_o mean_v god_n can_v chastise_v two_o wicked_a nation_n by_o each_o other_o sword_n without_o destroy_v either_o he_o can_v so_o lessen_v their_o number_n and_o exhaust_v their_o treasure_n and_o impoverish_v their_o country_n as_o to_o force_v they_o to_o peace_n and_o to_o reduce_v they_o to_o a_o laborious_a and_o frugal_a life_n which_o will_v cure_v the_o wantonness_n and_o luxury_n of_o plenty_n and_o ease_n if_o a_o nation_n be_v grow_v incurable_o wicked_a he_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n destroy_v they_o without_o embroil_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n he_o can_v carry_v they_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n or_o make_v they_o slave_n at_o home_n and_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o yoke_n of_o a_o conqueror_n who_o shall_v correct_v they_o and_o teach_v they_o better_o in_o a_o word_n the_o dispersion_n of_o
supreme_a god_n and_o of_o a_o sovereign_a providence_n than_o to_o see_v a_o whole_a nation_n worship_v this_o one_o supreme_a god_n which_o at_o least_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o such_o a_o be_v but_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o examine_v their_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o their_o several_a go_n especial_o when_o they_o see_v this_o nation_n plant_v in_o a_o particular_a country_n allot_v they_o by_o their_o god_n and_o the_o old_a wicked_a inhabitant_n destroy_v and_o drive_v out_o from_o before_o they_o by_o such_o a_o series_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n as_o all_o the_o god_n of_o these_o country_n be_v not_o able_a to_o oppose_v and_o that_o this_o nation_n receive_v their_o law_n both_o for_o worship_n and_o polity_n and_o conversation_n immediate_o from_o god_n be_v govern_v by_o man_n appoint_v by_o god_n and_o direct_v in_o all_o great_a affair_n by_o divine_a oracle_n and_o prophet_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n of_o event_n as_o never_o fail_v that_o while_o they_o adhere_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o this_o one_o supreme_a god_n they_o be_v always_o prosperous_a as_o he_o promise_v they_o shall_v be_v but_o when_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n and_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o the_o country_n round_o about_o they_o than_o they_o be_v either_o oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n at_o home_n or_o carry_v captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n this_o be_v a_o visible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o israel_n and_o such_o a_o god_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o god_n nor_o allow_v they_o to_o worship_v any_o other_o but_o punish_v they_o severe_o whenever_o they_o do_v and_o all_o their_o other_o god_n can_v not_o help_v they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n this_o give_v sufficient_a notice_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n israel_n but_o some_o will_v still_o be_v apt_a to_o ask_v why_o god_n do_v not_o as_o sensible_o manifest_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o do_v to_o israel_n why_o he_o have_v not_o his_o oracle_n and_o prophet_n in_o other_o nation_n and_o they_o may_v if_o they_o please_v as_o reasonable_o ask_v why_o he_o do_v not_o immediate_o inspire_v every_o particular_a man_n with_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o force_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n upon_o their_o mind_n or_o why_o he_o do_v not_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n convert_v the_o old_a wicked_a world_n but_o destroy_v they_o all_o and_o preserve_v only_o that_o one_o righteous_a family_n which_o have_v escape_v the_o general_a corruption_n for_o much_o like_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o mankind_n with_o respect_n to_o idolatry_n when_o god_n call_v abraham_n out_o of_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n there_o be_v not_o one_o nation_n leave_v that_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o he_o only_o nay_o not_o one_o family_n 2._o for_o terah_n abraham_n father_n be_v a_o idolater_n and_o probable_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o family_n except_v abraham_n for_o though_o he_o be_v not_o express_o except_v in_o the_o text_n yet_o neither_o be_v he_o necessary_o include_v and_o god_n command_v he_o to_o leave_v his_o country_n gen._n and_o his_o kindred_n and_o his_o father_n house_n and_o his_o ready_a compliance_n with_o this_o command_n be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a person_n in_o the_o family_n who_o have_v preserve_v himself_o from_o all_o idolatrous_a worship_n however_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o that_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o so_o easy_o curable_a if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o idolater_n that_o god_n think_v he_o the_o fit_a person_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o and_o to_o begin_v a_o new_a reformation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n god_n destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n by_o the_o flood_n and_o only_o preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n to_o new_a people_n the_o earth_n and_o to_o instil_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n into_o their_o posterity_n so_o the_o new_a world_n be_v now_o universal_o corrupt_v by_o idolatry_n and_o god_n have_v promise_v noah_n never_o again_o to_o destroy_v every_o live_a thing_n as_o he_o have_v do_v he_o take_v another_o course_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n create_v a_o new_a people_n to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o in_o they_o to_o make_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o power_n know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o choose_v abraham_n a_o man_n of_o admirable_a faith_n and_o piety_n to_o be_v the_o father_n of_o this_o new_a people_n which_o shall_v descend_v from_o his_o loin_n in_o his_o old_a age_n not_o by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o nature_n but_o by_o faith_n in_o god_n promise_n 11._o heb._n 11_o 12._o the_o plain_a state_n then_o of_o the_o case_n be_v this_o when_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n have_v universal_o corrupt_v themselves_o