reform_v sinner_n by_o the_o various_a method_n of_o grace_n and_o providence_n and_o this_o change_v both_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o of_o either_o than_o what_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v the_o not_o consider_v this_o distinction_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o those_o objection_n which_o have_v be_v make_v both_o against_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o nor_o be_v all_o sinner_n so_o miserable_a as_o strict_a and_o absolute_a justice_n can_v make_v they_o but_o this_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n as_o no_o man_n ever_o pretend_v they_o be_v and_o yet_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a justice_n and_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n wherever_o they_o be_v exercise_v must_v make_v hell_n and_o heaven_n but_o this_o life_n be_v a_o middle-state_n between_o both_o and_o as_o man_n behave_v themselves_o here_o so_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n either_o in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n and_o therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o that_o goodness_n or_o justice_n which_o be_v exercise_v in_o heaven_n or_o hell_n proportion_v to_o the_o state_n of_o discipline_n and_o trial_n in_o this_o life_n goodness_n indeed_o have_v the_o predominant_a government_n and_o justice_n be_v only_o the_o minister_n of_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o it_o must_v be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n when_o correction_n as_o well_o as_o favour_n be_v intend_v for_o good_a to_o put_v man_n into_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n and_o trial_n to_o recover_v that_o immortality_n he_o have_v lose_v be_v a_o act_n of_o great_a goodness_n and_o whatever_o severe_a method_n be_v use_v to_o reform_v sinner_n be_v as_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n as_o it_o be_v to_o force_v and_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o be_v happy_a as_o it_o be_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n or_o a_o leg_n to_o preserve_v life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n for_o another_o world_n and_o wise_o consider_v not_o what_o pure_a simple_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n but_o what_o the_o goodness_n of_o discipline_n require_v it_o will_v give_v we_o a_o easy_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 1._o as_o first_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n for_o that_o be_v no_o state_n of_o discipline_n good_a man_n themselves_o be_v they_o as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o they_o can_v wish_v will_v not_o be_v very_o fond_a of_o another_o world_n nor_o learn_v those_o mortify_n and_o self-denying_a virtue_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o spiritual_a life_n and_o bad_a man_n will_v grow_v more_o in_o love_n with_o this_o world_n and_o sin_n on_o without_o check_n and_o control_v the_o misery_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n wean_v good_a man_n from_o this_o world_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o bad_a man_n which_o justify_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o those_o many_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v 2._o but_o yet_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n require_v that_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n as_o to_o make_v life_n desirable_a his_o own_o glory_n be_v concern_v in_o this_o for_o no_o man_n will_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n be_v there_o no_o visible_a and_o sensible_a testimony_n of_o a_o kind_n and_o good_a providence_n but_o though_o god_n curse_v the_o earth_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o have_v not_o deface_v the_o character_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o still_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 and_o in_o the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n god_n leave_v not_o himself_o without_o a_o witness_n give_v they_o rain_n from_o heaven_n and_o fruitful_a season_n fill_v their_o heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n what_o dreadful_a apprehension_n will_v this_o give_v mankind_n of_o god_n be_v this_o world_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o scene_n of_o trouble_n and_o misery_n what_o encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o sinner_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v what_o hope_n can_v they_o reasonable_o conceive_v of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n have_v they_o no_o experience_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o patience_n towards_o sinner_n what_o place_n will_v there_o be_v for_o the_o exercise_n of_o moral_a or_o christian_a virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o trust_v in_o god_n of_o self-denial_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o this_o world_n be_v not_o this_o world_n a_o very_a tolerable_o happy_a place_n though_o a_o changeable_a scene_n a_o state_n of_o discipline_n must_v neither_o be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a happiness_n nor_o misery_n but_o a_o interchangeable_a scene_n of_o very_o agreeable_a pleasure_n and_o tolerable_a evil_n sufficient_a to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o vice_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o i_o take_v the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v so_o happy_a that_o few_o man_n be_v so_o miserable_a as_o to_o be_v weary_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o so_o intermix_v with_o trouble_n as_o to_o exercise_v the_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n and_o to_o correct_v the_o wicked_a and_o this_o be_v what_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o do_v for_o we_o in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 3._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o require_v that_o in_o such_o a_o mix_a and_o changeable_a scene_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o remarkable_a difference_n make_v between_o the_o good_a and_o the_o bad_a for_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n be_v to_o encourage_v virtue_n and_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o therefore_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o visible_a difference_n make_v as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a if_o man_n will_v wise_o consider_v thing_n to_o encourage_v good_a man_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o wicked_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a and_o all_o bad_a man_n miserable_a as_o to_o their_o external_a fortune_n for_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n will_v not_o allow_v this_o all_o good_a man_n can_v bear_v a_o prosperous_a fortune_n and_o some_o bad_a man_n may_v grow_v better_o by_o it_o or_o may_v be_v fit_a instrument_n of_o providence_n and_o such_o a_o visible_a distinction_n between_o all_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n belong_v to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o be_v not_o do_v and_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o providence_n but_o though_o providence_n many_o time_n seem_v to_o make_v little_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o external_a event_n yet_o god_n very_o often_o take_v care_n to_o expound_v his_o providence_n which_o make_v a_o very_a visible_a difference_n between_o they_o natural_a conscience_n be_v one_o of_o god_n interpreter_n of_o providence_n which_o terrify_v bad_a man_n with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n when_o they_o suffer_v and_o threaten_v they_o with_o a_o more_o terrible_a vengeance_n but_o support_v good_a man_n under_o their_o suffering_n with_o better_a hope_n that_o bad_a man_n suffer_v like_a malefactor_n with_o rage_n and_o fear_v and_o despair_n good_a man_n with_o patience_n and_o submission_n and_o joyful_a expectation_n of_o a_o reward_n all_o the_o promise_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v to_o good_a man_n and_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o it_o denounce_v against_o bad_a man_n and_o this_o expound_v providence_n for_o this_o assure_v good_a man_n that_o all_o the_o good_a they_o receive_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n care_n and_o goodness_n to_o they_o and_o that_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v be_v either_o his_o fatherly_a correction_n or_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o their_o virtue_n but_o that_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n be_v only_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n patience_n or_o to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o that_o
