and_o save_v good_a man_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o those_o who_o intend_v their_o ruin_n these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o like_a event_n of_o which_o there_o be_v numerous_a instance_n both_o in_o sacred_a and_o profane_a story_n and_o which_o our_o own_o observation_n may_v furnish_v we_o with_o fresh_a example_n of_o just_o give_v we_o great_a and_o admire_a thought_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n a_o wisdom_n which_o be_v to_o be_v reverence_v and_o fear_v as_o well_o as_o praise_v for_o who_o will_v not_o fear_v that_o god_n who_o be_v wise_a in_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o mighty_a in_o strength_n who_o have_v resist_v his_o will_n and_o prosper_v 2_o the_o uncertain_a event_n of_o providence_n that_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v promiscuous_o dispense_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o visible_o reward_v the_o good_a nor_o punish_v the_o wicked_a though_o he_o signal_o reward_v some_o good_a man_n and_o as_o remarkable_o punish_v some_o wicked_a man_n be_v the_o wise_a method_n of_o 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trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o many_o admirable_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n for_o with_o respect_n to_o this_o world_n be_v the_o event_n and_o reason_n of_o providence_n know_v and_o certain_a such_o as_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v and_o dependence_n on_o god_n which_o there_o will_v be_v little_a use_n of_o in_o this_o world_n be_v all_o good_a man_n immediate_o reward_v for_o they_o all_o respect_v absent_a unseen_a unknown_a event_n difficulty_n and_o suffering_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v temptation_n be_v the_o trial_n of_o virtue_n when_o we_o serve_v god_n without_o any_o prospect_n of_o a_o present_a reward_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o depend_v on_o he_o when_o we_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o other_o hope_n when_o we_o say_v with_o job_n though_o he_o slay_v i_o yet_o will_v i_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o with_o the_o prophet_n habakkuk_n 3._o 17_o 18._o although_o the_o figtree_n shall_v not_o blossom_n neither_o shall_v fruit_n be_v in_o the_o vine_n the_o labour_n of_o the_o olive_n shall_v fail_v and_o the_o field_n shall_v yield_v no_o meat_n the_o flock_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o fold_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o herd_n in_o the_o stall_n yet_o i_o will_v rejoice_v in_o the_o lord_n i_o will_v joy_v in_o the_o god_n of_o my_o salvation_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o know_v in_o all_o case_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o providence_n and_o what_o the_o end_n and_o conclusion_n of_o they_o will_v be_v they_o will_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o submission_n to_o god_n the_o faith_n and_o patience_n of_o job_n be_v wonderful_a but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o all_o he_o suffer_v be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o understand_v what_o god_n mean_v and_o intend_v in_o bring_v all_o those_o calamity_n on_o he_o but_o have_v he_o know_v that_o this_o be_v only_o a_o trial_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v these_o suffering_n with_o a_o very_a long_a and_o prosperous_a life_n with_o a_o new_a increase_n of_o child_n and_o new_a addition_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n this_o have_v be_v no_o difficulty_n no_o trial_n any_o more_o than_o the_o smart_n of_o his_o present_a suffering_n but_o job_n know_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o and_o therefore_o do_v great_a glory_n to_o god_n and_o make_v himself_o a_o admirable_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n and_o god_n make_v he_o as_o great_a a_o example_n of_o the_o reward_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n be_v the_o event_n of_o providence_n as_o constant_a regular_a and_o certain_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n as_o know_v and_o visible_a as_o some_o man_n will_v have_v they_o and_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v not_o there_o will_v be_v no_o
confess_v that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o feeling_n that_o they_o be_v thus_o move_v and_o incline_v by_o god_n but_o only_o charge_v their_o sin_n on_o god_n to_o excuse_v themselves_o every_o man_n feel_v what_o it_o be_v that_o tempt_v he_o his_o love_n of_o riches_n of_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n and_o that_o the_o temptation_n and_o impulse_n be_v weak_a or_o strong_a in_o proportion_n to_o his_o fondness_n and_o passion_n for_o these_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o he_o feel_v himself_o at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v and_o determine_v himself_o and_o find_v a_o principle_n within_o he_o which_o resist_v and_o oppose_v his_o compliance_n with_o the_o temptation_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o for_o which_o god_n will_v punish_v he_o and_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n for_o man_n to_o charge_v their_o sin_n upon_o god_n when_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o give_v check_v to_o they_o and_o make_v sin_n uneasy_a be_v the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v what_o god_n have_v forbid_v and_o what_o he_o will_v punish_v this_o i_o think_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o god_n tempt_a and_o incline_v man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n such_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o evil_a and_o such_o a_o natural_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o justice_n that_o while_o we_o preserve_v this_o sense_n strong_a and_o vigorous_a no_o temptation_n can_v fasten_v on_o we_o if_o we_o appeal_v to_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o and_o can_v tempt_v incline_v and_o over-rule_v man_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o act_v any_o wickedness_n for_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n all_o mankind_n believe_v god_n to_o be_v perfect_a holiness_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o such_o a_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n do_v man_n sin_n by_o divine_a impulse_n or_o by_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v this_o in_o express_a word_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n 1._o james_n 13._o and_o all_o the_o law_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n exhortation_n reproof_n and_o passionate_a expostulation_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o scripture_n if_o they_o mean_v any_o thing_n sincere_a do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o man_n sin_v free_o and_o that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o incline_v and_o tempt_a man_n to_o sin_n that_o he_o do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o holy_a be_v to_o restrain_v and_o deter_v they_o from_o it_o now_o when_o we_o have_v such_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v nor_o be_v any_o such_o proof_n pretend_v and_o then_o some_o remote_a and_o uncertain_a consequence_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n or_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a notion_n of_o thing_n or_o to_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v sufficient_a to_o disprove_v a_o direct_a and_o positive_a evidence_n no_o more_o than_o the_o difficulty_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o motion_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o motion_n when_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o and_o the_o whole_a world_n move_v and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o difficulty_n as_o these_o be_v all_o that_o be_v pretend_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o most_o material_a of_o which_o i_o intend_v at_o this_o time_n to_o examine_v 1._o one_o and_o that_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n and_o to_o charge_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o god_n be_v his_o prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a event_n that_o god_n do_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n jew_n and_o christian_n and_o prophecy_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v must_v foreknow_v they_o now_o from_o hence_o they_o thus_o argue_v what_o be_v certain_o fore-known_a must_v certain_o be_v and_o what_o be_v thus_o certain_a be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o if_o all_o future_a event_n be_v certain_a as_o be_v certain_o foreknow_v then_o all_o thing_n even_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o then_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o necessity_n and_o fate_n must_v be_v the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o man_n sin_n too_o now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o fore-known_a but_o what_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o then_o i_o deny_v that_o nothing_o will_v certain_o be_v but_o what_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n for_o we_o see_v ten_o thousand_o effect_n of_o free_a or_o contingent_a cause_n which_o certain_o be_v though_o they_o may_v never_o have_v be_v for_o whatever_o be_v certain_o be_v and_o whatever_o certain_o be_v now_o be_v certain_o though_o not_o necessary_o future_a a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o that_o man_n understand_v very_o little_a who_o know_v not_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o event_n no_o event_n be_v necessary_a but_o that_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n as_o the_o rise_n and_o sit_v of_o the_o sun_n but_o every_o event_n be_v certain_a which_o will_v certain_o be_v though_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o cause_n which_o act_v free_o and_o may_v do_v otherwise_o if_o it_o please_v as_o all_o the_o free_a action_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o which_o though_o do_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_o know_v as_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n now_o if_o that_o which_o be_v do_v free_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o that_o which_o be_v certain_a may_v be_v certain_o know_v then_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n foreknowledge_n only_o prove_v the_o certainty_n but_o not_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o then_o god_n may_v foreknow_v all_o event_n and_o yet_o lie_v no_o necessity_n on_o mankind_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v wicked_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n foreknowledge_n lay_v no_o great_a necessity_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v fore-known_a than_o knowledge_n do_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v know_v for_o foreknowledge_n be_v nothing_o but_o knowledge_n and_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v much_o less_o the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o it_o we_o certain_o know_v at_o what_o time_n the_o sun_n will_v rise_v and_o sit_v every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n but_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v or_o sit_v nay_o in_o many_o case_n in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o man_n we_o may_v with_o great_a certainty_n foretell_v what_o they_o will_v do_v and_o how_o they_o will_v behave_v themselves_o in_o such_o or_o such_o circumstance_n and_o do_v we_o perfect_o know_v they_o we_o shall_v rare_o if_o ever_o mistake_v for_o though_o man_n act_v free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v arbitrary_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o bias_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o incline_v and_o draw_v they_o and_o the_o more_o confirm_a habit_n man_n have_v of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n the_o more_o certain_o and_o steady_o they_o act_v and_o the_o more_o certain_o we_o may_v know_v they_o without_o make_v they_o either_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a now_o can_v we_o certain_o know_v what_o all_o man_n will_v do_v before_o they_o do_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o will_v neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a agent_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n be_v such_o as_o to_o know_v our_o thought_n afar_o off_o before_o we_o think_v they_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o make_v we_o think_v such_o thought_n nor_o do_v such_o action_n how_o god_n can_v foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v even_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o most_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o be_v not_o incredible_a that_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v do_v this_o when_o wise_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v so_o very_o
and_o he_o speak_v the_o language_n of_o human_a nature_n in_o it_o that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v 1._o rom._n 20._o for_o if_o that_o which_o be_v make_v must_v have_v a_o cause_n if_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a cause_n there_o must_v be_v a_o invisible_a maker_n and_o therefore_o this_o world_n which_o have_v no_o visible_a must_v have_v a_o invisible_a cause_n and_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n to_o conclude_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o effect_n so_o be_v it_o to_o learn_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n must_v be_v either_o specifical_o or_o virtual_o in_o the_o cause_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o cause_n that_o have_v no_o cause_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o cause_n of_o that_o which_o it_o 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begin_v with_o preserve_v providence_n which_o commence_v from_o the_o first_o instant_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o as_o soon_o as_o creature_n be_v make_v they_o need_v a_o divine_a power_n to_o preserve_v they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n that_o god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v from_o fall_v back_o into_o their_o first_o nothing_o and_o preserve_v their_o natural_a virtue_n power_n and_o faculty_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n which_o distinguish_v this_o preserve_v providence_n from_o those_o many_o act_n of_o preservation_n which_o belong_v to_o government_n such_o as_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o man_n from_o unseen_a accident_n and_o visible_a danger_n nay_o of_o beast_n and_o of_o bird_n too_o as_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n 29._o in_o 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than_o it_o will_v always_o have_v be_v suarez_n have_v another_o argument_n to_o prove_v the_o dependence_n of_o creature_n on_o the_o perpetual_a influx_n of_o power_n from_o the_o first_o cause_n which_o possible_o some_o may_v think_v only_o a_o school-subty_o but_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v great_a weight_n in_o it_o and_o it_o proceed_v upon_o this_o supposition_n which_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o he_o can_v annihilate_v all_o thing_n and_o reduce_v they_o into_o nothing_o again_o if_o he_o so_o please_v now_o he_o say_v that_o annihilation_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o power_n for_o all_o positive_a act_n of_o power_n must_v have_v some_o real_a and_o positive_a effect_n whereas_o to_o annihilate_v be_v to_o make_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o to_o do_v nothing_o now_o if_o to_o annihilate_v be_v no_o act_n of_o power_n than_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o withdraw_a that_o power_n which_o support_v all_o 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of_o power_n but_o only_o a_o cessation_n of_o power_n and_o if_o not_o to_o uphold_v be_v to_o annihilate_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v as_o well_o as_o be_v make_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n independent_a on_o himself_o without_o bestow_v on_o it_o a_o self-subsisting_a nature_n or_o necessary_a existence_n for_o whatever_o do_v not_o necessary_o exist_v by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o its_o nature_n must_v depend_v on_o something_o else_o to_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v now_o beside_o what_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v be_v make_v but_o must_v be_v eternal_a for_o that_o which_o exist_v necessary_o must_v always_o exist_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o without_o a_o beginning_n for_o nothing_o can_v begin_v to_o have_v a_o necessary_o self-subsisting_a nature_n i_o now_o add_v that_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v can_v be_v change_v destroy_v annihilate_v for_o whatever_o necessary_o be_v necessary_o be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o prove_v that_o if_o god_n can_v annihilate_v whatever_o he_o have_v make_v than_o all_o thing_n subsist_v by_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o power_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o whatever_o necessary_o exist_v can_v never_o be_v annihilate_v for_o that_o be_v a_o contradiction_n how_o god_n uphold_v all_o thing_n in_o be_v we_o no_o more_o know_v than_o how_o at_o first_o he_o make_v all_o thing_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a inquiry_n of_o the_o school_n which_o no_o man_n can_v resolve_v and_o which_o serve_v no_o end_n in_o religion_n whether_o creation_n and_o preservation_n be_v the_o same_o or_o two_o different_a act_n whether_o preservation_n be_v a_o continue_a creation_n or_o whether_o they_o be_v
most_o acquaint_v with_o without_o any_o certain_a and_o periodical_a return_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o all_o mechanism_n for_o mechanical_a motion_n be_v fix_v and_o certain_a and_o either_o always_o the_o same_o or_o regular_a or_o uniform_a in_o their_o change_n it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o to_o understand_v this_o which_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o may_v expect_v from_o god_n and_o what_o we_o must_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v not_o expect_v in_o ordinary_a case_n that_o god_n shall_v reverse_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o that_o if_o we_o leap_v into_o the_o fire_n it_o shall_v not_o burn_v we_o or_o into_o the_o water_n it_o shall_v not_o drown_v we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o preserve_v we_o when_o we_o destroy_v ourselves_o by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n for_o god_n do_v not_o work_v miracle_n to_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n but_o all_o the_o kind_a influence_n of_o heaven_n which_o supply_n our_o want_n and_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v owe_v to_o that_o good_a providence_n which_o command_v nature_n to_o yield_v she_o increase_v and_o those_o disorder_n of_o nature_n which_o afflict_v the_o world_n with_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n and_o earthquake_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n and_o be_v order_v by_o he_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o wicked_a world_n we_o must_v all_o believe_v this_o or_o confess_v that_o we_o mock_v god_n when_o we_o bless_v he_o for_o a_o healthful_a air_n and_o fruitful_a season_n or_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n when_o we_o see_v the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o vengeance_n in_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n for_o do_v not_o god_n immediate_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o nature_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o beg_v his_o favour_n or_o to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n upon_o these_o account_n 2_o let_v we_o consider_v god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n which_o have_v a_o large_a empire_n over_o human_a affair_n not_o that_o chance_n and_o accident_n can_v do_v any_o thing_n proper_o speak_v for_o whatever_o be_v do_v have_v some_o proper_a and_o natural_a cause_n which_o do_v it_o but_o what_o we_o call_v accidental_a cause_n be_v rather_o such_o a_o accidental_a concurrence_n of_o different_a cause_n as_o produce_v unexpected_a and_o undesign_v effect_n as_o when_o one_o man_n by_o accident_n lose_v a_o purse_n of_o gold_n and_o another_o man_n walk_v in_o the_o field_n without_o any_o such_o expectation_n by_o as_o great_a a_o accident_n find_v it_o and_o how_o much_o of_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a that_o happen_v to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v owe_v to_o such_o undesign_v surprise_v accidental_a event_n every_o man_n must_v know_v who_o have_v make_v any_o observation_n on_o his_o own_o or_o other_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n the_o wise_a man_n observe_v this_o long_a since_o 9_o eccl._n 11._o i_o return_v and_o see_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o the_o race_n be_v not_o to_o the_o swift_a nor_o the_o battle_n to_o the_o strong_a neither_o yet_o bread_n to_o the_o wise_a nor_o yet_o riches_n to_o man_n of_o understanding_n nor_o yet_o favour_n to_o man_n of_o skill_n but_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o some_o unusual_a and_o casual_a event_n change_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n and_o disappoint_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o natural_a mean_n of_o success_n what_o shall_v conquer_v in_o a_o race_n but_o swiftness_n or_o win_v the_o battle_n but_o strength_n what_o shall_v supply_v man_n want_n and_o increase_v riches_n but_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n in_o human_a affair_n what_o more_o likely_a way_n to_o gain_v the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n than_o a_o dextrous_a and_o skilful_a application_n and_o address_n and_o yet_o the_o preacher_n observe_v in_o his_o day_n and_o the_o observation_n hold_v good_a still_o that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o thus_o time_n and_o chance_n some_o favourable_a juncture_n and_o unseen_a accident_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o all_o human_a strength_n or_o art_n or_o skill_n now_o what_o a_o ill_a state_n be_v mankind_n in_o do_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o merciful_a hand_n govern_v what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n how_o can_v god_n govern_v the_o world_n or_o dispose_v of_o man_n life_n and_o fortune_n without_o govern_v chance_n all_o unseen_a unknown_a and_o surprise_v event_n which_o disappoint_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o in_o a_o moment_n unavoidable_o change_v the_o whole_a scene_n of_o human_a affair_n upon_o what_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n do_v the_o fortune_n of_o man_n of_o family_n of_o whole_a kingdom_n turn_v and_o unless_o these_o little_a unexpected_a thing_n be_v govern_v by_o god_n some_o of_o the_o great_a change_n in_o the_o world_n be_v exempt_v from_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o govern_v chance_n and_o fortune_n that_o the_o most_o unexpected_a event_n how_o casual_a soever_o they_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v foresee_v and_o order_v by_o god_n such_o event_n as_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o god_n care_n and_o government_n because_o they_o be_v very_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n many_o time_n the_o great_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o they_o and_o they_o be_v the_o most_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o these_o mean_v god_n disappoint_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o defeat_v the_o power_n of_o the_o mighty_a frustrate_v the_o token_n of_o the_o liar_n and_o make_v diviner_n mad_a turn_v wise_a man_n backward_o and_o make_v their_o knowledge_n foolish_a 44._o isai._n 25._o do_v strength_n and_o wisdom_n always_o prevail_v as_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n they_o will_v be_v it_o not_o for_o such_o unseen_a disappointment_n mankind_n will_v take_v less_o notice_n of_o providence_n and_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o do_v it_o since_o they_o will_v be_v the_o more_o absolute_a master_n of_o their_o own_o fortune_n a_o powerful_a combination_n of_o sinner_n manage_v by_o some_o crafty_a politician_n will_v govern_v the_o world_n but_o the_o uncertain_a turn_n and_o change_n of_o fortune_n keep_v mankind_n in_o awe_n make_v the_o most_o prosperous_a and_o powerful_a sinner_n fear_v a_o unseen_a vengeance_n and_o give_v security_n to_o good_a man_n against_o unseen_a evil_n which_o can_v befall_v they_o without_o the_o order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o accidental_a and_o casual_a event_n which_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o and_o which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n to_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o our_o life_n all_o man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o we_o can_v defend_v ourselves_o from_o such_o unseen_a event_n which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o feel_v they_o be_v as_o manifest_v as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o event_n and_o what_o so_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a care_n as_o that_o which_o we_o ourselves_o can_v take_v no_o care_n of_o the_o heathen_n make_v fortune_n a_o goddess_n and_o attribute_v the_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o she_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o they_o only_o signify_v the_o government_n of_o providence_n in_o all_o casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n and_o if_o providence_n govern_v any_o thing_n it_o must_v govern_v chance_n which_o govern_v almost_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o which_o none_o but_o god_n can_v govern_v as_o far_o as_o human_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n reach_v god_n expect_v we_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o he_o suffer_v we_o to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o folly_n but_o when_o we_o can_v take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v and_o hope_v that_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o we_o in_o other_o case_n human_a prudence_n and_o industry_n must_v concur_v with_o the_o divine_a providence_n in_o matter_n of_o chance_n and_o accident_n providence_n must_v act_v alone_o and_o do_v all_o itself_o for_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n for_o providence_n do_v most_o strong_o conclude_v for_o god_n government_n of_o all_o casual_a event_n and_o the_o scripture_n do_v as_o express_o attribute_v all_o such_o event_n to_o god_n as_o any_o other_o act_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n when_o a_o man_n kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o accident_n god_n be_v say_v to_o deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n 21._o exod._n 12_o 13._o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v shall_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