with_o idolatry_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_v god_n have_v use_v to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o last_a sense_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o wilful_a blindness_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o wicked_a spirit_n who_o they_o have_v make_v their_o god_n till_o he_o can_v recover_v they_o from_o this_o apostasy_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o do_v this_o be_v to_o establish_v his_o worship_n in_o some_o one_o nation_n which_o shall_v be_v a_o visible_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o nation_n then_o in_o the_o world_n he_o make_v a_o nation_n on_o purpose_n and_o allot_v they_o a_o country_n to_o dwell_v in_o and_o signalise_v they_o by_o extraordinary_a providence_n as_o the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n this_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o new_a beginning_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v not_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o idolatrous_a world_n as_o noah_n flood_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o wicked_a generation_n but_o yet_o do_v propagate_v a_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n in_o it_o who_o shall_v in_o time_n put_v a_o end_n to_o that_o universal_a idolatry_n and_o make_v a_o new_a world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v a_o new_a advance_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v towards_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n when_o adam_n have_v sin_v he_o and_o his_o whole_a posterity_n become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o laborious_a life_n that_o in_o the_o sweat_n of_o their_o brow_n they_o shall_v eat_v their_o bread_n which_o be_v the_o best_a preservative_n against_o the_o temptation_n of_o ease_n and_o sloth_n and_o luxury_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n god_n destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n with_o a_o universal_a deluge_n and_o thereby_o give_v a_o signal_n demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o the_o new_a world_n when_o this_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n grow_v corrupt_a god_n confound_v their_o language_n and_o disperse_v they_o over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a body_n and_o society_n which_o prevent_v a_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n teach_v they_o civil_a justice_n and_o many_o moral_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o defence_n of_o human_a society_n but_o when_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n which_o will_v endanger_v a_o new_a and_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n by_o those_o impure_a ceremony_n with_o which_o wicked_a spirit_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v worship_v some_o new_a and_o more_o effectual_a mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v to_o cure_v this_o evil_n the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n have_v so_o abundant_o convince_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o creature_n as_o a_o atheist_n know_v among_o they_o till_o their_o ridiculous_a idolatry_n in_o worship_v the_o mean_a creature_n and_o vile_a man_n with_o ludicrous_a or_o abominable_a rite_n tempt_v some_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o thought_n rather_o to_o own_v no_o god_n than_o such_o god_n as_o the_o heathen_n worship_v but_o though_o these_o extraordinary_a event_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n yet_o it_o seem_v they_o be_v not_o think_v so_o express_v and_o direct_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n at_o least_o not_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o worship_n of_o inferior_a deity_n
who_o they_o suppose_v entrust_v with_o the_o immediate_a care_n of_o particular_a country_n and_o how_o can_v god_n give_v a_o more_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o pay_v divine_a honour_n to_o any_o but_o himself_o than_o by_o raise_v up_o a_o new_a people_n distinguish_v and_o separate_v from_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o sole_a worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o own_a by_o he_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n by_z as_o distinguish_v providence_n for_o this_o not_o only_o prove_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n but_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n who_o we_o ought_v to_o worship_n and_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o partial_a in_o his_o favour_n as_o to_o prefer_v one_o nation_n before_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o they_o be_v no_o nation_n nor_o people_n when_o god_n choose_v they_o for_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n when_o there_o be_v none_o but_o himself_o but_o when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v idolater_n god_n promise_v to_o multiply_v abraham_n seed_n into_o a_o great_a nation_n and_o to_o make_v they_o his_o own_o peculiar_a people_n that_o be_v he_o make_v a_o new_a people_n and_o nation_n in_o great_a kindness_n to_o mankind_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o extirpate_v idolatry_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o the_o jew_n 2._o that_o to_o they_o be_v commit_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o these_o divine_a oracle_n a_o system_fw-la of_o law_n both_o for_o religious_a worship_n and_o civil_a conversation_n shall_v be_v deposit_v somewhere_o for_o their_o idolatry_n do_v every_o day_n corrupt_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o be_v likely_a in_o time_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o make_v a_o write_a law_n necessary_a from_o whence_o man_n may_v learn_v their_o duty_n whenever_o they_o please_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n can_v be_v give_v to_o no_o other_o people_n but_o the_o jew_n who_o alone_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v law_n to_o idolater_n who_o do_v not_o own_o and_o worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o though_o these_o law_n be_v immediate_o give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o nation_n at_o that_o time_n which_o own_v and_o worship_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n