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o their_o majesty_n imprimatur_fw-la maii_n 9_o 1693._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc._n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleet_n street_n mdcxciv_o to_o the_o queen_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n may_v it_o please_v your_o majesty_n to_o accept_v this_o treatise_n which_o do_v the_o composition_n answer_v the_o subject_a will_v recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o the_o great_a minister_n of_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v this_o good_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o security_n of_o the_o royal_a throne_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a pattern_n of_o a_o just_a and_o equal_a government_n without_o contempt_n of_o the_o mean_a or_o partiality_n to_o the_o great_a that_o experience_n your_o majesty_n have_v have_v of_o a_o kind_a and_o watchful_a providence_n and_o that_o constant_a dependence_n the_o most_o potent_a monarch_n have_v on_o the_o divine_a protection_n especial_o in_o the_o great_a shake_v and_o convulsion_n of_o the_o world_n i_o hope_v may_v excuse_v this_o dedication_n as_o neither_o improper_a nor_o unseasonable_a and_o may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n which_o have_v advance_v your_o majesty_n to_o the_o throne_n and_o so_o signal_o preserve_v the_o king_n from_o the_o great_a danger_n still_o preserve_v your_o sacred_a person_n establish_v your_o throne_n and_o deliver_v you_o from_o all_o your_o enemy_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a and_o daily_a prayer_n of_o your_o majesty_n most_o humble_a most_o obedient_a and_o most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o servant_n william_n sherlock_n the_o content_n the_o introduction_n page_n 1_o chap._n 1._o the_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o a_o providence_n 3_o the_o world_n can_v be_v no_o more_o govern_v than_o make_v by_o chance_n ibid._n a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n which_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n must_v govern_v the_o word_n 5_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n 7_o no_o philosopher_n except_o the_o epicurean_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n deny_v a_o providence_n 8_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n 9_o the_o strength_n of_o atheism_n consist_v in_o contradict_v the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n 11_o chap._n 2._o the_o general_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o particular_o concern_v a_o preserve_a providence_n 16_o the_o nature_n of_o preservation_n as_o distinguish_v from_o a_o govern_n providence_n ibid._n the_o first_o act_n of_o preservation_n in_o uphold_v and_o preserve_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n 17_o the_o second_o act_n of_o preservation_n god_n co-operation_n and_o concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o all_o their_o action_n 21_o some_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n answer_v as_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n 25_o concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n 28_o some_o practical_a inference_n 31_o chap._n 3._o concern_v god_n govern_v providence_n 33_o god_n government_n of_o cause_n and_o of_o event_n 34_o god_n government_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v ib._n god_n government_n of_o accidental_a cause_n or_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o accident_n 39_o god_n government_n of_o moral_a cause_n or_o free_a agent_n 47_o the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o man_n consider_v as_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o as_o instrument_n of_o providence_n 48_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o will_n and_o passion_n page_n 51_o concern_v god_n government_n of_o man_n action_n 54_o god_n government_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n more_o particular_o consider_v 57_o god_n government_n of_o event_n 59_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o event_n in_o this_o question_n 60_o wherein_o god_n government_n of_o event_n consist_v 61_o concern_v god_n permission_n ibid_fw-la the_o difference_n between_o god_n government_n of_o all_o event_n and_o necessity_n and_o fate_n 66_o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n consist_v in_o the_o government_n of_o all_o event_n 68_o chap._n 4._o concern_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o providence_n 73_o concern_v god_n absolute_a power_n 75_o that_o true_a absolute_a power_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n explain_v at_o large_a ib._n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o providence_n 85_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v do_v no_o wrong_n 88_o that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n must_v be_v as_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creation_n 91_o that_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o word_n require_v secret_a and_o hide_a method_n of_o providence_n 97_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o providence_n 110_o in_o what_o case_n the_o unsearchable_a wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o reasonable_a answer_n to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n 123_o chap._n 5._o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o providence_n 137_o that_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o hinder_v all_o act_n of_o injustice_n and_o violence_n 138_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v do_v without_o great_a injustie_a 139_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n require_v 141_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o present_a government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v page_n 147_o the_o account_v the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o god_n justice_n and_o righteousness_n 150_o chap._n 6._o the_o holiness_n of_o providence_n 161_o what_o the_o holiness_n of_o government_n require_v ib._n what_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n providence_n do_v not_o require_v of_o he_o 168_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o author_n of_o sin_n 175_o the_o divine_a prescience_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n 178_o god_n decree_v no_o man_n sin_n 181_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n 183_o concern_v god_n harden_v pharaoh_n heart_n ib._n some_o other_o text_n consider_v which_o seem_v to_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n 200_o chap._n 7._o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n 214_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n 216_o the_o difference_n between_o absolute_a goodness_n and_o justice_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o discipline_n 220_o that_o god_n exercise_v all_o act_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v admit_v 221_o another_o mistake_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o what_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n 226_o another_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o government_n and_o what_o goodness_n be_v require_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n 233_o two_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n answer_v 1._o from_o the_o many_o misery_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n 238_o a_o second_o objection_n be_v god_n partial_a and_o unequal_a care_n of_o his_o creature_n 265_o chap._n 8._o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n 269_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n consider_v in_o some_o great_a event_n record_v in_o scripture_n 270_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n by_o noah_n flood_n page_n 271_o concern_v the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n 285_o god_n choose_v abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n 289_o concern_v the_o removal_n of_o jacob_n and_o his_o family_n into_o egypt_n 299_o the_o oppression_n of_o israel_n in_o egypt_n 300_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n in_o egypt_n 302_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n from_o mount_n sinai_n 309_o all_n that_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n except_v joshua_n and_o caleb_n die_v in_o the_o wilderness_n 311_o the_o frequent_a relapse_n of_o israel_n into_o idolatry_n 313_o concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o israel_n especial_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n 319_o in_o what_o sense_n christ_n come_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n 326_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o the_o roman_n 328_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n in_o some_o more_o common_a and_o ordinary_a event_n 331_o that_o god_n reward_n or_o punish_v man_n in_o their_o posterity_n 332_o god_n punish_v sin_n with_o sin_n 339_o god_n disappoint_v both_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n 340_o god_n defer_v the_o deliverance_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o utmost_a extremity_n 341_o concern_v sudden_a change_n and_o revolution_n 343_o the_o wise_a mixture_n of_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n 344_o chap._n 9_o the_o duty_n
