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not_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o god_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o man_n even_o in_o their_o sinful_a action_n nor_o any_o more_o entitle_v god_n to_o their_o sin_n than_o his_o make_a creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n for_o to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n and_o to_o actuate_v their_o natural_a power_n be_v no_o more_o a_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o to_o make_v such_o nature_n and_o such_o natural_a power_n to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v without_o need_v such_o a_o perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o act_v will_v this_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n because_o they_o act_n even_o when_o they_o sin_n by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o in_o their_o first_o creation_n if_o this_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n than_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o sin_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o its_o natural_a power_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o any_o think_a man_n to_o say_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o how_o do_v god_n perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n with_o creature_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v and_o to_o exert_v their_o natural_a power_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o this_o natural_a power_n be_v give_v once_o for_o all_o as_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o creature_n or_o be_v supply_v every_o minute_n for_o both_o way_n the_o power_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o derive_v from_o god_n and_o if_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v charge_n god_n with_o
man_n sin_n the_o charge_n lie_v equal_o against_o a_o create_a and_o cooperate_a power_n if_o it_o do_v not_o god_n be_v no_o more_o chargeable_a with_o sin_n for_o cooperate_a with_o man_n natural_a power_n in_o every_o action_n than_o he_o will_v be_v for_o create_v such_o natural_a power_n as_o can_v act_v of_o themselves_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v without_o deny_v they_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o while_o he_o co-operate_v with_o creature_n only_o to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n this_o be_v no_o fault_n in_o this_o government_n nor_o contribute_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o sin_n of_o creature_n than_o preserve_v their_o nature_n which_o as_o much_o become_v god_n as_o it_o do_v to_o make_v they_o thus_o some_o think_v it_o a_o great_a blemish_n to_o providence_n that_o adulterous_a mixture_n prove_v fruitful_a when_o increase_n and_o multiply_v be_v a_o establish_a decree_n from_o the_o first_o creation_n and_o the_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n must_v not_o be_v reverse_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n they_o may_v as_o well_o object_n against_o providence_n that_o a_o man_n who_o steal_v his_o neighbour_n grain_n and_o sow_v it_o in_o his_o own_o land_n shall_v have_v a_o plentiful_a crop_n the_o next_o year_n from_o his_o steal_a seed_n and_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v concern_v the_o origination_n of_o the_o soul_n whether_o it_o be_v propagate_v ex_fw-la traduce_v or_o do_v praeexi_v or_o be_v immediate_o create_v by_o god_n and_o infuse_v into_o prepare_a matter_n it_o make_v no_o difference_n in_o the_o case_n for_o when_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v and_o the_o blessing_n pronounce_v and_o establish_v by_o the_o divine_a decree_n it_o do_v not_o unbecome_v god_n to_o preserve_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o want_v not_o wise_a reason_n in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o restrain_v some_o man_n lust_n and_o to_o shame_n and_o punish_v other_o nay_o i_o believe_v whoever_o consider_v this_o matter_n well_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o answer_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o all_o viz._n the_o eternal_a punishment_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o objection_n be_v not_o against_o god_n punish_v wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n for_o no_o body_n pretend_v that_o this_o be_v unjust_a for_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a whether_o in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o the_o next_o nor_o be_v the_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o punishment_n for_o indeed_o we_o do_v not_o distinct_o know_v what_o they_o be_v no_o more_o than_o we_o know_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v those_o description_n our_o saviour_n give_v of_o they_o of_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstome_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v very_o great_a because_o these_o description_n be_v intend_v to_o present_v to_o we_o very_o frightful_a and_o terrible_a image_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o damn_a but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o complaint_n neither_o for_o it_o be_v confess_v that_o wicked_a man_n deserve_v to_o be_v very_o miserable_a but_o the_o objection_n be_v against_o that_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n how_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a with_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v temporal_a sin_n with_o eternal_a misery_n that_o when_o man_n can_v sin_v but_o for_o a_o very_a few_o year_n they_o must_v suffer_v for_o it_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o difficulty_n of_o this_o seem_v in_o part_n to_o be_v owe_v to_o a_o mistate_v the_o case_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n indeed_o between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v that_o every_o momentary_a sin_n shall_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n deserve_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v that_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n may_v by_o some_o short_a and_o momentary_a sin_n sink_v himself_o into_o a_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o misery_n and_o then_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v to_o be_v and_o if_o he_o can_v never_o die_v he_o must_v be_v always_o miserable_a and_o may_v be_v so_o without_o any_o injustice_n in_o god_n we_o do_v not_o here_o consider_v the_o proportion_n between_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o the_o punishment_n between_o a_o short_a transient_a act_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o sin_n but_o the_o sinner_n that_o be_v punish_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o ask_v how_o long_a punishment_n a_o short_a sin_n deserve_v but_o how_o long_o the_o sinner_n deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v easy_a as_o long_o as_o he_o be_v a_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o immortal_a sinner_n who_o can_v never_o die_v and_o will_v never_o cease_v to_o be_v wicked_a which_o be_v the_o hopeless_a and_o irrecoverable_a state_n of_o devil_n and_o damn_a spirit_n must_v always_o be_v miserable_a and_o it_o be_v just_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o punish_v sinner_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n for_o as_o to_o the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o do_v not_o annihilate_v immortal_a spirit_n when_o they_o be_v become_v incurable_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a the_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v only_o concern_v to_o punish_v sinner_n that_o their_o punishent_n be_v eternal_a be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o their_o immortality_n and_o this_o can_v be_v charge_v on_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o make_v immortal_a creature_n and_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v immortal_a creature_n in_o be_v or_o to_o punish_v sinner_n while_o they_o deserve_v punishment_n that_o be_v while_o they_o be_v sinner_n it_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o this_o matter_n to_o remove_v the_o scene_n into_o this_o world_n we_o see_v the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n in_o this_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o time_n of_o commit_v it_o but_o to_o the_o last_a effect_n of_o the_o sin_n one_o short_a single_a act_n of_o lust_n may_v not_o only_o leave_v a_o last_a reproach_n on_o man_n name_n but_o destroy_v the_o health_n and_o ease_n of_o their_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o life_n for_o their_o ever_o in_o this_o world_n and_o have_v man_n continue_v immortal_a after_o the_o fall_n these_o miserable_a effect_n must_v have_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o then_o there_o have_v be_v a_o visible_a eternal_a punishment_n for_o a_o very_a short_a transient_a sin_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n will_v have_v blame_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o a_o sin_n which_o be_v quick_o commit_v may_v be_v eternal_o punish_v and_o that_o very_o just_o too_o when_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v incurable_a and_o the_o person_n immortal_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o a_o great_a many_o other_o case_n in_o this_o world_n where_o the_o effect_n of_o sin_n last_o as_o long_o as_o the_o man_n last_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o of_o the_o misery_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a