yet_o as_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n prevail_v in_o the_o world_n so_o these_o law_n will_v be_v of_o more_o universal_a use_n as_o we_o see_v it_o be_v even_o to_o this_o day_n nay_o even_o while_o idolatry_n prevail_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n very_o much_o reform_v the_o pagan_a philosophy_n give_v they_o better_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o more_o divine_a rule_n of_o life_n as_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n who_o be_v general_o think_v to_o have_v learn_v some_o of_o their_o best_a notion_n from_o their_o conversation_n with_o jewish_a priest_n but_o yet_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o use_v the_o world_n do_v make_v of_o this_o but_o what_o use_v they_o may_v have_v make_v of_o it_o and_o whither_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n than_o be_v any_o thing_n can_v be_v more_o wise_o design_v than_o to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o a_o system_v of_o divine_a law_n in_o a_o nation_n raise_v up_o on_o purpose_n to_o season_v the_o world_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o from_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n but_o god_n have_v a_o more_o glorious_a design_n than_o all_o this_o in_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o choose_v his_o seed_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n he_o have_v promise_v that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n which_o contain_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o god_n make_v with_o abraham_n that_o in_o his_o seed_n all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v bless_v it_o be_v not_o fit_v that_o the_o messiah_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v descend_v from_o idolater_n and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v find_v no_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o that_o age_n who_o be_v free_a from_o idolatry_n and_o promise_n to_o multiply_v his_o seed_n and_o to_o preserve_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n among_o they_o and_o that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v descend_v from_o his_o loin_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v what_o necessary_a preparation_n be_v require_v for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o for_o his_o reception_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o shall_v appear_v it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o how_o wise_o this_o be_v design_v by_o god_n the_o appearance_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n be_v very_o surprise_v and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v that_o any_o one_o who_o make_v such_o pretence_n shall_v find_v credit_n unless_o the_o world_n have_v beforehand_o be_v prepare_v to_o expect_v he_o and_o have_v some_o infallible_a mark_n and_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v and_o this_o be_v the_o principal_a end_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o law_n to_o contain_v the_o promise_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o to_o know_v he_o the_o temple_n itself_o and_o the_o whole_a temple-worship_n be_v little_o more_o than_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n of_o his_o incarnation_n or_o live_v among_o man_n in_o a_o earthly_a tabernacle_n of_o his_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n there_o to_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o god_n right_a hand_n as_o the_o highpriest_n enter_v once_o a_o year_n into_o the_o holy_a of_o holies_n now_o this_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v have_v not_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n have_v a_o temple_n and_o priesthood_n and_o sacrifice_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v a_o people_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n for_o the_o temple_n and_o priest_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o idol_n can_v not_o be_v type_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o come_v to_o confound_v all_o the_o pagan_a god_n and_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n thus_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n have_v there_o be_v no_o prophet_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o these_o prophecy_n will_v have_v meet_v with_o little_a credit_n have_v they_o be_v find_v in_o idol_n temple_n so_o that_o god_n choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v not_o only_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n in_o the_o world_n but_o also_o to_o receive_v and_o to_o convey_v down_o to_o future_a age_n with_o a_o unquestionable_a authority_n all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n this_o give_v we_o a_o general_a view_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o this_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o discover_v the_o wonderful_a wisdom_n of_o all_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n towards_o the_o jewish_a nation_n which_o will_v be_v both_o so_o useful_a and_o entertain_v a_o meditation_n that_o i_o can_v pass_v it_o over_o without_o some_o short_a remark_n now_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o a_o visible_a confutation_n of_o idolatry_n and_o to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o effect_v this_o four_o thing_n be_v manifest_o necessary_a 1._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o know_v they_o that_o god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 2._o that_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o visible_a that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n the_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n 3._o