94._o psalm_n 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o yet_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n shall_v not_o see_v neither_o shall_v the_o god_n of_o jacob_n regard_v it_o understand_v you_o brutish_a among_o the_o people_n and_o you_o fool_n when_o will_v you_o be_v wise_a he_o that_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v he_o not_o hear_v and_o he_o that_o form_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v he_o that_o chastise_v the_o heathen_a shall_v not_o he_o correct_v and_o he_o that_o teach_v man_n knowledge_n shall_v not_o he_o know_v the_o lord_n know_v the_o thought_n of_o man_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n so_o that_o these_o man_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o if_o god_n do_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n he_o will_v reward_v man_n according_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n by_o his_o see_v and_o observe_v the_o action_n of_o man_n 31._o job_n 4._o do_v not_o he_o see_v my_o way_n and_o count_v all_o my_o step_n 33._o psal._n 18_o 19_o behold_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v they_o and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o as_o it_o follow_v to_o deliver_v their_o soul_n from_o death_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o alive_a in_o famine_n and_o therefore_o when_o good_a man_n pray_v for_o help_n and_o succour_n they_o only_o beg_v god_n to_o see_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o condition_n 1._o lam._n 11._o see_v o_o lord_n and_o consider_v for_o i_o be_o become_v vile_a 64._o isa._n 9_o behold_v see_v we_o beseech_v thou_o we_o be_v all_o thy_o people_n thus_o in_o hezekiah_n be_v prayer_n incline_v thy_o ear_n o_o lord_n and_o hear_v open_v thy_o eye_n o_o lord_n and_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o senacherib_n which_o have_v send_v to_o reproach_v the_o live_a god_n and_o therefore_o god_n see_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v 10._o psalm_n 14._o thou_o have_v see_v it_o for_o thou_o behold_v mischief_n and_o spite_n to_o requite_v it_o with_o thy_o hand_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n who_o see_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v authority_n to_o reward_n and_o punish_v but_o will_v certain_o do_v it_o and_o if_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v resolve_v into_o god_n know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n the_o dispute_n will_v be_v soon_o end_v for_o those_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a omnipresent_v mind_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o see_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n as_o the_o psalmist_n elegant_o express_v it_o 139._o psalm_n 1._o 13._o o_o lord_n thou_o have_v search_v i_o and_o know_v i_o thou_o know_v my_o down-sitting_a and_o my_o uprising_n thou_o understand_v my_o thought_n afar_o off_o thou_o compasse_v my_o path_n and_o my_o lie_v down_o and_o be_v acquaint_v with_o all_o my_o way_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n in_o my_o tongue_n but_o lo_o o_o lord_n thou_o know_v it_o altogether_o thou_o have_v beset_v i_o hehind_v and_o before_o and_o lay_v thy_o hand_n upon_o i_o such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v too_o high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o whither_o shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o if_o i_o say_v sure_o the_o darkness_n shall_v cover_v i_o even_o the_o night_n shall_v be_v light_n about_o i_o yea_o the_o darkness_n hide_v not_o from_o thou_o but_o the_o night_n shine_v as_o the_o day_n the_o darkness_n and_o the_o light_n be_v both_o alike_o to_o thou_o for_o thou_o have_v possess_v my_o reins_o thou_o have_v cover_v i_o in_o my_o mother_n womb_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o omnipresent_v mind_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n or_o that_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v present_a with_o all_o his_o creature_n or_o that_o be_v present_a and_o see_v all_o their_o action_n he_o shall_v be_v a_o idle_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n four_o for_o i_o think_v in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v pass_v all_o dispute_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n can_v be_v unconcern_v for_o his_o creature_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o most_o creature_n a_o natural_a care_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o want_n of_o understanding_n in_o the_o ostrich_n that_o she_o leave_v her_o egg_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o warm_v they_o in_o the_o dust_n and_o forget_v that_o the_o foot_n may_v crush_v they_o or_o that_o the_o wild_a best_n may_v break_v they_o she_o be_v harden_v against_o her_o young_a one_o as_o if_o they_o be_v not_o she_o her_o labour_n be_v in_o vain_a without_o fear_n because_o god_n have_v deprive_v she_o of_o wisdom_n neither_o have_v he_o impart_v to_o her_o understanding_n 39_o job_n 15_o 16_o 17._o and_o can_v we_o think_v then_o that_o a_o infinite_o wise_a be_v shall_v be_v as_o unconcerned_a for_o the_o world_n as_o the_o ostrich_n be_v for_o her_o egg_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o sluggish_a unactive_a be_v for_o to_o make_v a_o world_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o power_n and_o not_o only_o to_o give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o be_v itself_o a_o act_n of_o excellent_a goodness_n but_o there_o be_v so_o many_o legible_a character_n of_o a_o divine_a bounty_n and_o goodness_n stamp_v upon_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o must_v conclude_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o infinite_o good_a be_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a be_v who_o be_v a_o pure_a act_n and_o perfect_a life_n can_v cast_v off_o the_o care_n of_o his_o creature_n beside_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n natural_a affection_n will_v not_o suffer_v man_n to_o forget_v their_o child_n and_o though_o god_n have_v no_o superior_a his_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o law_n to_o himself_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o necessary_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n infer_v a_o providence_n and_o therefore_o no_o philosopher_n except_v epicurus_n and_o his_o sect_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n 2._o ever_o deny_v a_o providence_n and_o tully_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o retain_v the_o name_n of_o a_o god_n but_o destroy_v his_o be_v 2._o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n conclude_v a_o providence_n from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o tell_v we_o that_o providence_n signify_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n ibid._n and_o those_o philosopher_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o calling_n god_n providence_n and_o fate_n 1._o and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o perpetual_a law_n for_o indeed_o mankind_n have_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o excellent_a and_o perfect_a be_v ibid._n who_o make_v and_o who_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n who_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n defend_v against_o epicurus_n and_o other_o atheist_n ibid._n this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n which_o atheist_n oppose_v the_o god_n who_o they_o fear_v a_o eternal_a lord_n who_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n and_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o dispute_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o principal_o resolve_v itself_o into_o this_o whether_o this_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v make_v and_o govern_v by_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n or_o by_o chance_n and_o a_o blind_a material_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n include_v a_o providence_n or_o else_o either_o to_o prove_v or_o to_o overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n will_v neither_o prove_v nor_o overthrow_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n prove_v a_o providence_n if_o the_o beauty_n variery_a usefulness_n and_o wise_a contrivance_n of_o the_o
with_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o judge_v and_o to_o choose_v for_o himself_o and_o he_o preserve_v these_o faculty_n and_o give_v they_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v to_o understand_v and_o will_v but_o this_o natural_a co-operation_n of_o god_n can_v extend_v no_o far_o than_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v not_o to_o any_o specifical_a act_n it_o do_v not_o improve_v any_o man_n understanding_n nor_o incline_v his_o judgement_n nor_o determine_v his_o choice_n it_o make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v according_a to_o their_o nature_n it_o be_v only_o like_o wind_v up_o a_o clock_n which_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n but_o give_v no_o new_a preternatural_a motion_n to_o it_o but_o leave_v its_o motion_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o its_o own_o spring_n and_o wheel_n whatever_o this_o co-operation_n of_o god_n be_v which_o be_v think_v necessary_a to_o actuate_v our_o natural_a faculty_n it_o give_v no_o new_a bias_n to_o we_o but_o leave_v we_o perfect_o in_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n and_o only_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v of_o ourselves_o without_o any_o such_o co-operation_n of_o god_n can_v we_o act_v without_o it_o but_o in_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n god_n exercise_v a_o very_a different_a power_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n he_o change_v the_o heart_n and_o