kind_n of_o wickedness_n be_v call_v folly_n and_o sinner_n fool_n and_o to_o learn_v wisdom_n be_v prescribe_v as_o the_o only_a remedy_n against_o vice_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n prove_v it_o must_v be_v so_o for_o all_o man_n who_o do_v wicked_o must_v either_o mistake_v their_o rule_n or_o mistake_v their_o interest_n must_v either_o call_v vice_n virtue_n and_o virtue_n vice_n or_o think_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a by_o be_v wicked_a which_o be_v a_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n now_o if_o all_o wickedness_n be_v ignorance_n and_o folly_n infinite_a and_o perfect_a wisdom_n must_v be_v perfect_a rectitude_n justice_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v never_o do_v any_o wrong_n because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o what_o great_a security_n can_v creature_n possible_o have_v that_o in_o the_o last_o issue_n of_o thing_n they_o shall_v suffer_v no_o wrong_n than_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v under_o the_o care_n and_o government_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n that_o can_v do_v no_o wrong_n infinite_a wisdom_n indeed_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o a_o finite_a mind_n the_o method_n of_o it_o may_v seem_v intricate_a and_o perplex_v to_o we_o full_a of_o mystery_n and_o surprise_v event_n and_o thus_o it_o must_v be_v while_o infinite_a wisdom_n govern_v the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o most_o improve_a and_o elevate_v thought_n but_o will_v not_o any_o wise_a man_n rather_o choose_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o such_o a_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a wisdom_n as_o can_v never_o mistake_v though_o it_o vast_o exceed_v his_o understanding_n than_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o be_v no_o wise_a or_o not_o much_o wise_a than_o himself_o all_o who_o counsel_n he_o can_v fathom_v and_o see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o more_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a the_o wisdom_n be_v the_o less_o we_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o the_o more_o safe_a we_o be_v under_o its_o conduct_n so_o absurd_a be_v it_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o can_v understand_v all_o the_o depth_n and_o secret_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o complain_v that_o a_o excellent_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o while_o we_o know_v ourselves_o safe_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n let_v we_o be_v content_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o be_v we_o ever_o the_o less_o perfect_a and_o happy_a creature_n because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o god_n make_v we_o how_o he_o form_v and_o fashion_v we_o in_o the_o womb_n and_o breathe_v into_o we_o the_o breath_n of_o life_n and_o what_o hurt_n be_v it_o to_o we_o if_o god_n preserve_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o by_z as_o unknown_a and_o incomprehensible_a a_o wisdom_n as_o that_o which_o at_o first_o give_v be_v to_o we_o we_o find_v ourselves_o wise_o make_v though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o god_n make_v we_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o we_o shall_v find_v and_o feel_v ourselves_o very_o happy_a if_o we_o follow_v god_n and_o adhere_v to_o he_o though_o we_o may_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o intermediate_v event_n nor_o the_o several_a step_n and_o advance_v of_o providence_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a it_o be_v great_a pride_n and_o as_o contemptible_a folly_n to_o think_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o do_v they_o very_o wise_o too_o though_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o let_v man_n value_v their_o understanding_n never_o so_o high_o and_o think_v scorn_v that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v above_o their_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v ten_o thousand_o thing_n both_o in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o providence_n which_o no_o man_n full_o understand_v and_o yet_o which_o bear_v the_o mark_n and_o signature_n of_o a_o most_o divine_a and_o admirable_a art_n and_o wisdom_n and_o since_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o we_o must_v confess_v our_o own_o ignorance_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o be_v as_o well_o content_v to_o allow_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o thing_n do_v we_o know_v not_o how_o nor_o by_o who_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o our_o understanding_n that_o blind_a chance_n shall_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o all_o our_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n can_v comprehend_v than_o to_o attribute_v such_o event_n to_o the_o art_n and_o government_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o attribute_v such_o work_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o deny_v that_o they_o have_v any_o wise_a cause_n because_o we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o though_o we_o can_v discern_v such_o wisdom_n in_o they_o as_o no_o human_a art_n or_o wisdom_n can_v imitate_v indeed_o the_o passion_n of_o admiration_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o all_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o utter_o vain_a be_v a_o plain_a natural_a indication_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o our_o natural_a understanding_n which_o we_o must_v admire_v but_o can_v comprehend_v for_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o admiration_n be_v art_n and_o wisdom_n a_o wisdom_n vast_o great_a than_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o if_o this_o natural_a passion_n have_v a_o natural_a object_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o wisdom_n great_a than_o our_o own_o which_o no_o human_a understanding_n can_v comprehend_v such_o a_o wisdom_n as_o do_v great_a and_o wondrous_a thing_n and_o thing_n past_o find_v out_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v and_o must_v be_v unacconntable_a her_o way_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o past_a find_v out_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v content_v in_o many_o case_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n and_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v so_o since_o we_o be_v so_o secure_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n will_v always_o act_v wise_o and_o consult_v the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a creature_n though_o by_o method_n secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o which_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o deny_v or_o censure_v providence_n when_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o but_o in_o a_o entire_a belief_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n quiet_o to_o submit_v to_o all_o event_n and_o to_o adore_v and_o reverence_v his_o judgement_n with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n 2._o the_o better_a to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o most_o unaccountable_a passage_n of_o it_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v more_o of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n than_o we_o do_v of_o his_o make_v it_o that_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n work_n make_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n unsearchable_a also_o this_o be_v suppose_v in_o god_n answer_n to_o job_n when_o to_o make_v he_o sensible_a how_o little_a he_o understand_v of_o the_o wise_a end_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n he_o convince_v he_o how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n 38_o 39_o 40_o 41._o chapter_n who_o be_v this_o that_o darkness_n counsel_n by_o word_n without_o knowledge_n gird_v up_o now_o thy_o loin_n like_o a_o man_n for_o i_o will_v demand_v of_o thou_o and_o answer_v thou_o i_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n who_o have_v lay_v the_o measure_n thereof_o if_o thou_o know_v or_o who_o have_v stretch_v the_o line_n upon_o it_o whereupon_o be_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o fasten_v or_o who_o have_v lay_v the_o corner_n stone_n thereof_o who_o shut_v up_o the_o sea_n with_o door_n when_o it_o break_v forth_o as_o if_o it_o have_v issue_v out_o of_o the_o womb_n have_v thou_o command_v the_o morning_n since_o thy_o day_n and_o cause_v the_o dayspring_n to_o know_v his_o place_n where_o be_v the_o way_n where_o light_n dwell_v and_o as_o for_o darkness_n where_o be_v the_o plaee_n thereof_o have_v thou_o enter_v into_o the_o treasure_n of_o the_o snow_n or_o have_v thou_o know_v the_o treasure_n of_o the_o hail_n have_v the_o rain_n a_o father_n and_o who_o have_v
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
exercise_n of_o some_o of_o the_o great_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a life_n which_o do_v most_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n and_o perfection_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o evident_o prove_v that_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o shall_v be_v nor_o in_o many_o case_n the_o reason_n of_o what_o we_o see_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o providence_n four_o we_o be_v necessary_o 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 for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v no_o more_o to_o complain_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n than_o we_o do_v of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o other_o matter_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n can_v be_v know_v as_o to_o name_v some_o few_o of_o they_o 1._o we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o man_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o we_o know_v not_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o counsel_n we_o see_v little_a of_o their_o private_a conversation_n we_o can_v look_v into_o their_o closet_n and_o secret_a retirement_n and_o unless_o we_o know_v better_a what_o man_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o now_o though_o as_o to_o external_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o bad_a man_n be_v oftentimes_o very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n afflict_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o when_o this_o objection_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o prosperity_n or_o affliction_n of_o particular_a man_n where_o it_o be_v once_o apply_v right_a it_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n apply_v wrong_a especial_o as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n for_o we_o very_o often_o take_v those_o for_o good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o and_o who_o many_o time_n pluck_v off_o their_o disguise_n themselves_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o and_o yet_o if_o any_o misfortune_n or_o adversity_n befall_v such_o man_n before_o they_o be_v know_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o wonder_v that_o god_n shall_v afflict_v such_o good_a man_n as_o they_o be_v and_o think_v it_o a_o great_a difficulty_n in_o providence_n when_o they_o themselves_o know_v that_o they_o deserve_v all_o that_o they_o suffer_v and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o nay_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v not_o a_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o know_v himself_o and_o impartial_o observe_v his_o own_o thought_n and_o passion_n and_o action_n but_o know_v a_o reason_n why_o god_n at_o any_o time_n afflict_v he_o know_v how_o he_o have_v deserve_v it_o and_o how_o he_o want_v it_o and_o can_v justify_v the_o great_a severity_n of_o providence_n towards_o himself_o i_o be_o sure_a all_o the_o good_a man_n in_o scripture_n do_v so_o except_v job_n they_o frequent_o confess_v and_o bewail_v their_o sin_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v and_o as_o for_o job_n all_o that_o he_o insist_o on_o be_v to_o justify_v his_o own_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n that_o he_o be_v no_o secret_a hypocrite_n as_o his_o friend_n uncharitable_o accuse_v he_o that_o he_o know_v nothing_o so_o bad_a of_o himself_o as_o to_o deserve_v such_o amaze_a suffering_n as_o god_n have_v bring_v on_o he_o and_o indeed_o iob_n case_n be_v very_o peculiar_a and_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n that_o god_n do_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o some_o unknown_a wickedness_n but_o to_o exercise_v his_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o to_o make_v he_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a example_n of_o a_o firm_a adherence_n to_o god_n under_o the_o severe_a trial_n now_o when_o there_o be_v no_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o upon_o his_o own_o account_n can_v charge_v god_n with_o afflict_v he_o beyond_o what_o his_o sin_n deserve_v or_o the_o state_n of_o his_o soul_n require_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v very_o little_a truth_n in_o this_o objection_n that_o do_v we_o know_v other_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v as_o well_o understand_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n afflict_v they_o as_o why_o he_o afflict_v we_o and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n whatever_o their_o suffering_n be_v they_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o it_o be_v very_o often_o see_v that_o some_o man_n be_v think_v wicked_a as_o wrongful_o and_o ignorant_o as_o other_o be_v think_v good_a it_o be_v a_o very_a little_a matter_n that_o will_v give_v man_n a_o bad_a character_n in_o a_o censorious_a world_n a_o different_a opinion_n in_o religion_n or_o some_o external_a modes_n of_o worship_n nay_o different_a interest_n and_o state-faction_n nay_o some_o private_a quarrel_n and_o animosity_n will_v make_v some_o man_n paint_v each_o other_o as_o black_a as_o hell_n can_v make_v they_o and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o heaven_n if_o it_o do_v not_o revenge_v their_o quarrel_n and_o execute_v that_o vengeance_n which_o they_o doom_n each_o other_o to_o and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o with_o more_o reason_n be_v think_v bad_a man_n as_o guilty_a of_o know_a immorality_n yet_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a in_o they_o many_o generous_a quality_n and_o social_n virtue_n which_o may_v make_v they_o very_o useful_a man_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o they_o may_v do_v so_o much_o good_a as_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n may_v deserve_v some_o temporal_a reward_n as_o may_v deserve_v public_a trust_n and_o public_a honour_n and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o reproach_v providence_n with_o the_o prosperity_n of_o such_o man_n which_o we_o ourselves_o think_v well_o bestow_v notwithstanding_o their_o other_o vice_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n may_v have_v some_o secret_a and_o latent_fw-la principle_n of_o virtue_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v cherish_v and_o when_o this_o be_v god_n alone_o know_v but_o if_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v with_o the_o kindness_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n to_o such_o man_n which_o be_v intend_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o as_o for_o profligate_v sinner_n who_o be_v at_o open_a defiance_n with_o god_n it_o be_v seldom_o see_v but_o that_o some_o remarkable_a vengeance_n at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o overtake_v they_o and_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n in_o their_o confusion_n so_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o justify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n both_o towards_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n do_v we_o sufficient_o know_v man_n and_o our_o ignorance_n of_o man_n make_v it_o a_o very_a foolish_a and_o absurd_a objection_n for_o if_o instead_o of_o answer_v it_o we_o shall_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o objection_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o shall_v we_o assert_v that_o all_o good_a man_n be_v reward_v and_o all_o bad_a man_n punish_v who_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o disprove_v this_o but_o by_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n by_o show_v some_o good_a man_n afflict_v who_o deserve_v a_o reward_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n prosperous_a who_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v now_o this_o they_o can_v never_o do_v without_o pretend_v to_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n to_o see_v their_o inside_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o their_o secret_n in_o a_o word_n to_o know_v man_n as_o god_n know_v they_o for_o though_o some_o man_n be_v afflict_v who_o we_o think_v good_a man_n and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v so_o and_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v prosperous_a yet_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n and_o good_a in_o these_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n which_o we_o can_v see_v as_o may_v make_v it_o very_o wise_a and_o just_a in_o god_n to_o afflict_v these_o good_a man_n and_o to_o prosper_v the_o wicked_a and_o since_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v these_o thing_n it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v very_o modest_a in_o censure_v providence_n 2_o we_o be_v in_o most_o case_n very_o ignorant_a also_o of_o the_o counsel_n and_o design_n of_o providence_n we_o seldom_o know_v in_o any_o measure_n what_o god_n be_v a_o do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o all_o those_o intermediate_v event_n which_o tend_v to_o unknown_a end_n in_o the_o best-contrived_n plot_v there_o will_v always_o be_v some_o scene_n full_a of_o nothing_o but_o mystery_n and_o confusion_n till_o the_o
work_n of_o nature_n prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o powerful_a be_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o uniform_a production_n of_o nature_n prove_v the_o world_n be_v uphold_v direct_v and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o omnipotent_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 1_o rom._n 20._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n or_o his_o govern_n providence_n this_o visible_a world_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v a_o eternal_a power_n which_o make_v it_o but_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o administer_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o 14._o act_n 17._o he_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n from_o his_o providence_n nevertheless_o he_o leave_v not_o himself_o without_o witness_n in_o that_o he_o do_v good_a and_o give_v we_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v our_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n and_o 17._o act_n 28._o he_o prove_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o because_o he_o make_v it_o for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o your_o own_o poet_n have_v say_v for_o we_o be_v also_o his_o offspring_n which_o be_v very_o improper_o allege_v by_o st._n paul_n if_o we_o may_v be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v in_o he_o that_o be_v if_o god_n make_v the_o world_n do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v his_o constant_a care_n and_o governmet_a of_o it_o but_o the_o apostle_n know_v in_o those_o day_n that_o no_o man_n who_o confess_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n question_v his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o live_v and_o subsist_v in_o god_n because_o he_o make_v we_o this_o be_v a_o noble_a argument_n to_o prove_v both_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o very_a delightful_a entertainment_n to_o view_v all_o the_o curiosity_n and_o suprize_v wonder_n of_o nature_n with_o what_o beauty_n art_n and_o contrivance_n particular_a creature_n be_v make_v and_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o great_a machine_n be_v fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o make_v a_o regular_a and_o uniform_a world_n how_o all_o particular_a creature_n be_v fit_v to_o the_o use_n and_o purpose_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o yet_o be_v make_v serviceable_a to_o one_o another_o and_o have_v as_o mutual_a a_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n as_o the_o wheel_n of_o a_o clock_n what_o a_o equal_a and_o steady_a hand_n govern_v the_o world_n when_o its_o motion_n seem_v most_o eccentric_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o order_n out_o of_o confusion_n when_o thing_n be_v so_o perplex_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o a_o god_n to_o disentangle_v they_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o subtlety_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o this_o cause_n will_v but_o man_n attentive_o study_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o god_n be_v as_o visible_a in_o his_o work_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v by_o its_o light_n when_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o nature_n be_v unfold_v and_o expose_v particular_o to_o our_o view_n it_o so_o over-power_n the_o mind_n with_o such_o infinite_a variety_n of_o that_o most_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n that_o modest_a man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o ascribe_v such_o thing_n to_o a_o blind_a chance_n which_o have_v no_o design_n or_o counsel_n indeed_o to_o say_v that_o a_o world_n full_a of_o infinite_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o most_o admirable_a art_n a_o world_n so_o make_v that_o no_o art_n can_v make_v it_o better_o be_v not_o make_v by_o a_o wise_a mind_n but_o by_o chance_n by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o without_o any_o design_n after_o infinite_a fruitless_a trial_n happen_v into_o this_o exact_a useful_a beautiful_a order_n that_o now_o they_o be_v in_o know_v when_o they_o be_v well_o and_o in_o despite_n of_o chance_n move_v as_o constant_o regular_o artificial_o in_o all_o new_a production_n as_o the_o divine_a and_o most_o uniform_a wisdom_n can_v direct_v i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o dispute_n by_o leave_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n to_o dispute_v with_o a_o atheist_n be_v the_o most_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n they_o have_v no_o principle_n nor_o can_v have_v any_o and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o reason_v but_o only_o confident_o deny_v or_o affirm_v they_o can_v assign_v no_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n allow_v to_o be_v principle_n from_o whence_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o providence_n but_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o principle_n which_o all_o other_o man_n agree_v in_o and_o from_o whence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n brief_o to_o explain_v this_o which_o will_v teach_v you_o to_o reject_v atheism_n and_o atheist_n without_o trouble_v yourselves_o to_o dispute_v with_o they_o for_o they_o have_v no_o common_a principle_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n to_o reason_n upon_o nor_o indeed_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v for_o this_o purpose_n mankind_n 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whatever_o we_o see_v do_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o do_v by_o creature_n who_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o be_v only_o act_v like_o machine_n not_o from_o the_o internal_a principle_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o external_n motion_n but_o god_n do_v every_o thing_n himself_o by_o a_o immediate_a power_n even_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contrariety_n