have_v deliver_v israel_n without_o they_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o government_n if_o god_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n save_o good_a man_n and_o punish_v and_o destroy_v the_o wicked_a without_o a_o miracle_n god_n can_v do_v whatever_o he_o please_v by_o the_o wise_a direction_n and_o government_n of_o natural_a and_o moral_a cause_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o work_v miracle_n because_o he_o need_v they_o to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o natural_a power_n but_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o his_o own_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o his_o minister_n and_o prophet_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o from_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n mankind_n at_o that_o time_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o contemptible_a creature_n rather_o than_o have_v no_o god_n and_o they_o be_v so_o sensible_a how_o much_o they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n that_o one_o god_n will_v not_o serve_v they_o but_o they_o want_v as_o many_o god_n not_o only_o as_o there_o be_v nation_n but_o as_o they_o have_v want_n to_o supply_v this_o be_v a_o great_a corruption_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n and_o proclaim_v by_o the_o whole_a visible_a creation_n but_o yet_o be_v so_o universal_a and_o so_o prevail_a that_o their_o wise_a philosopher_n who_o have_v better_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v the_o torrent_n and_o dare_v not_o open_o oppose_v the_o worship_n of_o those_o country_n god_n for_o fear_v of_o a_o popular_a rage_n and_o fury_n now_o when_o neither_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o of_o a_o common_a providence_n can_v secure_v the_o belief_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n what_o remain_v but_o for_o god_n to_o make_v some_o more_o sensible_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v have_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n than_o by_o miracle_n especial_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v for_o the_o deliverance_n and_o protection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n and_o overthrow_n of_o the_o wicked_a when_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n be_v such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o learn_v from_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o but_o by_o something_o which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o when_o the_o beautiful_a and_o regular_a and_o uniform_a order_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o least_o not_o that_o there_o be_v one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v this_o world_n miracle_n will_n those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o have_v any_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n must_v confess_v that_o miracle_n have_v a_o cause_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v and_o that_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o nature_n because_o they_o see_v they_o produce_v without_o any_o natural_a cause_n or_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o chance_v and_o accident_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n as_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o egypt_n be_v wrought_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n who_o word_n have_v no_o natural_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o work_v wonder_n and_o therefore_o miracle_n certain_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o invisible_a intelligent_a cause_n who_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n can_v have_v make_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v for_o whoever_o can_v in_o any_o one_o instance_n act_n without_o or_o against_o nature_n can_v create_v nature_n too_o for_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v do_v be_v in_o that_o particular_a to_o make_v nature_n and_o he_o who_o can_v make_v nature_n in_o one_o instance_n can_v do_v so_o in_o all_o and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v when_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n that_o can_v make_v the_o world_n and_o that_o superior_a power_n he_o exercise_v over_o nature_n prove_v that_o he_o both_o can_v and_o do_v govern_v the_o world_n for_o he_o have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o nature_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v give_v new_a power_n to_o it_o or_o suspend_v and_o reverse_v its_o law_n so_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o supernatural_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v can_v be_v a_o atheist_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o atheist_n be_v such_o profess_a enemy_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wonder_n that_o they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o reject_v all_o those_o authentic_a relation_n we_o have_v of_o miracle_n both_o from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o from_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o no_o more_o than_o history_n and_o have_v obtain_v the_o most_o universal_a belief_n especial_o this_o be_v very_o unaccountable_a in_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o deism_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n for_o can_v that_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n act_n without_o or_o above_o or_o against_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v and_o may_v it_o not_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o do_v this_o when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o more_o abundant_a conviction_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v sink_v into_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n when_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v necessary_a to_o awaken_v man_n into_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v the_o case_n in_o the_o day_n of_o moses_n or_o to_o give_v authority_n to_o prophet_n to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o man_n which_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o miracle_n as_o long_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o new_a and_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n when_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a and_o credible_a that_o god_n who_o can_v when_o he_o please_v shall_v some_o time_n work_v miracle_n as_o it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n to_o preserve_v the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n and_o to_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o to_o make_v such_o new_a discovery_n of_o his_o grace_n as_o the_o fall_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o credible_a and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v there_o be_v for_o reject_v