counsel_n of_o man_n imprint_n new_a thought_n upon_o their_o mind_n clap_v a_o new_a bias_n upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n the_o heart_n of_o prince_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n and_o he_o turn_v they_o as_o river_n of_o water_n he_o renew_v and_o sanctify_v good_a man_n by_o his_o spirit_n enlighten_v their_o understanding_n change_v their_o will_n inspire_v they_o with_o divine_a affection_n he_o give_v up_o bad_a man_n to_o the_o imposture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n to_o their_o own_o affect_a ignorance_n blindness_n inconsideration_n to_o the_o obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o to_o the_o empire_n of_o their_o lusts._n every_o one_o must_v perceive_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o god_n cooperate_a with_o our_o natural_a faculty_n to_o will_n and_o to_o understand_v for_o that_o make_v no_o change_n in_o our_o natural_a understanding_n and_o will_n but_o only_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v but_o this_o improve_v and_o heighten_v and_o regulate_v our_o faculty_n enlarge_v our_o knowledge_n and_o rectify_v our_o choice_n and_o direct_v and_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o yet_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o be_v well_o distinguish_v which_o have_v very_o much_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o doctrine_n both_o of_o providence_n and_o grace_n as_o i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o for_o have_v thus_o brief_o explain_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o preserve_v and_o govern_v providence_n that_o this_o may_v not_o be_v think_v a_o more_o subtle_a than_o useful_a speculation_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o show_v you_o of_o what_o great_a use_n this_o be_v to_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n now_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o i_o shall_v ask_v but_o one_o thing_n which_o every_o man_n must_v grant_v that_o it_o become_v god_n to_o preserve_v the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o uphold_v they_o in_o be_v and_o to_o actuate_v their_o natural_a power_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v creature_n to_o perform_v those_o natural_a action_n which_o their_o nature_n be_v fit_v and_o make_v for_o if_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o make_v creature_n with_o such_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o act_v it_o become_v he_o also_o to_o preserve_v their_o being_n and_o nature_n and_o power_n of_o action_n to_o make_v be_v to_o give_v a_o be_v and_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v nothing_o to_o preserve_v be_v only_o to_o continue_v its_o be_v and_o to_o enable_v it_o to_o act_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v either_o approve_v or_o disapprove_v of_o both_o alike_o let_v we_o then_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o acknowledge_a principle_n that_o we_o must_v not_o quarrel_v with_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o mere_a act_n of_o preservation_n not_o a_o act_n of_o government_n for_o to_o uphold_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v no_o fault_n whatever_o evil_a consequence_n may_v attend_v it_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n must_v find_v some_o fault_n if_o they_o can_v in_o god_n government_n of_o creature_n not_o in_o the_o act_n of_o preservation_n and_o this_o easy_o answer_v some_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a objection_n against_o providence_n as_o for_o instance_n since_o no_o creature_n can_v move_v or_o act_n or_o do_v any_o thing_n without_o the_o concourse_n and_o co-operation_n of_o god_n some_o be_v wonderful_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o god_n shall_v cooperate_v with_o any_o creature_n in_o sinful_a action_n why_o god_n shall_v actuate_v man_n understanding_n and_o will_n and_o their_o other_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n when_o he_o certain_o know_v that_o if_o he_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v they_o will_v act_v wicked_o they_o will_v choose_v that_o which_o be_v wicked_a and_o will_v execute_v their_o wicked_a design_n that_o if_o they_o have_v the_o exercise_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n they_o will_v defile_v themselves_o with_o adultery_n and_o drunkenness_n and_o theft_n or_o murder_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o how_o can_v a_o holy_a god_n cooperate_v in_o all_o the_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v when_o man_n do_v wicked_o by_o the_o power_n and_o co-operation_n of_o god_n without_o which_o they_o can_v do_v nothing_o how_o do_v the_o sin_n come_v to_o be_v the_o man_n when_o the_o action_n be_v god_n as_o do_v by_o his_o immediate_a power_n i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o other_o answer_n which_o be_v common_o give_v to_o this_o difficulty_n for_o what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v give_v a_o plain_a and_o easy_a solution_n to_o it_o for_o all_o this_o however_o it_o be_v represent_v come_v to_o no_o more_o than_o god_n preserve_v the_o nature_n of_o creature_n and_o actuate_a their_o natural_a power_n to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o this_o be_v such_o a_o fault_n as_o entitle_v god_n to_o all_o the_o wickedness_n they_o commit_v the_o original_a fault_n be_v in_o make_v such_o creature_n for_o if_o it_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o make_v they_o it_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n do_v it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o make_v creature_n who_o must_v act_v dependent_o on_o himself_o and_o to_o deny_v they_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v which_o be_v to_o unmake_v they_o again_o and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o god_n to_o cooperate_v with_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o man_n even_o in_o their_o sinful_a action_n nor_o any_o more_o entitle_v god_n to_o their_o sin_n than_o his_o make_a creature_n with_o such_o natural_a power_n for_o to_o preserve_v their_o nature_n and_o to_o actuate_v their_o natural_a power_n be_v no_o more_o a_o cause_n of_o their_o sin_n than_o to_o make_v such_o nature_n and_o such_o natural_a power_n to_o represent_v this_o as_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v create_v man_n with_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v without_o need_v such_o a_o perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o act_v will_v this_o charge_n god_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n because_o they_o act_n even_o when_o they_o sin_n by_o a_o power_n derive_v from_o he_o in_o their_o first_o creation_n if_o this_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n than_o god_n can_v make_v a_o creature_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o sin_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o its_o natural_a power_n without_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v too_o absurd_a for_o any_o think_a man_n to_o say_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o how_o do_v god_n perpetual_a concourse_n and_o co-operation_n with_o creature_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o act_v and_o to_o exert_v their_o natural_a power_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o natural_a power_n to_o act_v and_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o this_o natural_a power_n be_v give_v once_o for_o all_o as_o a_o inherent_a power_n in_o creature_n or_o be_v supply_v every_o minute_n for_o both_o way_n the_o power_n be_v the_o same_o and_o equal_o derive_v from_o god_n and_o if_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o act_v charge_n god_n with_o
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
providence_n for_o no_o creature_n have_v any_o legal_a property_n against_o god_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o relate_v to_o the_o right_n of_o creature_n but_o to_o the_o moral_a and_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n it_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o defend_v every_o man_n in_o his_o legal_a right_n which_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n but_o in_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o they_o deserve_v or_o as_o may_v best_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o god_n government_n in_o this_o world_n there_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o that_o dispute_n de_fw-fr jure_fw-la dei_fw-la in_o creaturas_fw-la what_o right_o god_n have_v in_o creature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n have_v a_o absolute_a unlimited_a uncontrollable_a right_n in_o all_o his_o creature_n they_o and_o all_o they_o have_v be_v his_o and_o at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n though_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v without_o any_o injustice_n make_v creature_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a for_o though_o creature_n have_v no_o natural_a right_n against_o god_n yet_o the_o justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n give_v they_o a_o moral_a right_n to_o such_o usage_n as_o they_o shall_v