we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o very_a great_a difficulty_n which_o i_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v one_o way_n or_o other_o but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v attribute_v any_o thing_n to_o creature_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o they_o ever_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o nature_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o god_n co-operate_v only_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o action_n that_o be_v that_o he_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n without_o change_v influence_a determine_v their_o nature_n otherwise_o than_o these_o natural_a power_n will_v natural_o act_v for_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o action_n when_o god_n have_v create_v the_o natural_a power_n and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o co-operation_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o god_n as_o the_o maker_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o as_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o that_o god_n do_v it_o belong_v to_o a_o govern_n not_o to_o a_o preserve_v providence_n god_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o mere_o cooperate_v with_o our_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v natural_a action_n but_o this_o he_o do_v as_o a_o governor_n not_o mere_o as_o a_o preserver_n the_o not_o distinguish_v of_o which_o have_v occasion_v great_a mistake_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o god_n have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n and_o virtue_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v he_o have_v make_v the_o sun_n to_o shine_v to_o enlighten_v and_o refresh_v the_o world_n the_o fire_n to_o burn_v the_o earth_n to_o bring_v forth_o all_o sort_n of_o herb_n and_o grass_n and_o corn_n and_o fruit_n the_o vapour_n to_o ascend_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n to_o purge_v and_o fan_v the_o air_n with_o wind_n and_o to_o fall_v down_o again_o in_o fruitful_a shower_n every_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n have_v its_o peculiar_a seed_n to_o propagate_v its_o kind_a as_o all_o live_a creature_n have_v now_o as_o it_o have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n for_o god_n to_o have_v make_v a_o world_n without_o uphold_v it_o in_o be_v for_o creature_n can_v no_o more_o preserve_v than_o they_o can_v make_v themselves_o so_o it_o have_v be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v endow_v all_o creature_n with_o such_o virtue_n and_o power_n as_o belong_v to_o their_o several_a nature_n without_o such_o a_o natural_a co-operation_n whatever_o that_o be_v as_o shall_v enable_v their_o natural_a power_n to_o act_n and_o to_o attain_v the_o end_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n establish_v this_o natural_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n which_o be_v that_o blessing_n god_n bestow_v upon_o all_o creature_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o though_o this_o blessing_n to_o increase_v and_o multiply_v and_o to_o replenish_v the_o sea_n and_o air_n and_o earth_n which_o preserve_v and_o invigorate_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v express_v only_o of_o live_a creature_n the_o fish_n and_o fowl_n and_o beast_n and_o man_n yet_o it_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a creation_n as_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v and_o make_v nature_n regular_a and_o constant_a in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o production_n but_o there_o be_v other_o act_n belong_v to_o god_n government_n even_o of_o the_o material_a world_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o more_o hereafter_o as_o to_o direct_v the_o virtue_n and_o influence_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o suspend_v and_o restrain_v they_o to_o make_v the_o earth_n fruitful_a or_o barren_a the_o air_n wholesome_a or_o pestilential_a to_o withhold_v the_o dew_n and_o shower_n of_o heaven_n or_o to_o give_v the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o its_o season_n to_o cause_v it_o to_o rain_v upon_o one_o city_n and_o not_o upon_o another_o and_o so_o to_o temper_v the_o influence_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o punish_v the_o wickedness_n or_o to_o reward_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v act_n of_o government_n and_o of_o a_o quite_o different_a kind_n from_o actuate_a the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o attain_v their_o end_n and_o to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v make_v for_o thus_o to_o consider_v the_o rational_a world_n god_n have_v endow_v man_n
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
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
be_v sure_o put_v to_o death_n and_o if_o a_o man_n lie_v not_o in_o wait_n but_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n than_o i_o will_v appoint_v thou_o a_o place_n whither_o he_o shall_v flee_v where_o god_n deliver_v he_o into_o his_o hand_n be_v oppose_v to_o he_o that_o smite_v a_o man_n so_o that_o he_o die_v and_o to_o he_o that_o come_v presumptuous_o upon_o his_o neighbour_n to_o slay_v he_o 15._o verse_n and_o therefore_o signify_v one_o who_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n by_o mere_a accident_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o 19_o deut._n 4_o 5._o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o slayer_n that_o shall_v flee_v thither_o i._n e._n to_o the_o city_n of_o refuge_n whoso_o kill_v his_o neighbour_n ignorant_o who_o he_o hate_v not_o in_o time_n past_a as_o when_o a_o man_n go_v into_o the_o wood_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o hew_v wood_n and_o his_o hand_n fetch_v a_o stroke_n with_o the_o axe_n to_o cut_v down_o the_o tree_n and_o the_o head_n slip_v from_o the_o helve_z and_o light_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o die_v he_o shall_v flee_v unto_o one_o of_o these_o city_n and_o live_v what_o can_v be_v more_o accidental_a than_o this_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o be_v appoint_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n deliver_v the_o man_n who_o be_v kill_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o he_o that_o kill_v he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o casual_a than_o a_o lot_n and_o yet_o solomon_n tell_v we_o the_o lot_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o lap_n but_o the_o whole_a dispose_n thereof_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n 16._o prov._n 33._o which_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o case_n of_o lot_n but_o to_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o casual_a and_o uncertain_a as_o to_o be_v exempt_v from_o the_o disposal_n of_o providence_n for_o what_o seem_v accidental_a to_o we_o be_v not_o chance_n but_o providence_n be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o bring_v to_o pass_v what_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n have_v decree_v as_o be_v very_o evident_a from_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n by_o how_o many_o seem_a accident_n and_o casual_a event_n be_v joseph_n advance_v to_o pharoah_n throne_n his_o dream_n whereby_o god_n foretell_v his_o advancement_n make_v his_o brethren_n envious_a at_o he_o and_o watch_v some_o convenient_a opportunity_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o he_o and_o so_o confute_v his_o dream_n jacob_n send_v joseph_n to_o visit_v his_o brethren_n in_o the_o field_n where_o they_o be_v keep_v their_o sheep_n this_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o execute_v their_o revenge_n and_o at_o first_o they_o intend_v to_o murder_v he_o but_o the_o ishmaelite_n accidental_o pass_v by_o they_o sell_v joseph_n to_o they_o and_o they_o carry_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o sell_v he_o to_o potiphar_n potiphar_n wife_n tempt_v he_o to_o uncleanness_n and_o be_v deny_v by_o joseph_n she_o accuse_v he_o to_o his_o lord_n who_o cast_v he_o into_o the_o king_n prison_n whilst_o he_o be_v there_o the_o king_n butler_n and_o baker_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o same_o prison_n and_o dream_v their_o several_a dream_n which_o joseph_n expound_v to_o they_o and_o the_o event_n verify_v his_o interpretation_n the_o butler_n who_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o office_n forget_v joseph_n till_o two_o year_n after_o pharaoh_n dream_v a_o dream_n which_o none_o of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v interpret_v and_o then_o joseph_n be_v send_v for_o and_o advance_v to_o the_o high_a place_n of_o dignity_n and_o power_n next_o to_o pharaoh_n the_o year_n of_o famine_n bring_v ioseph_n brethren_n into_o egypt_n to_o buy_v corn_n where_o they_o bow_v before_o he_o according_a to_o his_o dream_n this_o occasion_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o whole_a family_n into_o egypt_n where_o joseph_n place_v they_o in_o the_o land_n of_o goshen_n by_o which_o mean_v god_n fulfil_v what_o he_o have_v tell_v abraham_n know_v of_o a_o surety_n that_o thy_o seed_n shall_v be_v a_o stranger_n in_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o and_o shall_v serve_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v afflict_v they_o four_o hundred_o year_n 15._o genes_n 13_o how_o casual_a do_v all_o this_o appear_v to_o we_o but_o no_o man_n will_v think_v that_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o chance_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o what_o seem_v chance_n to_o we_o be_v appoint_v by_o god_n thus_o god_n intend_v to_o deliver_v israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n moses_n be_v bear_v at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n have_v command_v that_o every_o son_n that_o be_v bear_v to_o the_o israelite_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o the_o river_n his_o mother_n hide_v he_o three_o month_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v he_o any_o long_o expose_v he_o in_o a_o ark_n of_o bulrush_n among_o the_o flag_n by_o the_o riverside_n pharaoh_n daughter_n come_v down_o to_o wash_v herself_o in_o the_o river_n and_o find_v the_o ark_n with_o the_o child_n in_o it_o put_v he_o to_o his_o own_o mother_n to_o nurse_n whereby_o he_o come_v to_o know_v his_o own_o kindred_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n afterward_o pharaoh_n daughter_n take_v he_o home_o and_o breed_v he_o up_o as_o her_o own_o son_n whereby_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o egypt_n and_o in_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o pharaoh_n court_n which_o qualify_v he_o for_o government_n when_o he_o be_v forty_o year_n old_a he_o have_v live_v long_o enough_o in_o pharaoh_n court_n and_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o remove_v he_o into_o better_a company_n and_o to_o accustom_v he_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a life_n and_o this_o be_v do_v by_o as_o strange_a a_o accident_n he_o slay_v a_o egyptian_a in_o defence_n of_o a_o oppress_a jew_n and_o be_v betray_v by_o his_o own_o brethren_n and_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o pharaoh_n to_o save_v his_o own_o life_n till_o the_o time_n be_v come_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n and_o then_o god_n send_v he_o back_o into_o egypt_n to_o bring_v his_o people_n out_o from_o thence_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o a_o mighty_a hand_n thus_o god_n have_v foretell_v ahab_n by_o the_o prophet_n micaiah_n that_o if_o he_o go_v up_o against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o this_o be_v accomplish_v by_o a_o very_a great_a chance_n for_o a_o certain_a man_n draw_v a_o bow_n at_o a_o venture_n and_o smite_v the_o king_n between_o the_o joint_n of_o the_o harness_n of_o which_o he_o die_v 1_o king_n 22._o 34._o the_o blood_n which_o come_v from_o his_o wound_n run_v into_o the_o chariot_n and_o one_o wash_v the_o chariot_n in_o the_o pool_n of_o samaria_n and_o the_o dog_n lick_v up_o his_o blood_n which_o be_v a_o very_a casual_a thing_n and_o little_a thought_n of_o by_o he_o who_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o fulfil_v god_n threaten_v against_o ahab_n in_o the_o place_n where_o dog_n lick_v the_o blood_n of_o naboth_n shall_v dog_n lick_v thy_o blood_n even_o thou_o 21._o ch_z 29._o v._n i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o example_n more_o of_o this_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o god_n deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o day_n of_o esther_n from_o the_o wicked_a conspiracy_n of_o haman_n this_o haman_n be_v advance_v to_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n by_o king_n ahasuerus_n take_v great_a offence_n at_o mordecai_n the_o jew_n who_o refuse_v to_o reverence_v he_o as_o other_o do_v and_o for_o his_o sake_n obtain_v a_o decree_n from_o the_o king_n to_o destroy_v all_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o province_n of_o his_o dominion_n mordecai_n send_v to_o queen_n esther_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n and_o to_o petition_v he_o about_o this_o matter_n this_o be_v a_o very_a hazardous_a attempt_n it_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n for_o any_o person_n man_n or_o woman_n to_o go_v to_o the_o king_n without_o be_v call_v unless_o the_o king_n hold_v out_o his_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o they_o but_o the_o queen_n at_o last_o after_o three_o day_n fast_v venture_v she_o own_o life_n to_o save_v her_o people_n and_o obtain_v favour_n in_o the_o king_n sight_n who_o hold_v out_o the_o golden_a sceptre_n to_o she_o all_o that_o she_o request_v at_o that_o time_n be_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v to_o the_o banquet_n which_o she_o have_v prepare_v and_o be_v then_o ask_v what_o her_o petition_n be_v with_o a_o assurance_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v she_o beg_v that_o the_o king_n and_o haman_n will_v come_v the_o next_o day_n also_o to_o her_o banquet_n and_o then_o she_o will_v declare_v it_o haman_n be_v much_o
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 chain_v up_o their_o passion_n and_o alter_v their_o counsel_n the_o only_a question_n be_v when_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o god_n to_o do_v this_o and_o no_o man_n can_v question_v the_o fitness_n of_o it_o when_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o god_n make_v no_o man_n good_a or_o bad_a virtuous_a or_o vicious_a by_o a_o perpetual_a and_o irresistible_a force_n for_o this_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o require_v a_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n but_o god_n may_v by_o a_o secret_a and_o irresistible_a influence_n upon_o man_n mind_n even_o force_v they_o to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v and_o restrain_v they_o from_o do_v that_o evil_a which_o otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v do_v which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a man_n but_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a to_o man_n and_o god_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o all_o 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
upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o on_o jerusalem_n i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o proud_a look_n 10._o isai._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o a_o great_a many_o example_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o nature_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n and_o how_o easy_o god_n can_v defeat_v what_o man_n intend_v and_o accomplish_v by_o they_o his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o when_o god_n have_v no_o particular_a end_n of_o providence_n to_o serve_v by_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o evil_a design_n of_o man_n he_o common_o disappoint_v they_o that_o when_o they_o intend_v evil_a and_o imagine_v a_o mischievous_a device_n they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v it_o 21._o psal._n 11._o or_o he_o turn_v the_o evil_a upon_o their_o own_o head_n the_o heathen_a be_v sink_v down_o in_o the_o pit_n that_o they_o make_v in_o the_o net_n which_o they_o hide_v be_v their_o own_o foot_n take_v the_o lord_n be_v know_v by_o the_o judgement_n which_o he_o execute_v the_o wicked_a be_v snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n 9_o psal._n 15_o 16._o or_o he_o double_o disappoint_v their_o malice_n not_o only_o by_o defeat_v the_o evil_n they_o intend_v but_o by_o turn_v it_o to_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o those_o it_o be_v intend_v against_o which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o haman_n who_o malice_n against_o mordecai_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o sake_n do_v not_o only_o prove_v his_o own_o ruin_n but_o the_o great_a advancement_n of_o mordecai_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o triumph_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n have_v thus_o brief_o show_v what_o government_n god_n have_v both_o of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o action_n of_o man_n how_o easy_o he_o can_v alter_v their_o counsel_n and_o manage_v their_o passion_n make_v they_o do_v what_o good_a they_o 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the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a why_o shall_v we_o not_o allow_v his_o wisdom_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n to_o be_v as_o unsearchable_a as_o his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v it_o for_o a_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n will_v do_v incomprehensible_a thing_n whatever_o it_o employ_v its_o self_n about_o and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v at_o all_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v many_o event_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o can_v fathom_v and_o much_o less_o reason_n to_o deny_v a_o providence_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o event_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n to_o silence_v the_o sceptical_a humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o shame_v those_o trifle_a and_o ridiculous_a pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o censure_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o it_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a discourse_n for_o can_v we_o make_v man_n confess_v what_o all_o modest_a consider_v man_n must_v blush_v to_o deny_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a this_o will_v put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o providence_n and_o teach_v we_o humble_o to_o adore_v and_o reverence_n that_o wisdom_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o to_o prepare_v my_o way_n to_o give_v such_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o you_o may_v secure_o acquiesce_v in_o without_o dispute_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n or_o be_v tempt_v to_o deny_v a_o providence_n when_o you_o meet_v with_o any_o difficulty_n too_o hard_o for_o you_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o be_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o both_o from_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o great_a ignorance_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o many_o case_n so_o much_o above_o our_o 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as_o we_o can_v give_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o do_v he_o little_a service_n because_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n answer_v such_o difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v grant_v he_o that_o god_n act_n by_o such_o rule_n as_o all_o man_n who_o judge_v impartial_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n which_o we_o have_v of_o justice_n must_v think_v unjust_a this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v have_v and_o he_o will_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o talk_v as_o much_o as_o we_o please_v of_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o sovereign_a will_n of_o god_n but_o he_o will_v believe_v no_o such_o god_n for_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o be_v arbitrary_a but_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a and_o to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v good_a and_o just_a but_o not_o good_a and_o just_a as_o man_n understand_v goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o 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a_o difficulty_n in_o providence_n if_o alter_v the_o case_n will_v answer_v the_o difficulty_n it_o be_v only_o suppose_v that_o god_n see_v the_o case_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o we_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v and_o the_o difficulty_n vanish_v and_o be_v not_o this_o very_a easy_a and_o natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v know_v the_o case_n better_o than_o we_o do_v and_o be_v it_o not_o much_o more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o we_o mistake_v the_o case_n than_o to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o do_v any_o thing_n hard_a or_o unjust_a but_o to_o make_v you_o sensible_a of_o this_o i_o shall_v explain_v it_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n relate_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o happen_v to_o private_a man_n or_o to_o public_a society_n to_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n such_o as_o the_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o our_o life_n health_n or_o sickness_n poverty_n or_o riches_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n famine_n sword_n and_o pestilence_n or_o the_o contrary_a blessing_n of_o plenty_n peace_n and_o a_o wholesome_a air_n the_o change_n and_o revolution_n of_o state_n and_o empire_n the_o remove_a king_n and_o set_v up_o king_n now_o what_o of_o all_o this_o be_v there_o that_o god_n can_v never_o wise_o and_o just_o do_v may_v not_o god_n have_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o lengthen_v some_o man_n life_n and_o for_o shorten_v other_o for_o make_v man_n rich_a or_o poor_a honourable_a or_o vile_a for_o translate_n kingdom_n and_o empire_n for_o send_v peace_n or_o war_n plenty_n or_o famine_n and_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v wise_o and_o just_o do_v how_o can_v the_o do_v of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n yes_o you_o will_v say_v such_o good_a or_o evil_a event_n may_v be_v wrong_o apply_v to_o person_n who_o do_v not_o deserve_v they_o and_o then_o they_o become_v unjust_a and_o so_o you_o apprehend_v they_o many_o time_n be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n but_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o the_o event_n themselves_o when_o there_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o they_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o rather_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v wise_a reason_n for_o they_o when_o they_o be_v order_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n be_v not_o the_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a justice_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v just_a and_o be_v not_o his_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n which_o see_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o can_v see_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o confess_v that_o god_n may_v have_v wise_a and_o just_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v though_o we_o know_v they_o not_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o silence_v its_o enemy_n for_o if_o all_o those_o event_n which_o they_o think_v hard_a or_o unjust_a may_v be_v very_o wise_a and_o just_a as_o the_o natural_a justice_n of_o god_n be_v reason_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v and_o as_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n prove_v they_o may_v be_v though_o we_o do_v not_o see_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o may_v be_v wise_a and_o just_a can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o we_o have_v so_o many_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o providence_n such_o a_o may_v be_v be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v themselves_o no_o more_o than_o may_v bee_n 2_o the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o all_o prerogative_n act_n which_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n of_o but_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n i_o call_v those_o prerogative_n act_n which_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o free_a and_o sovereign_a will_n within_o the_o 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reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o god_n do_v when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o execute_v judgement_n and_o restrain_v and_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o govern_v bad_a man_n with_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n 3_o that_o the_o way_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o all_o difficulty_n which_o concern_v such_o matter_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o i_o need_v not_o repeat_v and_o indeed_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a ignorant_a man_n who_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o he_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v discover_v and_o which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v and_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o