as_o we_o certain_o know_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n it_o be_v that_o their_o punishment_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o their_o sin_n there_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o eternity_n of_o their_o punishment_n but_o that_o god_n do_v not_o annihilate_v they_o and_o how_o hard_o soever_o any_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v that_o a_o sinner_n shall_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a i_o believe_v no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n ought_v in_o justice_n to_o annihilate_v creature_n who_o he_o have_v make_v immortal_a when_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o must_v be_v eternal_o miserable_a if_o they_o live_v for_o ever_o to_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v creature_n in_o be_v be_v in_o itself_o consider_v what_o become_v the_o wise_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o annihilate_v sinner_n to_o prevent_v their_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o what_o will_v much_o more_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v to_o have_v withdraw_v his_o natural_a concourse_n from_o his_o creature_n or_o to_o have_v annihilate_v they_o to_o prevent_v their_o sin_v or_o which_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o all_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o the_o only_a fault_n if_o there_o be_v one_o that_o he_o ought_v
complain_v against_o providence_n too_o when_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o the_o wicked_a be_v prosperous_a but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o the_o service_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n both_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o if_o he_o can_v serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n or_o by_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o when_o he_o have_v no_o far_a use_n of_o their_o service_n reward_n or_o punish_v they_o according_a as_o they_o deserve_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n will_v justify_v the_o present_a suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v vindicate_v his_o justice_n 2_o but_o for_o a_o full_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o justice_n of_o government_n must_v be_v proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o government_n for_o all_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v not_o proper_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o reproach_n to_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n do_v not_o exercise_v such_o act_n of_o justice_n as_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n for_o justice_n be_v rectitude_n and_o what_o be_v not_o right_a and_o fit_a in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o just_a the_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n but_o this_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a justice_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n where_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o all_o wicked_a man_n punish_v for_o if_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v final_o reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n though_o every_o good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n if_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o such_o a_o strict_a and_o exact_a justice_n now_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n at_o present_a of_o what_o be_v common_o say_v upon_o this_o occasion_n and_o what_o i_o have_v former_o discourse_v more_o large_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o the_o place_n of_o judgement_n but_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n probation_n and_o discipline_n where_o good_a man_n many_o time_n suffer_v not_o so_o much_o in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n as_o to_o exercise_v their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o great_a reward_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperon_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o chastise_v the_o wickedness_n of_o other_o man_n or_o the_o more_o remarkable_a example_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n in_o their_o final_a ruin_n i_o say_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o thing_n now_o i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o justice_n of_o government_n which_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o final_a judgement_n now_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o destroy_v it_o but_o to_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o to_o continue_v a_o succession_n of_o man_n in_o it_o and_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o as_o good_a order_n as_o the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v that_o provident_a care_n which_o he_o take_v of_o all_o his_o creature_n while_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o preserve_v this_o present_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o destroy_v the_o world_n be_v not_o proper_o a_o act_n of_o providence_n but_o of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o the_o world_n do_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n require_v god_n to_o punish_v all_o bad_a man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n he_o must_v destroy_v far_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o every_o age._n this_o earth_n will_v soon_o be_v little_a better_o than_o a_o desolate_a wilderness_n if_o none_o but_o good_a man_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o justice_n god_n have_v renounce_v ever_o since_o the_o universal_a deluge_n he_o then_o indeed_o exercise_v such_o a_o terrible_a justice_n and_o vengeance_n as_o some_o man_n think_v can_v be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n he_o destroy_v the_o whole_a world_n by_o water_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n who_o he_o preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n but_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v never_o do_v so_o again_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a wickedness_n of_o mankind_n the_o lord_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n i_o will_v not_o again_o curse_v the_o ground_n any_o more_o for_o man_n sake_n for_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v evil_a from_o his_o youth_n neither_o will_v i_o again_o smite_v any_o more_o every_o live_a thing_n as_o i_o have_v do_v while_o the_o earth_n remain_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n and_o cold_a and_o heat_n and_o summer_n and_o winter_n and_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v 8._o gen._n 21_o 22._o so_o that_o god_n will_v no_o more_o destroy_v the_o world_n nor_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o wicked_a man_n can_v be_v punish_v according_a to_o their_o desert_n in_o this_o world_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n than_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o root_a all_o bad_a man_n out_o of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o make_v they_o all_o miserable_a in_o it_o or_o in_o reward_v all_o good_a man_n with_o temporal_a felicity_n which_o consider_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v do_v without_o constant_a miracle_n and_o the_o visible_a interposition_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n for_o when_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a number_n they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o govern_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o protect_v the_o good_a to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n and_o executioner_n of_o his_o just_a vengeance_n on_o one_o another_o and_o to_o make_v some_o of_o they_o in_o every_o age_n notorious_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o keep_v the_o world_n in_o awe_n and_o to_o awaken_v in_o they_o a_o due_a sense_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n and_o virtue_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v in_o this_o not_o that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o world_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o world_n be_v keep_v in_o tolerable_a order_n and_o be_v a_o tolerable_a place_n to_o live_v in_o and_o that_o bad_a man_n be_v as_o often_o punish_v and_o good_a man_n as_o often_o reward_v as_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v that_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v and_o what_o god_n see_v good_a for_o he_o if_o he_o will_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o how_o prosperous_a soever_o bad_a man_n be_v there_o be_v few_o of_o they_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n without_o some_o mark_n and_o token_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n though_o not_o always_o so_o remarkable_a as_o to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o world_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o god_n be_v very_o just_a in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o require_v the_o same_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o the_o final_a judgement_n of_o mankind_n do_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o a_o sovereign_n and_o absolute_a lord_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o final_a judgement_n that_o be_v between_o god_n govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n we_o shall_v easy_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o full_a and_o true_a account_n of_o the_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n