miracle_n for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n but_o atheism_n be_v not_o the_o disease_n of_o that_o age_n which_o have_v run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a of_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o though_o miracle_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v principal_o intend_v to_o prove_v the_o glory_n and_o power_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o he_o have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n and_o this_o he_o do_v by_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o other_o god_n can_v do_v such_o as_o make_v the_o egyptian_a magician_n confess_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o more_o effectual_a way_n can_v be_v take_v to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n than_o such_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a power_n superior_a to_o all_o those_o who_o worship_v a_o plurality_n of_o god_n either_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o power_n rule_v over_o all_o or_o if_o they_o have_v yet_o they_o believe_v that_o this_o supreme_a god_n have_v commit_v the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o mankind_n to_o inferior_a deity_n who_o they_o therefore_o worship_v with_o divine_a honour_n as_o the_o disposer_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o either_o pay_v no_o worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v the_o more_o general_a practice_n or_o worship_v their_o country-god_n together_o with_o he_o and_o that_o with_o the_o most_o frequent_a most_o solemn_a and_o pompous_a worship_n now_o such_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n as_o these_o which_o none_o of_o their_o country-god_n can_v do_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_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
relapse_n into_o idolatry_n for_o which_o they_o be_v as_o frequent_o and_o severe_o punish_v 2._o their_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n among_o the_o nation_n whereby_o god_n make_v himself_o and_o his_o law_n more_o universal_o know_v in_o the_o world_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o god_n original_a intention_n in_o choose_v the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n than_o their_o fall_n into_o idolatry_n and_o yet_o god_n foresee_v that_o this_o they_o will_v do_v and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v they_o severe_o when_o they_o do_v which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o moses_n his_o prophetic_a song_n 32._o deut._n and_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o though_o god_n many_o time_n spare_v they_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o great_a sin_n yet_o they_o never_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n but_o vengeance_n soon_o pursue_v they_o and_o they_o be_v either_o oppress_v by_o their_o enemy_n at_o home_n or_o carry_v captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n when_o joshua_n be_v dead_a and_o all_o that_o generation_n which_o joshua_n lead_v into_o canaan_n there_o arise_v another_o generation_n after_o they_o that_o know_v not_o the_o lord_n nor_o yet_o the_o work_n which_o he_o have_v do_v for_o israel_n and_o they_o soon_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n and_o serve_v baalim_fw-la they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n 2._o judges_z 10_o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o follow_v give_v we_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o god_n deal_n with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v hot_a against_o israel_n and_o he_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n that_o spoil_v they_o and_o he_o sell_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o whithersoever_o they_o go_v out_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v against_o they_o for_o evil_a as_o the_o lord_n have_v say_v and_o as_o the_o lord_n have_v swear_v unto_o they_o and_o they_o be_v great_o distress_v nevertheless_o the_o lord_n raise_v up_o judge_n which_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o that_o spoil_v they_o and_o yet_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o their_o judge_n but_o they_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o other_o god_n and_o bow_v themselves_o unto_o they_o they_o turn_v quick_o out_o of_o the_o way_n that_o their_o father_n walk_v in_o obey_v the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o they_o do_v not_o so_o and_o when_o the_o lord_n raise_v they_o up_o judge_n than_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o the_o judge_n and_o deliver_v they_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n all_o the_o day_n of_o the_o judge_n for_o it_o repent_v the_o lord_n because_o of_o their_o groan_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o that_o oppress_v they_o and_o vex_v they_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o the_o judge_n be_v dead_a that_o they_o return_v and_o corrupt_v themselves_o more_o than_o their_o father_n in_o follow_v other_o god_n to_o serve_v they_o and_o to_o bow_v down_o unto_o they_o they_o cease_v not_o from_o their_o own_o do_n and_o from_o their_o stubborn_a way_n for_o this_o reason_n as_o it_o follow_v in_o the_o text_n god_n resolve_v not_o to_o drive_v out_o any_o from_o before_o they_o of_o the_o nation_n which_o joshua_n leave_v when_o he_o die_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o put_v out_o those_o nation_n by_o little_a and_o little_a not_o consume_v they_o at_o once_o lest_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n shall_v increase_v upon_o they_o 7._o deut_n 22._o but_o withal_o joshua_n assure_v they_o that_o if_o they_o do_v in_o any-wise_a go_v back_o that_o be_v relapse_n into_o idolatry_n and_o cleave_v unto_o the_o remnant_n of_o those_o nation_n even_o those_o which_o remain_v among_o you_o which_o joshua_n have_v not_o drive_v out_o know_v for_o a_o certainty_n that_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n will_v no_o more_o drive_v out_o any_o of_o these_o nation_n from_o before_o you_o but_o they_o shall_v be_v snare_n and_o trap_n unto_o you_o and_o scourge_n in_o your_o side_n and_o thorn_n in_o your_o eye_n until_o you_o perish_v from_o off_o this_o good_a land_n