say_v that_o the_o way_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v above_o our_o knowledge_n 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objection_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v with_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n and_o can_v this_o be_v evident_o and_o convince_o prove_v i_o will_v allow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o then_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o i_o challenge_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v what_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n government_n be_v to_o charge_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o any_o one_o plain_a and_o notorious_a act_n of_o injustice_n for_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o these_o objection_n be_v a_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n government_n and_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o when_o this_o be_v true_o state_v all_o such_o objection_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n justice_n be_v common_o divide_v into_o commutative_a and_o distributive_a justice_n the_o first_o respect_v mens_fw-la right_n and_o property_n the_o second_o their_o desert_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o give_v every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o by_o some_o natural_a or_o acquire_v right_n the_o second_o consist_v in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n as_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o upon_o both_o these_o account_v some_o man_n impeach_v the_o divine_a providence_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n do_v in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o great_a many_o man_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o right_n and_o property_n by_o fraud_n injustice_n or_o open_a violence_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o and_o righteous_o govern_v which_o they_o think_v in_o the_o last_o issue_n must_v reflect_v upon_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n if_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o just_o and_o equal_o distribute_v that_o some_o bad_a man_n be_v great_o reward_v and_o some_o good_a man_n great_o punish_v which_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o distributive_a justice_n of_o providenc_n now_o the_o plain_a and_o short_a way_n of_o answer_v these_o and_o all_o such_o like_a objection_n be_v to_o consider_v wherein_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n consist_v and_o what_o justice_n require_v of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o low_a world_n for_o if_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n very_o righteous_o without_o do_v what_o some_o man_n think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o do_v and_o without_o hinder_v what_o they_o think_v justice_n require_v he_o to_o hinder_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n whatever_o other_o objection_n they_o may_v make_v against_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v state_n this_o as_o plain_o and_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v 1._o first_o then_o i_o suppose_v i_o may_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v 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 there_o may_v be_v great_a violence_n and_o injustice_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o god_n may_v govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a righteousness_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o say_v that_o man_n may_v be_v very_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a and_o yet_o god_n be_v very_o just._n as_o for_o god_n permit_v so_o much_o evil_a to_o be_v commit_v that_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n than_o against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o shall_v be_v particular_o consider_v under_o that_o head_n but_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v man_n from_o sin_v but_o in_o punish_v they_o when_o they_o do_v be_v it_o unjust_a in_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o do_v any_o injustice_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a kind_n of_o justice_n to_o punish_v they_o for_o it_o for_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o justice_n of_o punish_v sin_n will_v be_v found_v in_o the_o injustice_n of_o permit_v it_o and_o god_n must_v be_v first_o unjust_a in_o permit_v injustice_n before_o he_o can_v be_v just_o in_o punish_v it_o which_o show_v how_o absurd_a it_o will_v be_v to_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o injustice_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o unjust_a man_n who_o do_v many_o unjust_a thing_n 2._o for_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 injustice_n and_o therefore_o man_n may_v be_v very_o unjust_a and_o god_n very_o just_a as_o for_o instance_n god_n may_v very_o just_o take_v away_o any_o man_n estate_n when_o no_o man_n can_v do_v it_o without_o injustce_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o respect_n to_o honour_n and_o power_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v all_o his_o and_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v he_o we_o may_v have_v a_o right_n to_o our_o life_n and_o liberty_n estate_n honour_n and_o power_n against_o all_o human_a claim_n but_o we_o have_v no_o right_n against_o god_n he_o may_v give_v riches_n and_o honour_n and_o power_n to_o who_o he_o please_v and_o take_v they_o away_o again_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a without_o be_v chargeable_a with_o any_o injustice_n for_o what_o he_o give_v and_o what_o he_o take_v away_o be_v his_o own_o and_o may_v not_o he_o do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o there_o can_v be_v no_o commutative_a justice_n in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n where_o there_o be_v no_o right_o but_o on_o one_o side_n for_o he_o who_o have_v no_o right_a can_v suffer_v no_o wrong_n and_o he_o in_o who_o the_o whole_a right_n be_v can_v do_v no_o wrong_n in_o give_v or_o take_v away_o what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o therefore_o legal_a right_n and_o property_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o commutative_a justice_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o
than_o to_o command_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v holy_a and_o to_o forbid_v all_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v all_o wicked_a practice_n as_o much_o as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o human_a action_n will_v allow_v that_o god_n do_v all_o this_o wherein_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n consist_v i_o know_v no_o man_n that_o deny_v as_o wicked_a as_o mankind_n be_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v a_o undefiled_a law_n convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a and_o give_v wisdom_n unto_o the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a and_o rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a and_o give_v light_a unto_o the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a and_o endure_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o 19_o psal._n 7_o 8_o 9_o the_o great_a complaint_n be_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v too_o holy_a for_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o most_o man_n think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o the_o too_o great_a purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o they_o have_v no_o ability_n to_o perform_v now_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n law_n be_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n whether_o we_o consider_v these_o law_n as_o a_o copy_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o a_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n much_o more_o if_o we_o consider_v they_o both_o as_o his_o nature_n and_o his_o will_n as_o all_o moral_a law_n which_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o necessary_a goodness_n in_o they_o be_v for_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o will_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o government_n unless_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will._n nay_o law_n themselves_o be_v not_o only_o the_o rule_n of_o obdience_n to_o subject_n but_o of_o government_n to_o the_o prince_n and_o it_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miscarriage_n in_o a_o prince_n not_o to_o govern_v by_o his_o own_o law_n as_o it_o be_v in_o subject_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o prince_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o miscarriage_n but_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o the_o law_n he_o give_v to_o we_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o own_o providence_n and_o then_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o law_n prove_v that_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n must_v be_v very_o holy_a and_o indeed_o we_o have_v very_o visible_a and_o sensible_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o that_o care_n he_o take_v to_o encourage_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n this_o he_o have_v do_v by_o those_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n which_o he_o have_v denounce_v against_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v but_o this_o be_v not_o what_o i_o mean_v for_o man_n can_v despise_v both_o promise_n and_o threaten_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o execution_n of_o they_o and_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o be_v much_o the_o most_o considerable_a be_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o do_v not_o so_o much_o affect_v bad_a man_n and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o to_o consider_v here_o be_v how_o the_o external_a administration_n of_o providence_n encourage_v virtue_n and_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n now_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o effect_n or_o reward_n of_o sin_n as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v the_o scripture_n nay_o as_o all_o man_n must_v do_v who_o believe_v that_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n govern_v the_o world_n must_v confess_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v abundant_o enough_o to_o discourage_v wickedness_n for_o it_o be_v visible_a enough_o how_o many_o misery_n be_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a as_o be_v common_o think_v a_o reproach_n to_o providence_n but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o just_a recompense_n of_o sin_n they_o be_v only_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o providence_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n mortality_n and_o death_n and_o consequent_o all_o those_o infirmity_n and_o decay_n of_o nature_n all_o those_o pain_n and_o sickness_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o inherit_v from_o our_o more_o immediate_a parent_n as_o a_o entail_n of_o their_o sin_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n of_o adam_n which_o bring_v death_n upon_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o such_o a_o curse_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o have_v entail_v labour_n and_o sorrow_n on_o we_o as_o for_o many_o other_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n they_o be_v visible_o owe_v to_o our_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n sin_n such_o as_o want_v and_o poverty_n infamy_n and_o reproach_n sedition_n and_o tumult_n violent_a change_n and_o revolution_n of_o government_n and_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o desolation_n of_o war._n take_v a_o survey_n in_o your_o thought_n of_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o tell_v i_o what_o place_n they_o can_v find_v here_o by_o what_o possible_a mean_n they_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n be_v sin_n banish_v out_o of_o it_o what_o misery_n can_v disturb_v human_a life_n be_v all_o man_n just_o and_o honest_a and_o charitable_a do_v they_o love_v one_o another_o as_o themselves_o perfect_a virtue_n be_v not_o only_o a_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o a_o very_a beneficial_a thing_n it_o do_v no_o hurt_n but_o all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hurt_v we_o neither_o within_o nor_o without_o we_o can_v suffer_v no_o hurt_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v wicked_a they_o shall_v be_v miserable_a can_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n more_o discourage_v man_n from_o sin_n or_o make_v they_o more_o zealous_a to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n than_o so_o many_o daily_a and_o sensible_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v no_o expectation_n of_o a_o secure_a state_n of_o rest_n and_o happiness_n while_o either_o they_o themselves_o or_o other_o man_n with_o who_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n converse_v or_o have_v something_o to_o do_v be_v wicked_a for_o you_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o be_o not_o now_o a_o vindicate_a the_o justice_n but_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v that_o many_o time_n virtuous_a and_o innocent_a man_n suffer_v very_o great_o by_o the_o violence_n and_o injustice_n of_o the_o wicked_a though_o this_o may_v be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n which_o i_o have_v already_o account_v for_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n but_o a_o great_a justification_n of_o it_o for_o the_o more_o effectual_a care_n god_n have_v take_v to_o give_v all_o mankind_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o wickedness_n both_o in_o themselves_o and_o other_o the_o more_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n government_n and_o this_o be_v more_o effectual_o do_v by_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n wickedness_n than_o 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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
imperfect_a can_v with_o such_o great_a probability_n almost_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n foresee_v many_o event_n which_o depend_v also_o upon_o free_a and_o contingent_a cause_n and_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v that_o god_n prescience_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o knowledge_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o neither_o make_v nor_o prove_v any_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o event_n if_o we_o say_v indeed_o as_o some_o man_n do_v that_o god_n foreknow_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o have_v absolute_o decree_v whatever_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v this_o i_o grant_v do_v infer_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o god_n foreknowledge_n but_o his_o decree_n which_o create_v the_o necessity_n all_o thing_n upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v necessary_a not_o because_o god_n foreknow_v they_o but_o because_o by_o his_o unalterable_a decree_n he_o have_v make_v they_o necessary_a he_o foreknow_v because_o they_o be_v necessary_a but_o do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a by_o foreknow_v they_o but_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n god_n prescience_n consider_v only_o as_o foreknowing_a will_v be_v no_o great_a perfection_n of_o knowledge_n than_o man_n have_v who_o can_v certain_o foreknow_v what_o they_o certain_o intend_v to_o do_v and_o it_o seem_v god_n can_v do_v no_o more_o but_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o these_o man_n confession_n that_o foreknowledge_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n lay_v no_o necessity_n upon_o human_a action_n that_o if_o god_n can_v foreknow_v what_o he_o have_v not_o absolute_o and_o peremptory_o decree_v how_o certain_a soever_o such_o event_n may_v be_v his_o foreknowledge_n do_v not_o make_v they_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o all_o event_n from_o god_n foreknowledge_n till_o we_o have_v first_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v foreknow_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v necessary_a that_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o perfection_n as_o prescience_n belong_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o to_o foreknow_v thing_n in_o a_o decree_n or_o only_o in_o necessary_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o that_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o call_v prescience_n than_o it_o be_v prescience_n in_o we_o to_o know_v what_o we_o intend_v to_o do_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n but_o that_o god_n foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o a_o necessity_n of_o the_o event_n and_o therefore_o can_v prove_v any_o such_o necessity_n be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o the_o scripture_n which_o attribute_n this_o foreknowledge_n to_o god_n do_v also_o assert_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n charge_v man_n sin_n and_o final_a ruin_n on_o themselves_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o now_o how_o difficult_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o reconcile_v prescience_n and_o liberty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o necessity_n and_o liberty_n can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o if_o man_n act_n free_o they_o do_v not_o act_v necessary_o and_o if_o god_n do_v foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v do_v and_o yet_o man_n act_v free_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n foreknow_v what_o man_n will_v free_o do_v that_o be_v that_o foreknowledge_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o the_o necessity_n but_o to_o the_o perfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v all_o christian_n who_o can_v reason_v nice_o about_o these_o matter_n that_o this_o argument_n from_o prescience_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o human_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o charge_v man_n sin_n upon_o god_n must_v be_v fallacious_a and_o deceitful_a because_o the_o scripture_n teach_v the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o charge_v the_o guilt_n of_o man_n sin_n upon_o themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n we_o must_v believe_v both_o these_o and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v liberty_n two_o another_o objection_n against_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n be_v this_o that_o god_n do_v not_o only_o foreknow_v but_o decree_v such_o event_n as_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o at_o least_o in_o such_o case_n he_o must_v decree_v man_n sin_n too_o we_o have_v a_o famous_a example_n of_o this_o in_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n never_o be_v there_o a_o more_o wicked_a action_n commit_v and_o yet_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o this_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o decree_n he_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n you_o have_v take_v and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n have_v crucify_v and_o slay_v 2._o act_n 23._o but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o word_n careful_o this_o very_a text_n will_v answer_v the_o objection_n for_o what_o do_v st._n peter_n say_v be_v do_v by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n do_v they_o take_v he_o and_o by_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v and_o slay_v he_o by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n this_o be_v not_o say_v but_o he_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v put_v into_o their_o power_n by_o the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n and_o then_o they_o take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n slay_v he_o and_o then_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o here_o be_v two_o distinct_a act_n of_o god_n relate_v to_o this_o event_n the_o determinate_a counsel_n and_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n the_o will_n or_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v foreordain_v and_o praedetermine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v that_o christ_n shall_v die_v a_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o such_o stupendous_a wisdom_n goodness_n holiness_n and_o justice_n that_o nothing_o can_v more_o become_v god_n than_o such_o counsel_n and_o decree_n but_o then_o by_o his_o infinite_a prescience_n and_o foreknowledge_n he_o see_v by_o what_o mean_v this_o will_v be_v do_v if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o permit_v it_o viz._n by_o the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o by_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n and_o this_o he_o determine_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o their_o hand_n the_o certain_a effect_n of_o which_o will_v be_v that_o they_o will_v take_v he_o and_o with_o wicked_a hand_n crucify_v he_o and_o slay_v he_o so_o that_o though_o god_n do_v decree_n that_o christ_n shall_v die_v yet_o he_o do_v not_o decree_n that_o judas_n shall_v betray_v he_o or_o that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o pontius_n pilate_n shall_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v he_o but_o this_o he_o foresee_v and_o this_o he_o decree_v to_o permit_v and_o to_o accomplish_v his_o own_o wise_a counsel_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n by_o such_o 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miracle_n yet_o separate_v from_o this_o it_o be_v no_o moral_a evil_a not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n who_o have_v now_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o egypt_n for_o above_o two_o hundred_o year_n and_o therefore_o when_o the_o dispute_n be_v not_o about_o believe_v and_o obey_v god_n and_o moses_n which_o pharaoh_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o but_o only_o whether_o he_o shall_v let_v israel_n go_v to_o avoid_v these_o plague_n which_o he_o suffer_v for_o their_o sake_n though_o god_n do_v not_o harden_v he_o in_o his_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n yet_o he_o do_v harden_v he_o against_o part_v with_o israel_n that_o be_v he_o harden_v he_o not_o in_o sin_n for_o the_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n which_o be_v the_o only_a sinfulness_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o his_o own_o but_o he_o harden_v he_o in_o the_o most_o ruinous_a counsel_n he_o can_v possible_o have_v take_v which_o will_v bring_v new_a plague_n on_o egypt_n and_o end_n in_o his_o own_o final_a ruin_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o ahab_n god_n do_v resolve_v to_o send_v he_o to_o ramoth_n gilead_n to_o fall_v there_o and_o suffer_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n and_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o that_o expedition_n against_o the_o prophetic_a threaten_n of_o micaiah_n that_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n persuade_v and_o that_o god_n harden_v ahab_n to_o go_v to_o ramoth_n gilead_n now_o suppose_v this_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o sin_n for_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o go_v to_o fight_v against_o ramoth_n gilead_n but_o it_o be_v only_o to_o harden_v he_o in_o a_o dangerous_a attempt_n and_o which_o god_n intend_v shall_v be_v fatal_a to_o he_o a_o great_a many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v give_v where_o god_n harden_v man_n in_o such_o course_n as_o shall_v and_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o prove_v either_o a_o very_a sore_a punishment_n to_o they_o or_o their_o utter_a ruin_n but_o there_o be_v no_o one_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o god_n persuade_v or_o tempt_a or_o harden_v man_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n evil_a and_o be_v this_o well_o consider_v it_o will_v answer_v and_o shame_v a_o great_a many_o ignorant_a objection_n against_o providence_n three_o but_o we_o must_v far_o observe_v that_o when_o god_n do_v thus_o harden_v man_n in_o ruinous_a counsel_n on_o purpose_n to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o he_o do_v nothing_o which_o have_v either_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a efficacy_n to_o harden_v they_o but_o by_o their_o own_o wickedness_n they_o abuse_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o harden_v themselves_o this_o i_o have_v particular_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o pharaoh_n those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n wrought_v in_o egypt_n and_o that_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o god_n in_o that_o they_o be_v inflict_v and_o remove_v at_o the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o remove_v one_o judgement_n after_o another_o at_o his_o request_n will_v have_v convince_v and_o soften_v other_o man_n but_o harden_v he_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o natural_a end_n and_o use_v of_o god_n patience_n and_o long-suffering_a be_v to_o lead_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o when_o it_o harden_v some_o man_n in_o sinful_a and_o destructive_a course_n as_o we_o too_o often_o see_v it_o do_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o charge_v this_o on_o the_o patience_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n god_n permit_v a_o lie_a spirit_n to_o enter_v into_o ahab_n prophet_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n and_o though_o god_n may_v very_o just_o have_v leave_v