imprimatur_fw-la maii_n 9_o 1693._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n mdcxciv_o to_o the_o queen_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n may_v it_o please_v your_o majesty_n to_o accept_v this_o treatise_n which_o do_v the_o composition_n answer_v the_o subject_a will_v recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o royal_a throne_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a government_n without_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_a or_o partiality_n to_o the_o great_a that_o experience_n your_o majesty_n have_v have_v of_o a_o kind_a and_o watchful_a providence_n and_o that_o constant_a dependence_n the_o most_o potent_a monarch_n have_v on_o the_o divine_a protection_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v may_v excuse_v this_o dedication_n as_o neither_o improper_a nor_o unseasonable_a and_o may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o have_v advance_v your_o majesty_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o so_o signal_o preserve_v the_o king_n from_o the_o great_a danger_n still_o preserve_v your_o sacred_a person_n establish_v your_o throne_n and_o deliver_v you_o from_o all_o your_o enemy_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a and_o daily_a prayer_n of_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o servant_n william_n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n 1._o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n 3_o the_o world_n can_v be_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o make_v by_o chance_n ibid._n a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n which_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n must_v govern_v the_o word_n 5_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n 7_o no_o philosopher_n except_o the_o epicurean_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n deny_v a_o providence_n 8_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n 9_o the_o strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n 11_o chap._n 2._o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_a providence_n 16_o the_o nature_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n ibid._n the_o first_o act_n of_o preservation_n in_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 17_o the_o second_o act_n of_o preservation_n god_n co-operation_n and_o concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n 21_o some_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n answer_v as_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n 25_o concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n 28_o some_o practical_a inference_n 31_o chap._n 3._o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n 33_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n 34_o god_n government_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v ib._n god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n 39_o god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n 47_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o as_o instrument_n of_o providence_n 48_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n page_n 51_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n 54_o god_n government_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n more_o particular_o consider_v 57_o god_n government_n of_o event_n 59_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o event_n in_o this_o question_n 60_o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 61_o concern_v god_n permission_n ibid_fw-la the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 66_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n 68_o chap._n 4._o concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n 73_o concern_v god_n absolute_a power_n 75_o that_o true_a absolute_a power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n explain_v at_o large_a ib._n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n 85_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n 88_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n 91_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o word_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n 97_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n 110_o in_o what_o case_n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 123_o chap._n 5._o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n 137_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n 138_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustie_a 139_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n require_v 141_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v page_n 147_o the_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n 150_o chap._n 6._o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 161_o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n require_v ib._n what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o 168_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n 175_o the_o divine_a prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n 178_o god_n decree_v no_o man_n sin_n 181_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 183_o concern_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n ib._n some_o other_o text_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n 200_o chap._n 7._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 214_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n 216_o the_o difference_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n 220_o that_o god_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v admit_v 221_o another_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o what_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 226_o another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 233_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n answer_v 1._o from_o the_o many_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 238_o a_o second_o objection_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n 265_o chap._n 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 269_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consider_v in_o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n 270_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o noah_n flood_n page_n 271_o concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n 285_o god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 289_o concern_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n 299_o the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n 300_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n in_o egypt_n 302_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n 309_o all_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 311_o the_o frequent_a relapse_n of_o israel_n into_o idolatry_n 313_o concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n 319_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n 326_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 328_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n 331_o that_o god_n reward_n or_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n 332_o god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n 339_o god_n disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n 340_o god_n defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n 341_o concern_v sudden_a change_n and_o revolution_n 343_o the_o wise_a mixture_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n 344_o chap._n 9_o the_o duty_n
we_o owe_v to_o providence_n 345_o a_o particular_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o event_n ibid._n submission_n to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n 347_o concern_v submission_n to_o god_n under_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n 348_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o life_n 354_o concern_v hope_n and_o trust_v in_o the_o divine_a providence_n 366_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n 378_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n the_o introduction_n my_o chief_a design_n in_o this_o follow_a treatise_n be_v so_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o reconcile_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o religious_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o providence_n be_v the_o principal_a objection_n against_o it_o which_o tempt_v some_o man_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o so_o weaken_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o other_o that_o they_o be_v very_o little_a the_o better_a for_o believe_v it_o that_o a_o divine_a providence_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n i_o have_v prove_v large_o enough_o for_o my_o present_a design_n in_o the_o discourse_n concern_v a_o future_a judgement_n 3._o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o but_o that_o this_o work_n may_v not_o seem_v to_o want_v a_o foundation_n i_o have_v not_o whole_o omit_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o have_v at_o least_o say_v enough_o to_o convince_v those_o of_o a_o providence_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o a_o discourse_n of_o providence_n the_o whole_a be_v divide_v into_o nine_o chapter_n i._o the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n ii_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_v providence_n iii_o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n iv._o the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n v._o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n vi_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n ix_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n