deserve_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o innocent_a creature_n shall_v not_o be_v miserable_a and_o that_o those_o who_o deserve_v well_o shall_v not_o be_v ill_o use_v but_o these_o moral_a right_n concern_v distributive_a justice_n and_o result_v from_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o government_n not_o from_o the_o natural_a right_n of_o creature_n we_o be_v absolute_o at_o the_o will_n and_o disposal_n of_o god_n as_o slave_n and_o vassal_n be_v at_o the_o will_n of_o their_o lord_n but_o our_o security_n be_v that_o god_n can_v will_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 3_o from_o hence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n we_o must_v confine_v our_o inquiry_n to_o distributive_a justice_n that_o be_v we_o must_v not_o bare_o consider_v what_o man_n have_v or_o what_o they_o lose_v or_o what_o they_o suffer_v nor_o what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o all_o this_o be_v whether_o just_a or_o unjust_a but_o we_o must_v consider_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o their_o condition_n and_o their_o moral_a desert_n or_o whether_o they_o enjoy_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a end_n of_o god_n government_n if_o man_n be_v put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o they_o have_v neither_o deserve_v nor_o can_v make_v any_o good_a use_n of_o or_o which_o do_v not_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o serve_v some_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o come_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o all_o event_n and_o by_o a_o sovereign_a authority_n allot_v all_o man_n their_o several_a portion_n and_o station_n in_o the_o world_n but_o let_v man_n condition_n be_v what_o it_o will_v whether_o they_o be_v rich_a or_o poor_a happy_a or_o miserable_a advance_v or_o ruin_v by_o injustice_n oppression_n and_o violence_n if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o deserve_v what_o they_o be_v fit_a for_o what_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v it_o can_v be_v no_o blemish_n to_o providence_n which_o direct_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n with_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o injustice_n daily_o commit_v in_o it_o unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o any_o of_o these_o miserable_a people_n ought_v not_o for_o wise_a and_o just_a reason_n to_o suffer_v such_o misery_n or_o that_o any_o suffer_v by_o injustice_n what_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o suffer_v for_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o misery_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o it_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o what_o god_n may_v wise_o and_o just_o inflict_v on_o he_o this_o abundant_o vindicate_v the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n 4thly_a but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v more_o particular_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o what_o act_v of_o justice_n the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o how_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o justice_n of_o human_a government_n the_o confound_a of_o which_o have_v occasion_v most_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n 1._o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o exercise_n of_o god_n justice_n for_o though_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o man_n yet_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o justice_n vary_v as_o they_o do_v even_o among_o man_n according_a as_o their_o right_n and_o authority_n differ_v justice_n signify_v to_o give_v to_o every_o man_n what_o be_v his_o own_o and_o to_o take_v nothing_o from_o any_o man_n but_o what_o be_v our_o own_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o of_o other_o man_n and_o to_o reward_v or_o punish_v they_o as_o their_o action_n deserve_v and_o as_o our_o authority_n will_v justify_v so_o that_o the_o particular_a expression_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o exercise_v by_o different_a person_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o man_n fortune_n and_o condition_n relation_n authority_n and_o power_n differ_v for_o when_o two_o man_n do_v the_o same_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v do_v very_o just_o by_o one_o and_o very_o unjust_o by_o the_o other_o because_o one_o may_v have_v a_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o other_o have_v none_o as_o a_o prince_n or_o judge_n may_v very_o just_o execute_v a_o criminal_a and_o confiscate_v his_o estate_n which_o a_o private_a man_n can_v just_o do_v now_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o a_o private_a man_n and_o a_o magistrate_n between_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o subject_a make_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o particular_a act_n and_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n as_o they_o respect_v such_o different_a state_n that_o vast_a disproportion_n which_o be_v between_o god_n and_o creature_n must_v make_v a_o much_o great_a difference_n that_o though_o the_o general_n notion_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o same_o both_o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o god_n may_v do_v that_o very_o just_o which_o man_n can_v just_o do_v as_o a_o prince_n may_v exercise_v some_o act_n of_o justice_n which_o a_o private_a man_n must_v not_o do_v i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_a instance_n in_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o show_v you_o in_o some_o plain_a case_n what_o a_o vast_a difference_n this_o make_v between_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o men._n now_o god_n absolute_a dominion_n give_v he_o right_o and_o authority_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v consistent_a with_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o absolute_a dominion_n be_v absolute_a authority_n and_o absolute_a authority_n make_v every_o thing_n just_a which_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a a_o limit_a authority_n have_v a_o rule_n and_o must_v not_o do_v what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a against_o its_o rule_n of_o right_n no_o man_n must_v take_v away_o that_o which_o be_v another_o and_o which_o he_o have_v no_o authority_n to_o take_v away_o whatever_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n he_o can_v serve_v by_o it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o apparent_a that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n to_o the_o man_n himself_o to_o take_v away_o great_a part_n of_o his_o estate_n which_o he_o use_v ill_a to_o oppress_v his_o neighbour_n and_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o beast_n though_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o estate_n he_o have_v nay_o deserve_v to_o lose_v it_o though_o we_o can_v bestow_v it_o upon_o man_n who_o deserve_v and_o will_v use_v it_o better_o or_o can_v employ_v it_o to_o excellent_a use_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o church_n or_o for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a all_o these_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n will_v justify_v no_o man_n who_o invade_v another_o right_n without_o a_o just_a authority_n but_o have_v any_o prince_n such_o a_o absolute_a authority_n over_o the_o estate_n of_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o he_o can_v give_v or_o take_v they_o away_o as_o he_o please_v than_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o will_v justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n will_v and_o
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 from_o our_o own_o man_n who_o be_v very_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o vice_n when_o they_o feel_v the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o they_o learn_v to_o hate_v to_o condemn_v to_o punish_v they_o by_o feel_v what_o they_o suffer_v from_o other_o man_n sin_n when_o they_o lose_v their_o own_o estate_n by_o injustice_n and_o violence_n or_o their_o good_a name_n by_o reproach_n and_o defamation_n or_o be_v injure_v in_o the_o chastity_n of_o their_o wife_n and_o daughter_n by_o other_o man_n lust_n this_o give_v they_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o injustice_n defamation_n and_o lust_n and_o make_v they_o condemn_v these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o how_o well_o soever_o they_o love_v they_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o human_a government_n which_o keep_v mankind_n in_o order_n and_o lay_v great_a restraint_n upon_o