he_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o false_a prophet_n of_o his_o own_o make_n and_o choose_v yet_o he_o send_v his_o own_o prophet_n micaiah_n who_o all_o israel_n know_v to_o be_v the_o lord_n prophet_n to_o assure_v he_o that_o if_o he_o go_v against_o ramoth-gilead_n he_o shall_v perish_v there_o and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o deceive_v ahab_n but_o he_o deceive_v himself_o by_o prefer_v the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n before_o the_o lord_n prophet_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o own_o wicked_a idolatrous_a heart_n god_n never_o deceive_v or_o harden_v any_o man_n by_o the_o external_a event_n and_o appearance_n of_o providence_n but_o those_o who_o own_o lust_n and_o wicked_a heart_n deceive_v and_o harden_v they_o there_o be_v always_o enough_o even_o in_o those_o providence_n which_o man_n abuse_v to_o harden_v themselves_o to_o have_v reclaim_v and_o soften_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o it_o and_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v themselves_o into_o such_o a_o harden_a state_n as_o to_o forfeit_v the_o protection_n of_o providence_n god_n may_v do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a though_o he_o know_v that_o they_o will_v abuse_v it_o to_o their_o own_o ruin_n and_o intend_v to_o bring_v ruin_n on_o they_o by_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o glorious_a vindication_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n when_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v see_v that_o such_o man_n ruin_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o themselves_o to_o their_o wicked_a abuse_n of_o all_o those_o wise_a and_o gracious_a method_n which_o will_v have_v reclaim_v and_o save_v they_o if_o they_o will_v have_v be_v reclaim_v and_o save_v four_o to_o understand_v the_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o god_n harden_v man_n we_o must_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o provoke_v as_o to_o resolve_v the_o final_a destruction_n of_o any_o person_n or_o people_n he_o many_o time_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o judicial_a blindness_n and_o infatuation_n which_o betray_v they_o to_o such_o foolish_a counsel_n as_o must_v inevitable_o prove_v their_o ruin_n that_o god_n many_o time_n do_v this_o the_o scripture_n witness_v he_o lead_v counsellor_n away_o spoil_v and_o make_v the_o judge_n fool_n he_o remove_v away_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o trusty_a in_o who_o counsel_n man_n use_v to_o confide_v and_o take_v away_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o age_a he_o take_v away_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o cause_v they_o to_o wander_v in_o a_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n that_o be_v entangle_v and_o perplex_v their_o counsel_n they_o grope_v in_o the_o dark_a without_o light_n and_o he_o make_v they_o to_o stagger_v like_o a_o drunken_a man_n to_o reel_v from_o one_o resolution_n to_o another_o in_o great_a uncertainty_n what_o to_o do_v 12._o job_n 17_o 20_o 24_o 25._o thus_o 19_o isaiah_n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o sure_o the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v fool_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o wise_a counsellor_n of_o pharaoh_n be_v become_v brutish_a how_o say_v you_o unto_o pharaoh_n i_o be_o the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n where_o be_v they_o where_o be_v thy_o wise_a man_n and_o let_v they_o tell_v thou_o now_o and_o let_v they_o know_v what_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n have_v purpose_v upon_o egypt_n the_o prince_n of_o zoan_n be_v become_v fool_n the_o prince_n of_o noph_n be_v deceive_v they_o have_v also_o seduce_v egypt_n even_o they_o that_o be_v the_o stay_n of_o the_o tribe_n thereof_o the_o lord_n have_v mingle_v a_o perverse_a spirit_n in_o the_o midst_n thereof_o and_o they_o have_v cause_v egypt_n to_o err_v in_o every_o work_n thereof_o as_o a_o drunken_a man_n stagger_v in_o his_o vomit_n we_o have_v a_o plain_a example_n of_o this_o in_o absalon_n who_o god_n resolve_v to_o punish_v for_o his_o rebellion_n against_o david_n his_o king_n and_o father_n david_n have_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v turn_v the_o counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n into_o foolishness_n and_o according_o god_n so_o order_v it_o as_o to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n by_o the_o advice_n of_o hushai_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o lord_n have_v appoint_v to_o defeat_v the_o good_a counsel_n of_o ahitophel_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o the_o lord_n may_v bring_v evil_a upon_o absalon_n 2_o sam._n 17._o 14._o this_o make_v man_n as_o hard_o as_o they_o be_v blind_a they_o mistake_v their_o true_a interest_n flatter_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n run_v themselves_o into_o the_o most_o apparent_a and_o inevitable_a danger_n without_o see_v they_o themselves_o though_o every_o body_n else_o see_v they_o and_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n we_o must_v own_v in_o pharaoh_n case_n for_o without_o such_o a_o infatuation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v persist_v so_o long_o in_o his_o resolution_n not_o to_o part_v with_o israel_n though_o it_o be_v to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n
good_a may_v come_v this_o st._n paul_n reject_v with_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o man_n damnation_n be_v just_a 3._o rom._n 8._o for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v evil_a in_o order_n to_o do_v good_a for_o how_o can_v a_o man_n who_o can_v for_o any_o reason_n be_v persuade_v to_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a lover_n of_o goodness_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o who_o do_v any_o evil_a do_v not_o hearty_o love_v that_o goodness_n to_o which_o the_o evil_a he_o do_v be_v oppose_v and_o he_o who_o do_v not_o hearty_o love_v all_o goodness_n be_v a_o hearty_a lover_n of_o none_o there_o be_v no_o reconcile_n good_a and_o evil_n no_o more_o than_o you_o can_v reconcile_v contradiction_n a_o good_a man_n will_v love_v and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o a_o evil_a man_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o though_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a yet_o evil_a be_v not_o and_o can_v be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o good_a no_o more_o than_o darkness_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o light_n and_o therefore_o a_o good_a design_n can_v never_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n for_o that_o bad_a action_n shall_v do_v good_a be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o bad_a action_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v intend_v i_o be_o sure_o no_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o justify_v himself_o in_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v it_o be_v certain_a a_o wise_a and_o holy_a god_n require_v no_o such_o thing_n of_o we_o and_o though_o he_o very_o often_o bring_v about_o great_a and_o admirable_a design_n by_o man_n sin_n yet_o no_o man_n know_v how_o to_o do_v it_o nor_o know_v when_o god_n will_v do_v it_o nor_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n who_o venture_v upon_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a ever_o do_v the_o good_a he_o intend_v though_o many_o time_n he_o run_v himself_o into_o more_o and_o great_a sin_n than_o ever_o he_o intend_v nay_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v that_o no_o man_n ever_o deliberate_o venture_v upon_o a_o know_a sin_n to_o do_v some_o great_a good_a by_o it_o but_o there_o be_v always_o some_o base_a worldly_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n colour_v over_o with_o a_o pretence_n of_o do_v good_a either_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n or_o sometime_o to_o deceive_v their_o own_o conscience_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n among_o who_o there_o be_v those_o who_o teach_v and_o practice_v this_o doctrine_n be_v a_o undeniable_a example_n of_o it_o and_o we_o have_v have_v too_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o it_o near_a home_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o one_o reason_n why_o those_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v future_a age_n be_v general_o so_o obscure_a that_o no_o man_n know_v when_o nor_o how_o they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v that_o no_o man_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o any_o sin_n to_o serve_v providence_n and_o to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n as_o obscure_v as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v yet_o we_o see_v some_o heat_a enthusiast_n very_o forward_o to_o venture_v on_o any_o thing_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n to_o pull_v down_o antichrist_n to_o set_v up_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n especial_o when_o they_o hope_v to_o set_v up_o themselves_o with_o he_o but_o god_n conceal_v time_n and_o season_n from_o we_o and_o though_o he_o many_o time_n fulfil_v prophecy_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n and_o therefore_o never_o let_v we_o know_v when_o nor_o by_o what_o mean_v prohesy_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v let_v we_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o god_n need_v not_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o please_v he_o by_o do_v evil_a whatever_o the_o event_n be_v he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o serve_v his_o providence_n but_o he_o will_v punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n chap._n vii_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 3._o the_o next_o inquiry_n be_v concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n though_o methinks_v it_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o devout_a meditation_n than_o for_o our_o inquiry_n for_o we_o need_v not_o look_v far_o to_o seek_v for_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o taste_v it_o every_o day_n we_o owe_v our_o be_v our_o preservation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n to_o it_o there_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v nor_o so_o miserable_a a_o creature_n in_o this_o world_n but_o can_v bear_v its_o testimony_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n nay_o if_o you_o will_v pardon_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o expression_n i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n and_o torment_n of_o hell_n i_o mean_v the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungrateful_a abuse_n of_o it_o this_o be_v that_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v those_o sharp_a reflection_n man_n make_v on_o their_o ingratitude_n and_o folly_n in_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a by_o affront_a that_o goodness_n which_o will_v have_v make_v they_o happy_a whatever_o other_o objection_n foam_v wanton_a and_o sport_v wit_n make_v against_o providence_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a that_o any_o man_n who_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o feel_v what_o he_o enjoy_v himself_o and_o see_v what_o a_o bountiful_a provision_n be_v make_v for_o all_o creature_n shall_v question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o he_o live_v move_v and_o have_v his_o be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o a_o extraordinary_a benefactor_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n for_o we_o of_o what_o god_n do_v and_o shall_v not_o challenge_v his_o goodness_n though_o he_o do_v some_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o atheism_n be_v found_v in_o ingratitude_n and_o unless_o 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profligate_v sinner_n and_o this_o will_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o how_o good_a soever_o god_n may_v be_v if_o he_o must_v punish_v every_o sin_n he_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n shall_v god_n be_v as_o good_a as_o these_o man_n will_v have_v he_o that_o be_v that_o to_o prove_v himself_o good_a he_o shall_v not_o inflict_v any_o evil_n or_o calamity_n on_o man_n whatever_o their_o sin_n or_o provocation_n be_v that_o whereas_o god_n plant_v paradise_n only_o for_o man_n in_o innocence_n the_o whole_a world_n shall_v be_v now_o a_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v not_o a_o innocent_a man_n in_o it_o this_o will_v be_v as_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n
good_a of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n be_v the_o good_a of_o nature_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o the_o more_o effectual_a it_o be_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n the_o great_a good_n it_o be_v though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a evil_n and_o whatever_o will_v hinder_v or_o destroy_v our_o happiness_n be_v a_o great_a evil_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o great_a natural_a good_n in_o all_o such_o case_n thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o end_n or_o to_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a consequence_n when_o we_o be_v in_o health_n that_o be_v good_a food_n which_o be_v pleasant_a and_o wholesome_a and_o will_v preserve_v health_n but_o the_o same_o diet_n may_v be_v very_o hurtful_a and_o fatal_a when_o we_o be_v sick_a indulgence_n or_o severity_n to_o child_n be_v either_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o 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keep_v we_o out_o of_o hell_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o case_n there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a evil_n in_o this_o world_n but_o what_o may_v be_v good_a for_o we_o and_o therefore_o may_v be_v a_o expression_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o we_o for_o if_o pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n wean_v we_o from_o this_o world_n subdue_v our_o lust_n make_v we_o good_a man_n and_o qualify_v we_o for_o eternal_a reward_n though_o they_o be_v great_a affliction_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o good_a as_o the_o way_n though_o a_o rough_a and_o difficult_a way_n to_o happiness_n that_o prosperity_n do_v oftentimes_o corrupt_a man_n life_n and_o manner_n make_v they_o proud_a and_o sensual_a regardless_o of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o fond_a of_o
barbarous_a country_n that_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v much_o the_o better_a for_o it_o and_o mankind_n the_o better_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n which_o then_o begin_v to_o be_v preach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o what_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o impeach_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n upon_o account_n of_o those_o many_o evil_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n require_v of_o he_o and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n neither_o our_o own_o nor_o other_o man_n suffering_n will_v tempt_v we_o to_o question_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n i_o proceed_v now_o particular_o to_o examine_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o 1._o the_o many_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 2_o god_n unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n or_o the_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a both_o as_o to_o particular_a man_n and_o public_a society_n what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v contain_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o this_o but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o our_o more_o abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o consider_v some_o thing_n more_o large_o and_o particular_o 1._o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o many_o misery_n of_o human_a life_n now_o this_o objection_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o be_v of_o any_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o the_o number_n nature_n and_o quality_n of_o they_o 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o some_o will_v not_o allow_v god_n to_o be_v good_a while_o there_o be_v any_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n for_o say_v they_o a_o good_a god_n shall_v not_o suffer_v any_o misery_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n this_o i_o observe_v and_o answer_v before_o that_o the_o 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choose_v wrong_a but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o against_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o if_o it_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v that_o god_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v make_v the_o world_n for_o if_o goodness_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o may_v make_v himself_o miserable_a wisdom_n will_v not_o allow_v he_o to_o make_v a_o world_n without_o any_o reasonable_a creature_n in_o it_o i_o confess_v i_o be_o at_o a_o great_a loss_n to_o know_v how_o they_o will_v lay_v their_o objection_n so_o as_o to_o bear_v upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v for_o let_v we_o consider_v wherein_o create_a goodness_n consist_v do_v the_o goodness_n of_o a_o maker_n require_v any_o more_o of_o he_o than_o to_o make_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a idea_n and_o to_o make_v they_o as_o perfect_a as_o their_o idea_n be_v what_o be_v it_o then_o they_o find_v fault_n with_o in_o god_n make_v angel_n and_o man_n be_v not_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o reasonable_a be_v and_o a_o free_a agent_n the_o idea_n of_o a_o excellent_a and_o happy_a creature_n be_v there_o any_o great_a perfection_n than_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n and_o liberty_n of_o choice_n be_v there_o any_o happiness_n like_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n nay_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n that_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o happiness_n beside_o this_o will_v you_o call_v senseless_a matter_n nay_o will_v you_o call_v beast_n happy_a and_o be_v the_o only_a idea_n of_o a_o happy_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n a_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o create_a goodness_n if_o then_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o workmanship_n do_v not_o god_n make_v man_n and_o angel_n as_o perfect_a as_o their_o idea_n and_o give_v they_o all_o the_o happiness_n which_o belong_v to_o their_o nature_n if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o their_o creation_n if_o he_o do_v create_v goodness_n have_v do_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o to_o do_v but_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v whence_o they_o have_v this_o notion_n of_o create_a goodness_n that_o it_o must_v make_v no_o creature_n which_o can_v make_v itself_o miserable_a justice_n be_v as_o essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n as_o goodness_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o justice_n shall_v belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o make_v such_o creature_n who_o may_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o for_o justice_n respect_v merit_n and_o consist_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o make_v a_o creature_n which_o shall_v deserve_v either_o to_o be_v 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capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v make_v himself_o miserable_a none_o but_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o great_a happiness_n and_o to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n without_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o consequent_o without_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v and_o be_v miserable_a be_v a_o contradiction_n for_o what_o do_v reason_n serve_v for_o but_o to_o direct_v our_o choice_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n of_o human_a nature_n result_n from_o this_o liberty_n that_o we_o choose_v well_o when_o we_o may_v have_v choose_v ill_o and_o if_o it_o become_v a_o good_a god_n to_o make_v a_o happy_a nature_n it_o become_v he_o to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a and_o free_a agent_n though_o many_o such_o creature_n may_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a but_o suppose_v we_o can_v not_o answer_v this_o objection_n that_o god_n have_v make_v such_o creature_n as_o both_o can_v and_o do_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a what_o be_v it_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n because_o he_o make_v angel_n and_o man_n some_o of_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o devil_n those_o who_o be_v saint_n and_o angel_n still_o shall_v answer_v this_o objection_n when_o any_o man_n have_v confidence_n enough_o serious_o to_o make_v it_o or_o will_v they_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n with_o goodness_n and_o justice_n because_o he_o have_v make_v such_o creature_n as_o by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n make_v themselves_o the_o subject_n of_o both_o there_o be_v no_o other_o answer_v necessary_a to_o that_o but_o only_o to_o ask_v what_o place_n there_o can_v be_v for_o a_o govern_v providence_n be_v there_o no_o creature_n who_o can_v deserve_v well_o or_o ill_o but_o
be_v in_o the_o world_n either_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o nature_n i_o mean_v unseasonable_a wether_n earthquake_n excessive_a heat_n or_o cold_a great_a drought_n or_o immoderate_a rain_n thunder_n lightning_n storm_n and_o tempest_n which_o occasion_n famine_n and_o plague_n great_a sickness_n or_o a_o great_a mortality_n these_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o more_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o direct_v and_o govern_v nature_n but_o beside_o that_o in_o such_o case_n the_o visible_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n justify_v such_o severity_n how_o rare_o do_v these_o happen_v and_o how_o few_o suffer_v by_o they_o in_o comparison_n with_o those_o many_o and_o constant_a evil_n which_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o most_o of_o the_o other_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n be_v visible_o owe_v to_o man_n sin_n bodily_a sickness_n sharp_a and_o painful_a distemper_n which_o shorten_v man_n life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o intemperance_n luxury_n or_o wantonness_n child_n inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v or_o to_o struggle_v some_o few_o year_n in_o the_o very_a kingdom_n and_o territory_n of_o death_n and_o to_o languish_v under_o those_o mortal_a wound_n which_o they_o receive_v with_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o life_n another_o great_a evil_n be_v poverty_n which_o many_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o idleness_n or_o prodigality_n and_o some_o expensive_a vice_n it_o be_v not_o in_o every_o man_n power_n by_o the_o great_a prudence_n and_o industry_n to_o make_v himself_o rich_a for_o time_n and_o chance_n happen_v to_o they_o all_o but_o in_o ordinary_a case_n prudence_n and_o industry_n join_v with_o a_o religious_a regard_n for_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n will_v preserve_v a_o man_n from_o the_o press_a want_n and_o necessity_n of_o poverty_n other_o who_o do_v not_o make_v themselves_o poor_a by_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v many_o time_n reduce_v to_o great_a poverty_n by_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n by_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n and_o violence_n by_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o war_n which_o bring_v a_o thousand_o evil_n with_o it_o which_o make_v many_o helpless_a widow_n and_o orphan_n deprive_v man_n of_o their_o patron_n and_o benefactor_n drive_v other_o from_o their_o plentiful_a fortune_n to_o seek_v their_o bread_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n plunder_v poor_a and_o rich_a lay_v a_o flourish_a country_n desolate_a put_v a_o stop_n to_o trade_n make_v provision_n dear_a and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o poor_a some_o other_o be_v reduce_v to_o poverty_n more_o immediate_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n without_o their_o own_o fault_n those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o support_n but_o their_o daily_a labour_n be_v quick_o pinch_v by_o a_o long_a and_o expensive_a sickness_n or_o by_o the_o infirmity_n of_o age_n or_o by_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o eye_n or_o hand_n or_o leg_n other_o be_v undo_v by_o fire_n or_o shipwreck_n or_o the_o various_a accident_n of_o trade_n which_o the_o most_o wary_a and_o cautious_a man_n can_v escape_v but_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v few_o of_o these_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o throng_n and_o crowd_n of_o idle_a prodigal_a self-made_a poor_a god_n have_v make_v provision_n for_o all_o such_o case_n that_o no_o man_n shall_v suffer_v extreme_a want_n by_o command_v the_o rich_a especial_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o such_o poor_a who_o be_v proper_o god_n poor_a or_o the_o poor_a of_o god_n make_v and_o command_v this_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o own_o estate_n if_o they_o prove_v unjust_a and_o unfaithful_a steward_n so_o that_o though_o god_n make_v some_o man_n poor_a