the_o explication_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o only_o answer_v many_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n but_o will_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a duty_n of_o religion_n chap._n i._n the_o necessary_a connection_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n instead_o of_o other_o argument_n to_o prove_v a_o providence_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a insist_v only_o on_o this_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n that_o if_o we_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n do_v govern_v it_o too_o 1._o for_o first_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o chance_n as_o to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n for_o chance_n can_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o it_o can_v make_v the_o world_n one_o principal_a act_n of_o providence_n be_v to_o uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n power_n operation_n to_o make_v this_o low_a world_n again_o every_o year_n by_o new_a production_n for_o nature_n seem_v to_o decay_v and_o die_v and_o revive_v again_o in_o almost_o as_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n and_o as_o unintelligible_a to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v first_o make_v now_o though_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n which_o act_n by_o no_o rule_n nor_o with_o any_o counsel_n or_o design_n can_v make_v a_o world_n which_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o admirable_a wisdom_n in_o its_o contrivance_n yet_o it_o seem_v more_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o chance_n can_v preserve_v that_o it_o can_v uphold_v the_o thing_n it_o have_v make_v that_o it_o can_v repair_v the_o decay_n of_o nature_n nay_o restore_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v lose_v that_o it_o can_v not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n twice_o but_o repeat_v it_o infinite_o in_o new_a production_n that_o chance_n can_v give_v law_n to_o nature_n 1._o and_o impose_v a_o necessity_n on_o it_o to_o act_v regular_o and_o uniform_o that_o be_v that_o chance_n shall_v put_v a_o end_n to_o chance_n and_o introduce_v necessity_n and_o fate_n be_v there_o not_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a providence_n it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o likely_a that_o chance_n shall_v unmake_v and_o dissolve_v the_o world_n than_o that_o it_o shall_v at_o first_o make_v it_o for_o a_o world_n that_o come_v together_o by_o chance_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v it_o together_o but_o the_o chance_n that_o make_v it_o which_o be_v as_o uncertain_a and_o mutable_a as_o chance_n be_v will_v quick_o unmake_v itself_o shall_v the_o sun_n but_o change_v his_o place_n come_v near_o this_o earth_n or_o remove_v far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o low_a world_n and_o if_o it_o be_v place_v there_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v wonderful_a that_o in_o so_o many_o age_n some_o new_a unlucky_a chance_n have_v not_o remove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o psalmist_n attribute_n not_o only_o the_o creation_n but_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o god_n praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n of_o light_n praise_v he_o all_o you_o heaven_n and_o you_o water_n that_o be_v above_o the_o heaven_n let_v they_o praise_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o speak_v the_o word_n and_o they_o be_v make_v he_o command_v and_o they_o be_v create_v he_o have_v make_v they_o fast_o for_o ever_o he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o law_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v break_v 148._o psal._n 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o 2_o the_o same_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o make_v the_o world_n must_v govern_v it_o too_o it_o be_v only_o a_o create_a power_n that_o can_v preserve_v that_o which_o owe_v its_o very_a be_v to_o power_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o make_v it_o for_o it_o can_v have_v no_o principle_n of_o self-subsistence_n independent_a on_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v only_o create_v wisdom_n that_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o see_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n that_o can_v correct_v the_o error_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v suspend_v or_o direct_v the_o influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o can_v govern_v heart_n change_v man_n purpose_n inspire_v wisdom_n and_o counsel_n restrain_v or_o let_v loose_v their_o passion_n it_o be_v only_o a_o infinite_a mind_n that_o can_v take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o world_n that_o can_v allot_v every_o creature_n its_o portion_n that_o can_v adjust_a the_o interest_n of_o state_n and_o kingdom_n that_o can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n in_o a_o word_n the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v such_o wisdom_n and_o such_o power_n as_o no_o be_v have_v but_o he_o who_o make_v it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v it_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o the_o maker_n of_o it_o 3_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o be_v as_o we_o call_v god_n a_o pure_a infinite_a eternal_a mind_n it_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o he_o must_v govern_v the_o world_n those_o who_o deny_v a_o providence_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o god_n see_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o the_o epicurean_o though_o in_o civility_n and_o compliment_n to_o the_o superstition_n of_o mankind_n rather_o than_o from_o a_o real_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n they_o do_v own_o a_o god_n nay_o a_o great_a many_o god_n fruatur_fw-la such_o as_o they_o be_v yet_o never_o allow_v their_o god_n to_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o affair_n longè_fw-la which_o will_v have_v disturb_v their_o profound_a ease_n and_o rest_v the_o sole_a happiness_n of_o the_o lazy_a unactive_a epicurean_a deity_n and_o this_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o their_o god_n who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o and_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n this_o be_v represent_v in_o scripture_n that_o wicked_a man_n will_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n see_v or_o hear_v or_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o what_o they_o do_v 64._o psalm_n 5._o they_o encourage_v themselves_o in_o a_o evil_a matter_n they_o commune_v of_o lay_v snare_n secret_o they_o say_v who_o shall_v see_v they_o 10._o psalm_n 11._o he_o have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n god_n have_v forget_v he_o hide_v his_o face_n he_o will_v never_o see_v it_o
and_o to_o arbitrate_v the_o difference_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o man_n and_o kingdom_n and_o if_o god_n govern_v man_n by_o nature_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n too_o for_o necessary_a cause_n can_v be_v fit_v to_o the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n without_o the_o direction_n and_o management_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o guide_v exert_n or_o suspend_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n with_o as_o great_a freedom_n as_o man_n act_n man_n do_v not_o always_o deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o and_o if_o the_o kind_n or_o malign_a influence_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v temper_v to_o man_n desert_n to_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v ill_a and_o to_o reward_v they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o natural_a cause_n which_o of_o themselves_o act_v necessary_o without_o wisdom_n or_o counsel_n must_v be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n thus_o reason_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o god_n challenge_v to_o himself_o this_o absolute_a and_o sovereign_a empire_n over_o nature_n god_n have_v bestow_v different_a virtue_n and_o power_n on_o natural_a cause_n and_o in_o ordinary_a case_n make_v use_v of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o neither_o act_n without_o they_o nor_o against_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o make_v some_o unthinking_a man_n resolve_v all_o into_o nature_n without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o providence_n because_o except_v the_o case_n of_o miracle_n which_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v they_o see_v every_o thing_n else_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o god_n have_v make_v a_o world_n and_o make_v nature_n to_o no_o purpose_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n without_o make_v use_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o ordinary_a government_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o signify_v to_o act_v without_o it_o or_o to_o over-rule_v its_o power_n but_o to_o steer_v and_o guide_v its_o motion_n to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n for_o as_o god_n do_v not_o usual_o act_v without_o nature_n nor_o against_o its_o law_n so_o neither_o do_v nature_n act_n by_o steady_a and_o uniform_a motion_n without_o the_o direction_n of_o god_n but_o while_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o material_a world_n act_v necessary_o and_o exert_v its_o natural_a power_n god_n can_v temper_v suspend_v direct_v its_o influence_n