which_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n have_v give_v you_o 23._o joshua_n 12_o 13._o and_o thus_o according_o god_fw-we deal_v with_o they_o for_o he_o leave_v the_o five_o lord_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o all_o the_o canaanite_n and_o the_o sidonian_n and_o the_o hivites_n that_o dwell_v in_o mount_n lebanon_n from_o mount_n baal-hermon_n unto_o the_o enter_v in_o of_o hamath_n and_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v israel_n by_o they_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o will_v hearken_v unto_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o command_v their_o father_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n 3._o judges_z 1_o 4._o this_o be_v a_o wise_a provision_n god_n make_v to_o correct_v and_o punish_v israel_n whenever_o they_o shall_v decline_v to_o idolatry_n for_o these_o idolatrous_a nation_n who_o still_o live_v among_o they_o or_o round_o about_o they_o be_v not_o more_o ready_a to_o tempt_v they_o to_o idolatry_n than_o they_o be_v to_o oppress_v and_o afflict_v they_o when_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o chastise_v israel_n the_o whole_a book_n of_o judge_n be_v a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o the_o story_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o particular_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o contemplate_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o those_o severe_a judgement_n god_n execute_v on_o israel_n for_o their_o frequent_a idolatry_n god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o a_o visible_a confutation_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o their_o great_a propensity_n to_o idolatry_n after_o all_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o red-sea_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o in_o give_v they_o possession_n of_o the_o promise_a land_n do_v threaten_v the_o final_a apostasy_n of_o israel_n which_o will_v have_v defeat_v god_n wise_a and_o gracious_a design_n in_o choose_v they_o for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n for_o have_v they_o turn_v idolater_n like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o nation_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n have_v be_v total_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v this_o god_n never_o suffer_v their_o idolatry_n for_o any_o long_a time_n to_o escape_v unpunished_a and_o if_o we_o will_v understand_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v these_o judgement_n mere_o as_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o idolatry_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o providence_n to_o preserve_v his_o own_o worship_n among_o they_o notwithstanding_o their_o idolatrous_a inclination_n and_o to_o make_v his_o name_n and_o power_n and_o glory_n know_v to_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v idolater_n but_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v other_o nation_n for_o their_o idolatry_n as_o he_o do_v israel_n which_o show_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o idolatry_n but_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o it_o for_o god_n have_v choose_v israel_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n the_o world_n be_v to_o learn_v from_o they_o from_o their_o example_n and_o from_o their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n and_o can_v there_o be_v a_o more_o sensible_a confutation_n of_o idolatry_n than_o to_o see_v a_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v visible_o consecrate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n as_o visible_o punish_v whenever_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n that_o new_a generation_n which_o spring_v up_o after_o the_o day_n of_o joshua_n who_o have_v not_o see_v god_n wonder_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o wilderness_n nor_o know_v the_o war_n of_o canaan_n soon_o forget_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n and_o want_v some_o new_a experiment_n of_o god_n power_n and_o presence_n among_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n take_v care_n they_o shall_v not_o want_v they_o though_o they_o pay_v very_o dear_a for_o they_o for_o he_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o bring_v many_o evil_n on_o they_o till_o they_o shall_v remember_v the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n this_o account_n god_n himself_o give_v of_o it_o 31._o deut._n 16_o 17._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n behold_v thou_o shall_v sleep_v with_o thy_o father_n and_o this_o people_n will_v rise_v up_o and_o go_v a_o whore_v after_o the_o god_n of_o the_o stranger_n whither_o they_o go_v to_o be_v among_o they_o and_o will_v forsake_v i_o and_o break_v my_o covenant_n which_o i_o have_v make_v with_o they_o then_o
and_o raise_v a_o expectation_n even_o among_o the_o roman_n of_o some_o great_a prince_n who_o be_v to_o rise_v in_o the_o east_n as_o tacitus_n observe_v and_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n do_v not_o reform_v nation_n yet_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o make_v a_o great_a many_o private_a convert_v who_o secret_o forsake_v the_o idolatry_n of_o their_o country_n and_o worship_v the_o only_a true_a god_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v it_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o we_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v wise_o design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o some_o few_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n which_o we_o know_v may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v many_o more_o on_o the_o famous_a day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v on_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o visible_a appearance_n of_o cleave_a tongue_n like_o as_o of_o fire_n there_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n great_a number_n not_o only_o of_o jew_n but_o of_o proselyte_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n parthian_n and_o mede_n and_o elamites_n and_o the_o dweller_n in_o mesopotamia_n and_o in_o judaea_n and_o cappadocia_n in_o pontus_n and_o asia_n phrygia_n and_o pamphilia_n in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o part_n of_o lybia_n about_o cyrene_n