it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n if_o they_o suffer_v want_v the_o poverty_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o want_n and_o misery_n they_o suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o sin_n to_o the_o uncharitableness_n of_o man_n for_o though_o the_o world_n be_v unequal_o divide_v of_o which_o more_o present_o yet_o there_o be_v enough_o to_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o all_o the_o creature_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o god_n never_o intend_v that_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n shall_v want_v necessary_n that_o one_o man_n plenty_n and_o abundance_n shall_v cause_v another_o man_n to_o starve_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o misery_n of_o life_n it_o be_v the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n of_o mankind_n which_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o i_o need_v not_o expatiate_v on_o every_o particular_a i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o be_v all_o man_n good_a and_o virtuous_a this_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a happy_a place_n and_o if_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_n and_o sociable_a virtue_n will_v make_v mankind_n happy_a it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o guess_v what_o it_o be_v that_o disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o reproach_v the_o divine_a providence_n with_o those_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o mankind_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o and_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o most_o man_n make_v themselves_o miserable_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o defend_v and_o justify_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o these_o evil_n which_o man_n complain_v of_o be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v un_o unreasonable_a objection_n against_o providence_n god_n do_v not_o bring_v these_o evil_n upon_o mankind_n but_o man_n bring_v they_o upon_o themselves_o suppose_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v what_o they_o now_o be_v and_o that_o man_n live_v just_a as_o they_o now_o do_v there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n that_o there_o now_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n though_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o intemperance_n luxury_n and_o lust_n will_v destroy_v man_n health_n sloth_n and_o prodigality_n and_o expensive_a vice_n will_v make_v man_n poor_a pride_n ambition_n and_o revenge_n will_v make_v quarrel_n raise_v war_n and_o bring_v all_o the_o calamity_n of_o war_n upon_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n thus_o it_o must_v be_v for_o excessive_a eat_n and_o drink_v will_v oppress_v nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v take_v no_o honest_a pain_n to_o get_v money_n or_o will_v spend_v what_o they_o have_v upon_o their_o lust_n must_v be_v poor_a and_o those_o who_o will_v quarrel_v and_o fight_v must_v take_v what_o follow_v these_o evil_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o providence_n because_o providence_n do_v not_o bring_v they_o no_o more_o than_o providence_n make_v man_n wicked_a man_n make_v themselves_o wicked_a and_o wickedness_n make_v they_o miserable_a and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o charge_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n as_o with_o those_o misery_n which_o their_o own_o wickedness_n bring_v upon_o they_o now_o since_o most_o of_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o just_o chargeable_a upon_o providence_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v very_o visible_a in_o those_o very_a evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v for_o 1._o god_n have_v in_o ordinary_a case_n put_v it_o into_o every_o man_n power_n to_o preserve_v himself_o from_o most_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n even_o from_o all_o those_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o their_o own_o sin_n what_o can_v be_v do_v more_o than_o this_o for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o make_v it_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o put_v it_o into_o his_o own_o power_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a god_n have_v not_o only_o in_o his_o law_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n set_v before_o we_o life_n and_o death_n happiness_n and_o misery_n all_o man_n see_v what_o the_o visible_a and_o natural_a punishment_n of_o sin_n be_v and_o have_v a_o natural_a aversion_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o may_v avoid_v they_o if_o they_o will_v this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o in_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o those_o natural_a evil_n which_o attend_v it_o but_o also_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o show_v man_n a_o plain_a and_o natural_a method_n how_o to_o avoid_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o make_v themselves_o easy_a and_o
can_v subsist_v without_o it_o 2_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a mistake_n to_o think_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o their_o fortune_n do_v that_o a_o prince_n be_v as_o much_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v great_a than_o his_o subject_n for_o all_o the_o world_n know_v that_o happiness_n be_v not_o entail_v on_o riches_n and_o power_n and_o secular_a honour_n as_o they_o have_v their_o advantage_n so_o they_o have_v very_o troublesome_a and_o sour_a allay_v and_o it_o may_v be_v upon_o a_o true_a estimate_n of_o thing_n as_o different_a a_o show_n and_o appearance_n as_o man_n make_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v pretty_a equal_a as_o to_o true_a enjoyment_n there_o be_v very_o little_a difference_n in_o eat_v and_o drink_v while_o we_o have_v wherewithal_o to_o satisfy_v nature_n for_o appetite_n make_v every_o thing_n delicious_a and_o the_o hard_a labour_n of_o a_o poor_a man_n be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o gout_n and_o stone_n and_o those_o sharp_a or_o languish_a disease_n which_o so_o common_o attend_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o as_o for_o opinion_n and_o fancy_n itself_o which_o create_v the_o great_a difference_n every_o rank_n of_o man_n make_v a_o scene_n among_o themselves_o and_o every_o man_n find_v something_o to_o value_v himself_o upon_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v nothing_o wherein_o all_o mankind_n be_v so_o equal_a as_o in_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n and_o a_o value_n for_o themselves_o that_o though_o there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o will_v change_v fortune_n with_o other_o there_o be_v few_o that_o will_v change_v themselves_o and_o the_o difference_n of_o fortune_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a while_o every_o man_n be_v so_o well_o satisfy_v with_o himself_o 3_o this_o inequality_n of_o fortune_n be_v for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o rank_n of_o man_n and_o serve_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n it_o make_v some_o man_n industrious_a to_o provide_v for_o themselves_o and_o family_n it_o inspire_v other_o with_o emulation_n to_o raise_v their_o fortune_n it_o give_v life_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o world_n and_o make_v it_o a_o busy_a scene_n of_o action_n to_o keep_v what_o they_o have_v and_o to_o make_v new_a acquisition_n to_o excel_v their_o equal_n and_o rival_n those_o above_o they_o and_o though_o through_o the_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n this_o occasion_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n yet_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o very_a dull_a place_n without_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o encouragement_n no_o reward_n for_o virtue_n providence_n itself_o will_v have_v very_o little_a to_o do_v for_o the_o visible_a reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n be_v in_o the_o change_n of_o man_n fortune_n when_o industry_n prudence_n and_o virtue_n advance_v man_n of_o a_o low_a condition_n to_o the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o honour_n or_o at_o least_o to_o a_o plentiful_a and_o splendid_a station_n and_o prodigality_n luxury_n and_o impiety_n bring_v misery_n poverty_n and_o contempt_n upon_o rich_a and_o noble_a family_n such_o revolution_n as_o these_o be_v great_a example_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o the_o inequality_n of_o man_n fortune_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n that_o there_o can_v be_v little_o visible_a exercise_n either_o of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n without_o it_o i_o can_v without_o some_o indignation_n reflect_v upon_o the_o baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n of_o mankind_n who_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v their_o be_v in_o god_n who_o know_v how_o little_o they_o deserve_v of_o he_o and_o feel_v every_o day_n how_o many_o blessing_n they_o receive_v from_o he_o and_o yet_o seem_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v find_v or_o ignorant_o invent_v some_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o reproach_v his_o goodness_n the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n confute_v such_o objection_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o answer_v they_o be_v it_o not_o a_o great_a satisfaction_n and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o contemplate_v the_o divine_a goodness_n even_o on_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o providence_n which_o will_v teach_v we_o a_o patient_a and_o thankful_a submission_n to_o god_n under_o all_o our_o suffering_n enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o and_o direct_v we_o how_o to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v they_o and_o give_v we_o a_o more_o transport_v admiration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n when_o we_o see_v it_o like_o the_o sun_n break_v through_o the_o black_a cloud_n if_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n conquer_v the_o sin_n the_o perverseness_n of_o mankind_n and_o shine_v through_o all_o those_o misery_n which_o foolish_a sinner_n every_o day_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o how_o good_a be_v god_n when_o his_o goodness_n flow_v with_o a_o undisturbed_a uninterrupted_a current_n chap._n viii_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n the_o unsearchableness_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n as_o i_o observe_v above_o 4._o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o judge_v or_o censure_v such_o mysterious_a passage_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o yet_o it_o become_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o to_o admire_v that_o wonderful_a wisdom_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n we_o can_v by_o search_v find_v out_o god_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o almighty_a to_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n 11._o job_n 7_o 8_o 9_o but_o though_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n yet_o we_o may_v discover_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v as_o well_o as_o make_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n when_o we_o contemplate_v god_n it_o be_v like_o lose_v ourselves_o in_o a_o boundless_a prospect_n where_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o glory_n and_o beauty_n but_o can_v see_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o we_o may_v discover_v admirable_a and_o surprise_v wisdom_n in_o that_o little_a we_o see_v of_o providence_n as_o i_o have_v already_o brief_o observe_v upon_o several_a occasion_n but_o we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o what_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v do_v and_o what_o end_v it_o serve_v that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o have_v as_o imperfect_a a_o view_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o whoever_o diligent_o apply_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o providence_n will_v see_v reason_n to_o admire_v a_o great_a many_o event_n which_o careless_a observer_n make_v objection_n against_o providence_n which_o will_v be_v of_o such_o great_a use_n to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o profound_a veneration_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o i_o shall_v venture_v to_o make_v some_o little_a essay_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o though_o i_o be_o sensible_a must_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a yet_o will_v suggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n and_o show_v we_o the_o most_o delightful_a and_o profitable_a way_n of_o study_v history_n and_o providence_n and_o to_o do_v this_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n i_o can_v i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v as_o it_o it_o be_v the_o hinge_n of_o providence_n whereon_o the_o various_a scene_n of_o providence_n turn_v 2._o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o some_o other_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o more_o common_a event_n of_o providence_n especial_o such_o as_o be_v make_v objection_n against_o providence_n 1._o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n which_o give_v a_o new_a face_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o open_v new_a scene_n of_o providence_n the_o state_n of_o innocence_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n there_o be_v no_o death_n no_o sickness_n no_o labour_n or_o sorrow_n but_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n make_v a_o very_a great_a change_n in_o this_o visible_a creation_n man_n himself_o become_v mortal_a and_o be_v condemn_v to_o a_o industrious_a and_o laborious_a life_n according_a to_o that_o sentence_n curse_v be_v the_o ground_n for_o thy_o sake_n in_o sorrow_n shall_v thou_o eat_v of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o life_n thorn_n also_o and_o thistle_n shall_v it_o bring_v forth_o to_o thou_o and_o thou_o shall_v eat_v the_o herb_n of_o the_o field_n in_o
because_o moses_n have_v record_v it_o in_o his_o write_n who_o we_o know_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o we_o know_v also_o that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o satisfactory_a account_n give_v yet_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n how_o the_o whole_a world_n can_v be_v drown_v at_o lest_o none_o that_o will_v agree_v with_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n either_o of_o the_o creation_n or_o of_o the_o deluge_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v no_o account_n than_o such_o a_o account_n as_o confute_v moses_n can_v any_o such_o be_v give_v for_o this_o confute_v or_o at_o least_o discredit_v the_o story_n itself_o for_o which_o we_o have_v no_o authentic_a authority_n when_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v lose_v but_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n to_o seek_v after_o natural_a cause_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o resolve_v the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n into_o natural_a cause_n for_o it_o be_v great_a good_a nature_n in_o man_n to_o own_o a_o god_n if_o they_o can_v make_v and_o destroy_v a_o world_n without_o he_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o every_o thing_n endow_v with_o its_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o unite_v into_o a_o regular_a frame_n with_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o make_v the_o world_n by_o natural_a cause_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o natural_a cause_n till_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n must_v move_v unnatural_o and_o be_v put_v into_o a_o universal_a disorder_n before_o the_o world_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o while_o natural_a cause_n keep_v their_o natural_a course_n they_o will_v preserve_v not_o destroy_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o owe_v to_o natural_a cause_n but_o to_o preternatural_a disorder_n and_o what_o philosophy_n can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o what_o can_v put_v nature_n into_o such_o a_o universal_a disorder_n but_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n which_o put_v it_o into_o order_n and_o give_v law_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v what_o god_n intend_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n to_o give_v a_o visible_a and_o last_a proof_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n to_o the_o new_a by_o such_o a_o miraculous_a deluge_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n that_o universal_a corruption_n of_o mankind_n will_v persuade_v we_o that_o the_o very_a belief_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v lose_v among_o they_o or_o if_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o that_o shall_v be_v when_o the_o world_n by_o computation_n be_v not_o seventeen_o hundred_o year_n old_a and_o lamech_v noah_n father_n live_v fifty_o year_n with_o adam_n himself_o that_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n create_v the_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v lose_v in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n yet_o at_o least_o they_o can_v have_v no_o sense_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n they_o can_v not_o believe_v that_o god_n take_v any_o notice_n of_o their_o action_n or_o will_v execute_v such_o a_o terrible_a vengeance_n on_o they_o for_o their_o sin_n we_o do_v not_o read_v of_o any_o one_o act_n of_o judgement_n which_o god_n exercise_v before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o his_o spare_a cain_n when_o he_o have_v kill_v his_o brother_n abel_n may_v encourage_v they_o with_o hope_n of_o impunity_n whatever_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v and_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v it_o necessary_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o old_a and_o to_o begin_v the_o new_a world_n with_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o his_o power_n and_o justice_n to_o teach_v man_n the_o fear_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o world_n but_o have_v once_o destroy_v it_o and_o therefore_o can_v destroy_v it_o again_o with_o all_o its_o wicked_a inhabitant_n whenever_o he_o please_v now_o to_o make_v this_o a_o last_a proof_n of_o god_n power_n and_o justice_n it_o must_v be_v evident_a beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v god_n do_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n as_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n for_o it_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o attribute_v nothing_o to_o god_n which_o they_o can_v ascribe_v to_o any_o visible_a cause_n have_v all_o mankind_n except_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v destroy_v by_o plague_n or_o famine_n or_o wild_a beast_n though_o such_o a_o general_a destruction_n will_v have_v convince_v wise_a and_o reasonable_a man_n that_o the_o hand_n and_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n in_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n which_o our_o modern_a atheist_n have_v make_v they_o will_v think_v scorn_n to_o attribute_v plague_n or_o famine_n or_o such_o like_a evil_a accident_n to_o god_n though_o all_o mankind_n be_v destroy_v by_o they_o but_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n drown_v and_o know_v not_o where_o to_o find_v water_n to_o drown_v it_o without_o a_o miraculous_a dissolution_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v either_o laugh_v at_o the_o story_n which_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n can_v well_o do_v or_o they_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o whatever_o shift_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n may_v make_v to_o disbelieve_v the_o universal_a deluge_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a wise_a and_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o convince_v that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n while_o the_o uncorrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o deluge_n be_v preserve_v 2_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v see_v in_o destroy_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n without_o destroy_v the_o earth_n god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o earth_n be_v to_o be_v again_o inhabit_v by_o a_o new_a generation_n and_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v best_o fit_v to_o this_o purpose_n which_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o the_o earth_n when_o it_o be_v dry_v up_o again_o but_o rather_o moisten_v and_o impregnate_v it_o with_o new_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o life_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n we_o know_v of_o to_o destroy_v this_o earth_n either_o by_o water_n or_o fire_n it_o have_v already_o be_v destroy_v by_o water_n and_o will_v be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accident_n but_o a_o wise_a design_n to_o consider_v that_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o purge_v and_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o fire_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o it_o whereas_o have_v this_o order_n be_v invert_v as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v have_v it_o be_v mere_a chance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n can_v neither_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o fire_n nor_o utter_o destroy_v by_o water_n without_o a_o perpetual_a deluge_n a_o deluge_n of_o water_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o earth_n nor_o make_v it_o uninhabitable_a after_o the_o deluge_n cease_v but_o fire_n destroy_v the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o and_o melt_v all_o into_o one_o confuse_a mass_n there_o be_v some_o defence_n against_o a_o deluge_n noah_n and_o his_o son_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n to_o people_n the_o new_a world_n but_o there_o be_v no_o defence_n against_o flame_n the_o whole_a earth_n and_o all_o the_o wicked_a inhabitant_n of_o it_o must_v burn_v together_o and_o this_o be_v one_o wise_a reason_n why_o god_n choose_v to_o drown_v the_o world_n not_o to_o burn_v it_o because_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v 3_o there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o god_n preserve_v noah_n and_o his_o son_n in_o the_o ark_n from_o perish_v by_o water_n for_o first_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o this_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o preserve_v the_o race_n of_o mankind_n to_o new-people_n the_o world_n which_o much_o more_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o to_o have_v create_v man_n anew_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v his_o way_n it_o become_v god_n to_o try_v new_a method_n of_o reform_v the_o world_n for_o this_o open_v new_a and_o surprise_v scene_n of_o providence_n and_o display_v such_o a_o multifarious_a wisdom_n in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n as_o be_v much_o more_o wonderful_a
than_o the_o creation_n of_o a_o new_a world_n will_v be_v but_o have_v god_n destroy_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n and_o create_v a_o new_a man_n to_o inhabit_v the_o new_a world_n this_o will_v have_v argue_v some_o defect_n in_o the_o first_o creation_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o destroy_a man_n to_o make_v he_o again_o but_o a_o design_n to_o make_v he_o better_o to_o correct_v that_o in_o a_o second_o trial_n which_o experience_n have_v discover_v to_o be_v faulty_a in_o the_o first_o but_o though_o the_o wisdom_n of_o government_n will_v admit_v of_o various_a trial_n and_o experiment_n the_o wisdom_n of_o creation_n wont_a the_o government_n of_o free_a agent_n must_v be_v accommodate_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n not_o only_o to_o what_o god_n make_v they_o but_o to_o what_o they_o make_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o method_n of_o government_n must_v change_v as_o man_n change_v themselves_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v only_o by_o god_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o it_o be_v chargeable_a upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o to_o make_v man_n and_o destroy_v he_o and_o make_v he_o again_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a fault_n somewhere_o 2_o i_o observe_v also_o before_o that_o to_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n of_o any_o use_n to_o propagate_v religion_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o new_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o some_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o old_a world_n shall_v survive_v the_o deluge_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o that_o terrible_a destruction_n have_v no_o man_n survive_v though_o god_n shall_v have_v create_v man_n anew_o that_o new_a generation_n of_o man_n can_v have_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o deluge_n but_o by_o revelation_n whereas_o god_n intend_v a_o sensible_a proof_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n which_o mankind_n want_v beside_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n make_v to_o adam_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o his_o own_o sense_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v but_o just_a then_o make_v and_o be_v the_o first_o and_o the_o only_a man_n upon_o earth_n there_o be_v such_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v man_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v and_o be_v preserve_v and_o govern_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o because_o no_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v neither_o reason_n nor_o revelation_n can_v persuade_v some_o man_n that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a then_o to_o think_v that_o when_o there_o be_v no_o remain_a sign_n of_o a_o deluge_n leave_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deluge_n shall_v for_o any_o long_a time_n have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o live_a witness_n who_o see_v the_o deluge_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v god_n to_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o new-created_a man_n no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o 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all_o account_n admirable_o fit_v to_o that_o purpose_n so_o we_o may_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o when_o it_o come_v it_o convince_v that_o wicked_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n which_o it_o give_v they_o some_o time_n for_o and_o though_o it_o can_v not_o save_v they_o in_o this_o world_n who_o know_v but_o that_o a_o sudden_a repentance_n upon_o such_o a_o sudden_a conviction_n may_v obtain_v mercy_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o noah_n be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n he_o have_v often_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o deluge_n but_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o though_o they_o see_v he_o prepare_v the_o ark_n but_o when_o they_o see_v the_o flood_n come_v they_o know_v then_o the_o