without_o reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n fire_n and_o water_n wind_n and_o rain_n thunder_n and_o lightning_n have_v their_o natutral_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o natural_a cause_n and_o god_n produce_v such_o effect_n as_o they_o be_v make_v to_o produce_v by_o their_o natural_a power_n he_o warm_v we_o with_o fire_n invigorate_v the_o earth_n by_o the_o benign_a influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o other_o star_n and_o planet_n refresh_v and_o moisten_v it_o with_o spring_n and_o fountain_n and_o rain_n from_o heaven_n fan_n the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o purge_v it_o with_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n and_o the_o like_a but_o then_o when_o and_o where_o the_o rain_n shall_v fall_v and_o the_o wind_n shall_v blow_v in_o what_o measure_n and_o proportion_n time_n and_o season_n natural_a cause_n shall_v give_v or_o withhold_v their_o influence_n this_o god_n keep_v in_o his_o own_o power_n and_o can_v govern_v without_o alter_v the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v his_o government_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o order_n to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v thus_o god_n reason_n with_o job_n concern_v his_o power_n and_o providence_n 38._o job_n 31_o 32_o etc._n etc._n can_v thou_o bind_v the_o sweet_a influence_n of_o the_o pleyade_n or_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o orion_n can_v thou_o bring_v forth_o mazzaroth_n in_o his_o season_n or_o can_v thou_o guide_v arcturus_n with_o his_o son_n know_v thou_o the_o ordinance_n of_o heaven_n or_o can_v thou_o set_v the_o dominion_n thereof_o in_o the_o earth_n can_v thou_o lift_v up_o thy_o voice_n to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v thou_o can_v thou_o send_v lightning_n that_o they_o may_v go_v and_o say_v unto_o thou_o here_o we_o be_v this_o be_v above_o human_a power_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n fire_n and_o hail_n snow_n and_o vapour_n and_o stormy_a wind_n fulfil_v his_o word_n 148._o psal._n 8._o sometime_o god_n restrain_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n shut_v up_o heaven_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o rain_v 2_o chr._n 7._o 13._o at_o other_o time_n he_o call_v to_o the_o cloud_n that_o abundance_n of_o water_n may_v cover_v the_o earth_n he_o give_v the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n and_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o appoint_a week_n of_o harvest_n 5._o jer._n 24_o as_o he_o promise_v to_o israel_n 11_o deut_n 14_o 15._o i_o will_v give_v you_o the_o rain_n of_o your_o land_n in_o his_o due_a season_n the_o first_o rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n that_o thou_o may_v gather_v in_o thy_o corn_n and_o thy_o wine_n and_o thy_o oil_n and_o i_o will_v send_v grass_n in_o thy_o field_n for_o thy_o cattle_n that_o thou_o may_v eat_v and_o be_v full_a he_o prescribe_v in_o what_o proportion_n it_o shall_v rain_v 2._o joel_n 23_o 24._o be_v glad_a you_o child_n of_o zion_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n for_o he_o have_v give_v you_o the_o former_a rain_n moderate_o and_o he_o will_v cause_v to_o come_v down_o for_o you_o the_o former_a rain_n and_o the_o latter_a rain_n in_o the_o first_o month_n nay_o god_n appoint_v on_o what_o place_n it_o shall_v rain_v 34._o ezek._n 26._o and_o i_o will_v make_v thou_o and_o the_o place_n round_o about_o my_o hill_n a_o blessing_n and_o i_o will_v cause_v the_o shower_n to_o come_v down_o in_o his_o season_n there_o shall_v be_v shower_n of_o blessing_n 4._o amos_n 7_o 8._o and_o also_o i_o have_v withhold_v the_o rain_n from_o you_o when_o there_o be_v yet_o three_o month_n to_o the_o harvest_n and_o i_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o cause_v it_o not_o to_o rain_v upon_o another_o city_n one_o piece_n be_v rain_v upon_o and_o the_o piece_n whereupon_o it_o rain_v not_o wither_a so_o two_o or_o three_o city_n wander_v to_o one_o city_n to_o drink_v water_n but_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o such_o text_n as_o these_o without_o confess_v that_o god_n keep_v the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n for_o particular_a effect_n and_o all_o the_o change_n of_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n unless_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n determine_v natural_a cause_n to_o the_o produce_v such_o particular_a effect_n great_a part_n of_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a influence_n of_o natural_a cause_n that_o if_o god_n take_v care_n of_o mankind_n he_o must_v govern_v nature_n and_o when_o he_o promise_v health_n and_o plenty_n or_o threaten_v pestilence_n and_o famine_n how_o can_v he_o make_v good_a either_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a power_n over_o nature_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o all_o natural_a cause_n be_v under_o the_o immediate_a and_o absolute_a government_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n keep_v the_o spring_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o turn_v they_o as_o he_o please_v for_o mere_a matter_n though_o it_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n which_o necessary_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o its_o own_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n without_o be_v guide_v by_o a_o wise_a hand_n and_o we_o see_v in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n what_o a_o empire_n human_a art_n have_v over_o nature_n not_o by_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o human_a art_n can_v never_o do_v but_o by_o such_o a_o skilful_a application_n of_o cause_n as_o will_v produce_v such_o effect_n as_o unguided_a and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v untaught_a nature_n can_v never_o have_v produce_v and_o if_o god_n have_v subject_v material_a nature_n to_o human_a art_n sure_o he_o have_v not_o exempt_v it_o from_o his_o own_o guidance_n and_o power_n this_o show_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v that_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a providence_n shall_v govern_v nature_n for_o natural_a cause_n be_v excellent_a instrument_n but_o to_o make_v they_o useful_a they_o must_v be_v direct_v by_o a_o skilful_a hand_n and_o those_o various_a change_n which_o be_v in_o nature_n especial_o in_o this_o sublunary_a world_n which_o we_o be_v
perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n to_o do_v it_o be_v think_v a_o reproach_n for_o a_o great_a and_o powerful_a man_n to_o oppress_v much_o less_o than_o will_v the_o all-powerful_a god_n do_v so_o 4._o for_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o power_n to_o do_v good_a not_o to_o do_v hurt_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a glory_n of_o power_n it_o be_v its_o natural_a perfection_n too_o and_o the_o most_o natural_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o which_o perfect_a power_n will_v do_v it_o be_v nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a but_o never_o to_o do_v hurt_v that_o if_o to_o punish_v be_v not_o to_o do_v good_a perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n can_v not_o punish_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v thing_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a power_n to_o do_v good_a than_o to_o do_v hurt_v to_o save_v than_o to_o destroy_v to_o make_v so_o excellent_a a_o creature_n as_o man_n be_v and_o to_o maintain_v and_o preserve_v he_o in_o be_v than_o to_o kill_v he_o in_o most_o case_n it_o require_v very_o little_a power_n to_o do_v hurt_v every_o man_n how_o weak_a and_o inconsiderable_a soever_o he_o be_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o power_n to_o do_v hurt_v but_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o can_v do_v much_o good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o great_a power_n and_o therefore_o to_o do_v good_a must_v be_v essential_a to_o the_o great_a power_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o most_o glorious_a power_n because_o good_a be_v in_o itself_o a_o beautiful_a lovely_a and_o glorious_a thing_n but_o evil_a be_v very_o inglorious_a all_o creature_n love_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o feel_v it_o they_o rejoice_v in_o it_o they_o adore_v and_o praise_v their_o maker_n and_o great_a benefactor_n they_o live_v in_o he_o they_o depend_v on_o he_o they_o fly_v to_o he_o to_o supply_v their_o want_n they_o take_v refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n in_o his_o power_n and_o think_v themselves_o safe_a under_o his_o wing_n and_o can_v there_o possible_o be_v a_o more_o lovely_a idea_n and_o representation_n of_o power_n than_o this_o a_o power_n which_o make_v a_o world_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o which_o contrive_v their_o nature_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o art_n and_o wisdom_n and_o with_o very_o different_a capacity_n of_o happiness_n according_a to_o the_o different_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o provide_v for_o they_o all_o with_o a_o bounteous_a hand_n this_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a power_n indeed_o which_o give_v be_v and_o preserve_v it_o and_o provide_v daily_o for_o such_o infinite_a number_n and_o variety_n of_o creature_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o lovely_a and_o charm_a idea_n of_o a_o god_n but_o a_o arbitrary_a lawless_a power_n which_o tyranize_v over_o creature_n which_o can_v do_v what_o mischief_n it_o