and_o stranger_n of_o rome_n jew_n and_o proselyte_n cretes_n and_o arabian_n 2._o act_n 9_o 10_o 11._o whether_o these_o be_v circumcise_a or_o uncircumcised_a proselyte_n be_v not_o say_v but_o proselyte_n they_o be_v out_o of_o all_o these_o nation_n who_o come_v up_o at_o the_o feast_n to_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o nation_n make_v great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n who_o either_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n by_o circumcision_n and_o become_v jew_n or_o at_o least_o renounce_v all_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o worship_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n the_o number_n of_o these_o last_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o circumcise_a proselyte_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o learned_a man_n there_o be_v frequent_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n under_o the_o name_n of_o worship_v greek_n and_o devout_a man_n and_o those_o which_o fear_v god_n when_o saint_n paul_n preach_v at_o thessalonica_n there_o consort_v with_o paul_n and_o silas_n of_o the_o devout_a greek_n a_o great_a multitude_n 17._o act_n 24._o the_o very_a name_n of_o greek_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v gentile_n not_o jew_n who_o be_v always_o distinguish_v from_o each_o other_o and_o that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d devout_a or_o worship_a greek_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n for_o that_o title_n be_v never_o give_v in_o scripture_n to_o idolater_n and_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n sufficient_o prove_v it_o for_o no_o gentile_n resort_v thither_o but_o those_o who_o worship_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lydia_n 16._o act_n 14._o and_o cornelius_n the_o roman_a centurion_n who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o devout_a man_n and_o one_o who_o fear_v god_n himself_o but_o all_o his_o family_n be_v so_o too_o 10._o act_n 2._o and_o the_o eunuch_n 8._o act_n 27._o and_o almost_o in_o every_o place_n where_o st._n paul_n preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o these_o worship_a gentile_n at_o thessalonica_n and_o philippi_n as_o you_o have_v see_v at_o corinth_n 18._o act_n 4._o at_o antioch_n of_o pisidia_n 13._o act_n 43._o and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o place_n which_o show_v what_o a_o great_a effect_n the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o all_o these_o country_n have_v in_o make_v proselyte_n some_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o many_o more_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n which_o prepare_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n when_o be_v be_v preach_v to_o they_o for_o they_o be_v the_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o frequent_v the_o jewish_a synagogue_n and_o therefore_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v the_o scripture_n proof_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o first_o gentile_n convert_v be_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o more_o ready_o embrace_v the_o faith_n than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o for_o they_o have_v all_o the_o preparation_n for_o christianity_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o none_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o a_o fondness_n for_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n nor_o for_o the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n 4._o and_o therefore_o a_o very_a learned_a man_n expound_v that_o text_n 13._o act_n 48._o as_o many_o as_o be_v ordain_v to_o eternal_a life_n believe_v of_o these_o devout_a and_o worship_a gentile_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ready_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n by_o christ_n jesus_n and_o thus_o we_o be_v come_v to_o the_o day_n of_o christ_n who_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o last_o and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n god_n use_v for_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n to_o consider_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n relate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n not_o of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o do_v not_o concern_v my_o present_a argument_n but_o if_o we_o take_v a_o brief_a review_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v in_o what_o sense_n christ_n be_v say_v to_o come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n for_o he_o come_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o for_o i_o will_v desire_v any_o man_n who_o complain_v that_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v too_o long_o delay_v to_o tell_v i_o in_o what_o soon_o period_n it_o have_v be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o appear_v in_o every_o age_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v god_n take_v the_o wise_a method_n that_o the_o condition_n of_o mankind_n will_v at_o that_o time_n allow_v to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o if_o christ_n appear_v at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o his_o appearance_n he_o appear_v as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v if_o we_o will_v allow_v god_n to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o favour_n wise_o that_o he_o do_v so_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v who_o believe_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o my_o business_n at_o present_a be_v to_o give_v you_o a_o fair_a representation_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a advances_n god_n make_v to_o this_o last_o complete_n and_o stupendous_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n god_n have_v promise_v our_o first_o parent_n immediate_o upon_o the_o fall_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o promise_n all_o true_o good_a man_n be_v save_v by_o christ_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o seem_v very_o congruous_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o all_o other_o method_n shall_v be_v first_o try_v for_o the_o reform_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v in_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o world_n be_v best_o