providence_n will_n and_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o we_o the_o psalmist_n complain_v of_o those_o wicked_a man_n who_o regard_v not_o the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n nor_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o hand_n 28._o psal._n 5._o and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o there_o be_v who_o have_v a_o general_a notion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n but_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o god_n do_v or_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o god_n in_o what_o be_v do_v most_o man_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n and_o though_o at_o other_o time_n they_o will_v own_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n yet_o as_o to_o particular_a event_n take_v as_o little_a notice_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o it_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o providence_n as_o this_o be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o in_o religion_n it_o neither_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n nor_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n 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order_v for_o the_o good_a of_o those_o who_o do_v submit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o submit_v because_o he_o be_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n whether_o we_o will_v submit_v or_o no_o we_o must_v suffer_v his_o will_n because_o we_o can_v resist_v his_o power_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o submit_v to_o god_n for_o he_o will_v consult_v our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o do_v better_o for_o we_o than_o we_o can_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o but_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o various_a act_n of_o that_o submission_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n or_o to_o the_o providential_a will_v of_o god_n and_o i_o shall_v distinct_o inquire_v what_o submission_n we_o owe_v to_o providence_n under_o all_o the_o evil_n affliction_n and_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o in_o those_o several_a state_n condition_n and_o relation_n of_o life_n which_o the_o providence_n of_o 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god_n be_v not_o to_o put_v off_o the_o sense_n and_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n it_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o our_o opinion_n about_o they_o affliction_n be_v affliction_n still_o and_o will_v be_v feel_v and_o though_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o in_o submission_n to_o god_n yet_o we_o must_v bear_v they_o as_o affliction_n can_v be_v bear_v and_o as_o human_a nature_n can_v bear_v they_o with_o pain_n and_o grief_n and_o reluctancy_n with_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o complaint_n with_o vehement_a and_o importunate_a desire_n and_o prayer_n to_o god_n and_o man_n to_o help_v and_o deliver_v we_o we_o have_v frequent_a example_n of_o this_o in_o scripture_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n as_o they_o abound_v with_o all_o dutiful_a expression_n of_o reverence_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v very_o full_a of_o complaint_n and_o of_o the_o most_o passionate_a sense_n of_o suffering_n represent_v so_o as_o to_o be_v feel_v in_o such_o a_o strain_n of_o move_a eloquence_n as_o not_o art_n but_o afflict_a nature_n teach_v but_o we_o have_v one_o example_n above_o all_o other_o and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n who_o suffer_v with_o fear_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o with_o earnest_a prayer_n to_o his_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a our_o fear_n and_o sorrow_n and_o aversion_n be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o submission_n to_o god_n it_o may_v be_v think_v a_o great_a weakness_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o our_o suffering_n but_o it_o argue_v the_o great_a strength_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v a_o more_o glorious_a victory_n over_o self_n to_o make_v our_o very_a
employment_n or_o profession_n be_v shall_v serve_v king_n this_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o promise_n and_o yet_o such_o kind_n of_o promise_n as_o these_o signify_v a_o great_a deal_n for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o virtue_n not_o that_o every_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o diligent_a man_n shall_v be_v rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v find_v the_o reward_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n proportion_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o state_n of_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v god_n way_n of_o promote_a man_n when_o he_o advance_v they_o in_o favour_n and_o goodwill_n to_o they_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o only_a way_n wherein_o we_o must_v expect_v the_o blessing_n and_o protection_n of_o god_n but_o then_o there_o be_v some_o promise_n which_o be_v equal_o make_v to_o all_o good_a man_n and_o they_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n 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quite_o otherwise_o than_o we_o desire_v now_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a difficulty_n do_v a_o particular_a trust_n in_o god_n signify_v a_o firm_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n that_o god_n will_v do_v that_o particular_a thing_n which_o i_o rely_v and_o depend_v on_o he_o for_o for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v this_o or_o in_o this_o sense_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n without_o a_o express_a promise_n or_o some_o private_a revelation_n now_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o particular_a promise_n which_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n apply_v to_o ourselves_o contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o private_a enthusiasm_n be_v a_o dangerous_a pretence_n the_o dream_n of_o self-love_n and_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o heat_a imagination_n i_o grant_v that_o under_o the_o law_n there_o be_v such_o particular_a promise_n and_o particular_a revelation_n make_v to_o good_a man_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o a_o particular_a faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n as_o to_o some_o particular_a event_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o event_n of_o war_n which_o be_v common_o undertake_v by_o god_n express_a command_n manage_v by_o his_o direction_n with_o a_o certain_a promise_n of_o success_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o war_n of_o moses_n and_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o in_o after-age_n god_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n either_o by_o his_o oracle_n of_o urim_n and_o thummim_n or_o by_o his_o prophet_n but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o we_o now_o and_o therefore_o such_o a_o faith_n and_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o can_v have_v nor_o do_v god_n expect_v it_o from_o we_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o depend_v on_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o event_n but_o must_v trust_v to_o that_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n care_n of_o we_o and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o must_v consider_v what_o trust_n and_o dependence_n that_o be_v which_o we_o owe_v to_o providence_n now_o to_o trust_v providence_n be_v not_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o particular_a thing_n for_o we_o which_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o trust_v ourselves_o and_o all_o our_o concernment_n with_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o every_o particular_a case_n which_o we_o recommend_v to_o his_o care_n what_o he_o see_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o in_o such_o case_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o i_o think_v every_o one_o will_v confess_v that_o such_o a_o general_a trust_n and_o affiance_n in_o god_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o do_v much_o more_o honour_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o mere_o to_o trust_v his_o promise_n which_o secure_v we_o of_o the_o event_n to_o rely_v on_o god_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o
he_o shall_v deliver_v they_o from_o the_o ungodly_a and_o shall_v save_v they_o because_o they_o put_v their_o trust_n in_o he_o the_o whole_a 91_o sy_n psalm_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o i_o need_v name_n no_o more_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n be_v call_v dwell_v in_o the_o secret_a place_n of_o the_o most_o high_a or_o under_o the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o the_o most_o high_a that_o be_v such_o a_o man_n put_v himself_o under_o god_n protection_n and_o he_o that_o do_v so_o shall_v abide_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o be_v he_o shall_v defend_v thou_o under_o his_o wing_n and_o thou_o shall_v be_v safe_a under_o his_o feather_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v thy_o shield_n and_o buckler_n and_o the_o psalmist_n particular_o reckon_v up_o most_o of_o the_o evil_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a life_n and_o promise_n security_n against_o they_o all_o because_o thou_o have_v make_v the_o lord_n which_o be_v my_o refuge_n even_o the_o most_o high_a thy_o habitation_n there_o shall_v no_o evil_n befall_v thou_o neither_o shall_v any_o plague_n come_v nigh_o thy_o dwell_n this_o psalm_n indeed_o be_v a_o prophecy_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o the_o height_n and_o latitude_n of_o the_o expression_n be_v applicable_a only_o to_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o give_v a_o general_a security_n to_o all_o who_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o protection_n from_o all_o evil_a this_o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o who_o do_v not_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o how_o be_v providence_n concern_v for_o they_o who_o expect_v nothing_o from_o it_o nay_o this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v disappoint_v and_o fall_v into_o misery_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o no_o human_a strength_n or_o policy_n can_v save_v they_o but_o trust_v in_o god_n make_v we_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n for_o if_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n none_o so_o much_o deserve_v his_o protection_n as_o those_o who_o commit_v themselves_o to_o his_o care_n a_o good_a man_n will_v not_o deceive_v or_o forsake_v those_o who_o depend_v on_o he_o much_o less_o will_v a_o good_a god_n three_o another_o duty_n we_o own_o to_o providence_n be_v prayer_n to_o ask_v of_o god_n all_o those_o blessing_n and_o mercy_n which_o we_o need_v the_o universal_a practice_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o own_v a_o god_n and_o that_o natural_a impulse_n all_o man_n find_v to_o seek_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n show_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n be_v but_o yet_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v much_o puzzle_v how_o to_o reconcile_v prayer_n with_o their_o notion_n of_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o indeed_o be_v providence_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o necessary_a chain_n of_o cause_n or_o fix_v and_o immutable_a decree_n there_o will_v be_v no_o great_a encouragement_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o upon_o this_o supposition_n can_v help_v we_o no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v alter_v destiny_n and_o fate_n but_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o as_o great_a liberty_n and_o freedom_n as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n govern_v his_o family_n or_o a_o prince_n govern_v his_o kingdom_n there_o be_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o petition_n to_o our_o parent_n or_o to_o our_o prince_n for_o if_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o from_o god_n what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o ask_v every_o thing_n of_o he_o but_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o discourse_v this_o matter_n more_o particular_o for_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n wherein_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o reason_n themselves_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o form_v such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o make_v it_o needless_a nay_o absurd_a to_o worship_v he_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o 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 11._o heb._n 6._o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o worship_n and_o that_o this_o god_n do_v take_v care_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a favour_n for_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o if_o god_n neither_o take_v any_o care_n of_o we_o or_o take_v no_o more_o care_n of_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o than_o of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o there_o be_v no_o just_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o but_o the_o apostle_n in_o this_o suppose_n that_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o better_a for_o worship_v be_v a_o reasonable_a foundation_n for_o religious_a worship_n and_o therefore_o such_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n as_o allow_v no_o peculiar_a reward_n and_o benefit_n to_o worshipper_n be_v certain_o false_a how_o philosophical_a soever_o they_o may_v appear_v and_o impious_a too_o because_o they_o shut_v all_o religious_a worship_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o some_o man_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v for_o what_o reason_n they_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n they_o comply_v with_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o country_n to_o avoid_v scandal_n and_o public_a censure_n but_o think_v they_o may_v as_o well_o let_v it_o alone_o as_o for_o any_o advantage_n they_o hope_v for_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o have_v as_o good_a not_o be_v present_a at_o prayer_n as_o not_o to_o pray_v for_o no_o man_n can_v pray_v to_o any_o advantage_n who_o despise_v prayer_n it_o will_v therefore_o be_v high_o necessary_a plain_o to_o state_n this_o matter_n and_o to_o show_v you_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n lay_v the_o strong_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n the_o scripture-proof_n of_o this_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v avoid_v and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o at_o large_a repeat_v they_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n we_o be_v more_o frequent_o command_v none_o we_o be_v more_o earnest_o exhort_v to_o than_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n we_o have_v the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n for_o it_o and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o spend_v whole_a night_n in_o prayer_n and_o we_o have_v the_o encouragement_n of_o as_o express_v promise_n as_o any_o in_o scripture_n that_o if_o we_o pray_v to_o god_n he_o will_v hear_v and_o answer_v we_o which_o be_v all_o the_o encouragement_n we_o can_v desire_v for_o our_o prayer_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v o_o thou_o that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v 65._o psal._n 2._o to_o thou_o they_o shall_v pray_v because_o thou_o hear_v prayer_n for_o thou_o lord_n be_v good_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v and_o plenteous_a in_o mercy_n to_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o my_o trouble_n will_v i_o call_v upon_o thou_o for_o thou_o will_v answer_v i_o 86._o psal._n 5_o 7._o the_o lord_n be_v nigh_o unto_o all_o they_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o to_o all_o that_o call_v upon_o he_o in_o truth_n he_o will_v fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o he_o also_o will_v hear_v their_o cry_n and_o will_v save_v they_o 145._o psal._n 18_o 19_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o express_a than_o our_o saviour_n promise_n ask_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v unto_o you_o seek_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v knock_v and_o it_o shall_v be_v open_v unto_o you_o for_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v receive_v and_o he_o that_o seek_v find_v and_o to_o he_o that_o knock_v it_o shall_v be_v open_v 7._o matt._n 7_o 8._o and_o what_o great_a thing_n be_v attribute_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o power_n of_o prayer_n st._n james_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o effectual_a fervent_a prayer_n of_o the_o righteous_a man_n avail_v much_o and_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o example_n of_o elias_n who_o be_v a_o man_n subject_n to_o like_a passion_n as_o we_o be_v and_o he_o pray_v earnest_o that_o it_o may_v not_o rain_v and_o it_o rain_v not_o on_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o space_n of_o three_o year_n and_o six_o month_n and_o he_o pray_v again_o and_o the_o heaven_n give_v rain_v and_o the_o earth_n bring_v forth_o fruit_n 5._o james_n 17_o 18._o and_o all_o those_o wonder_n which_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n attribute_n to_o faith_n belong_v to_o this_o prayer_n of_o faith_n 11._o heb._n 32_o 33_o 34._o for_o this_o
reason_n iacob_n name_n be_v change_v into_o israel_n when_o he_o wrestle_v all_o night_n with_o the_o angel_n and_o will_v not_o let_v he_o go_v till_o he_o have_v bless_v he_o thy_o name_n shall_v be_v call_v no_o more_o jacob_n but_o israel_n for_o as_o a_o prince_n have_v thou_o power_n with_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v prevail_v 32._o gen._n 28._o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o man_n of_o the_o duty_n necessity_n and_o advantage_n of_o prayer_n for_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o we_o must_v expect_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n only_o in_o answer_n to_o our_o prayer_n if_o he_o himself_o make_v prayer_n the_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o receive_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v the_o philosophy_n of_o it_o for_o we_o must_v ask_v if_o we_o will_v receive_v we_o can_v receive_v of_o none_o but_o god_n and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o give_v to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o ask_v and_o 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derogate_v from_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o counsel_n now_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o these_o objection_n do_v not_o prove_v too_o much_o that_o be_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o equal_o destroy_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o make_v any_o prayer_n or_o petition_n to_o man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o good_a man_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o want_n and_o may_v need_v to_o be_v inform_v but_o be_v this_o the_o only_a reason_n of_o ask_v to_o inform_v man_n of_o our_o want_n do_v any_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o bind_v though_o he_o know_v our_o want_n to_o supply_v they_o without_o our_o ask_n do_v we_o think_v it_o any_o diminution_n to_o any_o man_n goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v unless_o he_o be_v ask_v good_a man_n indeed_o do_v a_o great_a many_o good_a office_n without_o be_v ask_v and_o so_o do_v a_o good_a god_n but_o in_o most_o case_n they_o think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v ask_v and_o that_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o stomach_n not_o to_o ask_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o not_o to_o give_v it_o do_v not_o become_v some_o man_n to_o ask_v when_o it_o may_v become_v other_o to_o give_v for_o it_o require_v some_o interest_n and_o some_o pretence_n to_o favour_n and_o kindness_n to_o have_v a_o right_a to_o ask_v but_o all_o man_n expect_v that_o those_o who_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o know_v that_o they_o may_v have_v for_o ask_v shall_v ask_v for_o what_o they_o want_v parent_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o child_n and_o a_o prince_n from_o his_o subject_n and_o will_v see_v their_o want_n and_o let_v they_o want_v on_o till_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o ask_v and_o if_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n expect_v this_o from_o their_o dependent_n a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n may_v as_o reasonable_o expect_v this_o from_o his_o creature_n who_o have_v their_o whole_a dependence_n on_o he_o for_o let_v any_o man_n show_v i_o the_o difference_n if_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o expect_v to_o be_v ask_v why_o may_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n expect_v this_o as_o well_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n thus_o as_o changeable_a as_o man_n be_v in_o their_o will_n and_o counsel_n and_o passion_n do_v we_o use_v to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o fickleness_n and_o inconstancy_n only_o because_o he_o give_v when_o he_o be_v ask_v and_o will_v not_o give_v when_o he_o be_v not_o ask_v that_o be_v do_v it_o prove_v any_o man_n to_o be_v mutable_a to_o change_v only_o as_o a_o wise_a and_o immutable_a rule_n require_v he_o to_o change_v such_o uniform_a and_o regular_a change_n as_o these_o prove_v a_o immutability_n of_o counsel_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o providence_n it_o argue_v no_o more_o change_n in_o god_n to_o give_v when_o we_o ask_v and_o not_o to_o give_v when_o we_o do_v not_o ask_v than_o it_o be_v to_o punish_v a_o man_n when_o he_o be_v wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v he_o when_o he_o be_v good_a the_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o human_a nature_n be_v the_o most_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o move_v mechanical_o by_o external_a and_o sensible_a impression_n either_o against_o reason_n or_o at_o least_o without_o it_o they_o betray_v man_n to_o that_o uneveness_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o their_o action_n as_o disparage_v both_o their_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o when_o they_o do_v good_a by_o such_o blind_a impulse_n and_o strong_a and_o heady_a passion_n they_o do_v good_a by_o chance_n and_o another_o torrent_n of_o different_a passion_n may_v do_v as_o much_o hurt_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o immutability_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o be_v move_v by_o passion_n when_o reason_n and_o not_o mere_a sense_n move_v they_o for_o reason_n be_v a_o even_a and_o steady_a mover_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o affection_n be_v move_v by_o reason_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o have_v do_v without_o that_o reason_n do_v not_o unbecome_v the_o wise_a and_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o a_o good_a man_n be_v move_v by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n and_o complaint_n to_o pity_v and_o compassion_n and_o to_o do_v good_a contrary_a to_o his_o former_a intention_n and_o inclination_n be_v no_o reproach_n to_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o any_o reproach_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o god_n be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n to_o do_v that_o for_o we_o which_o otherwise_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v for_o it_o neither_o unbecome_v god_n nor_o