please_v and_o delight_n to_o do_v it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a thing_n indeed_o but_o not_o glorious_a it_o be_v what_o all_o creature_n must_v fear_v and_o hate_v and_o fly_v from_o not_o praise_n and_o adore_v so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o most_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a power_n to_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o we_o acknowledge_v power_n to_o be_v glorious_a than_o the_o most_o absolute_a power_n must_v be_v the_o most_o kind_a and_o beneficent_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o power_n to_o do_v good_a thus_o we_o see_v in_o what_o sense_n absolute_a will_v and_o power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n because_o the_o will_n and_o power_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a absolute_a will_n and_o power_n be_v absolute_a rectitude_n and_o justice_n and_o absolute_a goodness_n too_o absolute_a power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n because_o it_o can_v never_o will_v nor_o choose_v to_o do_v any_o wrong_n not_o because_o power_n can_v make_v that_o just_a and_o right_a which_o without_o such_o absolute_a power_n will_v have_v be_v wrong_a for_o no_o power_n can_v make_v right_a to_o be_v wrong_n nor_o wrong_v to_o be_v right_a good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n not_o make_v so_o by_o power_n but_o in_o their_o notion_n antecedent_n to_o power_n and_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v eternal_a justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o his_o will_n be_v the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n we_o can_v neither_o say_v that_o god_n will_v any_o thing_n because_o it_o be_v just_a and_o good_a or_o that_o it_o be_v just_a and_o good_a because_o god_n will_v it_o both_o which_o imply_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n which_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v the_o same_o but_o since_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n can_v admit_v one_o simple_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a mind_n but_o must_v apprehend_v every_o thing_n by_o distinct_a conception_n in_o god_n as_o we_o do_v in_o creature_n it_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v good_a and_o evil_a antecedent_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n because_o this_o assert_n the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o inflexible_a justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n that_o god_n never_o can_v will_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o never_o will_v any_o thing_n for_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v just_a and_o good_a whereas_o to_o make_v justice_n and_o goodness_n to_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o therefore_o any_o thing_n be_v just_a and_o good_a because_o god_n will_v it_o suppose_v that_o justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v no_o stable_a nature_n of_o its_o own_o but_o may_v at_o any_o time_n change_v its_o nature_n with_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v change_v as_o the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v no_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a rule_n or_o be_v not_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a justice_n and_o goodness_n itself_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n our_o word_n must_v be_v expound_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n except_v metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a expression_n as_o when_o they_o be_v use_v of_o man_n now_o we_o all_o know_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o expression_n when_o use_v of_o man_n such_o a_o man_n always_o will_n and_o choose_v what_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o he_o make_v every_o thing_n good_a and_o just_a by_o will_v it_o the_o first_o suppose_v a_o certain_a and_o invariable_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o second_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o just_a into_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a same_o case_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n power_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o execution_n of_o his_o will._n god_n absolute_a power_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o good_a but_o we_o must_v not_o therefore_o say_v that_o absolute_a power_n make_v every_o thing_n it_o do_v just_a and_o good_a as_o if_o power_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o justice_n and_o goodness_n but_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n curious_o to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o matter_n because_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o christian_n who_o attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o all_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o think_v to_o silence_v all_o objection_n and_o to_o justify_v all_o by_o the_o sovereign_a dominion_n and_o absolute_a power_n of_o god_n which_o can_v do_v no_o wrong_n but_o if_o it_o be_v a_o wrong_n to_o creature_n to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n i_o can_v but_o think_v the_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n to_o be_v very_o unjust_a and_o the_o execution_n of_o such_o decree_n to_o be_v do_v wrong_n how_o absolute_a soever_o the_o power_n be_v that_o do_v it_o and_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o end_n of_o all_o his_o action_n as_o certain_o it_o be_v when_o right_o understand_v shall_v attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n as_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n think_v very_o inglorious_a that_o when_o the_o true_a and_o great_a glory_n of_o
the_o will_n be_v move_v how_o it_o be_v determine_v or_o determine_v itself_o whether_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o its_o nature_n it_o always_o necessary_o choose_v what_o it_o choose_v or_o may_v have_v not_o choose_v or_o have_v choose_v any_o thing_n else_o now_o whatever_o other_o man_n may_v do_v i_o be_o sure_a i_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v concern_v i_o other_o make_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o necessity_n and_o fate_n who_o by_o eternal_a and_o irreversible_a decree_n as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o he_o as_o his_o own_o be_v have_v determine_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o no_o man_n can_v pretend_v to_o know_v this_o without_o a_o immediate_a vision_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o god_n his_o attribute_n and_o moral_a perfection_n give_v we_o no_o notice_n of_o such_o fatal_a decree_n his_o wisdom_n holiness_n justice_n goodness_n contain_v nothing_o of_o fate_n and_o necessity_n and_o those_o who_o can_v see_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n to_o be_v fate_n must_v be_v able_a to_o contemplate_v his_o pure_a essence_n and_o to_o know_v god_n after_o another_o manner_n than_o he_o ever_o yet_o manifest_v himself_o to_o creature_n or_o it_o may_v be_v than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o show_v himself_o to_o creature_n other_o conclude_v the_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o all_o event_n from_o god_n prescience_n for_o they_o say_v that_o god_n can_v foreknow_v thing_n only_o in_o his_o own_o decree_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n all_o thing_n be_v decree_v or_o however_o what_o god_n foreknow_v will_v come_v to_o pass_v will_v certain_o and_o necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o all_o event_n be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a if_o they_o be_v all_o foreknown_a by_o god_n but_o these_o be_v conclusion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o without_o pretend_v perfect_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o prescience_n or_o how_o god_n foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v for_o if_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o he_o have_v not_o decree_v and_o can_v foreknow_v what_o do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v necessary_o than_o the_o prescience_n of_o god_n do_v not_o infer_v a_o fatality_n of_o all_o event_n and_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v unless_o we_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o prescience_n and_o how_o god_n foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o then_o we_o may_v foreknow_v thing_n ourselves_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o god_n concourse_n with_o his_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n in_o all_o its_o election_n be_v determine_v by_o god_n without_o who_o concourse_n it_o can_v act_v nor_o determine_v itself_o these_o be_v all_o nice_a philosophical_a speculation_n which_o creature_n who_o be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n can_v know_v nothing_o of_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v argument_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n the_o sum_n be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o must_v confess_v ourselves_o so_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absure_v for_o we_o to_o demand_v a_o account_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v satisfy_v to_o leave_v god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o the_o same_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a wisdom_n which_o at_o first_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n three_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o