against_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n so_o that_o these_o man_n have_v take_v care_n always_o to_o have_v a_o objection_n against_o providence_n for_o according_a to_o their_o notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n god_n can_v be_v both_o which_o be_v a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o mistake_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n they_o be_v both_o great_a and_o excellent_a virtue_n both_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n both_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o both_o of_o they_o must_v be_v very_o consistent_a and_o reconcilable_a with_o each_o other_o both_o in_o notion_n and_o practice_n i_o have_v already_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o vindicate_v his_o goodness_n the_o objection_n against_o which_o be_v found_v in_o plain_a and_o evident_a mistake_v and_o therefore_o will_v receive_v a_o easy_a answer_n and_o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o the_o mistake_v be_v and_o then_o particular_o answer_v the_o objection_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o mistake_v either_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n goodness_n or_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o government_n 1._o the_o mistake_v concern_v god_n goodness_n and_o the_o fundamental_a mistake_n be_v this_o that_o man_n consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n absolute_o without_o relation_n to_o the_o nature_n quality_n or_o desert_n of_o the_o subject_n who_o be_v to_o receive_v good_a they_o contemplate_v goodness_n in_o its_o abstract_a idea_n and_o notion_n and_o whatever_o they_o conceive_v belong_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n that_o they_o expect_v from_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o find_v it_o they_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o a_o good_a providence_n as_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_o a_o act_n of_o the_o most_o perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v all_o creature_n happy_a not_o to_o suffer_v any_o misery_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o deface_v the_o beauty_n or_o to_o disturb_v the_o harmony_n of_o it_o no_o lamentable_a sight_n nor_o doleful_a complaint_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n nor_o to_o terrify_v we_o with_o the_o melancholy_a presage_n of_o our_o own_o suffering_n nor_o to_o make_v frightful_a impression_n on_o we_o of_o a_o severe_a and_o inexorable_a deity_n can_v they_o see_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o they_o will_v thankful_o own_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o secure_o rejoice_v in_o it_o but_o this_o world_n wherein_o we_o live_v give_v we_o a_o very_a different_a prospect_n we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o miserable_a people_n and_o feel_v a_o great_a many_o misery_n ourselves_o and_o many_o time_n expect_v and_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o more_o and_o how_o unlike_a be_v this_o world_n to_o what_o we_o shall_v have_v imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v have_v we_o never_o see_v it_o but_o only_o hear_v of_o a_o world_n make_v and_o govern_v by_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n indeed_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n do_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o a_o good_a god_n can_v make_v it_o and_o therefore_o a_o good_a providence_n do_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o a_o plain_a answer_n to_o this_o will_v enable_v any_o man_n to_o answer_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o this_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a that_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a goodness_n will_v do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o can_v be_v wise_o do_v but_o not_o all_o the_o good_a which_o man_n may_v expect_v from_o infinite_a goodness_n for_o the_o external_a exercise_n of_o goodness_n must_v not_o bear_v proportion_n to_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o state_n condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v not_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_n event_n which_o may_v sometime_o be_v very_o calamitous_a but_o by_o that_o proportion_n such_o event_n bear_v to_o the_o state_n and_o desert_n of_o mankind_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o this_o world_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a he_o can_v to_o every_o one_o he_o meet_v he_o will_v make_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o child_n and_o a_o servant_n between_o a_o friend_n and_o a_o enemy_n between_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a man_n and_o much_o more_o must_v a_o good_a prince_n and_o a_o good_a magistrate_n do_v so_o and_o much_o more_o must_v god_n who_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v better_o understand_v this_o if_o we_o view_v man_n in_o his_o several_a state_n and_o observe_v how_o the_o divine_a goodness_n suit_v itself_o to_o those_o different_a state_n the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n and_o hence_o we_o may_v take_v our_o estimate_n what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o can_v and_o will_v do_v when_o goodness_n free_o exert_v itself_o without_o any_o external_a impediment_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o it_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o divine_a goodness_n display_v itself_o in_o a_o most_o beautiful_a and_o glorious_a scene_n the_o new-made_a world_n and_o the_o new-created_a man_n be_v as_o perfect_a and_o happy_a as_o the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o the_o divine_a mind_n this_o be_v the_o world_n which_o god_n make_v such_o a_o happy_a world_n as_o it_o become_v perfect_a goodness_n to_o make_v and_o hence_o we_o learn_v what_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v and_o what_o it_o will_v always_o do_v for_o when_o the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v the_o world_n he_o make_v it_o what_o he_o will_v have_v it_o be_v but_o man_n do_v not_o continue_v what_o god_n have_v make_v he_o he_o sin_v and_o by_o sin_n bring_v death_n and_o misery_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o do_v not_o now_o see_v such_o a_o happy_a state_n of_o thing_n we_o must_v not_o hence_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o govern_v by_o perfect_a goodness_n but_o that_o a_o perfect_a state_n of_o ease_n and_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v neither_o become_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v good_a for_o sinner_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v this_o not_o only_o because_o god_n make_v innocent_a man_n happy_a but_o because_o he_o have_v prepare_v a_o much_o great_a happiness_n for_o good_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n which_o show_v that_o the_o change_n be_v not_o in_o god_n but_o in_o man_n he_o make_v man_n happy_a at_o first_o and_o he_o will_v make_v good_a man_n perfect_o happy_a hereafter_o but_o though_o he_o be_v always_o the_o same_o as_o good_a now_o as_o he_o be_v when_o he_o at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n and_o as_o he_o will_v be_v when_o he_o shall_v reward_v all_o good_a man_n in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a yet_o the_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n require_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o we_o now_o see_v and_o feel_v and_o complain_v of_o in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n to_o see_v goodness_n act_v alone_o and_o pursue_v its_o own_o gracious_a inclination_n and_o to_o see_v it_o limit_v and_o confine_v by_o justice_n which_o must_v be_v the_o case_n when_o mankind_n be_v sinner_n for_o than_o goodness_n can_v do_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a but_o what_o be_v best_a in_o such_o case_n and_o when_o goodness_n and_o justice_n be_v reconcilable_a as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o probation_n state_n there_o wisdom_n must_v prescribe_v the_o temperament_n justice_n require_v the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n but_o 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evil_a in_o the_o world_n for_o since_o goodness_n govern_v the_o world_n even_o in_o this_o state_n the_o good_a must_v be_v predominant_a that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n there_o be_v it_o may_v still_o be_v very_o visible_a that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o good_a god_n that_o this_o be_v so_o i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o prove_v for_o we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v it_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o the_o good_a there_o be_v some_o few_o example_n of_o miserable_a people_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o happy_a and_o even_o these_o miserable_a people_n have_v great_a allay_v of_o their_o misery_n and_o if_o we_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n have_v a_o much_o great_a share_n of_o good_a than_o evil._n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v sometime_o very_o terrible_a but_o they_o come_v but_o seldom_o for_o a_o year_n plague_n or_o famine_n we_o enjoy_v 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of_o this_o world_n and_o then_o all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n vanish_v of_o themselves_o though_o this_o world_n be_v not_o so_o happy_a as_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a goodness_n can_v make_v it_o yet_o god_n abound_v in_o all_o the_o expression_n of_o goodness_n which_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o discipline_n will_v allow_v which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v and_o all_o that_o god_n can_v wise_o do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o state_n 2_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n