prepare_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o as_o little_a as_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o unsearchable_a counsel_n of_o god_n it_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v christ_n appear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o righteous_a family_n leave_v the_o only_a probable_a mean_n of_o restore_a piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o world_n be_v to_o destroy_v all_o that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o to_o preserve_v that_o righteous_a family_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n when_o that_o new_a generation_n begin_v to_o corrupt_v themselves_o god_n separate_v they_o from_o each_o other_o by_o confound_v their_o language_n and_o form_v they_o into_o distinct_a society_n and_o kingdom_n which_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o stop_v the_o infection_n and_o to_o force_v on_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o moral_a and_o civil_a virtue_n when_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o all_o decline_v to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n to_o be_v his_o peculiar_a people_n to_o preserve_v the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n he_o give_v they_o his_o law_n commit_v to_o
of_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o trust_v in_o he_o without_o hope_n or_o any_o comfortable_a expectation_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o more_o visible_a assurance_n to_o rely_v on_o this_o make_v most_o man_n hope_n ebb_v and_o flow_v as_o their_o external_a circumstance_n change_v if_o they_o be_v prosperous_a and_o have_v great_a number_n of_o friend_n and_o have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n than_o they_o be_v full_a of_o hope_n and_o can_v trust_v secure_o in_o god_n when_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n of_o help_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o hand_n and_o see_v no_o body_n that_o can_v hurt_v they_o but_o if_o their_o condition_n be_v perplex_v and_o calamitous_a and_o they_o see_v no_o prospect_n of_o human_a relief_n their_o spirit_n sink_v and_o as_o much_o as_o they_o talk_v of_o providence_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n they_o find_v no_o support_n in_o it_o to_o understand_v this_o aright_o wherein_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o peace_n and_o security_n be_v so_o near_o concern_v we_o must_v consider_v that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n must_v either_o rely_v on_o the_o word_n and_o promise_n of_o god_n or_o on_o the_o general_a belief_n and_o assurance_n of_o his_o care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n as_o to_o trust_v in_o man_n be_v either_o to_o trust_v their_o promise_n or_o their_o friendship_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o we_o may_v and_o ought_v secure_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o reach_v for_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o expound_v temporal_a promise_n to_o a_o large_a sense_n than_o god_n intend_v or_o than_o providence_n ordinary_o make_v good_a which_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n into_o question_n and_o discourage_v our_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n when_o we_o see_v event_n not_o to_o answer_v god_n 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even_o in_o the_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o case_n of_o particular_a man_n be_v very_o different_a some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v and_o therefore_o those_o promise_n which_o concern_v good_a man_n in_o their_o private_a and_o single_a capacity_n must_v be_v more_o cautious_o expound_v to_o a_o more_o restrain_v and_o limit_a sense_n accommodate_v to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o their_o different_a attainment_n in_o virtue_n as_o for_o example_n when_o solomon_n tell_v we_o of_o wisdom_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a riches_n and_o honour_n 3._o prov._n 16._o will_v any_o man_n expound_v this_o to_o signify_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o prudent_a shall_v live_v till_o old_a age_n and_o attain_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n do_v god_n then_o intend_v that_o there_o shall_v 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head_n a_o ornament_n of_o grace_n a_o crown_n of_o glory_n shall_v she_o deliver_v to_o thou_o 4._o prov._n 4_o 9_o this_o be_v the_o best_a advice_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o young_a prince_n to_o make_v he_o rich_a and_o great_a for_o religious_a wisdom_n will_v certain_o advance_v he_o beyond_o all_o the_o politic_n of_o machiavelli_n and_o if_o solomon_n in_o imitation_n of_o his_o father_n david_n direct_v his_o instruction_n to_o his_o child_n and_o particular_o to_o that_o son_n who_o be_v to_o inherit_v his_o throne_n as_o he_o himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n we_o must_v not_o conclude_v that_o because_o he_o tell_v his_o son_n that_o wisdom_n will_v make_v he_o a_o glorious_a prince_n that_o therefore_o wisdom_n will_v advance_v all_o man_n to_o riches_n and_o honour_n wisdom_n will_v give_v a_o lustre_n even_o to_o poverty_n itself_o and_o sometime_o advance_v the_o poor_a to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o increase_v the_o riches_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o we_o must_v not_o always_o expect_v this_o much_o less_o pretend_v a_o promise_n for_o it_o for_o there_o always_o be_v and_o always_o will_v be_v poor_a wise_a man_n thus_o when_o the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o diligent_a make_v rich_a 10._o prov._n 4._o and_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o his_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o king_n he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a man_n 22._o prov._n 29._o no_o man_n can_v think_v that_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o every_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a for_o there_o be_v such_o mean_a employment_n as_o can_v never_o raise_v a_o estate_n by_o the_o great_a industry_n much_o less_o can_v we_o think_v that_o diligence_n in_o such_o mean_a employment_n shall_v make_v man_n know_v to_o prince_n or_o that_o all_o diligent_a man_n whatever_o their_o