man_n to_o be_v move_v by_o reason_n we_o live_v in_o a_o critical_a age_n which_o will_v not_o allow_v we_o to_o speak_v intelligible_o of_o god_n because_o we_o want_v word_n sufficient_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o 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or_o need_v these_o or_o such_o kind_n of_o punishment_n or_o correction_n and_o such_o vast_a number_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v ready_a every_o day_n to_o commit_v such_o outrage_n do_v not_o god_n restrain_v they_o be_v it_o not_o very_o visible_a how_o easy_o god_n can_v order_v and_o appoint_v such_o suffering_n for_o man_n without_o order_v or_o appoint_v any_o man_n sin_n it_o require_v no_o more_o than_o to_o bring_v those_o who_o god_n appoint_v for_o suffering_n into_o the_o reach_n of_o such_o man_n and_o to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o power_n and_o their_o own_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n will_v do_v the_o rest_n it_o be_v like_o expose_v condemn_a malefactor_n to_o wild_a beast_n who_o nature_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o devour_v and_o if_o god_n chain_n up_o bad_a man_n as_o we_o do_v wild_a beast_n that_o they_o can_v touch_v any_o one_o but_o who_o god_n deliver_v up_o to_o they_o and_o let_v they_o loose_v only_o to_o execute_v his_o own_o just_a and_o 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will_n and_o god_n do_v and_o what_o please_v he_o because_o no_o man_n or_o nation_n be_v reward_v or_o punish_v but_o by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n that_o as_o many_o good_a man_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o they_o can_v and_o as_o many_o bad_a man_n as_o there_o be_v who_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v none_o of_o they_o can_v do_v either_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o any_o but_o to_o those_o who_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o either_o which_o make_v god_n the_o absolute_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n since_o whatever_o man_n intend_v all_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n depend_v upon_o his_o will._n and_o since_o god_n absolute_o order_n and_o appoint_v nothing_o but_o the_o event_n if_o the_o event_n be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n as_o far_o as_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o 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serve_v such_o end_n and_o be_v order_v by_o god_n for_o such_o end_n as_o those_o who_o do_v it_o never_o think_v of_o which_o prove_v man_n to_o be_v only_a instrument_n but_o god_n the_o supreme_a disposer_n of_o all_o event_n if_o we_o must_v attribute_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n than_o what_o be_v not_o do_v by_o man_n must_v be_v do_v by_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o do_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v either_o beyond_o or_o contrary_a to_o what_o man_n intend_v must_v either_o be_v attribute_v to_o chance_n or_o to_o a_o divine_a providence_n i_o observe_v before_o what_o different_a intention_n god_n and_o man_n have_v in_o the_o same_o action_n what_o be_v intend_v by_o man_n be_v their_o do_v what_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n be_v his_o do_v and_o whole_o his_o do_v when_o what_o god_n intend_v be_v not_o intend_v by_o man_n for_o this_o reason_n joseph_n tell_v his_o brethren_n that_o 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of_o his_o brethren_n in_o sell_v he_o for_o a_o slave_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n nothing_o be_v call_v god_n will_n or_o god_n do_v which_o have_v any_o moral_a evil_n in_o it_o all_o wicked_a action_n be_v man_n own_a will_n and_o own_o do_n which_o god_n permit_v for_o wise_a end_n but_o never_o order_n or_o appoint_v but_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o be_v do_v by_o man_n sin_n that_o be_v god_n do_v and_o i_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n you_o all_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n and_o his_o government_n of_o event_n and_o then_o we_o may_v safe_o attribute_v all_o event_n to_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n without_o danger_n of_o charge_v god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n whereby_o such_o event_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v 3_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o god_n absolute_a government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n for_o many_o man_n 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punishment_n that_o if_o we_o admit_v of_o it_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o religion_n of_o all_o virtuous_a endeavour_n of_o all_o great_a and_o generous_a attempt_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n or_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o or_o to_o resist_v temptation_n or_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n or_o prudent_a and_o circumspect_a in_o our_o action_n for_o what_o will_v be_v will_v be_v or_o if_o any_o mean_n be_v to_o be_v use_v that_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o care_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v it_o as_o necessary_o and_o mechanical_o as_o a_o watch_n move_v and_o point_n to_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n for_o fate_n have_v by_o the_o same_o necessity_n determine_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o end_n and_o we_o can_v do_v no_o more_o nor_o less_o than_o fate_n have_v determine_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v you_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o various_a opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n about_o fate_n none_o of_o who_o 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when_o they_o do_v ill_a but_o this_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n not_o the_o necessity_n of_o fate_n those_o who_o do_v ill_a and_o deserve_v ill_a and_o suffer_v ill_a may_v have_v do_v well_o and_o have_v make_v themselves_o the_o favourite_n of_o providence_n and_o therefore_o be_v under_o no_o great_a necessity_n of_o suffer_v ill_a than_o they_o be_v of_o do_v ill_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n keep_v all_o event_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v absolute_o determine_v the_o fate_n of_o all_o man_n but_o that_o he_o may_v govern_v the_o world_n wise_o and_o just_o and_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n as_o far_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o providence_n require_v in_o this_o world_n now_o while_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n be_v secure_v and_o the_o event_n of_o providence_n be_v not_o the_o execution_n of_o fatal_a absolute_a and_o unconditional_a decree_n but_o act_n of_o government_n in_o the_o wise_a 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can_v take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o take_v care_n of_o every_o part_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o reason_n for_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o to_o take_v care_n of_o those_o particular_n who_o make_v the_o whole_a to_o talk_v of_o a_o general_n providence_n without_o god_n care_n and_o government_n of_o every_o particular_a creature_n be_v manifest_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a for_o whatever_o reason_n oblige_v we_o to_o own_o a_o providence_n oblige_v we_o to_o own_o a_o particular_a providence_n if_o creation_n be_v a_o reason_n why_o god_n shall_v preserve_v and_o take_v care_n of_o what_o he_o have_v make_v this_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v take_v care_n of_o every_o creature_n because_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o what_o he_o make_v and_o
this_o world_n that_o they_o never_o care_v to_o think_v of_o another_o and_o that_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n have_v many_o time_n a_o quite_o contrary_a effect_n to_o make_v man_n serious_a and_o considerate_a to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n to_o correct_v and_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o good_a both_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o this_o be_v what_o god_n design_n in_o those_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n he_o bring_v on_o mankind_n the_o scripture_n every_o where_o assure_v we_o and_o the_o natural_a conclusion_n from_o hence_o be_v that_o affliction_n be_v not_o evil_a nor_o any_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n if_o they_o prove_v evil_a to_o we_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n for_o god_n design_n they_o for_o good_a as_o the_o apostle_n express_o tell_v we_o 28._o that_o all_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chasten_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v if_o you_o endure_v chasten_v god_n deal_v with_o you_o as_o with_o son_n for_o what_o son_n be_v he_o who_o the_o father_n chasten_v not_o but_o if_o you_o be_v without_o chastisement_n whereof_o all_o be_v partaker_n then_o be_v you_o bastard_n and_o not_o son_n 21._o hebr._n 6_o 7_o 8._o this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o great_a care_n to_o rectify_v our_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o withdraw_v our_o mind_n from_o sense_n and_o not_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n good_a that_o be_v pleasant_a nor_o every_o thing_n evil_a that_o be_v afflict_v this_o distinction_n the_o heathen_a poet_n long_o since_o observe_v and_o give_v it_o as_o a_o reason_n and_o a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v why_o we_o shall_v entire_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o god_n and_o leave_v he_o to_o choose_v our_o condition_n for_o we_o nam_fw-la pro_fw-la jucundis_fw-la aptissima_fw-la quaeque_fw-la dabunt_fw-la dii_fw-la that_o though_o god_n will_v not_o always_o give_v we_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o pleasant_a he_o will_v give_v we_o what_o be_v most_o profitable_a for_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a not_o by_o sense_n nor_o by_o external_a appearance_n but_o by_o that_o spiritual_a good_a they_o do_v or_o be_v intend_v to_o do_v we_o in_o make_v we_o good_a man_n here_o and_o happy_a hereafter_o man_n may_v if_o they_o so_o please_v as_o reasonable_o quarrel_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n and_o prosperity_n which_o so_o many_o enjoy_v as_o with_o the_o affliction_n which_o other_o suffer_v for_o prosperity_n do_v often_o corrupt_v man_n manner_n and_o betray_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o folly_n than_o affliction_n do_v good_a man_n themselves_o can_v hardly_o bear_v a_o prosperous_a state_n nor_o resist_v the_o temptation_n and_o flattery_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o affliction_n many_o time_n reform_v bad_a man_n and_o make_v good_a man_n better_a as_o the_o psalmist_n himself_o own_v it_o be_v good_a for_o i_o that_o i_o have_v be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o since_o i_o have_v learned_a to_o keep_v thy_o law_n and_o if_o both_o prosperity_n and_o adversity_n may_v be_v either_o for_o our_o good_a or_o hurt_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o we_o can_v always_o tell_v we_o must_v leave_v this_o to_o god_n and_o commit_v ourselves_o to_o his_o care_n and_o discipline_n who_o know_v we_o better_o than_o we_o know_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v best_a for_o we_o but_o this_o may_v seem_v to_o start_v a_o new_a and_o more_o difficult_a objection_n that_o if_o we_o must_v not_o judge_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o external_a and_o sensible_a event_n we_o can_v have_v no_o sensible_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v object_v the_o external_a evil_n and_o calamity_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n so_o neither_o can_v we_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n from_o those_o external_a and_o sensible_a blessing_n which_o god_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n so_o that_o religion_n gain_v nothing_o by_o this_o it_o silence_n indeed_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o it_o also_o destroy_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o good_a and_o just_a providence_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n will_v give_v we_o a_o true_a notion_n and_o understanding_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o though_o we_o can_v know_v love_n or_o hatred_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n nor_o the_o justice_n or_o goodness_n of_o providence_n in_o do_v good_a or_o in_o send_v his_o plague_n and_o judgement_n on_o the_o world_n natural_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v the_o instrument_n and_o method_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n be_v encourage_v and_o reward_v in_o this_o world_n by_o some_o external_a and_o natural_a blessing_n and_o bad_a man_n be_v restrain_v and_o govern_v by_o some_o natural_a evil_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o do_v good_a and_o in_o punish_v make_v these_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n the_o method_n of_o discipline_n which_o can_v have_v no_o efficacy_n in_o they_o either_o to_o encourage_v good_a man_n or_o to_o reform_v the_o wicked_a but_o as_o they_o be_v the_o visible_a signification_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o displeasure_n and_o therefore_o such_o external_a blessing_n and_o punishment_n be_v evident_a proof_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n nor_o have_v any_o moral_a efficacy_n upon_o mankind_n but_o yet_o when_o these_o act_n of_o goodness_n or_o justice_n be_v make_v the_o method_n of_o discipline_n and_o not_o intend_v as_o the_o proper_a reward_n or_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n they_o be_v not_o always_o confine_v to_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o goodness_n in_o god_n to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o a_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n to_o the_o evil_a a_o expression_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o a_o invitation_n to_o repentance_n but_o when_o he_o be_v good_a both_o to_o the_o evil_a and_o to_o the_o good_a the_o mere_a external_a event_n can_v make_v no_o difference_n the_o external_a good_a may_v be_v the_o same_o and_o god_n be_v good_a to_o both_o and_o intend_v good_a to_o both_o but_o yet_o have_v not_o equal_a favour_n to_o both_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o justice_n in_o god_n to_o punish_v and_o to_o correct_v sin_n and_o both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n many_o time_n feel_v the_o same_o severity_n to_o correct_v and_o chastise_v the_o folly_n and_o to_o quicken_v and_o inflame_v the_o devotion_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o over-awe_n and_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o to_o be_v good_a to_o both_o as_o great_a goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o it_o be_v to_o reform_v bad_a man_n and_o to_o make_v good_a man_n better_a though_o the_o external_a event_n of_o providence_n in_o such_o case_n make_v little_a distinction_n between_o they_o we_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n manifest_a proof_n both_o of_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n though_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o a_o blessing_n nor_o affliction_n always_o evil_a they_o be_v always_o indeed_o in_o themselves_o natural_a good_n and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o be_v the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o justice_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o moral_a end_n to_o that_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n what_o be_v natural_o good_a may_v prove_v a_o great_a evil_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v natural_o evil_a may_v do_v we_o the_o great_a good_a and_o then_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v mere_o by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_n of_o external_a event_n but_o by_o such_o a_o mixture_n and_o temperament_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o be_v best_a fit_v to_o govern_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o 3_o there_o be_v 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 now_o the_o universal_a lord_n and_o sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n must_v not_o only_o take_v care_n
of_o particular_a creature_n but_o of_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o some_o case_n may_v make_v the_o great_a and_o most_o terrible_a act_n of_o severity_n such_o as_o be_v enough_o to_o affright_v and_o astonish_v the_o world_n act_n of_o the_o great_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n too_o which_o will_v vindicate_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n when_o god_n seem_v to_o be_v most_o severe_a and_o to_o have_v forget_v all_o goodness_n and_o compassion_n as_o to_o explain_v this_o in_o some_o particular_a case_n the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o defence_n and_o protection_n of_o mankind_n from_o violent_a and_o unjust_a oppression_n and_o the_o most_o exemplary_a vengeance_n execute_v upon_o such_o private_a or_o public_a oppressor_n be_v a_o great_a act_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o great_a deliverance_n to_o the_o oppress_a 136._o psalm_n the_o psalmist_n exhort_v we_o to_o give_v thanks_o to_o the_o lord_n for_o he_o be_v good_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o among_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n he_o mention_n the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o overthrow_n of_o pharaoh_n in_o the_o red-sea_n to_o he_o that_o smite_v egypt_n in_o their_o first-born_a for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o and_o bring_v out_o israel_n from_o among_o they_o for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o with_o a_o strong_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o stretched-out_a arm_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o to_o he_o which_o divide_v the_o red-sea_n into_o part_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o make_v israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o but_o overthrow_v pharaoh_n and_o his_o host_n in_o the_o red-sea_n for_o his_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n to_o he_o who_o smite_v great_a king_n and_o slay_v famous_a king_n sihon_n king_n of_o the_o amorites_n and_o og_n the_o king_n of_o bashan_n and_o give_v their_o land_n for_o a_o heritage_n even_o for_o a_o heritage_n to_o israel_n his_o servant_n for_o his_o mercy_n endure_v for_o ever_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v before_o we_o object_v the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o befall_v bad_a man_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n for_o there_o be_v few_o bad_a man_n who_o suffer_v any_o remarkable_a vengeance_n but_o that_o their_o suffering_n be_v a_o great_a kindness_n and_o deliverance_n to_o other_o and_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o public_a in_o break_v their_o power_n or_o take_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n the_o psalmist_n have_v teach_v we_o a_o very_a proper_a hymn_n i_o will_v sing_v of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n unto_o thou_o o_o lord_n will_v i_o sing_v 101._o psal._n 1_o thus_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v some_o great_a and_o last_a example_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o vengeance_n against_o sin_n and_o as_o terrible_a as_o such_o example_n be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a public_a good_a to_o the_o world_n some_o few_o such_o example_n as_o these_o will_v serve_v to_o warn_v a_o age_n nay_o many_o succeed_a age_n and_o generation_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v the_o more_o frequent_a execution_n of_o vengeance_n and_o justify_v the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n to_o sinner_n if_o such_o example_n in_o any_o measure_n reform_v the_o world_n as_o god_n intend_v they_o shall_v it_o make_v this_o world_n a_o much_o happy_a place_n for_o the_o better_a man_n be_v the_o less_o hurt_n and_o the_o more_o good_a they_o will_v do_v and_o the_o less_o evil_a there_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n the_o less_o mankind_n will_v suffer_v and_o the_o great_a blessing_n god_n will_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n after_o such_o terrible_a warning_n as_o these_o god_n may_v exercise_v great_a patience_n and_o forbearance_n towards_o sinner_n without_o the_o least_o blemish_n to_o his_o holiness_n or_o justice_n for_o such_o frightful_a execution_n convince_v the_o world_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o when_o god_n have_v public_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o justice_n he_o may_v try_v gentle_a method_n and_o glorify_v his_o mercy_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n and_o thus_o god_n punish_v that_o he_o may_v spare_v be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a in_o his_o judgement_n to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o strike_v often_o that_o sinner_n may_v have_v sufficient_a warning_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v good_a to_o sinner_n without_o encourage_v they_o in_o sin_n thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n when_o they_o be_v past_o be_v reform_v be_v a_o warn_n to_o all_o sinner_n as_o long_o as_o this_o world_n last_v and_o be_v a_o public_a and_o stand_a confutation_n of_o atheism_n of_o such_o scoffer_n as_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o supernatural_a change_n and_o revolution_n tempt_v man_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o change_v time_n and_o season_n but_o this_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o be_v visible_o confute_v by_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o this_o they_o be_v willing_o ignorant_a of_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n be_v of_o old_a and_o the_o earth_n stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n and_o in_o the_o water_n whereby_o the_o world_n that_o then_o be_v be_v overflow_v with_o water_n perish_v and_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o fear_v and_o expect_v what_o god_n have_v threaten_v that_o this_o present_a world_n shall_v be_v burn_v by_o fire_n but_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v now_o by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v keep_v in_o store_n reserve_v unto_o fire_n against_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o perdition_n of_o ungodly_a man_n 2_o peter_n 3._o 5_o 6_o 7._o such_o destruction_n as_o these_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o no_o natural_a cause_n but_o the_o same_o word_n which_o make_v the_o world_n destroy_v the_o old_a world_n by_o water_n and_o will_v destroy_v this_o by_o fire_n which_o make_v it_o a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n be_v not_o only_o a_o general_n warn_v to_o sinner_n but_o a_o example_n of_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n against_o all_o uncleanness_n and_o unnatural_a lusts._n as_o st._n jude_n tell_v we_o even_o as_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o city_n about_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v themselves_o over_o to_o fornication_n and_o go_v after_o strange_a flesh_n be_v set_v forth_o for_o a_o example_n suffer_v the_o vengeance_n of_o eternal_a fire_n v_o 7._o thus_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o the_o most_o terrible_a circumstance_n that_o we_o ever_o meet_v with_o in_o story_n be_v a_o last_a confutation_n of_o infidelity_n and_o a_o glorious_a testimony_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o terrible_a example_n of_o god_n vengeance_n how_o terrible_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o those_o who_o suffer_v be_v act_n of_o great_a goodness_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o belong_v to_o the_o goodness_n of_o government_n by_o some_o severe_a execution_n to_o protect_v and_o defend_v the_o innocent_a and_o reclaim_v other_o offender_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o terrify_v the_o world_n in_o every_o age_n with_o such_o repeat_v severity_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v far_o that_o when_o the_o world_n be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a and_o such_o sinner_n if_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o will_v certain_o propagate_v their_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o lewdness_n to_o all_o posterity_n it_o be_v great_a goodness_n to_o all_o succeed_a generation_n to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o its_o impure_a inhabitant_n by_o some_o great_a destruction_n by_o sword_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o possess_v those_o who_o escape_n with_o a_o great_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n judgement_n nay_o to_o observe_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o many_o time_n these_o terrible_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o open_v some_o new_a and_o more_o glorious_a scene_n of_o providence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o four_o empire_n which_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o be_v at_o last_o swallow_v up_o by_o the_o roman_a power_n though_o they_o make_v great_a destruction_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o carry_v learn_v and_o civility_n into_o