this_o state_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v or_o desire_v a_o particular_a account_n or_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n the_o wiseman_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n 25._o prov._n 2._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unsearchable_a and_o therefore_o many_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o poet_n forbid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o sophronius_n give_v a_o wise_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v of_o mortal_a parent_n and_o therefore_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o a_o infinite_a immortal_a be_v must_v be_v above_o we_o which_o be_v much_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o zophar_n give_v vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a though_o man_n be_v bear_v like_o a_o wild_a ass_n colt_n 11._o job_n 12._o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n too_o great_a for_o our_o birth_n if_o our_o natural_a capacity_n bear_v proportion_n to_o it_o for_o god_n must_v be_v a_o very_a little_a be_v himself_o can_v he_o be_v comprehend_v by_o such_o mean_a creature_n but_o that_o which_o i_o at_o present_a intend_v be_v only_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v that_o the_o divine_a counse_n that_o the_o event_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n shall_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o i_o hope_v that_o be_v a_o satisfactory_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v conceal_v they_o if_o he_o can_v so_o wise_o govern_v the_o world_n without_o it_o i_o will_v desire_v those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n and_o to_o take_v it_o so_o very_a ill_n that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v it_o present_o understand_v to_o sit_v down_o and_o agree_v among_o themselves_o how_o they_o will_v have_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n what_o it_o be_v that_o they_o will_v be_v please_v with_o but_o let_v they_o consider_v well_o of_o it_o beforehand_o that_o upon_o second_o thought_n they_o do_v it_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o their_o own_o way_n and_o method_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n than_o they_o now_o have_v to_o quarrel_v with_o providence_n or_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v not_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o they_o than_o they_o have_v now_o to_o quarrel_n with_o god_n as_o to_o give_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o of_o this_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n some_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o much_o discontent_v at_o the_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o event_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a flux_n and_o motion_n that_o no_o man_n know_v what_o a_o day_n or_o a_o hour_n will_v bring_v forth_o the_o instability_n of_o fortune_n which_o give_v and_o take_v away_o and_o every_o day_n show_v a_o new_a face_n and_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n have_v be_v a_o old_a complaint_n well_o then_o will_v they_o have_v this_o rectify_v will_v they_o have_v all_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n as_o constant_a and_o regular_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o the_o return_v of_o day_n and_o night_n of_o winter_n and_o summer_n and_o when_o they_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v thus_o even_o and_o regular_o will_v they_o then_o promise_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n i_o mighty_o suspect_v that_o they_o will_v be_v far_o from_o believe_v a_o providence_n then_o than_o they_o be_v now_o we_o see_v that_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n which_o so_o seldom_o vary_v that_o it_o be_v think_v portentous_a and_o ominous_a if_o they_o do_v can_v convince_v they_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n and_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o all_o their_o virtue_n and_o power_n move_v and_o act_v uniform_o by_o constant_a and_o unerring_a law_n and_o if_o the_o regular_a uniformity_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o think_v by_o these_o man_n a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o a_o providence_n i_o doubt_v a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a round_n of_o all_o event_n will_v be_v think_v much_o less_o so_o those_o who_o now_o resolve_v all_o the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o revolution_n that_o happen_v into_o necessity_n and_o fate_n will_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o do_v providence_n always_o show_v the_o same_o face_n and_o appearance_n as_o the_o heaven_n do_v but_o can_v they_o tell_v what_o kind_n of_o uniformity_n and_o stability_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v will_v please_v they_o will_v they_o have_v all_o man_n fortune_n equal_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o distinction_n between_o rich_a and_o poor_a high_a and_o low_a prince_n and_o subject_n the_o honourable_a and_o the_o vile_a i_o believe_v few_o of_o they_o will_v like_v such_o a_o level_a providence_n which_o as_o the_o state_n of_o
providence_n for_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o legal_a property_n against_o god_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o creature_n but_o to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o defend_v every_o man_n in_o his_o legal_a right_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n but_o in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o deserve_v or_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o that_o dispute_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o creaturas_fw-la what_o right_o god_n have_v in_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a unlimited_a uncontrollable_a right_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n they_o and_o all_o they_o have_v be_v his_o and_o at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n though_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v without_o any_o injustice_n make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o though_o creature_n have_v no_o natural_a right_n against_o god_n yet_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v they_o a_o moral_a right_n to_o such_o usage_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o those_o who_o deserve_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v ill_o use_v but_o these_o moral_a right_n concern_v distributive_a justice_n and_o result_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o government_n not_o from_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v absolute_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o our_o security_n be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 3_o from_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o distributive_a justice_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o bare_o consider_v what_o man_n have_v or_o what_o they_o lose_v or_o what_o they_o suffer_v nor_o what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o moral_a desert_n or_o whether_o they_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a end_n of_o god_n government_n if_o man_n be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o have_v neither_o deserve_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o or_o which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n allot_v all_o man_n their_o several_a portion_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v man_n condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o they_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a happy_a or_o miserable_a advance_v or_o ruin_v by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o violence_n if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o deserve_v what_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o what_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o providence_n which_o direct_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n with_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n daily_o commit_v in_o it_o unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o these_o miserable_a people_n ought_v not_o for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n to_o suffer_v such_o misery_n or_o that_o any_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o what_o god_n may_v wise_o and_o just_o inflict_v on_o he_o this_o abundant_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n 4thly_a but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o confound_a of_o which_o have_v occasion_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o justice_n vary_v as_o they_o do_v even_o among_o man_n according_a as_o their_o right_n and_o authority_n differ_v justice_n signify_v to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o to_o take_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v our_o own_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o as_o our_o authority_n will_v justify_v so_o that_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o exercise_v by_o different_a person_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n relation_n authority_n and_o power_n differ_v for_o when_o two_o man_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v do_v very_o just_o by_o one_o and_o very_o unjust_o by_o the_o other_o because_o one_o may_v have_v a_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o other_o have_v none_o as_o a_o prince_n or_o judge_n may_v very_o just_o execute_v a_o criminal_a and_o