for_o this_o be_v another_o occasion_n of_o most_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n that_o man_n consider_v human_a nature_n absolute_o and_o appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n for_o the_o notion_n and_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o be_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o mean_v only_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a such_o as_o pleasure_n or_o pain_n a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v or_o of_o trouble_n and_o labour_n and_o difficulty_n riches_n or_o poverty_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n and_o measure_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n by_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o mankind_n and_o particular_a man_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a then_o god_n do_v good_a and_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o providence_n be_v good_a if_o they_o be_v afflict_v this_o be_v very_o evil_a and_o therefore_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o do_v not_o every_o man_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o end_n be_v happiness_n which_o be_v the_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 reward_v or_o punish_v goodness_n and_o justice_n can_v both_o of_o they_o belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n but_o what_o pretence_n be_v there_o for_o any_o man_n to_o say_v that_o because_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o happy_a state_n therefore_o god_n be_v not_o good_a in_o create_v the_o angelical_a nature_n or_o because_o so_o many_o man_n sin_n and_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a therefore_o god_n be_v not_o good_a in_o create_v man_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o miriads_o of_o bless_a angel_n and_o saint_n eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o vision_n and_o fruition_n of_o god_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o be_v miserable_a only_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n not_o to_o have_v make_v a_o happy_a nature_n have_v be_v a_o just_a blemish_n to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n to_o make_v happy_a creature_n though_o they_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a be_v none_o no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o free_a agent_n who_o alone_o be_v 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
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 proportion_n to_o their_o temper_n and_o inclination_n as_o it_o be_v apt_a either_o to_o corrupt_v their_o manner_n or_o to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o discipline_n and_o government_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n providence_n in_o this_o world_n we_o must_v not_o consider_v so_o much_o what_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o evil_n as_o what_o the_o state_n of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o discipline_n and_o what_o be_v good_a for_o they_o in_o such_o a_o state_n for_o how_o many_o natural_a evil_n soever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o evil_n of_o affliction_n and_o judgement_n of_o plague_n and_o famine_n and_o sword_n if_o such_o severity_n be_v good_a for_o mankind_n it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n to_o inflict_v they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o parent_n or_o a_o prince_n to_o reclaim_v and_o reform_v his_o child_n or_o his_o subject_n by_o great_a severity_n and_o a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a state_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n require_v severe_a restraint_n be_v no_o more_o a_o act_n of_o kindness_n and_o goodness_n than_o the_o fond_a indulgence_n of_o parent_n be_v to_o disobedient_a child_n so_o that_o this_o take_v away_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n the_o principal_a objection_n be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n we_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v very_o good_a in_o it_o and_o that_o these_o natural_a evil_n though_o they_o be_v grievous_a be_v not_o evil_n to_o we_o because_o they_o be_v and_o be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a we_o can_v neither_o prove_v nor_o disprove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n mere_o by_o external_a event_n especial_o with_o respect_n to_o particular_a man_n for_o prosperity_n be_v not_o always_o good_a for_o we_o nor_o be_v affliction_n always_o for_o our_o hurt_n god_n may_v make_v some_o man_n prosperous_a in_o his_o anger_n and_o chastise_v other_o in_o great_a love_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o wiseman_n 9_o eccl._n 1_o 2._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o they_o for_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a to_o the_o good_a and_o to_o the_o clean_a and_o to_o the_o unclean_a to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v and_o to_o he_o that_o sacrifice_v not_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n for_o god_n do_v love_n good_a man_n and_o hate_v the_o wicked_a and_o his_o providence_n make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o though_o this_o difference_n be_v not_o always_o visible_a in_o external_a event_n for_o when_o the_o same_o event_n happen_v to_o both_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a it_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o favour_n to_o good_a man_n and_o of_o judgement_n to_o the_o wicked_a for_o external_a prosperity_n and_o adversity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o discipline_n may_v either_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o may_v be_v good_a for_o one_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v evil_a to_o another_o and_o therefore_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n may_v make_v a_o difference_n when_o the_o external_a event_n make_v none_o the_o wiseman_n confess_v this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n unto_o all_o bad_a man_n who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o external_a event_n make_v a_o very_a bad_a use_n of_o it_o and_o conclude_v that_o god_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o they_o see_v none_o make_v and_o thus_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v full_a of_o evil_n and_o madness_n be_v in_o their_o heart_n while_o they_o live_v and_o after_o that_o they_o go_v to_o the_o dead_a 3._o v._n but_o those_o who_o consider_v wise_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o external_a event_n from_o such_o a_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n either_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n or_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n since_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o state_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o which_o they_o serve_v it_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n right_o to_o understand_v this_o matter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n even_o when_o he_o correct_v and_o punish_v and_o to_o cure_v our_o discontent_n at_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o state_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o what_o be_v good_a in_o such_o a_o state_n man_n have_v sin_v and_o man_n must_v die_v but_o god_n have_v in_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o mankind_n send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n who_o by_o death_n have_v destroy_v he_o who_o have_v the_o power_n of_o death_n that_o be_v the_o devil_n and_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n this_o remove_v the_o scene_n of_o happiness_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o next_o and_o make_v this_o present_a life_n only_o a_o state_n of_o probation_n for_o eternity_n if_o we_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o imitate_v his_o example_n he_o have_v promise_v to_o raise_v we_o again_o when_o our_o dead_a body_n be_v putrify_v in_o the_o grave_a into_o immortal_a life_n but_o have_v threaten_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o a_o eternal_a death_n against_o incorrigible_a sinner_n so_o that_o the_o great_a good_a that_o god_n or_o man_n can_v do_v for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o all_o the_o wise_a method_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n to_o prepare_v we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o and_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o those_o eternal_a misery_n which_o will_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n though_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o foolish_a sinner_n who_o never_o consider_v this_o yet_o all_o mankind_n agree_v that_o that_o be_v best_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n which_o will_v make_v we_o eternal_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n which_o will_v betray_v we_o to_o eternal_a misery_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o infidel_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o heaven_n nor_o a_o hell_n but_o yet_o these_o very_a infidel_n be_v not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o deny_v suppose_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n that_o to_o be_v the_o best_a condition_n for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n whatever_o it_o be_v upon_o other_o account_n which_o will_v carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o 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
happy_a let_v the_o most_o sceptical_a objector_n against_o providence_n consider_v with_o himself_o what_o god_n can_v have_v do_v more_o to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n without_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v never_o choose_v nor_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o will_v bring_v these_o evil_n on_o he_o have_v be_v to_o change_v his_o nature_n to_o destroy_v the_o free_a exercise_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n and_o yet_o man_n can_v live_v as_o they_o do_v and_o escape_v these_o misery_n unless_o all_o nature_n be_v change_v we_o must_v have_v other_o kind_n of_o body_n than_o we_o have_v or_o our_o meat_n and_o drink_n must_v have_v other_o virtue_n and_o quality_n to_o bear_v the_o disorder_n and_o excess_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n without_o feel_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o it_o fire_n must_v not_o burn_v nor_o water_n drown_v if_o wine_n must_v not_o inflame_v nor_o a_o flood_n of_o indigested_a liquor_n extinguish_v the_o vital_a heat_n the_o whole_a world_n must_v be_v a_o paradise_n and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n of_o itself_o and_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v possess_v in_o common_a or_o the_o idle_a slothful_a prodigal_a sinner_n must_v be_v poor_a our_o body_n must_v be_v invulnerable_a and_o immortal_a or_o there_o must_v be_v no_o instrument_n of_o death_n in_o the_o world_n or_o man_n who_o quarrel_n will_v fight_v and_o kill_v one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v to_z separate_z sin_n and_o misery_n but_o man_n may_v avoid_v misery_n if_o they_o please_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a good_a world_n and_o a_o good_a god_n that_o make_v such_o a_o world_n and_o a_o good_a providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n wherein_o man_n may_v make_v themselves_o happy_a if_o they_o will_n 2_o beside_o this_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n be_v see_v in_o hinder_v and_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o more_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o the_o sin_n and_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n be_v they_o not_o under_o the_o restraint_n and_o government_n of_o providence_n no_o man_n doubt_n but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o evil_a and_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v nor_o that_o many_o bad_a man_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o hurt_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v it_o then_o after_o all_o that_o make_v the_o world_n so_o tolerable_a a_o place_n if_o this_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o goodness_n that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v foolish_a sinner_n to_o make_v themselves_o and_o other_o so_o miserable_a as_o they_o will_v that_o as_o many_o furious_a phaeton_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o yet_o all_o in_o flame_n but_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a world_n have_v its_o temperate_a as_o well_o as_o torrid_a zone_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o attribute_v this_o to_o if_o we_o do_v not_o attibute_v it_o to_o providence_n to_o what_o else_o can_v we_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o those_o unseen_a snare_n which_o be_v lay_v for_o we_o and_o which_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o till_o we_o have_v escape_v nay_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o to_o this_o day_n how_o many_o wicked_a design_n prove_v abortive_a how_o many_o secret_a plot_n be_v discover_v when_o ripe_a for_o execution_n how_o often_o do_v god_n put_v a_o hook_n into_o the_o nostril_n of_o the_o proud_a tyrant_n and_o by_o some_o cross_a accident_n or_o by_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a mean_n break_v their_o power_n and_o humble_v they_o to_o the_o dust_n sacred_a and_o profane_a history_n be_v full_a of_o such_o example_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o to_o the_o rage_n and_o pride_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o to_o ascribe_v our_o deliverance_n from_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o good_a we_o enjoy_v to_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o then_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n prevent_v all_o that_o evil_n which_o bad_a man_n will_v do_v but_o can_v and_o who_o know_v how_o much_o this_o be_v who_o know_v how_o much_o evil_n bad_a man_n will_v do_v have_v they_o no_o restraint_n that_o we_o have_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o adore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n for_o restrain_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o prevent_v a_o universal_a deluge_n of_o misery_n than_o complain_v that_o he_o suffer_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o afflict_v the_o world_n 3_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o god_n permit_v bad_a man_n to_o do_v no_o more_o hurt_n and_o mischief_n than_o what_o he_o overrule_v to_o wise_a and_o good_a purpose_n for_o god_n many_o time_n serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o chastise_v the_o good_a to_o exercise_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o good_a man_n or_o to_o give_v terrible_a example_n of_o his_o vengeance_n on_o the_o wicked_a and_o all_o this_o how_o severe_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o the_o world_n that_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v suppress_v destroy_v and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v make_v better_a and_o become_v great_a and_o eminent_a example_n of_o faith_n and_o patience_n whatever_o evil_n and_o misery_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n require_v if_o no_o man_n suffer_v any_o more_o than_o what_o he_o deserve_v or_o than_o what_o will_v do_v himself_o good_a if_o he_o wise_o improve_v it_o or_o will_v do_v other_o good_a if_o they_o will_v either_o take_v warning_n by_o his_o suffering_n or_o imitate_v his_o virtue_n all_o this_o be_v not_o only_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n but_o be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o to_o do_v good_a be_v a_o expression_n of_o goodness_n though_o the_o way_n of_o do_v it_o may_v be_v very_o severe_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a justification_n of_o providence_n even_o as_o to_o those_o evil_n which_o god_n himself_o immediate_o inflict_v upon_o the_o world_n that_o he_o inflict_v no_o more_o nor_o great_a evil_n than_o what_o be_v for_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v before_o but_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o with_o reference_n to_o those_o evil_n which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o for_o be_v it_o not_o wonderful_a goodness_n in_o god_n to_o defend_v we_o from_o ourselves_o to_o qualify_v the_o malignity_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n to_o suffer_v we_o to_o do_v ourselves_o no_o more_o hurt_v than_o what_o he_o can_v turn_v into_o great_a good_a to_o we_o if_o we_o consider_v our_o way_n and_o learn_v wisdom_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o suffer_v so_o to_o restrain_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hurt_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o punish_v or_o to_o correct_v or_o to_o exercise_v with_o some_o severity_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v no_o more_o hurt_n nor_o hurt_v any_o long_a than_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n see_v useful_a to_o these_o end_n let_v we_o then_o brief_o review_v this_o objection_n and_o answer_n and_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n let_v we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o a_o father_n and_o i_o hope_v what_o we_o ourselves_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a defence_n of_o earthly_a parent_n will_v be_v think_v a_o good_a justification_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n suppose_v then_o a_o father_n have_v several_a child_n who_o he_o providee_n very_o bountiful_o for_o and_o send_v they_o abroad_o into_o the_o world_n in_o such_o hopeful_a circumstance_n that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v frugal_a diligent_a and_o virtuous_a they_o may_v live_v happy_o and_o increase_v their_o fortune_n shall_v such_o child_n turn_v prodigal_n and_o waste_v their_o estate_n in_o riot_v and_o luxury_n destroy_v their_o health_n and_o suffer_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o sickness_n and_o poverty_n will_v any_o man_n blame_v their_o good_a father_n for_o this_o and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o good_a man_n think_v himself_o much_o injure_v shall_v he_o be_v accuse_v of_o unkindness_n and_o severity_n to_o his_o child_n only_o because_o after_o all_o the_o kindness_n he_o can_v show_v they_o they_o have_v make_v themselves_o miserable_a especial_o if_o we_o suppose_v