confiscate_v his_o estate_n which_o a_o private_a man_n can_v just_o do_v now_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o private_a man_n and_o a_o magistrate_n between_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o subject_a make_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o particular_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o they_o respect_v such_o different_a state_n that_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n must_v make_v a_o much_o great_a difference_n that_o though_o the_o general_n notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o same_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v just_o do_v as_o a_o prince_n may_v exercise_v some_o act_n of_o justice_n which_o a_o private_a man_n must_v not_o do_v i_o 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away_o great_a part_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o use_v ill_a to_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o beast_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o estate_n he_o have_v nay_o deserve_v to_o lose_v it_o though_o we_o can_v bestow_v it_o upon_o man_n who_o deserve_v and_o will_v use_v it_o better_o or_o can_v employ_v it_o to_o excellent_a use_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n or_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a all_o these_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n will_v justify_v no_o man_n who_o invade_v another_o right_n without_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o have_v any_o prince_n such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o he_o can_v give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o as_o he_o please_v than_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o will_v justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n will_v and_o
heart_n he_o who_o intend_v and_o resolve_v it_o and_o want_v nothing_o but_o a_o opportunity_n to_o commit_v adultery_n be_v a_o adulterer_n if_o god_n then_o must_v not_o permit_v sin_n he_o must_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o will_n and_o to_o choose_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a for_o this_o be_v the_o sin_n herein_o the_o immorality_n of_o the_o act_n consist_v consider_v then_o what_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o be_v that_o god_n must_v not_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n but_o must_v always_o over-rule_v their_o mind_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n to_o choose_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o refuse_v the_o evil_n but_o will_v any_o one_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n like_o man_n be_v this_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o take_v away_o their_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o choice_n do_v government_n signify_v destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v do_v this_o become_v god_n to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o to_o govern_v he_o by_o necessity_n and_o force_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n to_o keep_v sin_n out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o thrust_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n too_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o liberty_n of_o choice_n there_o can_v be_v neither_o moral_a good_a nor_o evil_a and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o more_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o banish_v holiness_n out_o of_o the_o world_n i_o grant_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o external_a action_n direct_v and_o influence_n their_o counsel_n suggest_v wise_a thought_n to_o they_o excite_v good_a man_n to_o great_a and_o virtuous_a action_n and_o lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o bad_a man_n turn_v their_o heart_n change_v their_o counsel_n and_o divert_v they_o from_o ill-laid_a design_n especial_o when_o they_o 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please_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v man_n a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o free_a agent_n he_o have_v not_o whole_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o power_n but_o that_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a he_o can_v lay_v invisible_a restraint_n upon_o he_o or_o clap_v a_o counter_a bias_n upon_o his_o mind_n which_o shall_v lead_v he_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o his_o own_o will_n and_o lust_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n though_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o natural_a virtue_n and_o quality_n and_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n suffer_v they_o to_o produce_v their_o natural_a effect_n yet_o he_o have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n to_o reverse_v its_o law_n or_o suspend_v its_o influence_n by_o a_o immediate_a and_o supernatural_a power_n and_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o do_v this_o in_o the_o moral_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o but_o though_o god_n may_v thus_o sometime_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n influence_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o chain_v up_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o free_a agent_n and_o it_o will_v no_o more_o become_v god_n always_o to_o over-rule_v man_n will_n in_o this_o manner_n than_o it_o will_v always_o to_o overpower_v nature_n and_o to_o govern_v the_o natural_a world_n not_o by_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n but_o by_o constant_a miracle_n and_o if_o the_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a government_n of_o mankind_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n require_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n than_o it_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o choose_v wicked_o that_o he_o do_v not_o always_o by_o a_o irresistible_a and_o sovereign_a power_n hinder_v the_o internal_a act_n of_o sin_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n give_v man_n all_o those_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o lay_v all_o those_o internal_a restraint_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n though_o we_o know_v not_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o holy_a spirit_n work_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o this_o we_o know_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o god_n work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v he_o to_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n in_o they_o and_o bad_a man_n themselves_o if_o they_o will_v but_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v must_v tell_v you_o what_o struggle_n they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o mind_n before_o they_o can_v yield_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n how_o in_o some_o case_n especial_o at_o their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o sinful_a course_n of_o life_n natural_a modesty_n in_o other_o natural_a pity_n and_o compassion_n in_o other_o a_o natural_a greatness_n and_o generosity_n of_o mind_n give_v check_v to_o they_o how_o at_o first_o they_o blush_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o any_o wickedness_n and_o be_v reproach_v by_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o it_o how_o they_o tremble_v at_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n or_o some_o present_a vengeance_n to_o overtake_v they_o and_o can_v never_o sin_v secure_o till_o they_o have_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o of_o another_o world_n such_o care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v wicked_a as_o free_a agent_n may_v be_v if_o they_o will_v this_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n of_o providence_n to_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n two_o as_o for_o the_o external_a act_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o god_n permit_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v such_o as_o theft_n murder_n adultery_n perjury_n and_o the_o like_a now_o this_o require_v a_o different_a consideration_n for_o in_o human_a government_n this_o be_v think_v a_o great_a miscarriage_n to_o suffer_v any_o wickedness_n to_o be_v actual_o commit_v which_o we_o can_v hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o no_o man_n will_v be_v think_v innocent_a much_o less_o a_o prince_n who_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n murder_v a_o virgin_n deflower_v a_o robbery_n or_o any_o other_o villainy_n commit_v without_o interpose_v to_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n when_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o how_o then_o can_v we_o vindicate_v the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n which_o see_v and_o observe_v and_o can_v easy_o hinder_v the_o commission_n of_o such_o wickedness_n as_o it_o daily_o permit_v now_o right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n we_o must_v consider_v 1._o that_o god_n can_v always_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n hinder_v the_o actual_a commission_n of_o sin_n without_o a_o perpetual_a violation_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o this_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o a_o ordinary_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o government_n of_o all_o creature_n according_a to_o their_o nature_n we_o know_v indeed_o that_o when_o jeroboam_fw-la in_o great_a anger_n stretch_v out_o his_o hand_n against_o the_o prophet_n